Askja: Iceland’s Remote Volcanic Wonderland

What’s Askja?

Askja isn’t just another volcano. It’s an enormous caldera sitting smack within Vatnajökull National Park, in the middle of Iceland’s Highlands, surrounded by endless lava fields, jagged cliffs, and barren landscapes that look like something from another planet. It’s wild, it’s remote, and it has a history of seriously explosive eruptions—the kind that reshaped the entire area and sent shockwaves across the region.

NASA thought this place was so out of this world that they trained their Apollo astronauts here back in the '60s. Why? Because the surface of Askja is about as close as you can get to the moon or Mars without actually leaving Earth. If it’s good enough for space explorers, it’s good enough for you, right?

But the real showstopper? The massive blue crater lake, Öskjuvatn, and its bubbling little sibling, Víti. These two sit side by side, creating one of Iceland’s most mind-blowing landscapes. Standing on the rim of the crater, staring down into these surreal waters, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension. And trust me, the journey to get here makes the experience even more epic.

How Was It Formed?

Askja didn’t just appear overnight. This volcanic monster erupted in 1875, causing one of the most powerful volcanic blasts Iceland has ever seen. The explosion sent ash clouds so high into the atmosphere that it rained down in Scandinavia, covering entire regions in darkness. It was such a catastrophic event that many Icelanders fled the country, seeking refuge in North America.

The result? A giant crater, created when the land collapsed in on itself after the massive eruption. Over time, this crater filled with meltwater, giving birth to Öskjuvatn Lake—a stunning, ice-cold body of water that now sits where fire and fury once ruled.

And next to it? Víti Crater, a smaller but equally fascinating volcanic pit. Unlike its freezing neighbor, Víti is filled with geothermal water, making it one of the very few volcanic craters in the world where you can actually take a dip.

And here’s the kicker—Askja isn’t done yet. Scientists keep an eye on it because this volcano is still active. The ground here is constantly shifting, the land is alive, and nobody really knows when Askja might wake up again.

Geological Wonders

Askja is home to some geological wonders that make it even more impressive.

Öskjuvatn Lake

This isn’t just any lake. It’s Iceland’s deepest, plunging to a jaw-dropping 220 meters (720 feet). That’s deeper than most skyscrapers are tall. Its crystal-clear blue waters reflect the surrounding volcanic cliffs, making for some seriously dramatic photo opportunities. But don’t even think about swimming because it’s freezing cold year-round, with temperatures close to zero even in summer.

The lake’s eerie calmness is in stark contrast to its violent birth, and standing on its shores, you can’t help but feel a sense of powerful, untamed nature at work. It’s also one of the youngest lakes in Iceland, having only existed for about 150 years, a blink of an eye in geological terms.

Víti Crater

Right next door, you’ll find Víti, a smaller, geothermal crater that looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Unlike Öskjuvatn’s icy depths, Víti is warm and steamy, with its milky-blue water sitting at a comfy 25–30°C (77–86°F).

But don’t let the inviting temperature fool you. Getting down there isn’t easy. The path to the crater is steep, loose, and often muddy, making the descent tricky and slippery. Only the most determined adventurers make it down, and even fewer make it back up without a few battle scars from the climb.

Still, if you manage the descent, floating in a steaming volcanic crater in the middle of nowhere is something you’ll never forget. Just be prepared for a tough scramble back up.

Where’s Askja & How to Get There?

If you’re thinking you can just hop in a car and cruise to Askja, think again. This place is deep in the Highlands, one of the most remote and wildest regions of Iceland. No paved roads, no cute little gas stations, and definitely no phone signal. Just lava fields, black sand deserts, and river crossings that make you feel like you’re on an expedition to the ends of the Earth.

Most people start their journey from Akureyri or Mývatn, heading toward Askja via Route F88 or Route F910. Either way, you’re in for a bumpy ride. These roads are classified as F-roads (mountain roads), meaning they’re unmaintained, unpaved, and full of obstacles.

Taking the wrong vehicle? Bad idea. These roads will destroy anything that isn’t a proper 4x4. And even with the right car, river crossings are unavoidable. Some are shallow, others? Not so much. Water levels change daily, and one bad decision could leave you stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flooded engine.

