Dimmuborgir — The Dark Castles
Ancient lava formations with dramatic pillars and caves near Lake Mývatn — 2,300 years old and a Game of Thrones filming location
Dimmuborgir (meaning 'Dark Castles' or 'Dark Cities' in Icelandic) is a spectacular lava field near Lake Mývatn, featuring dramatic rock formations, pillars, caves, and arches created approximately 2,300 years ago. The area looks like the ruins of an ancient fortress and has become one of Iceland's most popular natural attractions.
How Dimmuborgir Formed
Dimmuborgir's unique formations were created by a rare geological process when flowing lava encountered Lake Mývatn approximately 2,300 years ago. A massive lava flow from a volcanic eruption pooled over a marshy wetland area to form a lava lake several meters deep. The surface cooled and solidified while the interior remained molten.
Water beneath the lava boiled and created powerful steam that forced its way up through the molten lava, creating vertical channels and pillars. The molten interior then drained away through cracks, leaving behind the solidified pillars, caves, and hollow formations visible today.
Dimmuborgir represents a rare type of lava formation called 'rootless vents' or pseudo-craters. The vertical lava pillars formed as steam vents, and when the lava drained, these pillars remained standing. This process is uncommon worldwide, making Dimmuborgir scientifically important.
Key Formations
- Lava pillars: Vertical columns 15–20 meters tall, hollow tubes formed by steam
- Kirkjan ('The Church'): The area's largest cave formation
- Natural lava arches and tunnels through the formations
- Birch and willow trees in sheltered areas
- Bird nesting sites and occasional Arctic fox sightings
Cultural Significance
Dimmuborgir was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones wildling camp scenes. According to Icelandic Christmas folklore, it is the home of the thirteen Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) and their mother, the troll Grýla. These mischievous characters visit Icelandic children during the thirteen nights before Christmas. The dark, cave-filled landscape makes a perfect legendary home for these folklore figures.
- Game of Thrones filming location (wildling camp scenes)
- Home of the 13 Yule Lads in Icelandic Christmas folklore
- Home of the troll Grýla in legend
- Protected natural monument
Visiting Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir is located 3 km from Reykjahlíð on Route 848 east of Lake Mývatn. It is accessible by regular car year-round. A visitor center with café and restroom facilities is on site.
- Short loop: 20–30 minutes
- Medium loop: 45–60 minutes
- Long loop: 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Small parking fee applies
- Summer: Green vegetation and long daylight
- Autumn (September): Golden colors, fewer crowds
- Winter: Snow-covered formations (trails may be icy)
Nearby Attractions
- Hverfjall crater: 5 minutes — Perfect cone-shaped crater
- Grjótagjá cave: 10 minutes — Hot spring cave (GoT location)
- Námafjall: 10 minutes — Geothermal area
- Lake Mývatn: 5 minutes — Pseudocraters and birdwatching
- Mývatn Nature Baths: 15 minutes — Geothermal spa
Safety Information
Stay on marked trails at all times — lava is fragile and sharp. Watch your footing on uneven, rocky terrain. Do not climb on formations — risk of damage and injury. Wear sturdy hiking boots.