Askja

A remote caldera with a milky blue crater lake.

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Welcome to Askja

Askja is a vast volcanic caldera deep in the northern highlands, holding a large lake and the warmer Viti crater where you can sometimes bathe.

The long super jeep journey across lava deserts to reach it feels like travelling to another planet.

How to get there

The Highlands open only in the summer months and need a sturdy four wheel drive or a guided super jeep, since the mountain roads cross unbridged rivers.

Region: The Highlands
Type: Natural
Best for: Volcanoes, wilderness, super jeep tours
Best time: July to September
Suggested time: Full day
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Askja

What to see and do

The places and moments worth slowing down for.

The caldera

A vast volcanic basin in the interior.

Viti crater

A warm crater lake you can sometimes bathe in.

Lava deserts

Otherworldly black desert all around.

Tours & activities

Local experiences in and around Askja. Reserve in minutes once booking goes live.

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Nearby and worth pairing

Other places within easy reach for a longer trip.

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Good to know

Quick answers for planning your visit.

Where is Askja?

Askja is in The Highlands, Iceland. It is in the northern highlands, open in summer only.

What is Askja known for?

Askja is known for its huge caldera, the Oskjuvatn lake, the bathable Viti crater and a remote highland setting reached by rough roads.

When is the best time to visit Askja?

The best time to visit is july to September, and every season here has its own character.

How long should I spend at Askja?

Most visitors spend full day here, depending on the weather and how much of the surroundings you want to explore.

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