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During
the relatively short eruption 2,600 years ago, the lava field, its caves
and the symmetric scoria crater Gullborg were created.
This interesting area is located near the farms Sydri-Raudamelur
and Heggstadir in the Hnappadalur District.
The caves, decorated with stalactites and lava ropes, were
rediscovered in 1957. Signs
of earlier entries, or even human occupation, were discovered at the
same time. Cave explorers
have to contact the people at the farm Heggstadir for entrance, as the
caves were declared inviolate soon after they were rediscovered.
No
one really knows, who might have occupied the caves in the past, but
some have suggested outlaws and others have referred to the Sturlunga
Saga and involved a man named Aron Hjorleifsson.
He was one of the many followers of bishop Gudmundur Arason on
the Grimsey Island off the north coast on the polar
circle, when the Sturlungar dynasty attacked. He
fought bravely and barely escaped.
The Sturlungar sought him afterwards all over the country and he
stayed for a short time in hiding in the lava field.
In the past, people knew of the so-called Aron’s Cave, but it
was forgotten and lost.
Borgarnes |