Krafla
Krafla is an active volcanic caldera in the Mývatn region — a landscape of steaming lava fields, boiling mud pools and vivid green crater lakes shaped by a seri…
About
About Krafla
Krafla is an active volcanic caldera in the Mývatn region — a landscape of steaming lava fields, boiling mud pools and vivid green crater lakes shaped by a series of eruptions between 1975 and 1984.
Walk on lava flows from the 1975-1984 eruptions
Background
History & Background
The 'Krafla Fires' (1975–1984) were a series of volcanic eruptions that disrupted a geothermal drilling project that was underway at the time — drilling rigs had to be abandoned as lava flowed toward them. The eruptions produced spectacular lava lakes in the Víti crater. The most recent activity produced the Leirhnjúkur lava field, which still steams and remains warm to walk across today.
Krafla is one of the most interesting natural attractions in north-iceland of Iceland.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Krafla is a volcanic system in North Iceland that experienced its most dramatic modern activity in the 'Krafla Fires' of 1975–1984 — nine eruptions over nine years that created rifting, lava flows and forced evacuation of the area around Mývatn. The geothermal power plant built at Krafla in the 1970s accidentally triggered the eruptions by drilling into the magma system. Today the caldera is accessible for hiking, with vivid blue crater lake Víti at the summit and the steaming, sulphurous landscape of Leirhnjúkur on the caldera floor. The geological drama of Krafla is ongoing — seismic activity continues. New magma intrusion was detected in 2024.
Local Legend
Legends of Krafla
Krafla has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.
Experiences
Tours Near Krafla
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ Lava Formations Close-Up
Look carefully at the lava formations near Krafla — each tells a story of how it cooled.
Rope lava, pillow lava, and columnar basalt each formed under different conditions, creating a geological textbook in stone.
✦ Moss & Lichens
The moss and lichen growing on the volcanic rock are some of the first life to colonize new lava fields.
Some of these organisms grow less than 1cm per year, meaning the patches you see may be decades or centuries old.
✦ Sunset Colors
The volcanic rock takes on incredible red and gold hues during sunset.
The iron-rich minerals in the lava glow in warm light, creating a photographer's paradise.
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Location
📍 Location
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