Description
Askja is not simply a viewpoint—it is a full highland expedition into one of Iceland’s most isolated and powerful volcanic landscapes.
The road passes the table mountain Herðubreið and the oasis of Herðubreiðarlindir before reaching Drekagil. From there, a walk reveals the immense Öskjuvatn caldera lake and the pale geothermal crater Víti.
Long distances, rough tracks and extraordinary emptiness make the journey itself unforgettable, with an experienced guide bringing the geology and exploration history to life.
Itinerary
Lake Mývatn departure
Into the volcanic interior
Meet at the exact location and time shown on your voucher before leaving the settled landscape behind. Lava fields and broad desert horizons soon replace farms and villages as the highland expedition begins.
Herðubreið
Iceland’s queen of mountains
See the remarkably symmetrical table mountain rise alone above the Ódáðahraun desert. Its steep sides and flat summit were shaped beneath Ice Age glaciers, creating one of the highlands’ most recognisable silhouettes.
Herðubreiðarlindir
A green oasis in the lava desert
Pause where clear springs and vegetation gather beneath the mountain, creating a striking refuge amid black lava and sand. The oasis also carries stories of outlaws who once sought shelter in this remote interior.
Drekagil
The canyon of the dragon
Enter a narrow ravine carved through dark volcanic rock, named for formations said to resemble a dragon. Drekagil serves as the atmospheric gateway to the Askja caldera landscape, with short walks revealing vivid colours and unexpected details within the seemingly barren terrain.
Askja caldera and Öskjuvatn
A volcanic world on an immense scale
Walk across the caldera floor towards Öskjuvatn, a deep blue lake occupying the collapse left by enormous eruptions. The surrounding mountains and silence make the scale of Askja genuinely awe-inspiring.
Víti crater
Pale geothermal colour beside the caldera
Look into the milky blue water of Víti, an explosion crater formed during Askja’s nineteenth-century eruptions. Its bright mineral tones create a remarkable contrast with the dark volcanic desert and the deep blue of the neighbouring caldera lake, making the viewpoint exceptionally photogenic.
Return through Ódáðahraun
Highland light and endless horizons
Travel back across one of Iceland’s largest lava deserts, watching changing light reshape mountains and distant ice caps. Arrival follows the timing and drop-off details confirmed for the booking, after a final sequence of immense horizons that few ordinary road journeys can match.
What is included
- Shared Super Jeep highland-ready vehicle and driver-guide
- Pick-up and drop-off as confirmed
- Flexible scenic stops and local guidance
What do I need to bring
- Warm layered clothing
- Waterproof and windproof outerwear
- Comfortable, sturdy footwear
- Water and refreshments
- Camera or phone
Good to know
Pick-up: Meet at the exact Lake Mývatn-area location and time shown on your voucher.
- This is a long, remote highland journey with rough roads and a substantial walk at Askja.
- Access is seasonal and departures depend on roads, snow and weather.
Highlights
- Herðubreið
- Herðubreiðarlindir oasis
- Drekagil canyon
- Askja caldera
- Öskjuvatn and Víti
- Ódáðahraun desert
Askja & Herðubreið Super Jeep Tour – Frequently Asked Questions
Expect a substantial walk over uneven volcanic ground between the vehicle area and the caldera viewpoints. Distance and conditions should be checked for the departure.
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