Dimmuborgir

Dimmuborgir, often referred to as the ‘dark castle’ or ‘dark fortress’ and home to some rather strange and odd-shaped lava fields, is situated close to Myvatn, barely 82 km from Akureyri and 469 km from Reykjavik. The present topography and amazing geological formations are the result of constant volcanic activity over some thousand years. 

Dimmuborgir, often referred to as the ‘dark castle’ or ‘dark fortress’ and home to some rather strange and odd-shaped lava fields, is situated close to Myvatn, barely 82 km from Akureyri and 469 km from Reykjavik. The present topography and amazing geological formations are the result of constant volcanic activity over some thousand years.

The unusual region is made of lava tube that took shape 2300 years ago as a result of lava flow from eruptions in Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater. Dimmuborgir has huge hollow chamber-like structures formed around vapor bubbles and tall lava pillars, some of which are big enough to look like castles, perhaps the reason for the term ‘borgir’. The formations include barren tracts of lava pillars, crags and huge rocks and even caves, some reaching a height of 20 meters, some representing rugged towers and castles. There are three distinct demarcated walking routes in the maze of lava formations, many which are short and easy, while the longest takes a few hours to complete. Various local tales too are popular in the region and the tale of the Yule Lads who make this region their home and can be seen during Christmas, is told over and over again. 

Icelandic folklore also talks about Dimmuborgir being connected to infernal regions, while Nordic Christian lore believes that Dimmuborgir is the place where Satan fell when he was cast out of the heavens. 

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