Krafla

Overview

Krafla is an active volcanic system in northeast Iceland, centred around a 10-kilometre-long fissure swarm that has shaped the landscape for millennia. Part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this geological powerhouse encompasses not only the main Krafla volcano but an entire complex of craters, lava fields, and geothermal features that demonstrate Iceland's position at the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The system gained international attention during the Krafla Fires, a series of eruptions between 1975 and 1984 that created new lava formations and reshaped the surrounding terrain.

The crown jewel of Krafla is Víti crater, a 320-metre-wide explosion crater filled with an otherworldly blue-green lake. Formed during an eruption in 1724, Víti (meaning "Hell" in Icelandic) presents a striking contrast between its apocalyptic name and the serene beauty of its milky turquoise waters. The surrounding landscape tells the story of volcanic violence through steaming fumaroles, multicoloured mineral deposits, and stark lava fields that stretch toward the horizon.

What makes Krafla particularly significant is its accessibility and ongoing geological activity. Unlike many volcanic sites that require challenging hikes or specialist equipment, Krafla's main features lie within easy reach of good roads, making it one of Iceland's most visitor-friendly active volcanic systems. The nearby Krafla Power Station harnesses the area's geothermal energy, demonstrating how Icelanders have learned to work with their dynamic landscape rather than against it.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 65.7175°N, 16.7775°W

**Entry Fee:** Free

**Opening Hours:** 24/7 (no barriers or gates)

**Best Time to Visit:** June to September for easiest access; October to April for dramatic winter landscapes

**Difficulty Level:** Easy to moderate (well-maintained paths)

**Nearest Town:** Reykjahlíð (7 km south)

**Elevation:** 818 metres above sea level

**Last Major Eruption:** 1984

**Crater Diameter:** 320 metres (Víti crater)

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) eastbound for 461 kilometres to Mývatn, approximately 5.5 hours of driving. Turn north on Route 863 towards Krafla, clearly signposted. Follow Route 863 for 7 kilometres through increasingly barren volcanic terrain until reaching the Krafla car park. The final approach offers spectacular views across the Mývatn region and surrounding lava fields.

From Akureyri, the journey is shorter: 103 kilometres via Route 1 east to Route 87, then Route 85 to Reykjahlíð, before joining Route 863 north to Krafla. Total driving time approximately 1.5 hours.

Parking

A large gravel car park accommodates approximately 50 vehicles directly below Víti crater. Parking is free with no time restrictions. The car park includes basic facilities and information boards. During peak summer months (July-August), arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00 to secure parking, as tour buses frequently visit during midday hours.

Access

Víti crater rim is accessible via a well-maintained gravel path, just 200 metres uphill from the car park. The walk takes 5-10 minutes with a moderate incline. The path around the crater rim extends for approximately 1 kilometre, offering multiple viewpoints of the crater lake and surrounding volcanic landscape. Paths are suitable for most fitness levels, though proper footwear is essential due to loose volcanic gravel.

What to See and Do

Víti crater dominates the Krafla experience, with its ethereal blue-green lake creating one of Iceland's most photographed volcanic features. The crater rim walk provides constantly changing perspectives of the 320-metre-wide explosion crater, while interpretive signs explain the geological forces that created this remarkable feature. The lake's distinctive colour results from minerals leached from surrounding rocks and silica particles suspended in the water.

Beyond Víti, the Krafla geothermal area extends across several square kilometres of active volcanic terrain. Leirhnjúkur, a 30-minute walk northeast from the main car park, showcases the raw power of recent volcanic activity. This area features active fumaroles releasing sulphurous steam, brightly coloured mineral deposits painting the ground in yellows, oranges, and reds, and solidified lava flows from the 1980s eruptions still warm enough to steam in wet weather.

The Krafla Power Station, visible from Víti crater, offers guided tours showcasing Iceland's geothermal energy expertise. These tours, available June through August, provide insight into how volcanic activity is harnessed for clean electricity generation. Advance booking through the Landsvirkjun power company is required.

Hiking enthusiasts can tackle the 818-metre summit of Krafla volcano itself, a challenging 3-4 hour round trip from the car park. This route requires good fitness and navigation skills, but rewards climbers with panoramic views across northeast Iceland's volcanic landscape.

Best Time to Visit

**June to August:** Peak visiting season offers the most reliable weather and full daylight for photography. All paths remain clear of snow, making access straightforward. However, expect crowds, particularly from tour groups between 11:00 and 15:00.

**September to October:** Shoulder season provides excellent visiting conditions with fewer crowds and dramatic autumn light. Weather becomes more unpredictable, but clear days offer exceptional visibility across the volcanic landscape.

**November to March:** Winter visits reward hardy travellers with snow-covered volcanic terrain and potential Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Route 863 is maintained year-round, but icy conditions require winter tyres or 4WD vehicles. Daylight hours are limited, with only 4-6 hours of usable light in December and January.

**April to May:** Spring conditions can be challenging with possible snow patches and muddy paths from snowmelt. However, this period offers solitude and dramatic weather contrasts across the volcanic terrain.

Safety

Volcanic terrain at Krafla presents several specific hazards requiring visitor attention. Crater edges consist of loose volcanic rock that can crumble unexpectedly—maintain safe distances from cliff edges and stay on marked paths. Ground near fumaroles and hot springs can collapse, potentially causing severe burns from superheated steam or water.

Weather conditions change rapidly at 818 metres elevation. Warm clothing and waterproofs are essential year-round, as temperatures can be 10°C lower than at sea level. Strong winds are common, particularly around crater rims, making stable footing crucial.

Route 863 to Krafla is paved and suitable for conventional vehicles year-round, though winter conditions may require winter tyres. Mobile phone coverage is intermittent in the immediate Krafla area, so inform others of your planned itinerary.

The volcanic system remains active—while eruptions are monitored and predicted by the Icelandic Met Office, visitors should respect all warning signs and barriers if present.

Nearby Places

**Lake Mývatn** (7 km south): Iceland's fourth-largest lake surrounded by volcanic pseudocraters, dramatic lava formations, and diverse birdlife. The lake circuit drive covers 36 kilometres of remarkable geological features.

**Dimmuborgir Lava Fields** (10 km southwest): Spectacular lava rock formations creating a maze-like landscape of pillars, caves, and arches. Walking trails range from 20 minutes to 2 hours through this "Dark Fortress" terrain.

**Námafjall Geothermal Area** (12 km south): Active geothermal field featuring boiling mud pools, steam vents, and sulphur deposits creating a Mars-like landscape of vivid colours and intense geological activity.

**Grjótagjá Cave** (8 km southwest): A small lava cave containing a geothermal hot spring, famous for its role in Game of Thrones. The spring is too hot for bathing but creates an atmospheric underground experience.

**Húsavík** (45 km northeast): Iceland's whale watching capital offering year-round boat trips to observe minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins in Skjálfandi Bay.

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