The Star Wars 'Rogue One' filming location and the famous 'Yoda Cave', rising from the Mýrdalssandur black desert.
Story & Legend
The opening scene of Rogue One (Planet Lah'mu) was filmed here. Its isolated, windy appearance and fluorescent green moss create a perfect "end of the world" atmosphere for the Erso family hideout. It is named after Hjörleifur, the blood brother of Iceland's first settler, who was murdered here by his slaves. The slaves then fled to the nearby islands, which were named 'Vestmannaeyjar' (Westman Islands) after them. Today, it is famous for the 'Yoda Cave' (Gígjagjá).
Geology & Science
It is an "inselberg" (island mountain) in a sea of black sand. The Mýrdalssandur outwash plain was formed by catastrophic glacial floods (jökulhlaups) from the Katla volcano hidden under the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap.
Safety
This is an exposed inselberg. The winds on the black sand plain can be fierce, creating sandstorms that damage car paint. The hike to the top is steep with loose gravel.
Photo Tip
Shooting from inside the Yoda Cave looking out, framing the sky and sea through the silhouette, is an instant classic.
Insider Tip
To find the 'Yoda Cave' (Gýgjagjá), you must drive onto the black sand track on the southern face of the mountain. Do not just hike to the top of the promontory if you are only looking for the cave.
Best Time to Visit
Mid-day when the sun is high enough to light up the interior of the cave, making the Yoda-shaped opening perfectly visible from the inside.
What to Bring
Dust-proof layers. The black sand blowing off the Mýrdalssandur glacial outwash plain can be intense during high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Rogue One filmed in Iceland?
The opening scenes of Star Wars: Rogue One (the planet Lah'mu) were filmed on the sprawling black sands surrounding the Hjörleifshöfði promontory.
Why is it called the Yoda Cave?
The entrance of the Gýgjagjá cave naturally perfectly resembles the silhouette of the Star Wars character Yoda when viewed from the inside looking out.
