Askja is a caldera situated in a remote part of the north eastern highlands of Iceland. The name Askja refers to a complex of nested calderas within the surrounding Dyngjufjöll mountains, which rise to 1,510 m.
Nearby places:
Dreki, Holuhraun, Kverkfjöll, Herðubreiðarlindir
Hiking routes in the area:
Here you can find pdf hiking maps of the area around Askja, Víti, Holuhraun and Kverkfjöll
Askja was virtually unknown until the tremendous eruption started on March 29th 1875. Especially in the eastern fjords of Iceland, the ash fall was heavy enough to poison the land and kill livestock. Ash, or tephra from this eruption was wind-blown to Norway, Sweden, Germany and Poland. The eruption triggered a substantial wave of emigration from Iceland.
Víti Crater, Iceland is a geothermal crater lake found in Askja Caldera in the Icelandic Central Highlands. The water in Víti is approximately 25°C, making it a popular location for passing travellers to have a swim whilst surrounded by stunning nature.