Formation
1724
Formed during the opening eruption of the Mývatn Fires on May 17, 1724
Víti at Krafla: Green Crater Lake in North Iceland
A vivid green explosion crater from the 1724 Mývatn Fires, easily reached near Lake Mývatn in North Iceland
Location
North Iceland
Krafla volcanic system, near Mývatn
Víti at Krafla is an explosion crater filled with vivid green geothermal water, located within the Krafla volcanic system in North Iceland. The crater was formed on May 17, 1724, during the opening phase of the Mývatn Fires (Mývatnseldar), a five-year period of volcanic eruptions that devastated the region. The name Víti, meaning "Hell," was given by locals who believed the eruption was a gateway to the underworld. Today the crater is a short walk from the parking area, its colored water surrounded by steam vents and bare volcanic terrain.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Stay on marked paths and do not approach the water. Geothermal areas have unstable ground and scalding temperatures. Steam vents can emit toxic gases.
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Water Color
Green
Vivid emerald to turquoise green from dissolved minerals, sulfur compounds, and algae
Walk from Parking
5 min
A short, easy walk from the Krafla parking area to the crater rim viewpoint
What to Expect
Vivid Green Water
The crater lake's green hue shifts between emerald and turquoise depending on the season, water temperature, and algae activity.
Easy Access
Unlike many Icelandic craters, Víti at Krafla requires only a short 5-minute walk from the parking area on a well-maintained path.
Krafla Lava Fields
Nearby Leirhnjúkur has still-steaming lava fields from the Krafla Fires eruptions of 1975-1984, with a walking path across the raw volcanic terrain.
Geothermal Activity
Steam vents and fumaroles surround the crater, a reminder that Krafla remains one of Iceland's most active volcanic systems.
Crater Rim Views
The rim overlooks the crater lake below and the surrounding Krafla caldera stretching to the mountains.
Mývatn Area
Víti is just 20 minutes from Lake Mývatn, so it is easy to combine with the Mývatn Nature Baths, the Dimmuborgir lava formations, and Námafjall.
Getting There
Víti at Krafla is located approximately 20 minutes from Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. From Reykjahlíð on the eastern shore of Mývatn, take Route 1 east for about 3 km, then turn left onto Route 863 toward the Krafla area. Follow the road past the Krafla geothermal power station to the parking area at the end of the road. From Akureyri, the drive takes about 1.5 hours east along Route 1. The road is paved all the way to the parking area and is accessible to all standard vehicles year-round, though winter conditions may require caution.
Best Time to Visit
Víti at Krafla can be visited year-round thanks to its easy road access, but the best time is from June through August when weather conditions are mildest and the green water color is most vivid. Summer visits also allow you to combine the trip with longer hikes around the Leirhnjúkur lava fields. In winter, the surrounding snow contrasts with the steaming crater, though paths may be icy. The Mývatn area has midnight sun from mid-June to mid-July, so summer visits can run late into the evening.
Planning help
Víti at Krafla FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.