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Discover Askja, one of the most desolated places on the planet. A stratovolcano surrounded by absolutely nothing but a moon-like desert landscape of lava rocks. Then be wowed by Holuhraun, Iceland's freshest lava field. Let's get started!
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On this amazing tour, embark on an epic adventure through the Askja Caldera. This isolated volcanic landscape was used as a training site for astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin for the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969. Located on top of one of the largest volcanoes in Iceland, Askja is home to Öskjuvatn Lake, a milky blue lake at the heart of the crater. We'll also take you to Holuhraun, Iceland's youngest lava field dating back to 2014. This immense lava field still smoulders in some places. Askja and the surrounding area will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
This tour will take you on an unforgettable adventure through a rugged landscape steeped in myth and legend, making it ideal for pretty much everyone.
The adventure starts at around 6:15 a.m. from Lake Mývatn (Icelandair Hotel Myvatn Parking/Mývatn Activity Office). We'll skirt around the surreal Myvatn geothermal area before heading to Herðubreiðarlindir Springs. Herðubreiðarlindir is rich in luscious green vegetation and birdlife, making it an ideal place for nature lovers. Your friendly guide will tell you all about the history of the area, which was a favored sanctuary for the legendary outlaw Fjalla Eyvindur.
By then we'll be nearing Drekagil (Dragon’s Gully), which guards the entrance to Askja. It more than lives up to its reputation, replete with imposing rock formations that will make you feel like you are wandering into a dragon’s lair. Your guide will tell you all about the folk legends that surround this dramatic place and take you to the gorgeous waterfall that is hidden within its rocky interior. En route, keep your eyes peeled for dragons and the treasure that they guard.
Then we'll make the 30-minute hike to Askja Lake, which has an area of around 11 kilometers and reaches a depth of 217 meters, making it the second-deepest lake in Iceland. When we arrive there, you are sure to be enchanted, thanks to the mysterious milky-turquoise water, which makes it look a bit like an isolated version of the Blue Lagoon. We'll also visit the nearby Víti Crater where you can take a dip into Víti's warm pool. Just don't forget to take your swimming suit!
Next prepare to be amazed by Holuhraun Lava Field that was formed in a 7-month-long eruption in 2014. The eruption created a huge lava field of more than 85 sq km (33 sq mi). The still warm lava field will prove to be a big Instagram hit!
After a day spent adventuring, we'll return to Lake Myvatn via no less stunning volcanic landscapes.
Please remember that the weather conditions in the Icelandic Highlands are unpredictable and everyone on the tour should dress appropriately. Askja is located at a high altitude on the coast, meaning that it can be much colder than the surrounding area. There is often snow long into the summer and we strongly recommend that all visitors bring waterproof layers, woolen or fleece sweaters, gloves, sturdy boots and a hat. There are no shops in the Icelandic Highlands, meaning that you will need to bring your own food and refreshments.
Bring with you: Packed lunch, water, good shoes, warm clothes, bathing suit and towel. The tour includes a fair amount of walking so warm waterproof clothing and good shoes are recommended.
Not included: Meals or refreshments. During the tour we break for refreshments at a café, the stop is quite late on the tour. We therefore recommend a pre-packed lunch.
This is a great question. We ask all participants to be ready from the start of the pickup time indicated. This is because you may well be the first pick up of the day. Please be at your assigned location at the start time that you chose when booking the tour.
Here you should wait for your guide.
Have your email and phone number listed with us so we can contact you if we run into any trouble finding you.
View our pick-up locations in Reykjavík.
Before and during activities on the multi-day tours consumption of alcohol is prohibited. If we suspect that a participant is intoxicated, we will prohibit them from joining the activity.
After the activities of the day are finished, you are welcome to have a drink and relax.
Yes, we do. Langjökull Ice Cave is a magical experience, the tour has no minimum age and is a wonderful option for the whole family. Whale Watching with our partner company Elding has been a favourite with families traveling with young children, these guys have a great success rate in seeing whales (upwards of 98% in the summertime).
Another option would be the Landmannalaugar Safari on this tour you get to explore parts of the Icelandic highlands and bathe in natural hot springs. Most of our super jeep tours are also suitable for children over the age of 6 years old. If you would like a nice and relaxing experience we would also recommend the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour.
Your safety is our number one priority! Keeping this in mind, Arctic Adventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on conditions. Please read more information in our cancellation policy.
Yes, there is a specially trained and certified guide on each of our tours. The only exception to this is for our self-drive tours.
All of our tours are guided in English.
No, for all your questions and concerns you would need to contact our customer service.
The standard in Iceland is 230V and 50Hz and we use F-type power sockets and plugs, so you might have to bring an adaptor if you are visiting from UK, USA, Canada or other countries using a different voltage, Hz or plugs.
Our tours are split into four different categories that help participants to understand what to expect from the tour. The categories are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Demanding. Each tour is rated making it easier to find tours that suit you.
For further information about the difficulty ratings and descriptions.
We’ve partnered with the Kolviður Fund in a new carbon offsetting program, which passengers can select to participate in at the time of booking.
The Kolviður Fund is the oldest, most respected carbon offsetting program in Iceland. With your support, one tree will be planted in special Kolviður forests in Iceland to carbon offset your tour with us.
Kolviður forests are strategically planted to absorb the maximum amount of CO2 and the forests are protected for a minimum of 60 years. During their lifetime the trees absorb carbon and store it in their root system, trunk, and branches. Trees also prevent soil erosion and maintain storage of carbon in the soil.
