Dimmuborgir

History

Dimmuborgir, "dark castles", is a volcanic formation zone in the North of Iceland and is one of Iceland's most visited attractions. These unusual lava structures are a must see when you visit the Myvatn region.

Dimmuborgir, located ten kilometers south of the village of Reykjahlíð, is an area known for its volcanic activity. Dimmuborgir formed over 2,300 years ago, during a long and violent volcanic eruption when an impressive volume of lava flowed into a twelve kilometer long crack in the ground, south of the crater Hverfjall (or Hverfell), and joined the valleys of Laxárdalur and Adaldalur. Geologists agree that something blocked the lava flow, resulting in the creation of a lava lake.  When the lake began to cool and solidify, the mysterious blockage was released and passing out lava, which then solidified creating the lava sculptures that you can see today.

The Dimmuborgir region is recognizable by the large hollow tube structures that formed when lava pooled over a lake resulting in these spectacular lava pillars. Some "chambers" of lava are large enough to hold one or more people, and that's why the area was named “dark castles" The unusual shapes of lava give an air of mystery and magic to this place.

Hiking

Walking, photography, observing nature and the local plant-life are the main activities in the surroundings area of Dimmuborgir. Some small walking paths have signposts to Dimmuborgir, and whatever the time of year you can choose to be accompanied by a guide.

The small circle 570 meters takes around 10 or 15 minutes to walk.

The large circle 840 meters takes about 20 minutes walking.

The circle of the church, leading to the formation that looks like a church is 2250 meters long and is about 60 minutes on foot.

The Mellönd circle: 1200 meters takes about 30 minutes on foot.

Krókastígur, the zig-zag path: 800 meters takes around 40 minutes walking.  This way is a bit more challenging than other walking trails. You can also visit Dimmuborgir walking from the village of Reykjahlíð; the road is about 14 km long and takes 3 to 4 hours to get there.

Grjótagjá - Hverfjall - Dimmuborgir

The marked path starts in the village of Reykjahlíð, at the intersection of the number one road leading eastward from Egilsstaðir, Iceland. From there, the trail leads you to the cave Grjótagjá, where there are secret hot springs (too hot to bathe in). You continue your way up Hverfjall crater, where you'll discover a beautiful view of Lake Myvatn. You descend the other side of the crater on a stiff slope and continue to through the volcanic formations of Dimmuborgir.

You can also do the second part of this hike at Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall (or vice versa), which is eight kilometers long. When you get to Hverfjall, there are two paths; one easy, the other a harder zig-zag path that leads to the summit of the crater.

Jólasveinar

In December, the Icelandic Christmas Santas, invite guests to visit them in Dimmuborgir on a particular day to prepare for Christmas. They also take a dip with travellers at the Nature Baths.

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Skagafjörður and Sauðárkrókur

Skagafjörður is a fjord and bay in the north of Iceland, about 40 kilometers long and fifteen kilometers wide, located west of the peninsula Tröllaskagi. The entire region has 4,500 inhabitants, and it is one of the most prosperous places for agriculture in Iceland; mainly sheep and cattle farming, even though the bay is very well known for its horse breeding –you could say that it is the only municipality in Iceland where you find more horses than men. 

This is the perfect place to stay with local families and learn about the lifestyle of  today´s Icelandic farmers. Many young people come from abroad to stay for a few months and get experience working on an Icelandic farm.

Whether you enjoy rafting on the glacial rivers, spectating the magical northern lights, horse riding amongst breathtaking landscapes, relaxing in hot springs or going by helicopter to the top of the Tröllaskagi mountains and skiing, Skagafjörður offers a variety of activities for every season. 

Skagafjörður is also an area rich in history and many historic sites can be visited. Horse riding and rafting on the Jökulsá glacial river are two of most typical and unforgettable activities the region has to offer. If you are planning a trip, the website of the town is full of great holiday ideas and activities to suit a wide range of tastes.

There are currently more than 4,400 people living in the region, with the majority living in the town of Sauðárkrókur. Since the late nineteenth century the town has gradually grown to become a prosperous place where agriculture, fisheries, tourism and services unite to serve the 2,600 residents who live there and the thousands of visitors who come each year. 

InSauðárkrókur you will find everything you need including supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, hotels and guesthouses, museums, sports amenities, a hospital and a pool.

The museum of popular culture, Minjahúsið, which is also where you can find the tourist office, consists of four studios ,each providing some history and images from the city‘s past. The area is also one of the few places in Iceland where there have been sightings of polar bears. 

Since 1874, going to the theater is a popular activity in Sauðárkrókur, and locals gather regularly to attend performances, plays, dances or other cultural events related to this art. Sæluvika (Happy week) in Skagafjörður is a nationally regarded arts and culture festival with lots of history and tradition. Sæluvika occurs at the end of April /beginning of May, and the people of Skagafjörður offer a huge amount of cultural activities over the whole week. It is a good way to learn about Icelandic culture in a fun and entertaining way.

For breathtaking views of Sauðárkrókur and the Skagafjörður fjord, you can go to Nafir which are huge rocks that overlook the city. East of Sauðárkrókur, you will find the beach Borgarsandur that spans almost four kilometers, and to the south, on the shores of lakesand Áshildarholtsvatn and Miklavatn, you can admire the hundreds of birds that inhabit the area in summer.

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Húsavík at 66 Degrees North

Húsavik is a small town with 2500 inhabitants located in the north of Iceland. According to the “Book of Settlements”(Landnámabók), Húsavík was the first settlement in Iceland colonised by Scandinavia. This small town today lives mainly from tourism and fishing.

The wooden church of Húsavík is a little architectural gem from 1907. In winter, you can go skiing in Húsavík and also experience the Northern Lights. In any season, you can visit the museums in town, the most popular being the Whale Museum. There’s also the Museum of Exploration.

The famous Icelandic Phallological Museum (a collection of more than two hundred penises from varies mammals) was born in Húsavík, then in the height of its popularity was transferred to Reykjavík in 2013. The Fjúk Art Centre offers exhibitions and artist residencies. Hotels, guesthouses, shops, cafes and restaurants scatter around the small town. Húsavík is neither large nor the most entertaining town in Iceland, but it is a rather charming little place and deserves to be known.

Húsivík town holds an annual festival called Mærudagar, on the last weekend of July; the city divides into three areas and each area with a different colour. The people take great pleasure in decorating their neighbourhood with flags, banners and balloons pink, green and orange. 

It is a festival that brings together the people of Húsavík and  those who have connections there. One can enjoy a varied musical program, and other attractions take place near the port. In 2016, the festival will have its 22nd anniversary leaving the little town buzzing for days, like in the years before.

In Húsavík, best known as the European capital of whale watching,  you can whale watch from May to October, and take a boat starting from Húsavík where you can delightfully sail around the beautiful bay of Skjálfandi. There is so much to see! In particular,  you can observe Lundey Island (Puffin Island) where thousands of birds find refuge every summer.

If you come from the east and Myvatn, Husavik can be reached on the road number 85, much of which is missing asphalt. If you arrive from the west and Akureyri, you will cross the valley to join Kaldakinn on road number 85. Just before reaching Húsavík town,  you will find a hot water bath installed by residents( initially built to relieve a skin infection).  Around Husavik, there are many fantastic places to visit: Myvatn, Asbyrgi, Dettifossto name a few.

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