Askja Caldera Day Trip: Viti Crater, Öskjuvatn Lake and Super Jeep Tours

Askja is one of Iceland’s most dramatic highland destinations - a vast volcanic caldera in the remote central interior containing two extraordinary features: Öskjuvatn, Iceland’s deepest lake at 220 metres, and Viti, an explosion crater filled with eerie blue-green water. Getting there requires a high-clearance 4WD or a guided super jeep tour. There are no compromises on this one, and that is partly what makes it so compelling.

What You’ll See at Askja

The caldera formed during a catastrophic eruption in 1875 that devastated the surrounding region and triggered mass emigration from northeast Iceland. The eruption left a depression that gradually filled with meltwater and snowfall to form Öskjuvatn - a lake so deep and cold that it freezes only rarely, even in the harshest winters.

Viti crater sits at the rim of Öskjuvatn and was created by a separate phreatic explosion in 1875. The circular crater, roughly 150 metres across, holds geothermally warmed water that took on a distinctive turquoise colour. For decades, adventurous travellers swam in Viti - the water temperature historically around 20–28°C in summer. Since 2023, swimming has been prohibited due to increased geothermal activity and unstable ground conditions around the crater rim. You can still walk down to the rim and look in, which is impressive enough.

Öskjuvatn lake stretches roughly 15 square kilometres and has a surface elevation around 1,050 metres above sea level. The scale only becomes apparent when you walk to the lakeshore and the far wall of the caldera is still kilometres away. On calm days the reflection of the rim on the lake surface is extraordinary.

The hike between the parking area, Viti, and the Öskjuvatn shoreline takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on pace, with minimal elevation gain. The path is well-trodden and easy underfoot in dry conditions, but can be slippery if wet.

Access: Why Standard Cars Cannot Reach Askja

The primary route to Askja is via the F88, running northeast from the Ring Road near Mývatn. The F88 is one of Iceland’s more demanding highland roads - multiple river crossings are required, including the Lindaá, which can run high and fast well into July. These crossings are not suitable for inexperienced drivers or standard 4WD vehicles without genuine high clearance and aggressive all-terrain tyres.

An alternative route via the F910 and F905 from the east is used by some operators but is equally demanding. There is no paved or easy approach to Askja from any direction.

If you are not an experienced highland driver with the right vehicle, take a tour. This is not highland hiking where the risk is weather - it is a technical driving environment where an incorrect river crossing can strand your vehicle or cause it to be swept downstream.

Super Jeep Tour Operators and Prices

Several operators run guided Askja tours from Mývatn and Akureyri. Prices below are approximate as of 2026 - book direct with operators for current rates.

From Mývatn (approx 85–100km to Askja):

• Most operators depart around 08:00–09:00 and return by 18:00–20:00
• Prices typically 25,000–35,000 ISK per person
• Group sizes range from 6 to 12 passengers in modified super jeeps
• Lunch or packed snacks are usually included - confirm when booking

From Akureyri (approx 160km to Askja):

• Longer driving day, typically 10–12 hours total
• Prices typically 35,000–50,000 ISK per person due to greater distance
• Fewer departures than Mývatn-based tours - book further ahead

Well-regarded operators running Askja tours include Geo Travel, Mývatn Adventure and Arctic Trucks - all offer modified 4x4 super jeeps with experienced highland guides. Check GetYourGuide for current availability and live pricing, as schedules and operators change between seasons.

When comparing tours, look for:

• Group size (smaller is better for commentary and pace)
• Whether entrance to Askja/Viti area is included (it usually is - there is no formal entry fee as of 2026)
• Whether the tour includes Holuhraun lava field or Herðubreið mountain stops (some longer tours do)

Combining Askja with a Highland Itinerary

Askja pairs naturally with a Mývatn base. The Mývatn area itself has enough to fill 2–3 days - Dimmuborgir lava formations, Námafjall Hverir geothermal field, Grjótagjá cave, and Mývatn Nature Baths are all within 20 minutes of Reykjahlíð village. Running the Askja tour from Mývatn on day two or three of a Mývatn stay is a logical structure.

For travellers building a broader highland trip, Askja can be combined with the Kjölur route (F35) by looping: south via the Ring Road, west on the F35, then north through the highlands. This requires multiple days and careful fuel planning. See our Iceland highlands itinerary for a five-day framework covering the main highland zones.

Season and Conditions

Askja tours typically run from July to mid-September. The F88 remains snow-blocked or flood-prone for much of June - some years the route does not open until mid-July. August is the safest month for reliable access.

Late August and September are excellent for photography: the summer crowds have thinned, autumn haze creates atmospheric light over Öskjuvatn, and overnight frosts begin to bring colour to the highland vegetation. By early October, river crossings become dangerous again and most operators close the season.

Before booking, check whether the F88 is open at road.is (the Icelandic Road Administration site) - F-road status is updated daily during the season.

What to Bring

• Waterproof layers - Highland weather at 1,000m elevation is unpredictable even in August. A waterproof jacket and mid-layer are essential regardless of the forecast.
• Sturdy footwear - The path to Viti is not technical, but the volcanic gravel is loose and uneven. Trail shoes or hiking boots are both fine; trainers are borderline.
• Water and snacks - There are no facilities at Askja. If your tour does not include food, bring your own lunch and at least 1.5 litres of water per person.
• Sun protection - The caldera is exposed and reflects light strongly from the lake surface. Sunscreen and sunglasses are worth having even on overcast days.
• Camera - The scale of Öskjuvatn and the colour of Viti are hard to capture well, but worth trying. A wide-angle lens or phone in portrait mode handles the vertical drama of the crater walls.

Practical Notes

Mývatn is the natural base for an Askja day trip. The village of Reykjahlíð has a grocery store (Strax), a petrol station, and a range of accommodation from guesthouses to the larger Hotel Reykjahlíð. Book accommodation in advance for July and August - the area fills up quickly despite feeling remote. Akureyri, 100km west, is the nearest city with a full range of services.

There is no phone signal at Askja. Download offline maps before you leave Mývatn, and ensure your tour operator has an emergency communication plan (all reputable operators carry satellite phones or VHF radios).