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Nature Wonders 33084



Mývatn

 Film Details

 Synopsis

 : Global Television
 Episode Number: 33084
 Title: Mývatn
 Languages: E De Cz
  10 Mins
 Produced: 2008

Mývatn, or, ‘Midge Lake’, is located in the north of Iceland. Its really lives up to its name as in the summer months huge swarms of midges inhabit the lake and its surroundings. Fortunately, few of the midges sting.

The lake has an average depth of around two and a half metres, surprisingly shallow but nevertheless a fine habitat for salmon and trout. The geographical proximity of Mývatn to the Krafla volcanic system is obvious in the many small lava islands that protrude from the water. The once barren lava fields close to the lake are now covered with lush vegetation and meadows now cover the cold masses of spent lava.

Mývatn has become an important refuge for Iceland’s indigenous wildlife and this is mainly due to the large numbers of midges that inhabit the lake: the insects provide a good source of food for a large variety of rare water fowl.

The surroundings of Mývatn reflect the large variety of volcanic activity that exists in Iceland and makes it totally unique. Despite its barren nature the landscape possesses an original atmosphere that is today seen less and less.