STM042
Askja Caldera from Lake Mývatn
Lunar Landscape & the Isolated Highlands
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.
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.
This tour is also available from Akureyri
Fully guided tour and Transportation
Meeting point: Lake Mývatn Information Centre or free hotel pick up
Minimum on tour: 2 adults or minimum rate
