Akureyri, Iceland - Dimmuborgir Dark Castles

Dimmuborgir is a large area of unusually shaped lava fields.  The area has numerous volcanic caves and rock formations like an ancient collapsed citadel (hence the name).  This area was formed about 2300 years ago when Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir volcanoes erupted.  The lava flowed over a small lake.  When the water began to boil, steam pushed the lava up and formed the tall pillars.

 The group took the pathway that lead through the field of lava pillars.

 Our tour guide.

 This is looking down on the area from an upper platform.  The entire area sits low.  In Icelandic folklore, Dimmuborgir is said to connect the earth with the infernal regions.  It is also said to be the place where Satan landed when he was cast from the Heavens.

 The snack and gift shop.

Akureyri, Iceland - Lava Landscapes

After lunch we boarded the bus and headed towards our next stop.  Along the way, the landscape became more covered with lava.  Lava rock was used to make pens for the sheep.  Steam could often be seen rising in the distance.  Plants would grow in some areas, and in some nothing was growing.  And it all stretched as far as you could see.

Akureyri, Iceland - Sampler

What a day!  Travel to Namaskard to witness boiling hot mud pools with dense vapors that cloak the hot sulfur pits at one of the  most active volcanic areas on Iceland.  Dimmulborgir, weird shaped lava formations.  Skutastadir and the large craters on the southern shore of Lake Myvatn called pseudo, or rootless craters.  And the grand finale, Godafoss Waterfall.

More details to come... Oh, and yes, we were able to see the plume from the active volcano about 50 miles away.

Here are a few pictures.  (Note: It looks like the pictures will load...

 Large craters

Boiling hot mud pools

Weird lava shapes

Godafoss Waterfall