Dimmuborgir is one of Iceland’s most well-known tourist attractions.  The interesting formations, the walkable paths, the close proximity between the lava fields, Lake Mývatn, and the Hverfjall volcanic crater, and the fact that it was featured prominently as part of the lands beyond the wall in Season 3 of Game of Thrones make it a must see destination if you ever find yourself in the northern part of the country.

Dimmuborgir Lava Fields

Dimmuborgir, translated as “Black Forts” or “Dark Castles”, is the leftover volcanic rock field that was formed approximately 2,300 years ago under a lava lake pooled from the eruptions of the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir craters. The lava likely formed on top of a preexisting lake, and when the vapour bubbles and lava streams within the water essentially cooled and dried, they formed into these interesting-shaped pillars and caverns.  You can walk through the fields and let your imagination run wild, imagining trolls and other fanciful creatures amongst the volcanic stone.

Hiking

There are a series of walking paths that take you through the Dimmuborgir lava fields, depending on how long or how strenuous you want your walk to be.  The trails range from 570 meters and 10-15 minutes to 8 km and 2-3 hours in length. If you want to see the famous “Church” formation, take the Kirkjuhringur, or “Church circle” path, which is 2.3 km and approximately a 1 hour walk.

Dimmuborgir in Folklore

Grýla, Leppalúði, the Yule Cat, and the Yule Lads

Iceland is full of folklore and there are very famous fantastical inhabitants who are said to live year round within the lava fields of Dimmuborgir.  Grýla, the Christmas Witch, and her troll husband, Leppalúði, reside in a cave at Dimmuborgir along with their pet, the giant and mean Yule Cat.  Grýla keeps track of the naughty children all year round and comes out of her cave every Christmas to grab those unfortunate souls for her annual Christmas pie.  

The Yule Lads are the 13 sons Grýla and Leppalúði.  They live with their parents in the caves of Dimmuborgir.  For 13 days around Christmas-time, the Yule Lads come out from hiding to leave presents in the shoes of all the good boys and girls.  Every naughty child (who is left uneaten) gets a rotten potato.  The Yule Lads have humorous names that speak of their character, such as Window Peeper, Door Slammer, and Sausage Licker.

Satan

In Icelandic folklore, the Dimmuborgir fields are said to be the place where Satan was thrown into when he was cast out from heaven.  When he landed, he created the “catacombs of Hell” amongst the caves and pillars.  Other local lore believes that the lava fields are the gate to Hell.

Where is it Located?

The Dimmuborgir lava fields are located off of road 848 just east of Lake Mývatn, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Akureyri.  It is in the northeastern part of the country.

Dimmuborgir is right near the Hverfjall or Hverfell volcanic crater.  For those inclined, there is a long walking path connecting the two sites.