A Self-Drive Guide to the Krafla Volcanic Region

In North Iceland, the landscape speaks of immense power. The Krafla volcanic system, located near Lake Mývatn, is one of the country's most active and spectacular geothermal zones. A visit here is a journey into a world of steaming vents, vast lava fields, and vibrant crater lakes. For anyone exploring the Mývatn area by car, Krafla offers a raw and unforgettable look at the forces that shape our planet.

A self-drive tour provides the ideal way to discover the wonders of Krafla. The freedom to explore at your own pace allows you to fully appreciate the dramatic scenery and geological significance of this remarkable area. This guide contains everything you need to plan your trip, including details on Krafla's volcanic history, its key attractions, driving directions, and essential safety tips. With a reliable rental car, you can immerse yourself in one of Iceland's most dynamic landscapes.

The Volcanic Heart of Krafla

Krafla is not a single volcano but a massive caldera and fissure system that stretches for about 90 kilometers. It sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. This unique geological setting makes it one of the most volcanically active areas in Iceland.

The region's modern history is marked by the "Krafla Fires," a series of nine volcanic eruptions that occurred between 1975 and 1984. These events created the fresh, dark lava fields that you can still see today, some of which were still warm for years after the eruptions ceased. This history of recent activity makes Krafla a living laboratory for geologists and a fascinating destination for visitors.

Planning Your Self-Drive Trip to Krafla

Renting a car is the most effective way to visit Krafla and the other geological marvels around Lake Mývatn. It gives you the flexibility to create a personalized itinerary and spend as much time as you need at each site.

Getting There

Krafla is situated just a short drive northeast of Lake Mývatn, making it an easy addition to any regional itinerary.

• From Lake Mývatn: From the Ring Road (Route 1) near Reykjahlíð, turn onto Route 863. This paved road leads you directly up into the Krafla area. The drive is approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) and takes about 15 minutes.
  
  
• From Akureyri: The journey from Akureyri is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Follow the Ring Road eastward past Lake Mývatn until you see the turnoff for Route 863.
  
  
• From Egilsstaðir: If traveling from East Iceland, the drive is roughly 160 kilometers (100 miles) and takes just over 2 hours. Follow the Ring Road westward. The turnoff for Krafla will be on your right before you reach the main Lake Mývatn area.

Road Conditions and Vehicle Recommendations

The main road to Krafla (Route 863) is paved and generally well-maintained.

• Vehicle Choice (Summer): For travel between May and September, a 2WD vehicle is entirely sufficient for visiting Krafla and the other main attractions in the Mývatn region.
• Vehicle Choice (Winter): For any trip between October and April, a 4x4 vehicle equipped with studded winter tires is strongly recommended. North Iceland experiences significant snow and ice, and a 4x4 provides essential safety and traction, especially on the uphill drive to the Krafla area.

Höldur Car Rental offers a wide range of vehicles suitable for all seasons. With convenient pick-up locations at Keflavik Airport and in major towns like Akureyri, starting your adventure is simple and convenient.

Key Attractions in the Krafla Area

The Krafla region is home to several distinct and fascinating sites, all located within a few minutes' drive of each other.

Víti Crater

Often the main highlight for visitors, Víti crater (meaning "Hell" in Icelandic) is a stunning explosion crater formed during a massive eruption in 1724. It contains an opaque, turquoise-blue lake that creates a striking contrast with the surrounding dark, reddish-brown earth. A walking path circles the rim of the crater, offering spectacular views of the lake and the wider Krafla caldera. The walk is relatively easy and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. From the rim, you can also see the Krafla Geothermal Power Station and the vast lava fields below.

Leirhnjúkur Lava Field

A short drive from Víti is the Leirhnjúkur parking area, the starting point for one of the most incredible hikes in Iceland. A network of boardwalks and trails leads you through an active geothermal area with bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles before opening into a vast, surreal lava field. This is the lava from the Krafla Fires of the 1970s and 80s. In some places, the rock is still warm to the touch, and steam rises from cracks in the ground. The trail takes you through jagged black lava formations, offering a visceral sense of the eruption's power. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours for the main loop trail.

