Askja

Askja rises 1516 meters within the Dyngjufjöll mountains, featuring a main caldera that spans 50 square kilometers across the central highlands of Iceland.

The volcanic system experienced a substantial eruption in 1875, creating the Öskjuvatn lake and causing significant changes to the surrounding terrain and communities.

The area served as a training ground for NASA Apollo program astronauts who prepared for lunar missions by studying the volcanic formations.

Visitors need specialized vehicles to reach Askja through mountain roads, with access limited to three or four months during summer due to weather conditions.

The caldera contains Öskjuvatn, the second deepest lake in Iceland at 220 meters, alongside the Víti crater with its geothermal waters.

Location: Þingeyjarsveit

Inception: 1978

Elevation above the sea: 1,516 m

Made from material: basalt, rhyolite

Part of: Dyngjufjöll

GPS coordinates: 65.03000,-16.75000

Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:35