Askja Day Tour from Mývatn
Askja is a caldera located in the mountains Dyngjufjöll, in the center highland of Iceland.
Askja Caldera – Víti Explosion Crater – Drekagil Gully – Glacier River – Europe’s Biggest Desert – Vatnajökull National Park
An adventure in the highlands is simply unforgettable. Mount Herðubreið, a majestic table mountain of a truly peculiar cake or pot shape, is the gate to the Askja area. The dark silhouette is unmistakable even from very far away when appears in all its charm. The most precious gem of the region, though, is Askja, the caldera, a volcanic depression formed by the collapse of a magma chamber. The magnificent lunar landscape, one of the windiest and most desolate place of Iceland, is dominated by the metallic blue lake Öskjuvatn and the milky blue crater lake, Viti.
The route
From the lake Mývatn we drive road 1 towards the crater Hrossaborg, where we turn on road F88 (inland gravel road).
After while, we across the rivers Grafarlandaá and Lindá and have break in the nature reserve Herðubreiðarlindir (close to mt. Herðubreið).
We head to Dyngjufjöll (circle of mountains where Askja is located in). First is stop by the canyon Drekagil, and then the caldera Askja.
From the parking by Vikraborgir (craters), is a walk to the lake of Askja and the crater Víti. This is about 2,4 km one way.
Keep in mind
To bring food for the day and be ready for possible different weather. Better to have an extra sweater instead of missing one.
Askja is in approx. 1000 meters over sea level, compare to approx. 280 m.o.s. of the lake Mývatn. So weather might be variable from the start to the end of the day. And the weather in the highlands can also change quite fast. We recommend that travellers brings good shoes and warm and preferably water-/windproof clothes.
In early summer (different for how long into the season), the walk from the parking area to Askja lake and Víti (crater) is on snow and therefore bit more difficult than later in the season (approx. 2,4 km one way).
Askja Private Day tour (1-4 pax)
Season: June 20th – September 10th
Departure: Mývatn (8:30 am) or Húsavík (8:00 am)
Tour duration: 11-12 hours.
Tour includes: Fully guided tour and transportation
Not included: food and drinks, personal insurance. As there are no restaurants in Askja area (or in this part of the highland), we highly recommend that people bring lunch package and water.