Askja Caldera

Lunar Landscape & the Isolated Highlands

Askja Caldera, Inside a Volcano Through Dramatic Lava Fields and Black Sand Deserts

Askja is a caldera in a very remote area in the Icelandic central highlands. It is one of the biggest volcanoes in Iceland and has a history of catastrophic eruptions through the ages. The Askja area is one of the main location where NASA trained their Apollo Astronauts before the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969. Inside the caldera you will enjoy a breathtaking view over Öskjuvatn Lake, the deepest lake in Iceland.

The drive up to Askja is scenic to say the least and the rough gravel roads and tracks take us through dramatic lava fields and black sand deserts. This Askja Caldera tour is the perfect to experience the barren interior and the lunar-like landscape of the Icelandic highlands.

Iconic landmarks such as Herðubreiðalindir Oasis and Drekagil Gully are visited and number of other off the map sights and places. We catch a glimpse of where Icelandic outlaws lived in the middle ages when they’d been banished. We might also be able to spot trolls, ghosts and other creatures that are said to live in the area and have haunted travelers for centuries.

Tour description

Please be ready at 7:30 am, pickup is from 7:30-8:00 am.

We drive east from Lake Mývatn up to the highlands where we stop at Herðubreiðarlindir Springs and more stunning places on our way up to Askja Caldera.

When we arrive to Dreki Gully outside of Askja we have a lunch break and short walks around that area before heading into Askja Caldera.

The hike to the Askja Lake, inside the caldera, is about half an hour each way and at the Lake we spend quite some time walking around the area and enjoying the dramatic but beautiful landscape.

After a quick stop at Dreki Gully after the hike we start our drive back to Lake Mývatn with a short stop or two on the way back.

Be prepared!

• Please note that we will be travelling to the Icelandic Highlands and that the weather can change unexpectedly. The weather up in Askja can be very different from the weather closer to the coast and colder. Because of it’s high altitude there can be snow on our hiking route well into the summer.  Please be prepared for that and dress accordingly. Bring waterproof clothing and layers of woolen or fleece sweaters and under garments.
• There are no shops in the Icelandic Highlands, please bring lunch and snacks.

This tour is also available from Akureyri

Askja and Víti

Sleipnir is our 35″ Truck. He will take you Askja in the most comfortable way.

A guide telling stories in Herðubreiðarlindir

The Queen of Icelandic Mountains, seen from Glettingur Waterfall.

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