Into the Heart of Iceland’s Highlands

The moment I set foot in Þingeyjarsveit, I knew this was going to be an adventure unlike any other. The air was crisp, the landscape rugged, and the promise of exploring the Askja Caldera was enough to set my adrenaline pumping. As a former professional athlete, I’ve always sought out the thrill of the unknown, and this tour promised just that. Our journey began at Lake Myvatn, where our expert guide loaded us into a sturdy 4x4, ready to tackle the wild terrain ahead.

The drive through the highlands was nothing short of spectacular. We crossed glacial rivers, navigated through black sand deserts, and marveled at the stark beauty of the lava fields. Each turn revealed a new facet of Iceland’s untamed wilderness. Our first stop was the Hrossborgir explosion crater, a site that seemed to belong to another world. It was here that the movie “Oblivion” was filmed, and standing at the edge of the crater, I could see why. The landscape was otherworldly, a perfect backdrop for a sci-fi epic.

The Majesty of Herðubreið

Our next destination was Herðubreið, the “Queen of Mountains” in Iceland. This flat-topped volcano is a sight to behold, rising majestically from the surrounding plains. We took a moment to walk into a nearby lava field, the ground crunching beneath our boots, and paused to take in the serene beauty of Herðubreiðarlindir Springs at its base. The springs are a lush oasis in the midst of the barren landscape, a reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty.

As we continued our journey, we stopped at the Gljúfrasmiður waterfall, a hidden gem nestled in a canyon. The sound of the water crashing down was a symphony of nature, and I couldn’t resist the urge to climb closer, feeling the mist on my face. This was the kind of raw, unfiltered experience that I live for, the kind that makes you feel alive and connected to the world around you.

The Otherworldly Askja Caldera

The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the Askja Caldera. As we approached, the landscape transformed into something almost lunar, a vast expanse of volcanic rock and ash. The caldera itself is a massive 50 km² subsidence cauldron, formed when an eruption caused the roof of the magma chamber to collapse. Standing at the edge, I was struck by the sheer scale and power of nature.

We hiked down to the Víti crater, a geothermal marvel where, in the summer, you can take a dip in the warm waters. Though it wasn’t warm enough for a swim during my visit, the sight of the turquoise water against the stark volcanic backdrop was breathtaking. We had time to explore the area, taking in the views of Lake Askja, a serene body of water nestled within the caldera.

This adventure through Iceland’s highlands was a reminder of why I fell in love with travel in the first place. The thrill of discovery, the beauty of untouched landscapes, and the stories waiting to be told. If you’re looking for an experience that will leave you breathless and inspired, the Askja Caldera Tour is a journey you won’t want to miss.