Iceland · Travel Guide 2026
Things to Do in Askja
Askja, a remote and awe-inspiring volcanic caldera in Iceland's highlands, offers an otherworldly landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet. Home to the vast Öskjuvatn lake and the inviting Víti geothermal crater, it's a true wilderness adventure for those seeking unique natural wonders. This desolate yet breathtaking region promises an unforgettable journey into the raw power of Iceland's geology.
Popular Categories
📍 Top Highlights
- ✓Öskjuvatn lake
- ✓Víti geothermal crater
- ✓Drekagil (Dragon Gully)
- ✓Panoramic views from the caldera rim
- ✓The surrounding desolate lava fields
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Askja is from mid-June to mid-September. During this period, the F-roads leading to the caldera are typically open, and the weather is most favorable for hiking and exploring the remote wilderness. Visiting outside these months is generally not possible due to snow and impassable roads.
Complete Travel Guide to Askja
Askja, a remote and awe-inspiring volcanic caldera in Iceland's highlands, offers an otherworldly landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet. Home to the vast Öskjuvatn lake and the inviting Víti geothermal crater, it's a true wilderness adventure for those seeking unique natural wonders. This desolate yet breathtaking region promises an unforgettable journey into the raw power of Iceland's geology.
At a Glance
Region: North Iceland
About This Destination
The image perfectly captures Askja's dramatic beauty, showcasing the immense, serene Öskjuvatn lake stretching into the distance, bordered by rugged, dark volcanic terrain. In the foreground, the smaller, milky-blue Víti crater lake, a popular spot for a geothermal dip, gleams invitingly amidst the stark landscape. Wisps of steam rising from distant vents hint at the powerful geothermal forces simmering beneath the surface. The stark, desolate beauty of the caldera, sculpted by ancient eruptions, creates an unforgettable experience of raw, untamed nature, making it a must-visit for adventurers.
Famous For
Did You Know?
- Öskjuvatn is Iceland's second-deepest lake, reaching depths of 220 meters.
- Víti means 'hell' in Icelandic, named for its violent formation in 1875.
- NASA astronauts trained here for the Apollo moon missions due to its lunar landscape.
- The last major eruption at Askja occurred in 1961.
- The caldera formed primarily during a massive eruption in 1875.
- Access to Askja is only possible during the summer months, typically June to October.
2055 tours found
4, 5, 6 or 7-Day Small-Group Ring Road Tour from Reykjavik
From $1479
Book Now⭐
4.8 average rating
🔒
Secure booking
Powered by Viator
💸
Free cancellation
On most tours
❄️
Local experts
Trusted by millions
