Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's commonly believed that Dimmuborgir's strange pillars and crags were created about
2000 years ago when a lake of lava from the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentarborgir crater
rows formed here, over marshland or a small lake. The water of the marsh started to boil,
and steam jets rose through the molten lava and cooled it, creating the pillars. As the lava
continued flowing towards lower ground, the hollow pillars of solidified lava remained.
Höfði
LAVA FORMATIONS
One of the area's gentlest landscapes is on the forested lava headland at Höfði. Wild-
flowers, birch and spruce trees cover the bluffs, while the tiny islands and crystal-clear wa-
ters attract migratory birds.
From footpaths along the shore you'll see small caves and stunning
klasar
(lava pillars),
the most famous of which rise from the water at Kálfaströnd on the southern shore of the
Höfði Peninsula.
Sleeping & Eating
Dimmuborgir Guesthouse
GUESTHOUSE
( 464 4210;
www.dimmuborgir.is
;s/d Ikr20,000/23,500, d cottages with/without bathroom
Ikr33,500/24,500, all incl breakfast; )
This lakeside guesthouse close to Dimmuborgir lava field has a block of en-suite rooms
(with shared kitchen-dining area), plus a smattering of lovely wooden cottages. Breakfast
is served in the main house behind big picture windows overlooking the lake.
Don't miss the
smokehouse
hidden in the back - check out the rows of shiny orange
salmon, and stock up on the finished product for tomorrow's picnic. It's open to all.
Helgi, the owner, also operates short guided
boat tours
on the lake - a great way to get
a different perspective on the region.
Kaffi Borgir
ICELANDIC
(
www.kaffiborgir.is
;mains Ikr1800-4100; 9am-10pm Jun-Aug, reduced hours Sep-Dec & Apr-May)
Kaffi Borgir is a cafe-souvenir shop at the top of the ridge overlooking the Dimmuborgir
lava field. Grab a table on the outside terrace, sample the house speciality (grilled trout),
and watch the sun dance its shadows across the jagged lava bursts.
