Dimmuborgir lava lake and protection history
Dimmuborgir is the remains of a drained lava lake, with solidified columns and chimneys left standing among the paths. The formations are approximately 2,300 years old. Walking between them gives a different perspective from looking across Mývatn: the interest is in the shapes, gaps and surviving walls of lava, rather than a single distant viewpoint.
Dimmuborgir became a natural monument in 2011, while restoration and work against encroaching windblown sand reach back to 1942. Protecting the vegetation is part of protecting the landscape. Stay on marked paths, leave formations untouched and avoid deliberately disturbing animals. Camping and dumping waste are prohibited; dogs require special permission from the area administration.
Mývatn and Laxá have their own protected status under special legislation and form a Ramsar wetland. The lake is not a national park. For a wider introduction before choosing individual stops, start with the Lake Mývatn guide.
Paths and access to Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir has a paved access road from Geiteyjarströnd and a parking area with a service building. Toilets, food service and souvenirs are described at the entrance area, but the landscape and individual businesses need separate planning. Choose a walk for the actual ground conditions rather than treating a road or parking entrance as proof of an open walking route.
Snow, ice and accumulated slush can make Dimmuborgir difficult or impossible to explore on foot. Keep a shorter alternative in mind and turn back when footing deteriorates. The seasonal planning guide explains how winter changes the choice of walks. Our arrival guide covers driving, buses and separate parking arrangements around the lake.
A guided visit to Dimmuborgir
This guided route includes a walk through the lava formations and a visit to Hverir.
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A guided route through Dimmuborgir and Hverir
The Akureyri departure combines the Dimmuborgir lava walk and Hverir with Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi; allow eight hours for the complete tour.
Hverfjall and the Skútustaðir pseudocraters
Hverfjall is an explosion crater, while the Skútustaðir pseudocraters formed when lava flowed over water or wetlands and caused steam explosions. The contrast makes these complementary things to do in Mývatn. Hverfjall is approximately 2,500 years old; the pseudocraters are about 2,300 years old.
Hverfjall's northwest ascent from the parking area is about 600 metres and takes 10 to 25 minutes in the general route description. The rim circuit is approximately 3.2 kilometres, or one hour. The southern path towards Dimmuborgir is steep and difficult. Snow and ice change the demands of either approach, and the access road is often impassable in winter.
Skútustaðagígar offers the approximately 1.5-kilometre Gígahringur and 3.5-kilometre Tjarnarhringur paths. Gígahringur has winter marker poles. Follow marked routes, leave geological material in place and avoid disturbing wildlife; overnight stays in the protected area are prohibited.
Hverir and Námafjall geothermal landscapes
Hverir lies east of Mývatn at the foot of Námafjall, beside Route 1, with fumaroles, mud pots and mineral deposits. Stay on the marked paths: thin ground crusts can collapse, and geothermal water or mud can cause severe burns. Keep your hands out of geothermal water and mud.
Hverir parking is charged at night and in winter as well as during daytime visits. Read the payment instructions for your vehicle rather than assuming that a natural landscape means free parking. Hverir is a viewing stop; plan bathing separately at the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Krafla and Víti
Víti at Krafla is an explosion crater formed in 1724, reached by the access road numbered 863 from Route 1. Keep this crater distinct from other Icelandic places named Víti. Plan road and path access around current conditions, especially when snow affects the route.
The Krafla visitor centre is closed for winter 2026/27. That notice concerns the exhibition and does not define access to the surrounding landscape. The wider Diamond Circle routes combine selected regional stops, but each excursion has its own itinerary.
Grjótagjá without a bathing stop
Grjótagjá is a small cave in the Mývatn area with a history as a bathing place. Plan it as a landscape interest rather than a place to enter the water. Follow local instructions and marked routes, and choose the managed nature baths for a bathing visit.
Dimmuborgir visit questions
Does the guided excursion visit Dimmuborgir and Hverir?
Yes, the eight-hour guided excursion from Akureyri includes a walk through Dimmuborgir and a visit to Hverir. Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi are also part of its route. Meals and drinks are extra. The other places described in this guide are separate ideas for your own itinerary.
Can I walk in Dimmuborgir during winter?
Yes, Dimmuborgir can be considered for a winter visit when conditions allow, but snow, ice and slush can prevent walking. Choose your route after assessing the actual surface and local instructions. A paved approach road does not settle the condition of paths between the lava formations.
Which crater walk suits a shorter stop?
Hverfjall's northwest approach is about 600 metres and generally described as taking 10 to 25 minutes uphill. That estimate excludes the rim circuit and return. Skútustaðir's Gígahringur offers a different, approximately 1.5-kilometre route among pseudocraters. Choose according to ground conditions and the walking time you have available.