Grjótagjá

Grjotagja Is no ordinary cave - it was created from lava flows and steamy underground hot spots. Inside, It's a natural hot spring, heating up to a relaxing 43°C. The vibe in there just feels kind of mysterious and magical, like the cave holds some ancient secrets. Inside, you feel like you can just chill out and soak up the natural beauty of this untamed Icelandic landscape. It's an awesome spot where you can ditch your worries for a bit and feel at one with raw Iceland.

Imagine stepping into a scene ripped straight from Game of Thrones. Jagged black rocks cradle a turquoise lagoon, steam rising like dragon's breath from the heart of the earth. This isn't Westeros, friend, but Grjótagjá, a geothermal cave in Iceland where nature sculpts myths and legends.

Driving up to it, you'd hardly suspect what awaits. It looks like another rocky crag in a land filled with geological wonders. But as we descended into the natural hot spring cave, it felt like entering a realm untainted by time.

The dim light filtering through the cracks in the rocks above illuminated the vivid blues of the geothermal pool below. Steam wafted up, enveloping us in a warm embrace as if whispering ancient Icelandic sagas in our ears. It felt surreal as if we had been transported to another dimension.

Grjótagjá holds a history as rich and intriguing as the very landscapes surrounding it. Situated in the region near Lake Myvatn, the cave was once a popular bathing spot for locals, especially before the advent of modern geothermal pools. But Grjótagjá has a volatile past; it sits on the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, making it a subject to fluctuating temperatures.

In the 18th century, the outlaw Jón Markússon found refuge within its depths, bathing in its healing warmth. For generations, locals followed suit, soaking away their aches and woes under the watchful gaze of the northern lights.

Then came Hollywood. In 2013, Grjótagjá transformed into the "Secret Lagoon," where Jon Snow and Ygritte shared a steamy rendezvous that ignited hearts across the globe. Suddenly, this hidden gem became a must-visit for wanderers and wildlings alike. In the '70s, volcanic eruptions increased the water temperature, rendering it too hot for bathing for several years. The cave also gained pop-culture fame as a filming location for the TV series "Game of Thrones," adding a layer of mystical allure to its persona.
 

A marvel of natural engineering, Grjótagjá is essentially a fissure with a hot spring in its cave. The region falls within the geologically active area around Lake Myvatn and is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The water in the cave emerges from the depths of the Earth, heated by the fiery heart of Iceland’s geothermal activity. The cave is actually a small lava tube, and its location in the northern part of Iceland gives it a kind of isolated serenity. Accessing Grjótagjá involves a short hike, allowing adventurers to immerate themselves in the stunning Icelandic landscapes along the way.

A trip up north to Iceland's Lake Myvatn area is a must for us on any visit to the country. One of our personal favorites is stopping at the Mývatn Nature Baths. This geothermal hot spring is the ultimate way to unwind while soaking in the mineral-rich waters and staring at the gorgeous views of the Icelandic countryside surrounding you.

If you're looking to get the blood pumping, there's no shortage of epic hiking trails, horseback riding, and snowmobiling in the Lake Myvatn region. The area is also known for its one-of-a-kind volcanic landscape. One spot we never miss is hiking through the lava rock formations at Dimmuborgir, which legend says were formed by battling trolls who turned to stone when the sun came up! And climbing to the top of Hverfjall crater is a must for the panoramic views of the alien-like terrain. From bubbling mud pools to steam vents to fields dotted with lava, it's a window into Iceland's volcanic forces.

For us, no visit to North Iceland feels complete without spending time exploring the natural wonders around Lake Myvatn. With its diverse landscape and endless outdoor adventures, it's easily one of our favorite Icelandic destinations.