Askja

Askja and Víti are among the best known natural phenomenons in Iceland; Askja being a central volcano that has erupted numerous times in the last 150 years and Víti a crater within the caldera, with a warm lake at its bottom, perfectly suited for bathing. Next to crater Víti lies lake Öskjuvatn with its depth well over 200 meters.

HOW TO GET THERE

The road to Askja goes from road 1 to road 901 and onto mountain road F905. Onward to F910 to Drekagil. On this route there are two fords to cross, usually small. From Drekagil goes mountain road F894 (8 km) to the car park at Vikraborgir.

Another option is to go from road 1 to mountain road F88 via Herðubreiðarlindir to Drekagil. On this road ther are fords on the rivers Grafarlandsá and Lindá that need to be crossed. The fords can be difficult or even impassable for small jeeps.

No scheduled bus transport is for Askja, but daytours are available from Mývatn.

A marked hiking path leads from the car park at Vikraborgir to the crater Víti. The path is approximately 2 km and estimated walking time is 30 minutes each way.

From the the huts in Drekagil it is popular to walk into the canyon that the place takes it name from, Drekagil. The path is unmarked.

SERVICES

Information: Rangers are based in Herðubreiðarlindir and Drekagil during summer. The rangers provide information and education about the national park.

Shops: None.

Restaurants: None.

Accommodation: The Touring Club of Akureyri operates huts and campsites in Herðubreiðarlindir and Drekagil.