The magnificent Askja Volcano is the jewel of the Icelandic highlands.  A destination characterised by unforgettable nature, lava fields, water and glacial rivers, and geological wonders, Mývatn Tours offer visitors the unique chance to explore this incredible landscape as they have never been seen before. 
 
The Askja Caldera
 
The wonders of Askja remained unknown for centuries.  Situated in the highest regions of Iceland, this impressive caldera is nestled amongst the volcanic Dyngjufjöll Mountains, an astonishing area that is only accessible a few months a year.  Askja (literally translating to ‘box’ or ‘caldera’ in Icelandic) boasts such an unusual and other worldly landscape that the area was used for training purposes during the US Apollo programmes – astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took to this strange, lunar setting in preparation for their first steps on the moon. 
 
Located north of Vatnajökull Glacier, the caldera is a bedrock subsidence located above a massive magma chamber that was not explored until the 19^th Century.  A series of eruptions in 1874-75 (especially a particularly fierce eruption in March 1875) caught the attention of international scientists.  During the eruption in 1875, the volcano billowed forth approximately two billion cubic metres of ash and pumice, the force of which created a new, smaller caldera within the old one.  In the following decades, the new caldera slowly filled with water until Lake Öskjuvatn was formed.  At 11 kilometres squared and 220 metres deep, it is one of the deepest lakes in Iceland. 
 
The changing landscapes of Askja are unrivalled – from snow-dusted formations to lava fields, visitors will feel as though they have stepped into a fantasy story.  The Herðubreiðarlindir Nature Reserve, where fresh water flows from springs in an old lava flow, is an additional nearby attraction.  The springs sustain beautiful vegetation and form small ponds that provide conditions for flowering plants and birdlife in an otherwise barren volcanic landscape.  The sub-glacial volcano Herðubreið, called 'the Queen of Icelandic Mountains', rises above the nature reserve, and forms a breathtaking background to this wilderness oasis.
 
The Tour
 
The Askja Lunar Tour has for many years been the most popular guided day tour from Lake Mývatn.  Led by Mývatn Tours, the 11-12 hour excursion takes passengers on an incredible journey by 4X4 buses through Iceland’s most unbelievable landscapes. 
 
The tour begins and ends in the village of Reykjahlíð in the Lake Mývatn area.  The journey to Askja takes approximately four hours; as you make your ascent, Mývatn Tours offer plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the amazing landscapes and geological wonders such as lava fields, glacial rivers, fresh water rivers, natural springs and magnificent mountains.  During these breaks the passengers will have the time to rest in an Icelandic hut or rejuvenate out in the fresh air, though clients should be aware that there are no cafés or restaurants along the route!
 
As beautiful as these roadside landscapes are, nothing can prepare a first time visitor for the sheer beauty of Askja.  The tour group will arrive around midday, leaving passengers a maximum of two and a half free time – indulge in an in-depth exploration of this scenic wonder, or undertake an easy, 35 minute walk to Lake Öskjuvatn and the Víti (Hell) crater.  In the right conditions, passengers can take a dip in the crater; a unique experience, the milky-blue, geothermal waters are sure to instantly relax and refresh your body and spirit. 
 
After enjoying the unearthly quietness and bizarre landscape of Askja, passengers return to the bus and drive back to Lake Mývatn – though as a final reminder of this sumptuous landscape, your return journey will take you via the Drekagil Canyon, located just eight kilometres from Askja.
 
Website: http://www.myvatntours.is/
Email: askjatours@myvatntours.is
Tel: +354 464 1920

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