This is the longest hike on our trip but it is not challenging. It is not a ring route, so be sure you have two cars or you'll be forced to come back by walk on the same route.
The path starts next to the Grjótagjá cave , a wonderful lava tunnel with hot water inside. Once it was used for thermal baths, but after recent eruptions the water temperature rised to not sustainable levels.
Next to the cave a sign tells visitor not to bath and also to pay attention to rocks collapsing from the ceiling.
The path to Hverfjall starts in the car park, in the opposite side of the cave, walking on old lava field , already covered by plants. The path is quite clear , the ascent to the volcano is not steep on regular floor. Just 150 meters difference in height and we are at the summit.
It's the classic two holes craters , two emitting craters in the same place. On the north side the view is on Namafjall , on the opposite side is possible to look at Dimmuborgir scenic view . The descent is on a steep trail , more challenging than the ascent.
The path proceed with no difficulties towards the Dimmuborgir lava field . Archways, pillars, caves and walls. This had been created by an incredible events sequence.
A lava lake was created here: the upper side become solide, below this layer the lava flow created caves and pillars (pillars were created when lava crossed some water source generating steam).
At a moment, the lake was emptied for some reason, unveiling lava tunnels and pillars. There is not another place on earth surface where you can see such a lava formation.
The path goes to the crossroad leading also to the car park . We quickly headed to Kirkjan, the most famous lava tunnel in this area , before ending our trail at the car park.
More info at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimmuborgir
Point of interest: Grjótagjá cave, Hverfjall crater, Dimmuborgir rocks
Difficulty: Medium
Difference in height: 170 m
Maximum height: 450 m
Length: 7 km one way
Duration of journey: 2-3 hours
Suggested season: Summer
Technical equipment : Required
Difficulty: Medium
Difference in height: 170 m
Maximum height: 450 m
Length: 7 km one way
Duration of journey: 2-3 hours
Suggested season: Summer
Technical equipment : Required