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. We’ve been running this tour 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: 8:00 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 lush oases 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.
If weather and conditions allow, you can bathe in the warm crater lake of Víti, located 1,100 meters above sea level — a truly unique experience!

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

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 to last a lifetime

Guided tour in 4×4 bus.

The weather in Iceland can change fast so it is best to have more clothes then less because you can leave it in the bus while you hike to the Askja lake. 

In beginning of summer in the highlands there can still be snow. You may have to walk in snow from the parking place to the lake Askja. 

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

• A 100% charge applies if canceled within 1 days of the start time.