Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir, meaning "dark castles" in Icelandic, is a sprawling field of ancient lava formations near Lake Myvatn in North Iceland. Towers, caves, arches, and jagged pillars of solidified lava create a landscape that feels genuinely unlike anything else in the country, with well-marked walking trails threading through the formations in every direction.
An Ancient Lava Labyrinth on the Eastern Shore of Lake Myvatn
Dimmuborgir formed around 2,300 years ago when a volcanic eruption sent rivers of molten lava flowing across the landscape near Lake Myvatn. The lava pooled into a large lake above older, water-saturated ground. As the surface cooled and solidified, steam from the trapped water below forced its way upward through the lava, creating hollow pillars and columns. When the lava drained away, those pillars remained standing while the surrounding crust collapsed, leaving the extraordinary formations visible today. The result is a field of twisted towers, gaping caves, natural arches, and jagged walls of dark volcanic rock that stretch across the area in shapes that seem almost deliberate. Similar formations exist nowhere else on dry land.
The site has gathered layers of folklore over the centuries. Icelandic tradition holds that Dimmuborgir is the home of Gryla, a fearsome troll, and her 13 mischievous sons known as the Yule Lads, who emerge each December to visit Icelandic children. A hidden cave within the lava field is said to be their home, and in winter local events bring the folklore to life. Game of Thrones also filmed scenes here, using the formations as the backdrop for Mance Rayder's wildling camp. The Norwegian black metal band Dimmu Borgir took their name directly from the site. The most famous individual formation is Kirkjan, a natural lava cave with a cathedral-like domed roof open at both ends, reached via the Church Circle trail.
Several colour-coded walking trails start from the car park on Route 848, ranging from a 10-minute loop to a two-hour circuit. Entry is free, the terrain is mostly flat, and the trails are well-signed throughout. A small cafe and gift shop are located at the car park. Dimmuborgir sits about 6 kilometres from the village of Reykjahlid and pairs naturally with the nearby Hverfjall crater, Myvatn Nature Baths, and the Krafla volcanic area as part of a full day exploring North Iceland.
