Map of the Area
Get the map HERE!
Dear visitor, you are visiting a very special place.
Mývatn, Laxá and most of the surroundings are protected by law and are declared as globally important wetlands. People are obliged to treat the local environment with care and avoid interrupting the sensitive wildlife.
We ask you to keep in mind a few guidelines:
• Lava formations and vegetation are sensitive, walk only on marked trails.
• Do not pile up rocks or make graffiti in nature.
• Off road driving is prohibited by law.
• Overnight stay is only allowed in designated camping areas and accommodations.
• Help us keep the area clean - leave nothing behind except footprints.
Think of your safety:
• Weather can change rapidly, be careful in geothermal areas and observe that lava fields hide deep crevasses that snow covers in winter.
• Sailing, including kayaks, is not permitted for visitors in the nature reserve between April 15th until August 20th. Outside that period all gear must be disinfected. Hiking in designated bird protection areas is only permitted on marked hiking trails between May 15th until July 20th.
May I camp anywhere?
It is illegal to spend the night in tent trailers, tent campers, caravans, camper vans or similar outside organized campsites or urban areas unless the landowner or rightholder has given their permission.
Rules for camping in Iceland:
Where may I camp?
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Along public routes in inhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent for one night on uncultivated land, provided there is no campsite in the immediate vicinity and the land owner has not restricted or prohibited access, passage or stay within the area by means of signs on gates and walking paths.
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Along public routes in uninhabited areas, you may pitch a traditional camping tent on privately owned land or national land.
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Away from public routes, y ou may pitch a traditional camping tent, either on privately owned or national land, unless otherwise indicated in special rules which may be applicable to the land area in question.
When must I get the permission of the land owner or rightholder?
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If you plan to camp near places of human habitation or farms.
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If you plan to camp for longer than one night.
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If you plan to pitch more than three tents.
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If the land is cultivated.
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If you plan to use tent trailers, tent campers, caravans, camper vans or similar outside organised campsites or urban areas.
Are there any areas where I may not camp/spend the night?
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Land owners or rightholders may restrict or prohibit camping if there is substantial risk of damage to the environment.
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If the landowner or rightholder has prepared a special camping area on their land or there is a campsite nearby, they may direct travellers to it and charge a service fee.
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There may be restrictions on camping in protected areas.
ENJOY YOUR STAY