Mývatn is one of Iceland’s largest lakes. It was probably formed by a volcanic eruption 2,300 years ago, and the area still has plenty of volcanic activity, such as the Krafla Volcano, which last erupted in 1984.
East of the lake is Dimmuborgir, an area of lava fields with unusual shapes and formations. Dimmuborgir means “Dark Cities”, and according to legend, Satan was cast out of heaven and landed here. But the local light-elves cast him out, and turned his “Catacombs of Hell” into their own capital city.
Dimmuborgir.
There are many cracks and caves full of naturally-heated water in the lava fields. But earthquakes have heated some of them to extremely high temperatures, making them too dangerous to take a dip in.
Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, is situated not far from the lake. Its water comes from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier, and its grey-white colour is because the water is full of sediments.
Dettifoss waterfall.
