When a lava field with huge rock formations meets immaculate white snow… the result is a magical place: Dimmuborgir in winter.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is Dimmuborgir worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Dimmuborgir is well worth a visit in winter. Snow-covered lava formations create a magical landscape, especially if the sky is white too! Although some of the trails are difficult, the main area remains accessible. We loved the black-and-white landscape, where you can let your imagination run wild.
This is one of the must-see places around Lake Myvatn.
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How to get to Dimmuborgir in winter: access and map
Where is Dimmuborgir in Iceland?
- Northern Iceland, around Lake Myvatn
- Driving time from Akureyri: 1h15
- Driving time from Reykjahlid: 10min
- Driving time from Egilsstadir: 2h
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
In winter, Route 1 to Lake Myvatn is usually quickly cleared. But there are fewer cars than in the south, so the ground layer melts less.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
Around Myvatn, the road to Dimmuborgir is a short detour from the main road: 1.5km. It is normally clear as far as the parking lot.
Parking
At the end of the road, you’ll find a building and a clearly marked parking area.
We advise you to always park in the direction of departure, as you don’t know how the cars arriving after you will manage to park on the snow.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours
Free access, but donation box.
Paying toilets.
In winter, there are fewer people in northern Iceland, so you’ll be less disturbed.
But we still recommend that you come early or late in the day to avoid groups.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Northern Iceland receives a lot of snow.
The paths near the entrance are identified but not completely clear.
Allow 45min to 1h to explore and enjoy the most accessible part.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
We wore our cleats on this visit.
Advice on how to visit
As you can see from the map below, there are several loops in Dimmuborgir.
However, only the nearest loop is clear in winter, as these trails are wide and rock-free.
The other loops are more in the wild, among the rocks, and therefore impossible to clear under the snow.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
In the building you’ll find toilets and a restaurant: Kaffiborgir.
However, it is often closed at the beginning of the year, from the end of December to April. Dates vary from year to year. Check out their Facebook page.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
The gate under the snow
We’re sharing this photo of an entrance gate, because it’s quite funny to see it disappear under the snow.
View of the lava field – geological explanations
As you begin your descent along the trail, you get a great view of the huge lava rocks. This is no ordinary lava field, with many large formations. Panels explain the geology of the area.
Scientists believe that around 2,300 years ago, a lava tube formed above a lake. It trapped the water in a reservoir around 10 m deep.
As the lava began to cool, the reservoir was released, leaving only the shapes created by the steam.
Apparently this is a rare phenomenon on Earth. The only other known example is off the coast of Mexico, underwater.
Landscapes in black and white – and lots of legends
As you stroll along the trails, you’ll see the black rocks contrasting with the white of the snow. We visited with white skies, so our landscapes were really in black and white. If you have a beautiful blue sky, the impression will surely be different.
The path takes you to high formations with holes.
Admire the different shapes and let your imagination run wild.
What do you see? Elves, trolls, witches…
Dimmuborgir is surrounded by fascinating legends in Icelandic folklore. And it’s easy to see why!
According to some accounts, this place is a gateway to hell. Grýla, a fearsome ogress, and her third husband are said to have lived in a cellar beneath Dimmuborgir with their sons, the Yule Lads. These characters are part of the Christmas festivities in Iceland, between Santa Claus and Trolls.
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View of Hverfjall
From Dimmuborgir, you can also see the Hverfjall crater in the distance. It’s best seen from the access road, but from the trails, the combination of basalt rocks and volcano is ideal.
Scientists estimate it to be between 2800 and 2900 years old. It’s one of the largest of its kind, with a diameter of 1km and a depth of 140m. We love the way it looks streaked in winter between basalt gravel and snow-covered areas.
View of Lake Myvatn
Next to the parking lot, you can also climb up to an orientation table.
From here, you can see the lava field and snow-capped mountains to the south and west.
But you can also see Lake Myvant and its pseudocraters to the west.
With all the white, it’s not easy to make out everything in the photo above. But the smooth white area is the lake, the little brown bumps are the pseudo-craters, like those on Skutustadir, and in the background is the Vindbelgjarfjall mountain, rising to over 520m.
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Lake Myvatn with these nearby attractions:
- Skutustadir, with its pseudo-craters (5-minute drive)
- Hverir, fascinating geothermal zone (15 min drive)
- Myvatn Nature Baths (15 min drive)
Frequently asked questions
The Yule Lads and the Dimmuborgir festivities in December
Yule Lads, or Jólasveinar in Icelandic, are an important part of Christmas traditions in Iceland. Dimmuborgir is their home, so events are organized in December:
- People in Yule Lads costumes welcome visitors from November 30 to December 24, usually in the middle of the day.
- On December 2 at 160, you can attend the annual Yule Lads bath.
- Each of the 13 Yule Lads arrives in town on a specific day, starting on December 12, with the last one appearing on December 24.
See the official calendar, as dates and times may vary.
Does Dimmuborgir appear in Game of Thrones?
Yes, Dimmuborgir was used as a backdrop for certain scenes in the series. You can see it in the background of Mance Rayder’s camp, season 3.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
