It is said that when Satan fell from Heaven he landed in Dimmuborgir, creating the Catacombs of Hell.
Translating to dark castle, it’s not hard to see why this ominous landscape in Mývatn would bare such a tale. The remarkable jagged stacks make up one of the most visited lava fields in Iceland.
There are multiple hiking routes to take from short and easy paths, to ones that will take you the better portion of a day. To see the most riveting sights of the park hop on the Kirkjuhrigur or Churchcircle trail which is a 1.4 mile loop.
Well maintained and even paved for some portions of the hike, it is easy to admire your surroundings.
The premiere sight of the preserve is certainly Kirkjan, the Church, a collapsed lava tube which is so perfectly formed it looks like an ancient gothic citadel.
With dramatically high ceilings, you can walk right through the cave which is open at both ends.
When lava flowed over a marsh2,300 years ago the water boiled and towers formed up to 65 feet high in a cataclysmic eruption.
Another cave exists along the trail, if you can find it. Jólasveinahellirinn is the cave of the Yule Lads, 13 despicable trolls who harass Icelanders on the thirteen nights before Christmas.
They are named for their evil doings, Skyr-Gobbler, spoon licker, window-peeper, and noisy door slammer. No better is their mother, a half troll and half ogre named Grýla who loves to eat children!
Fear not in the summer time, when they are sleeping and rarely seen…but be on alert before Christmas time – they are most active then. Facilities including a café and paid restrooms are available on site.
Fun Facts:
+A Norwegian metal band is named after the region, give Dimmu Borgir a listen on your drive to the park.
+The landscape is featured in Game of Thrones, where Mance Raider kept his army.