Krafla Geothermal Power Station

One of the first things you will notice as you drive up Route 863 is the Krafla Power Station. This facility, operated by Landsvirkjun, harnesses the immense geothermal energy of the region to generate electricity. Its network of pipes, turbines, and steam vents is an impressive sight and a powerful example of how Iceland utilizes its renewable resources. While public tours are not always available, the presence of the station itself adds to the unique, industrial-meets-nature atmosphere of the area. There is an information pavilion where you can often learn more about the plant's operations and the science of geothermal energy.

Best Time to Visit Krafla

Krafla can be visited year-round, but access and experience differ by season.

• Summer (June-August): This is the ideal time to visit. The roads are clear, all hiking trails are accessible, and the long daylight hours give you plenty of time for exploration. The vibrant blue of Víti crater is at its most striking under the summer sun.
  
  
• Winter (November-March): A winter visit offers a starkly beautiful, monochromatic landscape. The crater lake freezes over, and the lava fields are draped in snow, with steam rising dramatically into the cold air. However, hiking can be challenging due to snow and ice, and access to some trails may be restricted. Always check road conditions before you go, and be prepared for severe weather.
  
  
• Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October): These months offer a good compromise with fewer crowds. In autumn, the landscape takes on muted colors, while spring sees the snow melting to reveal the dark volcanic earth beneath. Be prepared for variable weather conditions.

Attractions Near Krafla

• Hverir Geothermal Area: En route to Krafla, you'll pass Námaskarð (Hverir), an extraordinary, Martian-like landscape alive with bubbling mud pots, hissing fumaroles, and pungent sulfurous steam.
  
  
• Dimmuborgir Lava Fields: Known as the "Dark Castles," Dimmuborgir is a labyrinth of towering, bizarrely shaped lava formations created by a massive eruption over 2,300 years ago. Well-marked walking trails allow you to explore this mythical landscape, which Icelandic folklore says is home to elves and trolls.
  
  
• Mývatn Nature Baths: The perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Soak in the mineral-rich, milky-blue geothermal water of Mývatn Nature Baths while enjoying panoramic views of the area.
  
  
• Hverfjall Crater: Hike to the rim of this enormous tephra explosion crater of Hverfjall for a commanding 360-degree view of the entire Lake Mývatn basin.
  
  
• Skútustaðir Pseudo-Craters: These crater-like formations are not actually volcanic craters, but rather created by steam explosions when hot lava flowed over the wetlands. Take a stroll around this unique geological site and immerse yourself in its otherworldly atmosphere.

Safety and Practical Tips for Visitors

• Stay on Marked Paths: This is crucial, especially in the Leirhnjúkur area. The ground is extremely hot and unstable just off the trails. The crust can be thin, and stepping in the wrong place could result in severe burns.
  
  
• Wear Sturdy Footwear: The terrain, especially in the lava fields, is uneven and sharp. Good hiking boots are essential for both comfort and safety.
  
  
• Check the Weather: Conditions can change rapidly in North Iceland. Check the forecast on vedur.is before you set out and dress in warm, waterproof layers, even in summer.
  
  
• Facilities: There are limited facilities at Krafla. Public restrooms are available at the Leirhnjúkur parking area. For food and other services, you will need to return to the Reykjahlíð area by Lake Mývatn.
  
  
• Time Allocation: Plan to spend at least half a day (3-4 hours) to properly explore Víti crater and hike the Leirhnjúkur trail without rushing.

A self-drive tour to the Krafla volcanic system is an essential part of any Mývatn itinerary. It provides a powerful, up-close encounter with the geothermal forces that define Iceland. From the serene beauty of Víti crater to the raw, steaming landscapes of Leirhnjúkur, Krafla offers a profound connection to the living, breathing geology of our planet.

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