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Natural Monuments

Dimmuborgir

Natural Monuments

Dimmuborgir

Highlight • Natural Monument

Dimmuborgir

Recommended for

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by 185 explorers out of 191

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Mývatn og Laxá

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Location: Skútustaðahreppur, Iceland

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Tips

Willem VS

April 21, 2024

Hiking

Dimmuborgir, also known as the 'dark castles', is a spectacular nature reserve. The area is known for its unique and erratic lava formations that formed during volcanic eruptions about 3,000 years ago. The name 'Dimmuborgir' - dark castles - well reflects the sinister and impressive appearance of the landscape.

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Willem VS

April 21, 2024

Hiking

The area is rich in folklore; according to Icelandic culture, the lava caves are said to be the homes of trolls. The most infamous of these are Grýla and her husband Leppalúði, as well as their thirteen sons, known as the 'Icelandic Santas' or Yule Lads.

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Willem VS

April 21, 2024

Hiking

The formations of Dimmuborgir are the result of cooled lava that originally lay on a softer sublayer. When this sublayer washed away, the 'lava ceiling' collapsed, creating the characteristic rock formations.

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Best Hikes to Dimmuborgir

4.9

(121)

660

hikers

1. Hverfjall Trailhead – Hverfjall Ascent Trail loop from Hverfjall

11.8km

03:22

220m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.6

(54)

280

hikers

2. Dimmuborgir – Kirkja Lava Cave, Dimmuborgir loop from Dimmuborgir

4.43km

01:10

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.6

(32)

278

hikers

3. Dimmuborgir – Kirkja Lava Cave, Dimmuborgir loop from Dimmuborgir

2.86km

00:44

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 310 m

Weather

Today

Monday 2 February

3°C

-3°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Location: Skútustaðahreppur, Iceland

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Hverfjall Crater

Lava Rock Formations in Mývatn og Laxá Conservation Area

Elf Living Room Cave

Gatklettur (The Kissing Trolls) Rock Arch, Dimmuborgir

Gatklettur Lava Arch

Hverir (Hverarönd)

Yule Lads Cave (Dimmuborgir Troll Cave)

Námafjall Summit

View of Lake Mývatn from Höfði

Jólasveinahellir Cave

Rock Arch in Mývatn og Laxá

Dimmuborgir

1. Hverfjall Trailhead – Hverfjall Ascent Trail loop from Hverfjall

2. Dimmuborgir – Kirkja Lava Cave, Dimmuborgir loop from Dimmuborgir

3. Dimmuborgir – Kirkja Lava Cave, Dimmuborgir loop from Dimmuborgir

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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