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Askja
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Askja is a massive volcanic caldera situated in the Dyngjufjöll mountains, deep within Iceland's remote central Highlands north of the Vatnajökull glacier. Covering an area of about 50 square kilometers, the caldera was formed through several collapses following major volcanic eruptions. The most significant eruption in historical times occurred in 1875, discharging vast amounts of tephra that devastated eastern Iceland and triggered a large-scale emigration to North America. Within the caldera lies Lake Öskjuvatn, which reached a depth of 220 meters, making it one of Iceland's deepest lakes, formed after the 1875 collapse. Adjacent to the lake is the smaller Víti crater, filled with milky blue geothermal water where visitors can bathe in a surreal setting. The barren, lunar-like landscape of Askja was used by NASA in the 1960s to train Apollo astronauts for their moon missions due to its unique geological features. Because of its extreme isolation and challenging terrain, the site is only accessible during the summer months via specialized highland tracks.
- Location: Iceland
- Nearby: Lake Mývatn (64 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -7 | -7 | -6 | -4 | -1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | -2 | -5 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 79 | 66 | 71 | 63 | 67 | 57 | 83 | 80 | 90 | 95 | 95 | 90 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching this central Highlands caldera requires navigating challenging F-roads, which are only accessible with a robust 4x4 vehicle. Most visitors start their expedition from northern base towns and prepare for a long, rugged drive.
Best season
Access to the caldera is strictly limited to the height of summer, usually from late June to August, when the highland roads are clear of snow. Outside of this short window, the area is generally inaccessible due to severe winter conditions.
Terrain & paths
The landscape is extremely rugged, characterized by vast lava fields, loose volcanic ash, and rocky highland paths. Hiking from the parking area to the crater lakes involves traversing uneven and potentially slippery volcanic terrain.
What to bring
Heavy-duty hiking boots and extensive outdoor gear are mandatory for traversing the harsh volcanic environment. Visitors must bring warm layers, windproof outerwear, and their own provisions, as amenities are nonexistent in the highlands.
Parking
A designated parking area is typically available at the end of the highland road leading to the volcanic system. From there, visitors must hike the remaining distance to properly view the caldera and its two distinct crater lakes.
Safety
The central Highlands present extreme weather conditions and complete isolation, requiring careful navigation and preparation. Visitors must be aware of the active volcanic nature of the region and respect any official safety warnings.
Time needed
Due to the demanding drive and the hike required to reach the crater lakes, an expedition here is a full-day commitment. The hike from the parking area to the caldera itself usually takes about an hour each way across the ash fields.
Geography
Facts
- The Askja caldera covers a total surface area of approximately 50 sq km.
- Lake Öskjuvatn is 220 meters deep, making it one of Iceland's deepest lakes.
- The catastrophic 1875 eruption caused widespread famine and mass emigration.
- The geothermal water in Víti crater typically stays between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.
- NASA conducted field training for Apollo astronauts here during the 1960s.
- Askja is located in a rain shadow, making it one of the driest places in Iceland.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Askja (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Viti crater?
Yes, the water is often warm, but the descent is steep and slippery.
Is the road to Askja difficult?
Yes, it is a challenging F-road with deep river crossings and sand.
When is the road open?
Usually only from late June to early September, depending on snow.
How far is the hike from the parking lot?
About 2.5 km (45 minutes) walk across flat lava fields to the crater.
Are there accommodations nearby?
The nearest accommodation is the Dreki hut with a basic campsite.
Askja: where is it located?
Askja is located in Iceland.
Askja: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Askja: why is it worth visiting?
Askja is a massive volcanic caldera situated in the Dyngjufjöll mountains, deep within Iceland's remote central Highlands north of the Vatnajökull glacier.
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