Exploring Iceland's Myvatn Region: A Journey with Friends

A Day of Fire and Ice

Today was a day of stark contrasts and breathtaking beauty as we delved deeper into the Myvatn Region. From the imposing lava fields to the hidden geothermal caves, every moment felt like stepping into another world. The raw power of Iceland's volcanic landscape was on full display, reminding me of the earth's ever-changing nature. It's days like these that make me so grateful for the chance to explore and share these experiences with my friends.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Kaffi Borgir. Fuelled up with coffee and pastries, we were ready to tackle the day’s adventures. The café itself had a lovely, cozy atmosphere, perfect for gearing up for a day of exploration. I even managed to snag a couple of extra pastries for the road – a habit I’ve definitely picked up while traveling!


Discover delicious homemade meals and unique souvenirs at Kaffi Borgir, set against the stunning backdrop of Dimmuborgir's lava formations.

Wandering Through Dimmuborgir's Dark Castles

Our first stop was Dimmuborgir, a place whose name translates to “Dark Castles”. As we approached, the landscape transformed into a labyrinth of dramatic lava formations. These towering rock pillars and caves, created by a volcanic eruption around 2,300 years ago, presented an otherworldly scene. It felt like walking through the ruins of an ancient, forgotten civilization.


Discover the stunning lava fields of Dimmuborgir in Iceland, a unique hiking area filled with breathtaking landscapes and rich folklore.

We spent hours wandering through the various trails, each offering a unique perspective of this natural wonder. The wind whistled through the rock formations, creating an eerie soundtrack to our exploration. I couldn't help but imagine the mythical creatures, trolls and elves, that Icelandic folklore says call this place home. Dimmuborgir is said to be the home of the Yule Lads, the mischievous trolls who visit children on Christmas Eve.

The sheer scale of the lava field was impressive. Some of the rock pillars reached heights of over 20 meters. The textures were incredible, shaped by centuries of wind, water, and ice. I found myself constantly stopping to take photos, trying to capture the essence of this surreal landscape. It's a photographer's dream, with endless opportunities for unique and captivating shots. I think I managed to capture a few good ones, but honestly, no photo can truly do justice to the experience of being there.

Dimmuborgir is more than just a landscape; it's a portal to another realm, where the echoes of volcanic activity and ancient folklore converge.

As we ventured deeper, we discovered hidden caves and natural arches. The caves, formed when lava cooled around air pockets, offered a glimpse into the volcanic forces that shaped this area. The arches, created by connecting rock pillars, provided stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It was like nature's own art gallery, with each formation telling a story of Iceland's fiery past.

I was particularly fascinated by the folklore surrounding Dimmuborgir. Our guide shared tales of trolls, elves, and even the legend that this was where Satan landed after being cast out of heaven. It added a layer of mystique to the already captivating landscape. It's amazing how much these old stories are intertwined with the natural features of Iceland.

After a good few hours exploring the lava field, we stopped by the Handicrafts Market. Located inside Kaffi Borgir, it was the perfect opportunity to pick up some authentic Icelandic souvenirs. Priya would love one of those traditional woolen sweaters, known as lopapeysa. I also spotted some beautifully crafted jewelry and pottery. Supporting local artisans is something I always try to do when traveling, and this market was a great place to find unique, handmade gifts.


Explore the Handicrafts Market in Reykjahlíð for authentic Icelandic sweaters and unique artisanal crafts, perfect for memorable souvenirs.

Discovering the Secrets of Grjótagjá

Next on our itinerary was Grjótagjá, a small lava cave famous for its geothermal hot spring. The drive there was scenic, passing through more of the Myvatn Region’s stunning landscapes. As we approached the cave, I could feel the anticipation building. I had heard so much about this hidden gem, and I was eager to see it for myself.


Explore the enchanting geothermal cave of Grjótagjá, a hidden gem in Iceland's breathtaking landscapes, perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Grjótagjá is a fissure in the earth's crust, resulting in a small lava cave with a hot spring inside. The early history of the cave dates back to the early 18th century when it was inhabited by Jón Markússon, an outlaw who had been ostracized from the local community. Following his death, locals used the thermal spring inside the cave for bathing, but this was put to a stop in the 1970s by the eruption of the Krafla volcanic system which resulted in the water becoming unsafe due to its high temperatures.

As many of you know, Priya and I are big fans of Game of Thrones, so I was particularly excited to visit Grjótagjá, as it was featured in the show. It was the location for the famous scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte. Seeing the cave in person was surreal. It’s smaller than I imagined, but the beauty of the blue geothermal waters is undeniable.

Unfortunately, due to fluctuating temperatures and concerns about preservation, entering the cave and bathing in the hot spring is prohibited. It’s a shame, but I understand the need to protect this delicate environment. We were still able to view the hot spring from the outside and take some photos. The contrast between the dark lava rock and the bright blue water was striking. I could almost picture Jon Snow and Ygritte in that iconic scene.

The history of Grjótagjá is as fascinating as its appearance. In the 18th century, it was home to an outlaw named Jón Markússon. Later, it became a popular bathing spot for locals until volcanic activity in the 1970s caused the water temperature to rise dramatically. While the temperature has cooled down since then, it’s still unpredictable, making bathing unsafe.

Visiting Grjótagjá is like stepping into a scene from a fantasy novel, where the beauty of nature meets the drama of human history.

It’s a reminder of the powerful geothermal forces that shape Iceland. The fact that liquid rock is just over a mile beneath the surface is both awe-inspiring and a little unsettling. It makes you appreciate the raw, untamed nature of this island.

Dinner at Bistro Sel & Pizza

After a day of exploring lava fields and geothermal caves, we were all starving. We decided to have dinner at Bistro Sel & Pizza, a cozy restaurant in the area. The menu offered a mix of Icelandic and international cuisine, so everyone was able to find something they liked.


Discover Bistro Sel & Pizza in Mývatn - where delicious flavors meet stunning landscapes.

I opted for the Arctic char, a local fish that was cooked to perfection. It was fresh, flavorful, and a perfect way to end our day of Icelandic adventures. My friends tried the pizza and burgers, and everyone was happy with their meals. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and it was the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

As we ate, we reminisced about the day’s highlights. Dimmuborgir’s dramatic rock formations and Grjótagjá’s hidden hot spring were definitely the standouts. It’s amazing how much we were able to see and experience in just one day. Iceland truly is a land of contrasts and surprises.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we’re planning to visit Selfoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland, and Grenjaðarstaður, an old turf house that offers a glimpse into Iceland’s past. We’re also hoping to check out Jaja Ding Dong Húsavík, a bar that I hear has a great atmosphere. I’m excited to see what adventures tomorrow brings.

As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but feel grateful for this incredible journey. Exploring Iceland with my friends has been an unforgettable experience. From the stunning landscapes to the rich culture and history, every moment has been a treasure. I can’t wait to see what the rest of our trip has in store.

I am off to bed now, but stay tuned for more tales from our Icelandic adventure!