Askja Caldera: Jeep Day Trip & Geothermal Lake Hike

Summary

Jeep ride to Askja’s wild caldera, lunar landscapes and crater lake swim

You’ll travel by Jeep deep into Iceland’s interior on this Askja Caldera tour, meeting locals along the way and tasting simple foods that stick with you. Hike across volcanic ground to Víti crater, where you can dip in a geothermal lake if you dare. With lunch and dinner included, it’s a day of odd beauty and real stories you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the silence — not the gentle kind, but that deep, empty hush when our Jeep finally stopped somewhere in Iceland’s interior. It was just us, the wind scraping over black rocks, and our guide Jón fiddling with the radio (he said it only picks up one station out here). He handed around some dried fish — I tried it, salty and tough, but honestly, it felt right for this place. The air smelled cold and mineral. I kept thinking, how do people live out here? Then we met a farmer who showed us his weather-beaten sheep shelter. He shrugged when I asked about winter — “You get used to it,” he said.

The drive toward Askja Caldera felt like moving between worlds: green patches fading into endless grey lava fields. Jón pointed out where NASA astronauts trained before Apollo 11 — apparently Armstrong hated the food here too. We stopped for photos every so often (the light changes fast), but sometimes I just watched the clouds drag shadows across the ground. Lunch was a picnic with bread and smoked trout; not fancy, but after that hike you’re hungry for anything warm. The keyword “Askja Caldera tour” doesn’t really cover how weirdly beautiful this place is — it’s like nowhere else I’ve seen.

The last stretch was a hike up to Víti crater — they call it ‘Hell’, which made me laugh because the water inside is actually warm enough to swim in if you’re brave (I wasn’t). Someone from our group went in anyway; her yelp echoed off the rocks. Jón told us about the volcano’s last eruption in ’61 as we sat there eating chocolate from his backpack. The sun came out for five minutes and everything looked gold. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home making coffee or whatever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Askja Caldera and surroundings

• Start early from Akureyri
• Travel by Jeep into Iceland interior
• Meet locals and learn lifestyle
• Stop for photo opportunities
• Lunch with local ingredients
• Visit NASA astronaut training site
• Hike to Víti explosion crater
• Bathe in geothermal lake
• Learn about Myvatn nature

Top questions

How long does the Askja Caldera tour take?

This is a full-day trip starting early from Myvatn area and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on the Askja Caldera tour?

Yes, a packed lunch with locally sourced ingredients is provided en route.

Can you swim in Víti crater during the tour?

Yes, it's possible to bathe in the geothermal lake inside Víti crater if conditions allow.

What kind of vehicle is used for this day trip?

The tour uses a Jeep suitable for Iceland's rugged interior roads.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to additional info provided.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near departure points.

Is this Askja day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to organizers.

Does this tour include meeting local people?

Yes, there are stops along the way where travelers meet locals who share their stories about living in Iceland's interior.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by Jeep with CO2 offsetting covered by a certified agent, packed lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients en route depending on conditions, plus dinner with non-alcoholic beverages before heading back in the evening—all led by a local guide who brings Iceland’s wild side alive through stories and small surprises along the way.