Stóri-Dímon
About Stóri-Dímon
Stóri-Dímon, also written Stóra-Dímon, is a lone 178 m hill on the flat gravel plains of the Markarfljót river in South Iceland, about 15 minutes' drive from Seljalandsfoss. It rises so abruptly from the flats that it serves as a landmark for the farming districts of Landeyjar, Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjöll, and its smaller twin, Litla-Dímon, sits close by.
The name is thought to come from Latin and to mean something like "twin mountains," a nod to the pair. Locals have also compared its rounded shape to a haystack standing in golden fields. Njáls saga, the medieval saga set in this part of Iceland, describes fighting in the area, and an information sign by the hill tells that story.
The Stóri-Dímon hike is short and suits families, and most people reach the top in well under an hour. From the summit you look across the braided channels of the Markarfljót toward Eyjafjallajökull and the mountains around Þórsmörk, a view that is far bigger than the hill's modest height suggests.
To get there, leave the Ring Road just west of the Markarfljót bridge and follow Road 250 (Dímonarvegur) for about 7 km. The drive takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes from Reykjavík and about 25 minutes from Hvolsvöllur, which makes Stóri-Dímon an easy add-on to a south coast day, especially if Seljalandsfoss is already on your list.
Good to know
Where is Stóri-Dímon?
Stóri-Dímon stands on the Markarfljót river plains in South Iceland, about 15 minutes' drive from Seljalandsfoss. It is reached on Road 250 (Dímonarvegur), which leaves the Ring Road just west of the Markarfljót bridge.
How high is Stóri-Dímon?
Stóri-Dímon is 178 m high. Because it rises straight out of flat river plains, it looks taller than it is and is visible from far around.
How long does it take to hike Stóri-Dímon?
Most people reach the top in well under an hour, and the full walk up and down fits comfortably into an hour or so. The climb is short enough for children.
What does Dímon mean?
The name is thought to come from Latin and to mean twin mountains, referring to Stóri-Dímon and its smaller neighbor, Litla-Dímon. It has also been said to mean haystack.
Is Stóri-Dímon connected to Njáls saga?
Yes. Njáls saga is set in this district and describes fighting in the area around the hill, and an information sign near Stóri-Dímon explains the story.
Is Stóri-Dímon near Seljalandsfoss?
Yes. The hill is about 15 minutes by car from Seljalandsfoss, so the two pair easily in a single stop on the south coast.
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