Dark Fortresses - Dimmuborgir

According to legends, Dimmuborgir is the home of a terrible troll named Grýla. Initially, the stories were to serve as a warning for unruly children, and over time they turned into fairy tales about the Icelandic equivalent of Santa Claus, who leaves polite little ones gifts and puts a rotten potato in the shoe of the naughty ones.

Heavy music lovers associate "Dimmu Borgir" with a Norwegian black metal band. Amateurs of traveling to distant corners of the world - with a volcanic landscape that makes some people shiver, especially after dark. This landscape can be found in the north of Iceland, on the eastern side of Lake Komarów (Lake Mývatn).

In Icelandic, Dimmuborgir translates as Dark Fortresses (Dark Castles). It is enough to come here and see, to understand why it was called that.

Mosquito dance

Lake Mývatn itself is beautiful with classical beauty, without the dark halo of the adjacent lava formations. It owes its name to the thousands of insects that can be seen above it - they float above the water like fog, vibrating and alive. However, apparently they are not annoying, and we will meet them only in this one place.

The reservoir is also a haven for birds , which can freely nest here. Some species are not even allowed to be photographed, and disturbance of the birds' peace can result in a large fine and a ban on entry to Iceland for 5 years. In summer, part of the area is forbidden to enter, which is to protect the bird inhabitants during the breeding season. 16 species of ducks live here, and whooper swans can be found in winter.

Mývatn is Iceland's fourth largest lake, with an area of 38 km² and a depth of 2 to 4.5 meters. It is located several dozen kilometers from Akureyri , a beautiful city on the Eyjafjörður fjord.

Lunar landscape formed by lava

The title Dark Fortresses are craters stretching for many kilometers (including Hverfjall), pseudo-craters (e.g. the famous Skútustaðagígar) and shield volcanoes, as well as blocks and lava fields of different ages (the oldest are already covered with vegetation, the younger ones are bare). Nature has built up the space to the horizon with a lunar landscape. She did it so perfectly that it was in these areas that American astronauts underwent crater climbing exercises in case there was such a need on the moon. There will be no better place for such exercises on our planet.

Here we will see frozen lava formations, gorges, caves and crevices. The most famous formation is the so-called Kirkjan , that is, the Church. The fanciful shapes the lava tongues took as they swept the area after the volcanic eruption aroused fear in the inhabitants. Icelanders saw in them (especially after dark) demons and kobolds, i.e. malicious gnomes. Only daredevils or desperate traveled through Dimmuborgir at night.

The Dark Fortresses were born out of the pains, shocks and spasms of Icelandic land. Nevertheless, they are beautiful in their own way - the lake is certainly beautiful, where the water never freezes thanks to tributaries from hot springs, and the vegetation that covers part of the area, including orchids.

A dream at the lake of mosquitoes

Can sleep in such a place be strong and undisturbed? Yes of course. Right on the shores of Mývatn lies the Bjarg campsite , in addition to accommodation and access to laundry and a kitchen, it offers services such as mountain bike rental and organized excursions. There is a tour desk and a supermarket opposite the campsite.

Another place where you can spend the night is Hlíð camping and guesthouse . It is located on the northern shore of Lake Myvatn. The property is located approximately 1 km from the lake, in the middle of a 300-year-old lava field with a wonderful view of the reservoir. Campsite guests will find many amenities for tents and caravans, including electricity and hot showers (included).

You don't have to listen to black metal to want to visit these parts of Iceland. But is there enough courage for you?