Dimmuborgir - a Christmas Tradition at Mývatn
Dimmuborgir - a Christmas Tradition at Mývatn
Dimmuborgir ‘Dark Fortresses’ are found on the east side of Lake Myvatn, off road 848. When lava flowed into a marshy basin over 2000 years ago, steam escaped through vents and around them the lava solidified into strange and magical shapes.
There are several trails through the site (follow the colored markers and don’t step off the path). As you stroll among the lava formations, it is easy to imagine some of them coming to life and it is little surprise that much lore and legend surround the area.
Look for Gatklettur (the cliff with the hole) and Alfakirkja (the church of the hidden people), which is open at both ends. There is a great view over the site from the viewpoint by the Dimmuborgir Café, at the car park and entrance.
In winter, when Dimmuborgir is covered with snow, extra care is needed when walking here. In the days before Christmas, look out for the Yule Lads, the 13 sons of Gryla and Leppaludi, vicious trolls that live in Ludentarborgir craters in the Myvatn area. As the lads grew up they wanted a place of their own and Dimmuborgir was the perfect location for them to settle down.
Legend has it that 13 days before Christmas the Yule Lads start coming down from the mountains, one each night. Children in Iceland place their best shoe on their windowsill before going to bed and each night a little gift is left in it from the Yule Lad.
Naughty children or those who are late to bed can expect a raw potato instead. Visiting them in Dimmuborgir in December and joining them for their annual bath in the Myvatn Nature Baths is an unforgettable experience for children as well as adults.