Niflheim ("house of mists") is the land of ice and snow, darkness and cold, to the North of Gunninga-Gap. It is situated on the lowest level of the universe. The realm of death, Helheim, is part of this vast, cold region. The world tree Yggdrasil is partially rooted here, near the spring Hvergelmir ("roaring cauldron"), source of the eleven rivers known as the Elivagar.

Also situated on this level is Nastrond, the Shore of Corpses, where the serpent Nidhogg eats corpses and gnaws on the roots of Yggdrasil.

After Ragnarok, there will be a hall here for the punishment of murderers, oath breakers, and philanderers.