4 Best Sights in Askja Route, The Highlands

A large caldera in the center of a volcanic system with many fissures, Askja is one of the most stunning sights in all of Iceland. Although it has a history stretching back 700,000 years, the topography seen today—the pristine blue Öskjuvatn lake and Víti crater—is the result of a massive 1875 volcanic episode that produced more ash than any other in Iceland's history. It blanketed 10,000 square km (3,860 square miles), wiping out livestock and forcing many to migrate to North America. The hike to Öskjuvatn lake and Víti crater is around 3 km (2 miles) from the Vikraborgir car park, where you'll also find well-maintained toilet facilities.

If you've seen postcards of Iceland, you might already be familiar with the beautiful symmetrical form of this 1,682-meter (5,518-foot) table mountain. Standing alone in the vast Ódáðahraun lava field, Herðubreið (meaning “the broad-shouldered”) is a national favorite and dubbed \"Queen of the Icelandic Mountains.\"

A little piece of heaven can be found at Herðubreiðalindir, where the spring-fed river Lindaá waters wildflowers and lush vegetation. As one of the main stops on the Askja Trail, the area is home to a campsite and a rangers’ station, in addition to the charming little Þorsteinsskáli hut operated by Ferðafélag Akureyrar. There are some lovely short hikes around the oasis and a trail to what is believed to be the remains of a hide-out built by famous outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur. According to legend he sheltered here, in the winter of 1774, surviving on raw horse meat and angelica roots.

A relatively new addition to Iceland’s northern interior, the Holuhraun lava field is the result of a six-month-long event that began in August 2014 in the Bárðarbunga volcanic system. By the time it was over it had produced Iceland’s most significant lava flow in over 200 years, with the 1,600-meter (5,249-foot) -long fissure spewing out enough lava to completely cover 85 square km (33 square miles). A marked trail leads through a small section of the lava field on the northern edge close to the parking area. The lava is particularly sharp, so wear hiking boots (not sneakers) and be careful. To reach Holuhraun follow the F910 south of Askja. Stop at the rangers’ station at Drekagil first for safety information and more detailed directions.