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Dimmuborgir

Dimmuborgir

Highlight • Natural Monument

Dimmuborgir

Hiking

4.8

(196)

This Highlight is in a protected area

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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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Nearby routes

Best routes near Dimmuborgir

4.6

(68)

321

hikers

#1.

Gatklettur – Kirkja Lava Cave, Dimmuborgir loop from Dimmuborgir

4.34km

01:10

40m

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

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Easy

4.5

(35)

281

hikers

#2.

Gatklettur – Kirkja Lava Cave, Dimmuborgir loop from Dimmuborgir

2.86km

00:46

10m

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

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Easy

4.7

(18)

141

hikers

#3.

Dimmuborgir – Gatklettur loop from Dimmuborgir

1.46km

00:23

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

Wednesday 29 July

6°C

3°C

89 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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Location: Skútustaðahreppur, Iceland

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Dimmuborgir

#1.

Gatklettur – Kirkja Lava Cave, Dimmuborgir loop from Dimmuborgir

#2.

Gatklettur – Kirkja Lava Cave, Dimmuborgir loop from Dimmuborgir

#3.

Dimmuborgir – Gatklettur loop from Dimmuborgir

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