From Mývatn Lake: Askja Volcano & Wilderness Super Jeep Tour

Explore the Remote Askja Volcano in a Super Jeep from Mývatn

The From Mývatn Lake: Askja Volcano & Wilderness Super Jeep Tour offers an exciting way to see one of Iceland’s most impressive volcanic sites. For $465 per person, this full-day adventure lasts about 12 hours and takes you deep into the Icelandic Highlands. Departing from the parking lot at Berjaya Hotel in Mývatn, this tour is perfect for travelers eager to experience Iceland’s wild, untouched landscape with a knowledgeable local guide.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of a flexible, small-group experience in a Super Jeep, allowing access to rugged terrain that regular vehicles can’t reach. While the tour delivers stunning scenery and memorable hikes, it’s also important to note that adverse weather conditions like snowstorms can impact visibility and accessibility, as seen in some reviews.

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Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Mývatn to Askja Caldera, lasting around 12 hours
• Travel in a Super Jeep into the Icelandic Highlands, with limited to 10 participants
• Visit the famous Askja Caldera and hike to Víti Crater and Askja Lake
• Includes all park and facility fees, but excludes food, drinks, and hotel transfers
• Highlights the natural scenery of lava fields, geothermal lakes, and wide-open wilderness
• Weather can affect visibility and hiking conditions, especially in winter months

Departing from Mývatn: Starting Point for Iceland’s Wilderness

The tour begins at the parking area of Berjaya Hotel in Mývatn, providing a convenient starting point for travelers based in the region. After meeting the small group and the guide, the journey into the Icelandic Highlands begins in a Super Jeep, designed to handle rough, unpaved roads and challenging terrain.

This departure point ensures easy access without the need for additional transfers, but travelers should be prepared for a full-day adventure. The flexibility of the tour allows stops at various scenic spots, offering multiple opportunities to admire Iceland’s natural beauty along the way.

Traveling into the Icelandic Highlands by Super Jeep

Accessing the Askja Caldera involves navigating across lava fields and wide-open spaces that are inaccessible to standard vehicles. The Super Jeep facilitates a smooth ride over rugged terrain, making the remote areas reachable. The landscape is characterized by wide lava fields surrounding the Herðubreiðarlindir volcano, known for its interesting flora and the ruins of an outlaw’s hut from 1775.

The journey itself is part of the experience, with the driver-guide providing insights into the geology, history, and biology of this untouched wilderness. This mode of transport is essential for reaching the caldera area, especially when weather conditions are less predictable.

Visiting the Askja Caldera and Its Geothermal Lake

The Askja Caldera is the central highlight of this tour. Created by violent eruptions in 1875, it presents a flat-topped volcanic landscape that is both striking and awe-inspiring. The caldera encloses Askja Lake, a geothermal body of water contributing to the area’s geothermal activity.

The hike to the caldera’s edge is part of the adventure. You’ll walk along paths leading to the shores of Askja Lake, where the volcanic activity has shaped the landscape. The guide explains the volcanic history and the significance of the caldera as you explore.

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The Víti Crater: A Geothermal Hot Spring

One of the tour’s most memorable experiences is visiting Víti Crater. Its name means “Hell” in Icelandic, referencing the volcanic origin of the hot spring. The crater contains a geothermal lake with water temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C.

Standing beside the hot spring offers a unique chance to bathe or simply marvel at the bubbling, steaming water. Visitors often find this a once-in-a-lifetime experience—standing next to a volcanic crater filled with warm water in the middle of the Icelandic wilderness.

Scenic Stops and Nature Highlights Along the Route

Throughout the tour, stops are made at lava fields that surround the caldera, offering stunning views of intricate volcanic formations. The area around Herðubreiðarlindir volcano features incredible flora and the remains of an outlaw’s hut from the 18th century, adding a historical aspect to the landscape.

The wide-open spaces, natural freshwater springs, and geological formations are highlights for nature enthusiasts. These stops provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the raw beauty of Iceland’s highlands.

Physical Demands and Weather Considerations

The hike to Víti Crater and Askja Lake is manageable for most physically able participants, but the terrain can be uneven or snow-covered, especially in winter. Inexperienced hikers should be cautious, as some reviews mention snow depths of half a meter, making trails slippery and less accessible.

Weather can also impact safety and visibility, with snow storms or high winds possibly limiting the views and safety near the caldera edge. The guide’s experience and the flexible schedule help adapt to changing conditions.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour price of $465 covers full-day guided transportation in a Super Jeep and all park and facility fees. It does not include food, drinks, or hotel transfers, so travelers should bring snacks, water, and any personal necessities.

The tour starts at Berjaya Hotel’s parking lot, and participants should arrive prepared for a long day in the wilderness. Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended, especially given the rugged terrain.

Since children under 10 and people with mobility impairments are not suitable for this trip, it is best suited for active individuals comfortable with outdoor conditions.

Small Group Experience with Local Guides

Limited to 10 participants, this tour provides a personalized experience with a live English-speaking guide. The guide’s role is vital, as they share insights into the geology and history of the region, making the adventure both educational and engaging.

The small group size enhances the feeling of intimacy and allows for more flexible stops and personalized attention, making it a strong choice for travelers seeking a more exclusive experience.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

While the tour operates year-round, winter conditions can significantly influence the experience. Snowstorms or heavy snowfall can obscure views and make hiking trails slippery. As some reviews note, visibility at Askja can be limited during stormy weather, and safety must take priority.

In summer, the landscape is typically more accessible, with less snow and warmer temperatures, making the hikes more enjoyable and safer.

The Sum Up: A Rugged Adventure into Iceland’s Volcano Wilderness

The From Mývatn Lake: Askja Volcano & Wilderness Super Jeep Tour offers an exciting and scenic journey into Iceland’s volcanic heart. The full-day adventure takes you to Askja Caldera, Víti Crater, and surrounding lava fields, providing stunning views and memorable hikes.

While the experience is rich in natural beauty and history, weather conditions can affect the trip’s visibility and safety. This tour is particularly well-suited for adventurous travelers eager to explore the Icelandic Highlands in a small, guided group.

With expert guides and the ability to access remote volcanic landscapes, this tour delivers a combination of geology, scenery, and thrill. Just be prepared for the rugged terrain and variable weather, and you’ll find it a rewarding highland expedition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The full-day guided tour, all park and facility fees, and transportation by Super Jeep are included. Food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting from the morning and ending back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Berjaya Hotel parking lot in Mývatn and returns there at the end of the day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 or people with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Bring food and drinks for the day, plus comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear for walking on uneven terrain.

Can the weather affect the tour?
Yes, snowstorms or heavy snow can limit visibility and make hiking trails slippery, especially in winter.

What makes this tour different from others?
Access to the remote Askja caldera in a Super Jeep, small group size, and the opportunity to hike to Víti Crater are key features.

Is the trip flexible?
Yes, the small group size allows for stops at various scenic points and adjustments based on weather conditions.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Visiting the Askja Caldera and soaking in the Víti Crater hot spring are the most memorable moments.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The hikes are generally manageable, but snow and uneven terrain can increase difficulty. Participants should be prepared for outdoor conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby