Dimmuborgir, also known as the Black Fortress, is a large area of interestingly shaped lava fields located east of Mývatn. The lava formations found in Dimmuborgir are reportedly not available anywhere else in the world except…the ocean floor in Mexico. While in the vicinity, it is therefore really worth seeing such a gem.
Dimmuborgir has formed as a result of an eruption that took place in the area 2,300 years ago from the Threngslaborgir-Ludentsborgir row of craters, about 10 km to the southwest. Lava from the eruption covered the entire region of Lake Myvatn, and as a result of its encounter with the lake water, all the most interesting geological formations around the lake were formed.
At Dimmuborgir, the lake water – or watercourses flowing under the lava – slowly alternately cooled and ruptured sections of its bed. Such successive cycles gradually built up columns of slightly cooled lava, which remained above the surface once most of the lava had flowed north into the ocean.
The result of this phenomenon are distinctive rock features that just resemble an ancient collapsed citadel. Unusual volcanic caves have also been formed here. Some of them are large enough to accommodate even several people.
You can read more about the formation of Dimmuborgir and other unusual landforms around Lake Myvatn in the Geological history of the Myvatn region
Video: lava field Dimmuborgir.
With a fairy-tale look that is straight out of this world, Dimmuborgir is one of the most visited places in Iceland. The site’s dark appearance has also been used by filmmakers, shooting episodes of the Game of Thrones series on its grounds (Dimmuborgir serves as the backdrop for Mance Rayder’s camp). This has brought the place even more popularity.
That’s why several hiking trails have been designated here for conservation. Sticking to them helps protect this unique place and eliminates the risk of getting lost. Many of the lava formations in the area look identical, and it’s sometimes hard to avoid the “after all, we’ve been here before” impression.
Dimmuborgir – map of trails
If you are not bound by car or can send a driver separately, it is also worth walking to the nearby volcano Hverfjall It’s about a half-hour walk through very interesting terrain.
Dimmuborgir is located on the eastern shore of Lake Myvatn. From Highway 1, turn off onto Highway 848. Between the volcano Hverfjall, and the rock pillars of Hofdi / Gud fingur there is a clearly marked exit to the parking lot at Dimmuborgir.
The parking lot at the lava field is large, but often heavily crowded, including with numerous tour buses.
Next to the parking lot is a small pavilion with a restaurant, restrooms and a souvenir store.
