Grjótagjá

Grjótagjá is a small but famous lava cave and fissure located near Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. Inside the cave lies a natural geothermal pool known for its crystal-clear blue water and dramatic volcanic surroundings.

The cave became a popular bathing spot during the 1970s, until volcanic activity during the Krafla Fires between 1975 and 1980 caused the water temperature to rise sharply, in some periods exceeding 60°C.

Grjótagjá lies directly on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart. Because of this, the geothermal system has changed frequently over time.

When the water temperature decreased again, the cave was reopened in 2004. However, bathing is no longer recommended due to unpredictable temperatures and safety concerns.

Grjótagjá gained international fame after appearing in the television series Game of Thrones, where it served as a filming location. Today, it is primarily visited for sightseeing, photography, and its unique geological character.

Source: Wikipedia
Photo: Helga & Harpa – heitarlaugar.blogspot.com