Rauðhólar, Protected volcanic area in Heiðmörk, Iceland
Rauðhólar is a protected volcanic site in Heiðmörk containing around 150 dark reddish-brown cones scattered across an ancient lava field. The largest of these formations reach considerable proportions and create an unusual landscape that looks entirely different from the surroundings.
This formation came into being roughly 5,000 years ago when molten lava encountered bodies of water in the region. During the 20th century, stone from this site was excavated and used in the construction of Reykjavik Airport and military facilities.
The nearby formation Tröllabörn gets its name from Icelandic folklore, where old stories connect lava shapes to mythical creatures. These tales still influence how locals and visitors think about and describe this volcanic landscape.
The site is easily accessible by car from Reykjavik with parking areas at the entrance. Paths through the area are fairly level and manageable for most visitors who want to walk around and explore.
The cones here are pseudocraters formed by multiple eruption episodes that created the layered structures visible today. Each cone tells its own story through these internal layers that reveal how the eruption unfolded.
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