General
The landscape of the Askja volcano is a unique sight that is hard to believe actually exists in reality. After a long and exhausting drive on a rough dirt road, you will reach the collapsed volcanic crater Viti which is today filled with stunning blue water. The volcanic eruption occurred in 1875, following which the area was covered with a thick layer of ash. The resulting crater is considered the deepest in Iceland, with a depth of 217 meters, and today only the brave descend into it and try to bathe in its waters. The water is not particularly warm, and the cold weather around it makes entering the water difficult.
Getting There:
The long road to Askja passes through the F88 road which is a very bumpy and rough dirt road, requiring a 4X4 vehicle. The drive in each direction takes about three hours and requires crossing several rivers. If you do not want or cannot make the journey yourself, you can book a guided tour in a special off-road vehicle, which usually departs from Lake Mývatn.
Recommended Hotels in Lake Mývatn
The following three hotels are 3-star hotels, including family rooms, with a restaurant and bar.
24/7 front desk. Free internet and parking:
♦ Mývatn - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
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Hôtel Laxá
Or cheaper - at a guesthouse:
♦ Skútustadir Guesthouse - Located on a farm. Option for rooms with private or shared bathrooms. Family rooms are also available. Free internet and parking. Guest lounge and shared kitchen. Laundry facility.
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Vogafjos-Guesthouse
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn. Private toilets and bathrooms. Free internet and parking. There is also a farm animal ranch on site.
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Dimmuborgir Guesthouse
Cottages and rooms, located on the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn.
Most rooms have private bathrooms and some also have a private kitchenette. Free internet and parking.
♦ Booking guided tours in the Lake Mývatn area from Viator:
Guided Super Jeep Tour to Askja:
It is recommended to take a guided tour with an off-road vehicle and an experienced driver.
A full-day trip to the volcano and its surroundings can be booked here from Viator:
Askja & Holuhraun, Super Jeep Day Tour from Lake Myvatn
The trip departs from Lake Mývatn.
The lunar landscape and wilderness on the way to Askja
Waterfalls on the way to Askja
On the way to Askja, on a jeep tour
♦ Booking recommended 6-8 day guided tours in Iceland from Viator
Short video about river crossing by car:
The special crater and landscape in Askja
Kverkfjoll Ice Cave
40 km south of Askja lies the mountain range Kverkfjoll, which sits on the northern side of the large glacier, Vatnajokull. The range consists of two high mountain peaks: one mountain rises to a height of 1860 meters and the higher mountain reaches a height of 1920 meters. Beneath the glacier is a 30 km long ice cave, through which a stream of hot water flows. The unique natural phenomenon of hot water flowing under a glacier attracts many adventurous travelers every year. However, it must be remembered that this is a highly active volcanic area and ice blocks may collapse from the cave roof, therefore you must obey the instructions of the experienced rangers and guides and consult with them before setting out on the trip. The ice cave is magnificent in its beauty and the colors reflected from it are intoxicating and hypnotic. Trips to the ice cave usually depart from Lake Mývatn and are generally offered by the same companies that offer the organized trip to Askja. You can combine both attractions into one organized trip, which usually lasts about three days.
♦ Booking an ice cave tour from Mývatn:
Ice Cave Lofthellir exploration - A permafrost Cave inside a magma tunnel.