Mt. Askja – Dyngjufjoll

Region: Highland
Coordinates: 65.03° N 16.75° W

The Odadahraun lava desert

This is the vastest lava area of the country. The individual lava fields date back to different ages, but all of them were created during the Holocene. The total area of the Odadahraun is about 6000 km² and all of it is the property of the farm Reykjahlid on lake Myvatn. It is a part of the Icelandic Graben and is very volcanically active. The natural phenomena described under this title are either within or on the outskirts of the area. The area should only be accessed by 4wd vehicles or on foot. Hikers should be aware of the lack of surface water in the lava fields and bring along sufficient supplies of water. Hikers should also plan their daily progress conservatively and use maps rather than relying on their eyes, because the clear air draws all landmarks closer than they really are.

There are very few vegetated oases in the area and the few huts are not situated, where a day’s hike is concluded every time. Therefore it is necessary to bring tents along. Ancient routes across this area have been discovered during the last few decades. The whole area lies in the rain shadow of the icecap Vatnajokull and the precipitation is minimal the whole year round.

The mountain massif Dyngjufjoll, similiar in size as the volcano Oraefajokull, surrounds one of the largest calderas of the country with an approximate area of 50 square kilometres. Mt Oraefajokull still stands proudly as a cone shaped volcano of the same kind as Mt St Helens in the state of Washington in the USA, but Mts Dyngjufjoll have collapsed. Its highest point is Mt Thorvaldsfjall (1510 metres), rising to the south above Lake Askja, which was created after the 1875 eruption.
Mars 25th 2024 a series of earthquakes have been observed in Askja/Dyngjufjoll.

Volcanic eruptions in Iceland

Self drive Gaesavatna route

Askja in Icelandic

Highland Iceland Saga

In the years 1875-1880, however, it was left abandoned farms as a result of the lavish ashfall emanating from volcano Askja during an 1875 eruption

A new hut for 30 persons was built at Drekagil in 2004. The 1968 hut accommodates 20.

For information on road conditions, see www.road.is or call the Road Administration Information Line: +354 1777

After the establishment of Europe’s largest national park, Vatnajokull, on June 7th, 2008, Drekagil in Dyngjufjoll became one of the centres for the NP wardens.

Hiking

This part of the Interior offers a great variety of possibilities for short or long hikes. In most cases it depends on the individual traveller to decide which hillock or mountain is the best vantage point, or how far to go into the wilderness. Long hikes require good planning, preparations, and physical fitness. The psychology has to be considered as well. Sometimes the vast, barren landscapes, and the solitude overwhelme hikers, who are travelling alone and do not meet a soul for days on end. The Odadahraun lava desert is very dry, which means, that hikers have to carry water supplies if they do not know where to look for sanded snow patches during summer. There are absolutely no streams in this vast and permeable area, only at its edges in all directions.

Askja – A place of wonders and mystery.

Experience the landscape of Askja, learn about mysterious events and volcanic activity.
Departure from the car park in Askja and finish at crater Viti, duration approx 45 min.

Self Drive Askja Route F-88

Off-road driving is strictly prohibited!

Information from Vatnajokull National Park and nat.is

Look for popular tours in Iceland.

More about Iceland when Travel:
Camping in Iceland
Hiking in Iceland
Swimming pools
Golf Courses
Angling in Iceland
Highlands Routes
Highland Travel Guide
Bus Schedule in Iceland
Car Rental Planner