Self Drive Route
Askja & Möðrudalsöræfi
Remote volcanic Highlands and the Askja caldera
A serious summer Highlands route toward Askja, intended for experienced self-drivers with an appropriate 4x4, careful preparation and up-to-date knowledge of mountain-road and river conditions.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
6 must-see locations
Möðrudalur
Möðrudalur liggur hæst bæja á Íslandi, er ein landmesta jörð landsins og þar hefur verið búið frá fyrstu öldum Íslandsbyggðar. Jón Stefánsson (1880-1971) bóndi reisti kirkju þar til minningar um konu sína. Hann smíðaði kirkjuna sjálfur og málaði altaristöfluna sem þykir sérstæð (1). Möðrudalur er fallegur staður og þar er birtan engu lík. „Þar liggur sagan við hvert fótmál þar sem ábúendur hafa búið mann fram af manni í sátt og samlyndi við náttúruna.“ Einnig hefur Stefán Stórval gert fjallasýninni og Herðubreið ógleymanleg skil (2). Á Möðrudal eru friðlýstar fornminjar, „fornbæjarrústir, ónafnkenndar, er fundist hafa eigi all skammt norður frá bænum“ (3).
A sensible last preparation stop before entering the Highlands from the east. Confirm conditions, fuel range and supplies before continuing.
Herðubreið - Queen of Mountains
Iceland's most beautiful mountain (1,682m table volcano) called 'Queen of Mountains' — isolated Highlands icon.
Herðubreið dominates the landscape on the approach. Stop only at safe designated places; do not pull off the track onto fragile ground.
Herðubreiðarlindir
„Herðbreiðarlindir voru friðlýstar árið 1974. Á bökkum Lindaár og í Grafarlöndum er gróskumikill og fjölbreyttur gróður, miðað við hæð yfir sjávarmáli. Mest ber á ætihvönn, gulvíði, grávíði og grasvíði. Litskrúðugust er eyrarrós sem blómstrar frá miðjum júlí og slær þá bleikum lit á eyrar og mela. Aðdáunarvert er að sjá fjölda tegunda sem teljast til frumstæðra plantna prýða hraunin.“
A valuable natural oasis beneath Herðubreið and a good planned break on the long approach. Stay on marked roads and paths.
Drekagil
Drekagil, the "Dragon Gully," is a dramatic canyon carved by glacial forces amidst Iceland's volcanic highlands.
Dreki/Drekagil is the main highland base near Askja. Use the stop to reassess weather and road conditions before continuing toward the caldera.
Askja Caldera
Remote volcanic caldera with warm Víti crater lake
Allow several hours for the final approach and walking. Weather can change rapidly; carry warm and waterproof layers even on a good summer morning.
Askja Caldera & Víti Crater Lake
Explore Askja Caldera, a remote highland volcano featuring a massive caldera and the milky-blue Víti Crater Lake.
Víti is part of the Askja caldera visit rather than a separate driving detour. Follow current signs, closures and ranger guidance.
Day Plan
Suggested Itinerary
07:30
Möðrudalur
Start early with fuel, food, water and current road/weather checks completed.
09:30
Herðubreið / Herðubreiðarlindir
Short scenic and rest stop; progress depends entirely on road and river conditions.
11:00
Drekagil / Dreki
Break and reassess conditions before the final approach to Askja.
12:00
Askja & Víti
Allow 2.5–4 hours for the caldera visit, walking and weather margin.
16:00
Return drive
Leave generous daylight and time margin for the long Highlands drive out.
Guided Experiences
Tours & Day Trips in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights hunts, whale watching, glacier hikes, lava cave tours and more. Explore Iceland your way.
Accommodation
Hotels Along the Route
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From cozy Reykjavík guesthouses to remote Highland lodges — thousands of properties with free cancellation and best price guarantee.
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Check live road conditions and the weather immediately before entering the Highlands — not only the night before.
Use a suitable 4x4 and confirm that your rental agreement explicitly permits the roads you intend to drive.
Never attempt a river crossing you cannot confidently assess. Conditions can change during the same day.
Start with a full tank and carry extra food, drinking water, warm layers and waterproof clothing.
Download offline maps and tell someone your route and expected return time; mobile coverage can be unreliable.
Stay strictly on marked roads, tracks and walking paths. Off-road driving is illegal and can permanently damage fragile Highlands terrain.
Common Questions
FAQ
Can I drive to Askja in a normal car?+
No. This is a remote Highlands route requiring a suitable 4x4. You must also confirm that your rental agreement allows the specific F-roads you plan to use.
When is the road to Askja open?+
There is no reliable fixed opening date. Highlands roads open only when conditions allow, so check the official road status immediately before travel.
Are there river crossings on the way to Askja?+
River crossings can be part of Highlands routes in this area. Their depth and flow vary with rain, temperature and snowmelt. Never cross when you are uncertain about safety.
How long should I allow for Askja?+
Treat it as a very long full-day trip from the nearest practical bases, or preferably a two-day Highlands journey. Road conditions can make travel much slower than the distance suggests.
Can I visit Askja in winter?+
Not as a normal independent self-drive trip. Highlands mountain roads are seasonal and closed when conditions are unsuitable.
Is Askja suitable for inexperienced 4x4 drivers?+
It is not a good first Highlands drive. The route is remote, rough and condition-dependent, and drivers may need to assess river crossings and changing weather.
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