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Difficulty

Easy

Duration
12 hours
Price from

34.900 ISK

The Askja Classic Tour has been the most popular guided day tour from Lake Mývatn for 40 years. This 11-12 hour tour, takes our passengers through Iceland’s largest wilderness. You will see various geological sites and more..

Askja Tour – A Journey to the Heart of Iceland

The Askja tour is one of Iceland’s top 10 must-see experiences, and for good reason. This tour has been running since 1980, and it continues to amaze travelers with its raw beauty and unique geological features.

We take you to Askja in our specially equipped 4×4 highland bus, designed for comfort and safety. You'll ride high with plenty of legroom and space for your belongings. Our experienced drivers and knowledgeable guides ensure you can relax, enjoy the journey, and learn about the incredible landscape as we travel through it.

This full-day tour starts and ends in Arnarnes, where the meeting place is, in the Lake Mývatn area.

  • Departure: 7:45 AM
  • Return: Around 7:00–8:00 PM
  • Please arrive by 7:30 AM

What to Expect

The drive to Askja takes about 3–4 hours, taking us deep into the Icelandic highlands. Along the way, we pass through the Herðubreiðarlindir Nature Reserve, a protected area known for its natural beauty and a lush oasis in the desert-like highlands.

We’ll make several stops to explore the scenery and take in the unique lava fields, glacial rivers, natural springs, freshwater streams, and majestic mountains. There are no cafés or restaurants along the route, so please bring your own food and drinks. We’ll take breaks where you can sit down and enjoy your meal — either inside a mountain hut or outside in the peaceful landscape.

Once we arrive at Askja, around 12:00–1:00 PM, you'll have about 2 to 2.5 hours of free time. It’s an easy 35-minute walk from the parking area to Lake Askja and the famous Víti crater. The views of the blue water are truly unforgettable!

After a short visit to Drekagil canyon, about 8 km from Askja, we head straight back to Reykjahlíð, close to Lake Mývatn.

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Travel in a rugged 4×4 bus, built for the highland roads
  • Experience unforgettable Icelandic nature, including moon-like landscapes, the deepest lake in Iceland, black sand deserts, volcanic craters, and much more
  • Learn from local guides with decades of experience
  • Make memories that last a lifetime

Guided day tour in 4×4 bus.

1) Warm clothes and good shoes, since the weather in the highlands is unpredictable and can change suddenly.

2) Food and Water for the day. There are no supermarkets or restaurants on the way.

  • Askja day tour

    Askja Day Tour

    Join us on an unforgettable journey to Askja, located in the heart of the Icelandic highlands. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours each way.

    Our tour departs from the village of Reykjahlíð in the Lake Mývatn area at 8:00 AM, and we return around 7:00–8:00 PM.
    Please arrive no later than 7:40 AM.

    On the way to Askja, we’ll make several stops to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and unique geological features — including lava fields, glacial rivers, clear freshwater streams, hot springs, and majestic mountains. These stops also give you time to stretch your legs, relax in nature, and have a bite to eat. (Note: There are no cafés or restaurants along the route, so please bring your own food and drinks.)

    We arrive at the Askja parking area around 12:00–1:00 PM, where you’ll have about 2 to 2.5 hours of free time to explore. From there, it’s an easy 35-minute walk to Lake Askja and the Víti crater. Conditions permitting, you may even enjoy a swim in the warm geothermal water of Víti.

    Before heading back, we make a brief stop in Drekagil, a rugged and beautiful canyon about 8 km from Askja. Then we drive straight back to Reykjahlíð.

askja, caldera, highlands, viti, moon, lunar,

  • A 100% charge applies if canceled within 2 days of the start time.
  • A 30% charge applies if canceled within 7 days of the start time.

Please note

The weather in Iceland is unpredictable and changes fast, even in the summer. Take extra clothes with you, just in case. You can store them on the bus while hiking to and from Askja. 

Please mind, that in the beginning of summer there can still be snow in the Highlands of Iceland. Be prepared to walk in snow from the parking place to lake Askja. 

One way is 2,4 km long but flat with a small hill in the beginning. It takes around 35 minutes to walk in good condition. It can be more challenging in the snow.

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