Akureyri: Private | Highland Tour to Askja Caldera

We depart from Akureyri following route number 1 throug Mývatn area to Hrossaborg crater before taking the mountain road F88 Crossing Rivers & trailing gravel trails to Herðubreiðalindir – a beautiful green oasis situated in the midst of a barren volcanic landscape.

This is also the place where Fjalla-Eyvindur – Iceland´s most famous outlaw – took shelter in the winter of 1774-1775. From Herðubreiðalindir we continue our journey to Askja, crossing through the lunar-like landscapes where NASA trained their astronauts in preparation for the Apollo moon landings.

Upon arrival at Askja, we park at the Vikraborgir craters which erupted in 1961. From there we walk the A1 trail (2.4 km) to Askja lake and Viti, a smaller lake that has formed inside a crater. Visiting Askja is an amazing and unforgettable experience. It is quite simply one of the most breathtaking sights in the whole of Iceland. If you are feeling adventurous you can bathe in the warm waters of the Víti crater (don’t forget to bring your towel).

In the mountains that surround Askja lies Drekagil – the Canyon of the Dragons, and that´s where we head to next. Drekagil contains some strange yet intriguingly beautiful rock formations.

After Drekagil we drive back to Akureyri.

Drekagil

Drekagil or Dragons Gully bears a rightful name. It is a dark and narrow place loaded with geological formations that can only remind you of another world with dragons and fairy tails. Although not exactly difficult to walk from the jaws of the gully to the end where you find a beautiful waterfall, it is a bit of a climb. Along the way you enjoy all the interesting formations. If you look up, you might see some of the dragons that watch over the canyon as if there is a hidden treasure somewhere.

Askja

Askja is an active volcano situated in a remote part of the central highlands of Iceland. The name Askja refers to a complex of nested calderas within the surrounding Dyngjufjöll mountains, which rise to 1,510 m. Askja meaning box or caldera in Icelandic.