Private Highland Tour to Askja Caldera from Akureyri
A full-day private journey through Iceland's volcanic highlands, crossing rivers to reach one of the most remote and spectacular calderas on earth.
This private Askja Caldera tour takes you deep into the Icelandic central highlands, navigating the rugged F88 mountain road to reach landscapes that once served as training grounds for NASA Apollo astronauts. The journey covers river crossings, vast lava fields, and a visit to a geothermal crater lake.
Departing from Akureyri, the route passes through the Mývatn area and the Hrossaborg crater before turning onto the F88 highland track. The road demands a capable 4x4 vehicle and leads through some of the most isolated terrain in Europe, where volcanic geology dominates every horizon.
The final stretch before Askja passes through a lunar-like corridor of hardened lava and ash plains. The caldera itself contains the striking Viti crater lake, where warm geothermal waters invite a swim if conditions allow. The surrounding Dyngjufjöll mountains, rising to 1,510 metres, frame the scene with raw volcanic grandeur.
After exploring Askja, the tour continues to Drekagil — the Canyon of the Dragons — where dark, narrow rock formations line a gorge that ends at a hidden waterfall. This final stop adds a geological contrast to the day before the return drive to Akureyri.
Tour Highlights
Visit Askja, an active nested caldera complex within the Dyngjufjöll mountains, rising to 1,510 metres above sea level.
Swim in the warm geothermal waters of the Viti crater lake, formed inside an explosion crater at the edge of Askja lake.
Walk the A1 trail (2.4 km) from the Vikraborgir craters — formed in a 1961 eruption — to the shores of Askja lake.
Explore Herðubreiðalindir, a green highland oasis where Iceland's most famous outlaw, Fjalla-Eyvindur, sheltered in winter 1774-1775.
Travel the F88 highland road, crossing rivers and gravel tracks through a landscape that once prepared NASA astronauts for the moon.
Discover Drekagil, the Canyon of the Dragons, a narrow gorge of unusual rock formations that leads to a secluded waterfall.
Enjoy a fully private experience with no shared groups, allowing a flexible and personal pace throughout the day.
Itinerary
The tour begins in Akureyri, heading east along Route 1 through the Mývatn geothermal area. The drive passes Hrossaborg, a large tuff crater, before reaching the turn-off for the F88 highland road.
The F88 is a gravel mountain track requiring a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. The route involves several river crossings and traverses open lava plains on the approach to the interior highlands.
A stop at Herðubreiðalindir, a sheltered green area fed by springs at the base of Mount Herðubreið. This is the site where outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur survived the winter of 1774-1775 in extreme isolation.
Parking at the Vikraborgir craters, guests walk the 2.4 km A1 trail to Askja lake and the Viti explosion crater. Swimming in Viti's warm geothermal water is possible when conditions allow — bring a towel.
The tour continues to Drekagil, a dark and narrow canyon filled with striking geological formations. A moderate walk through the gorge leads to a waterfall at the far end.
After Drekagil, the vehicle retraces the highland roads back to Akureyri. The return journey covers the same dramatic volcanic scenery viewed from a different light.
What Is Included
Included
- Private guided transportation for the full day
- Experienced highland driver and guide
- Super jeep or suitable 4x4 vehicle
- River crossing and F88 road navigation
- All national park and area access
Not Included
- Food, snacks or drinks
- Personal travel insurance
- Towel for Viti crater swimming
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Askja Highland Tour
Secure your private full-day tour to Askja Caldera and the Icelandic highlands. Places are limited on private bookings — confirm your date in advance to avoid missing availability.
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