North Iceland · Iceland
Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir — 'Dark Castles' — is an otherworldly landscape of twisted, cave-like lava formations near Lake Mývatn, created when a lava lake overflowed and cooled in bizarre shapes around water-filled earth.
About Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir — 'Dark Castles' — is an otherworldly landscape of twisted, cave-like lava formations near Lake Mývatn, created when a lava lake overflowed and cooled in bizarre shapes around water-filled earth.
History & Background
The lava formations at Dimmuborgir were created approximately 2,300 years ago when flowing lava encased water and tree trunks. As steam escaped from below, it created the hollow columns and gothic arch formations. In Icelandic folklore, Dimmuborgir is said to be where the Yule Lads — the 13 mischievous Icelandic Christmas characters — live with their scary mother Grýla and the Yule Cat.
Key Facts
- ✔Name means 'Dark Castles'
- ✔Lava formations approximately 2,300 years old
- ✔Mythological home of the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads
- ✔Multiple walking trails through the formations
- ✔Part of the Mývatn Nature Reserve
