The Lava Pillars of Hofdi Forest in Mývatn, Iceland

Stroll through an enchanted forest to see strange formations at the end of a peninsula shooting into Lake Mývatn.

Hofdi is a place that is different than most in Iceland, it has trees. A couple who summered in the area planted these trees over the years. When the husband passed away, his wife donated their property as a park for all to enjoy. Feel the love in the land and enter the gate in the small parking lot and into the woods.

The paths are not entirely marked, but staying to the left the whole time it was easy to navigate the park in a two mile loop.

Always take the detours towards the shore, they will lead you to prime views. Sprouting out of the lake are a collection of craggy lava pillars called Klasar and Kálfastrandarstrípar.

They were formed when lava flowed over the lake and steam exploded through vents, one of the islands even cooled with a built in window. After taking in the bizarre sight the trail meanders through a meadow with a small patch of formal garden.

Then a short set of stairs leads up to another wonderful feature of this preserve.

Find the fantastic view at the forests edge of the lake and out to the nearby pseudo craters.

The shallow water of the inlet looked positively turquoise on this bright sunny day.

We were the only wanders in these woods early in the morning, making the experience all the more memorable.

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