Viking Hiking
Dimmuborgir & Hverfjall
The Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir areas are located in the Myvatn region of the north, and they are known for their stunning volcanic landscapes and geological formations. The area around Mývatn ("mosquito lake") in the North is something very special. Not only is it one of the most geothermal areas in the country, it's also relatively new: the lake and some of the surrounding hills are merely 2000 years old!
Hiking around the Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir areas in the north of Iceland is a popular activity that offers beautiful views and the opportunity to explore a unique and fascinating landscape. One popular hiking trail in the area is the trail around Hverfjall, a large, circular volcanic crater that offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is relatively easy and takes about an hour to complete. Another popular hike in the area is the trail through Dimmuborgir, a series of volcanic caves and tunnels that are said to be the home of the Icelandic Yule Lads. When hiking around Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir, it is important to come prepared with the right gear and supplies, including proper clothing, water, and snacks.
The hike around the Dimmuborgir area is very nice, because the geography is unique. The "dark castles" that the area is named after are a direct result of volcanic activity. Make sure to follow the signs to the large cave called "the cathedral"! See if you can find the other cave where the troll family lives.
After Dimmuborgir, go up the Hverfjall crater via one of the two paths and enjoy the views over the steaming lake. On good days, you can look right into the highlands if you look south.
Enjoy a hot coffee in Kaffi Borgir afterwards to warm up.
hike
type
2-3 hours
duration
7 km
distance
2/5
difficulty
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temperature
Conditions
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Road conditions
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Details
duration
2-3 hours
distance
7 km
difficulty
2/5 - Easy to find with clear marked paths. Optional steep ascent to Hverfjall.
tourist density
medium
Nearby
Food & Drink
Kaffi Borgir, Dimmuborgir, 660 Mývatn, Island
Food & Drink
Daddi's Pizza, Vogar, 660 Mývatn, Island
Food & Drink
Vogafjós Farm Resort, Vogar, 660 Myvatn, Island
Toilets
Kaffi Borgir, Dimmuborgir, 660 Mývatn, Island
Supermarkets
Korbúðin, Reykjahlíð, Island
Hotels and camp grounds
Camping Vogar, Vogar, 660 Mývatn, Island
Hotels and camp grounds
Vogar Farm Guesthouse, Vogar 1, Myvatn, Island
Location
(Nearest) address
Dimmuborgir, Iceland
Accessiblity
Directly at paved road.
GPS Coordinates
65.585500, -16.902389
Distance to Reykjavík
Reykjavík is 470 km away. It takes about 360 minutes (or 6 hours) to drive by car.
Distance to nearest town
Akureyri is the nearest city at 85 km distance. It takes about 70 minutes (or 1.2 hours) to drive by car.
Parking
Summary
Large, paved parking lot
Way to start of hike
starts at the parking lot.
GPS Coordinates
65.591808, -16.913189
Google Maps Plus Code
H3PX+52 Skutustadhir, Iceland
Capacity
around 200
Security
none
Alternative
none
Costs
free
Tips for visiting
Recommended Car Type
normal car, no 4x4-drive needed
Don't miss
The view over the geothermal active region and the feeling of standing on a hot cauldron...
Recommended Equipment
Sturdy sports or hiking shoes.
Photo Opportunities
On a clear day from Hverfjall south into the highlands.
Do's and don't
Stay on the paths, take enough to drink and eat, don't leave trash behind.
Things to watch out for
The sides of the Hverfjall cone are slippery with sand and small gravel. In winter, the area might not be cleared for pedestrian traffic.