Temperature
~22°C
Lukewarm geothermally heated crater water
Víti Crater at Askja: Milky-Blue Volcanic Crater Lake
A warm milky-blue crater lake born from the massive 1875 eruption, hidden deep in the Icelandic Highlands.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Highlands
Askja Caldera • F-road access
Víti (meaning "Hell") is a geothermal crater lake nestled within the vast Askja caldera in Iceland's remote central highlands. Formed during the catastrophic 1875 eruption that sent ashfall across Scandinavia, the crater is about 150 meters in diameter and filled with milky-blue, mineral-rich water warmed to around 20–25°C. Askja sits beside Öskjuvatn, one of Iceland's deepest lakes. The area served as a training ground for Apollo astronauts in the 1960s due to its lunar-like terrain. Access is via the challenging highland road F88, open only in summer.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Check bacteria advisories before bathing. The descent into the crater is steep and slippery. F88 requires a 4WD with river crossing capability.
Sources to check
Access
F88
Highland road — 4WD required, summer only
Formation
1875
Created during the massive Askja eruption
What to Expect
Milky-Blue Crater Lake (~22°C)
The 150-meter diameter crater is filled with milky-blue water at approximately 20-25°C, rich in dissolved silica and sulfur minerals
1875 Eruption History
Formed by a massive eruption that sent ashfall across Scandinavia, triggering a wave of emigration from Iceland to North America
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking boots (steep loose-gravel descent), warm waterproof layers, water, and food. No facilities at the crater. Check bacteria advisories before bathing
Apollo Training Site
NASA astronauts trained in the Askja area in 1965 and 1967 to prepare for the moon, drawn by the barren, volcanic, lunar-like terrain
Free Admission
No entrance fee. Access is via F88 (4WD required) plus a 2.5 km walk from the parking area. The area is completely free to visit
Steep Crater Descent
The path from the rim down to the water is steep and composed of loose scree. It takes 10-15 minutes down and longer back up. Use caution on the slippery surface
Getting There
From Route 1 near Lake Mývatn, take highland road F88 south for approximately 100 km (2-2.5 hours). A high-clearance 4WD is essential, with several river crossings along the way -- some can be deep after rain. The nearest town with services is Reykjahlíð (100 km). From the Askja parking area, it is a 2.5 km walk across a lava field to the Víti crater rim (30-40 minutes). There is a basic toilet at the parking area but no other facilities. Guided day tours depart from Mývatn and Akureyri during summer, handling the challenging driving for you. The total round trip from Mývatn is a full day (10+ hours).
Best Time to Visit
July and August only, when F88 is open and conditions are most favorable. Late June: the road may just be opening -- check road.is daily. River crossings can be dangerously high from snowmelt. July: the most reliable month with the best weather and longest daylight (near 24-hour sun). August: still excellent access but daylight begins shortening. Early September: the road may close depending on early snowfall. Highland weather changes rapidly -- temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer. Bring warm waterproof layers, hat, and gloves regardless of the forecast. Always check road.is and safetravel.is before departure.
Planning help
Víti Crater FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.