north iceland
About
Askja is a large volcanic caldera in the Dyngjufjöll mountains of the central Icelandic Highlands, within Vatnajökull National Park. The caldera is approximately 50 km² in area. Main features: - **Askja Caldera**: Massive subsidence crater - **Öskjuvatn Lake**: 11 km² lake filling the caldera, 217 metres deep (Iceland's 2nd deepest) - **Víti Crater**: Small explosion crater (150 m diameter) on caldera rim with geothermal lake - **Water temperature in Víti**: 20–30°C (swimmable but discouraged due to bacteria) Eruption history: - **1875 eruption**: Catastrophic explosive eruption, ash fallout across east Iceland and Scandinavia, crater collapse formed Víti - Last eruption: 1961 - Ongoing monitoring for future activity NASA astronaut training: - Apollo mission crews trained at Askja in 1965 and 1967 - Lunar-like landscape provided Moon surface simulation - Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin practiced here Access: - F88 Highland route (4x4 essential) - Open mid-June to mid-September only - 85 km from Route 1 (rough, river crossings) - Parking at Drekagil or Víkraborgir - 2.5 km hike to Víti crater from parking Askja is one of Iceland's most remote and challenging destinations, requiring capable 4x4, highland driving experience, and good weather. The reward is one of Iceland's most stunning volcanic landscapes and genuine isolation. Nearby: Herðubreið (Table Mountain), Holuhraun lava field (2014 eruption). Best visited July–August. Multi-day highland expedition recommended.
📖 Story
Askja is Iceland's most dramatic volcanic caldera — a collapsed magma chamber forming a huge depression filled with Öskjuvatn lake (Iceland's second deepest at 217 m). On the caldera rim sits Víti, an explosion crater formed during the catastrophic 1875 eruption that covered east Iceland in ash, forcing mass emigration. Víti filled with geothermal water, creating a milky-blue bathing pool. NASA chose Askja to train Apollo astronauts in 1965 and 1967 — the barren landscape resembles the Moon closer than anywhere on Earth.
✈️ Why Visit
Iceland's most remote volcano — walk into the caldera where NASA trained Moon astronauts and swim in Víti's geothermal crater lake.
💡 Did You Know?
NASA trained Apollo astronauts at Askja in the 1960s — Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked here before walking on the Moon.
Key Facts
Massive volcanic caldera
Víti geothermal crater lake
NASA astronaut training site (1965–67)
F-road access (4x4 only)
Remote highlands (85 km off Ring Road)
📍 GPS Location
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