If all this sounds a little intimidating, there’s another option: guided super jeep tours. These massive off-road vehicles are built to handle the roughest conditions, and best of all? Someone else does the driving while you sit back and take in the insane scenery.

However you choose to get there, one thing’s for sure—Askja isn’t just a destination; it’s an adventure.

Driving Considerations

• You need a 4x4 – Seriously, a regular car won’t cut it. F-roads are rough, rocky, and completely off-limits for standard rental cars.
• Expect river crossings – Some roads have unbridged rivers, and you’ll need to know how to drive through them safely.
• Weather can be brutal – Even in summer, expect sudden rain, wind, or even snow.
• No gas stations nearby – Fill up before you leave civilization. The last gas stops are usually in Mývatn or Egilsstaðir.
• Check road conditions – Icelandic roads can close at any time due to weather. Always check road.is before setting out.

If all of this sounds a little intimidating, you might want to book a guided super jeep tour instead. Let someone else do the driving while you sit back and enjoy the ride! We won’t think of it as cheating!

Rent a 4x4 car in Iceland

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Best Time to Visit

Askja isn’t one of those places you can visit anytime. In fact, it's completely inaccessible for most of the year due to snow and ice.

The best time to visit is late June to early September. This is when the F-roads open, and you can get there without an entire Arctic expedition.

Summer also means:

• Long daylight hours – More time to explore!
• Warmer temperatures – But don’t get too excited—it’s still chilly.
• Easier driving conditions – No snow or ice to worry about (hopefully).

Even in summer, though, conditions can change fast. Always check the forecast and road conditions before you go.

What to Pack

Askja is remote. Like, really remote. That means you need to bring everything you might need because there’s no corner store waiting for you.

Here’s what to pack:

• Warm, waterproof clothing – It can be cold and windy, even in summer.
• Hiking boots – The terrain is rough, rocky, and often wet.
• Food and water – There are no restaurants or stores nearby. Pack snacks!
• Swimsuit and towel – If you’re planning to take a dip in Víti.
• GPS or offline maps – There’s zero phone signal out here.
• Extra fuel – You don’t want to get stranded with an empty tank.

Things to Do There & Nearby Attractions

Sure, Askja is incredible, but there’s even more to explore in the area. This part of the Highlands is like a giant adventure playground, with surreal landscapes that seem untouched by time.

Hike around the caldera

The rugged terrain around Askja is a hiker’s dream. Walk across vast lava fields, climb over volcanic ridges, and take in the jaw-dropping panoramic views of Iceland’s wild interior.

Swim in Víti Crater

If you’re brave enough to tackle the steep descent, Víti’s warm geothermal waters are the perfect reward after a long drive. Just don’t rush getting in—the rocky bottom can be tricky!

Explore Ódáðahraun Lava Desert

This sprawling lava wasteland is Iceland’s largest desert, covering over 5,000 square kilometers. The area has an eerie, post-apocalyptic feel, and with its black sand, jagged rock formations, and total silence, it’s easy to see why legends say outlaws and ghosts once roamed here.

See Herðubreið, Iceland’s Queen of Mountains

This flat-topped volcano is one of Iceland’s most photographed peaks. It rises dramatically above the surrounding lava fields and looks like something from another planet. If you’re up for a challenge, there’s a steep and demanding hiking route to the summit, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the country.

Visit Drekagil Canyon

Also known as "Dragon Canyon," this narrow, winding gorge is packed with twisting rock formations, hidden waterfalls, and deep caves. The name comes from Icelandic folklore, which claims that dragons once made their home here—and when you see the jagged cliffs, it’s not hard to imagine.

Check out the Holuhraun Lava Field

Just a short distance from Askja, this relatively new lava field was created by a series of eruptions in 2014-2015. It’s a stark, steaming landscape, with fresh, black volcanic rock still cooling beneath the surface. Seeing a place so newly formed by fire is a rare and humbling experience.

If you’re seeking after adventure, the Askja region truly delivers in every way possible.

Conclusion

Askja isn’t just another stop on your Iceland trip. It’s a full-blown expedition into the wild, where you’ll see landscapes that look straight out of a sci-fi movie.

It’s remote, it’s challenging to get to, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. If you’re up for an adventure and want to see a side of Iceland that few travelers experience, this is the place to go.

So, what do you say? Ready to take on Askja?