Formation
1875
Created by a massive Plinian eruption on March 29, 1875, one of Iceland's largest in recorded history
Víti at Askja: Warm Crater Lake in the Highlands
A warm, milky-blue crater lake formed in the 1875 eruption, deep in Iceland's highland interior
Location
Central Highlands
Askja caldera, Dyngjufjöll mountains
Quick Answer
Víti at Askja is a milky-blue geothermal crater lake formed in the 1875 eruption, deep in Iceland's central highlands. F-road access only, roughly late June to.
Víti at Askja is one of Iceland's best-known highland destinations, a geothermal crater lake inside the Askja caldera in the Dyngjufjöll mountain range. The name Víti means "Hell" in Icelandic, given to the crater after the catastrophic Plinian eruption of March 29, 1875, which deposited volcanic ash across Scandinavia and triggered a wave of Icelandic emigration to North America. Today the crater holds a warm, milky-blue lake fed by geothermal activity; the color comes from dissolved silica and sulfur compounds. Reaching this remote site requires a demanding drive along highland F-roads.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The descent into Víti is steep and can be dangerous when wet. Check volcanic activity alerts and road conditions before visiting. A 4WD vehicle is mandatory for F88.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Access Road
F88
Highland F-road requiring a 4WD vehicle with river crossings, typically open late June to September
Water Temperature
~22°C
Temperature varies with meltwater; hot mud and rockfall are separate hazards
What to Expect
Milky-Blue Crater Lake
The geothermally heated lake is a pale milky-blue, colored by dissolved silica and sulfur from underground hot springs.
Steep Crater Descent
A challenging trail descends from the rim to the water's edge. The slope is loose and can be slippery, requiring careful footing.
Öskjuvatn Lake
Adjacent to Víti sits Öskjuvatn, Iceland's deepest lake at 220 meters, filling the main Askja caldera with cold, dark water.
Remote Highland Setting
The drive in crosses highland desert: lava fields, black sand, and long mountain views.
River Crossings
The F88 route includes several river crossings that vary in depth and difficulty depending on rainfall and snowmelt conditions.
Drekki Hut
The Drekki mountain hut near the trailhead has basic accommodation and camping for those staying overnight in this remote area.
Getting There
Askja is located deep in the central highlands, approximately 200 km from Akureyri. Take Route 1 east from Akureyri to the junction with Route 901, then follow the F88 highland road south toward the Dyngjufjöll mountains. The F88 is a rough highland track with multiple river crossings and is only accessible by 4WD vehicle. The road typically opens in late June or early July. From the Drekki parking area, a 2.5 km hiking trail leads to the Víti crater. Many visitors join organized super-jeep tours from Akureyri or Mývatn. Always check road.is for current conditions and leave a travel plan at safetravel.is.
Best Time to Visit
The window to visit Víti at Askja is limited to the summer months, typically from late June through September, when the F88 highland road is open. July and August offer the most reliable access, the warmest temperatures, and the longest daylight hours. Early and late season visits may be affected by snow on the road or at the crater. Weather in the highlands can be unpredictable even in summer, so prepare for cold, wind, and rain regardless of the forecast. Early morning visits often provide calmer conditions and fewer crowds.
Separate the crater walk from the descent
The park’s A1 route begins at Vikraborgir, where there are toilets, and leads toward Víti and Öskjuvatn. Its easy hiking rating applies to that route; the park separately warns that descending into Víti is slippery and exposed to rock and mud slides. In summer, rangers at Drekagil and Herðubreiðarlindir can advise on conditions. Plan to see the crater from above if descent is unsuitable.
Planning help
Víti at Askja FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Can you swim in Víti at Askja?
Do not assume that bathing is possible on your visit. Ask the park rangers about current restrictions before descending. The park warns of a slippery slope, rock and mud slides, and hot mud on the bottom, particularly along the eastern bank. The lake is more than eight metres deep at its centre; an average water temperature does not describe every spot.
When is the road to Askja open?
The highland road F88 leading to Askja typically opens in late June or early July, depending on snow conditions, and closes again in September or October. The road is only accessible with a 4WD vehicle and includes river crossings. Always check road conditions at road.is before departing.
How long is the hike from the Askja parking area to Víti?
The hike from the Drekki parking area to Víti crater takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour each way. The trail crosses a lava field and passes along the edge of Lake Öskjuvatn before reaching the Víti crater rim. The total round trip is about 5-6 km.
What is the difference between Víti at Askja and Víti at Krafla?
Both craters are named Víti (meaning 'Hell'), but they are in different locations and formed during different eruptions. Víti at Askja formed in 1875 and has warm milky-blue water. Víti at Krafla formed in 1724 and has vivid green water. Krafla's Víti is easily accessible by car, while Askja's Víti requires a highland drive and a hike.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.