Reykjahlíð can be explored through three distinct interests: a longer hike with several stops, the Kröfluleiðin through craters to the swimming pool in town, and local handicrafts at Dyngjan. If you are looking for a hotel in Reykjahlíð, these differences can serve as a starting point for planning your stay. For the longer hiking route, a specific time estimate is useful; for the other options, the route itself or the local offerings take centre stage.

The Hiking Route from Reykjahlíð to Dimmuborgir

The Stóragjá–Grjótagjá–Hverfjall–Dimmuborgir route begins in the village of Reykjahlíð, at the junction of Route 1 and the road leading east towards Egilsstaðir. It is approximately 14 km long; the stated time for one way is three to four hours. When planning your day, the distinction between one way and the round trip is crucial: the three to four hours are not an estimate for both directions combined. So don’t treat the route as a short detour.

The route proceeds to the Grjótagjá fissure and then to Mount Hverfjall. There, the path follows the crater rim to the summit, descends the steep southern slope, and continues into the lava formations of Dimmuborgir. The route thus links several clearly named stops with a detailed section around Hverfjall. If you plan to take this route, keep the steep descent in mind as well. Trail conditions can vary; check them before setting out.

A Crater Route with a Destination in Town

The Kröfluleiðin leads down through craters from the time of the Mývatn Fires to the swimming pool in Reykjahlíð. This makes it different from the longer hike: here, the passage through the craters and the destination in town are the main points of reference, while the other route is planned around several stops and the walking time. Consider whether you would like to plan a route with a stated time for one way, or whether you would rather focus on this destination and the landscape described.

The two route descriptions offer different points of reference for choosing, without implying the same time plan. The duration for the hiking route is explicitly given for one way; the Kröfluleiðin is described by its course through the craters and the swimming pool as its destination. This lets you distinguish between the routes based on the type of route and destination that suits your stay.

Handicrafts and Products from the Surrounding Area

Dyngjan is a handicraft market next to the Kjörbúðin shop in Reykjahlíð. It offers high-quality handicrafts and products from the local area. This adds another way to experience the town alongside its routes: the focus here is on handcrafted goods and regional products rather than a hiking trail.

The offerings include Icelandic wool sweaters in various styles, colours, and sizes. If you are interested in woollen goods, this selection gives you several specific features to compare. Mývatn specialities are also available: Dyngjan offers freshly smoked Mývatn Arctic char and freshly baked hverabrauð. The availability of these foods can vary.

When choosing what to do during your stay, you can therefore set different priorities: a hike of several hours featuring a fissure, a mountain, and lava formations; a crater route with the swimming pool as its destination; or a visit to Dyngjan for handicrafts and local products. The route, trail conditions, and possible availability of food products are each separate planning considerations.

Discover more destinations: Lundarbrekka, Kópasker, Einarsstaðir, Hrisey, Grenivík, Sauðárkrókur, Draflastadhir, Laxamýri

Back to the regional travel overview: Nordurland Eystra.