Krafla Viti Crater Iceland – Surreal Icelandic landscape (Photos + Tips)

The Krafla Viti crater Iceland, located near lake Myvatn in North of the ocuntry is a circular crater filled with blue water and surrounded by a geothermal area and colorful mountains… What could you want more? This is another incredible Icelandic landscape.

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The Myvatn area has many volcanic and geothermal features. Contrary to the Hverfell crater which is very dry and dark, Viti is filled with deep blue water and colorful mountains. Another must stop in North Iceland (I know you will need a full months with all those ‘must stops’…). 

This Viti is a large crater approximately 300m in diameter whose name signifies Hell. It was formed during a 5-year long explosive eruption of the west side of Krafla at the beginning of the Myvatn Fires in 1724.

I visited in Autumn and it was surreal but check out some crazy photos of it in the snow.

The Other Viti Lake

Attention, Since Viti means little, there is another Viti Lake. It is located near Askja. It is also a famous location too but it is only accessible with 4WD (skills required). To see that one you can book a day trip - See photos and program

INFO & PLANNING TIPS - KRAFLA'S VITI CRATER

How to get to Krafla Viti Crater

• This volcano is north of the geothermal area of Namaskard. From Myvatn, drive East on Road 1 for 6 km. Then turn left on towards Viti/ Krafla and drive past the power plant
• The various features of the area are not well indicated. You will see other carparks (one goes to Leirhnjukur) that might look like it but continue until the end of the road

​Krafla Viti Crater Walk

• The carpark is just next to the rim
• The tour of the rim can be done in is one hour
• From the carpark the half on the right side is easier. I found the left side slippery and difficult even in dry conditions.
• I think the best views of the crater are on the left side (when facing the lake from the parking) while the best views of the surrounding mountains are on the right.
• Follow the path don’t stay too long on the small geothermal area. Just walk through it. There is a  sign that says that the sole of your shoes can melt
• And Check out my complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland to stay warm and comfortable

Krafla Viti Crater Lake - Rim Walk

The area of the Viti crater is quite surreal. The water, colorful mountains and the steam hissing out of vents create an post-apocalyptic atmosphere (except for the cars parked at the end…). 

I took a picture of the people across to give you an idea of the depth.

The ground is slippery so be careful!

Viti’s small geothermal area

In the middle of the rim tour you walk down toward a small geothermal area between the 2 lakes. The surreal atmosphere continues… Stay on the path and walk on lighter brown area to avoid your shoes melting.

Second lake of Viti Crater Myvatn

There is a small second lake on the side of Viti

Viti Crater Walk - beautiful surrounding mountains

What I loved the most during the tour of the rim, were the views of the areas where you see beautiful and colorful mountains with just one road as sign of civilization:

Where to stay near Myvatn?

For more information about planning a trip to the Myvatn area, including accommodation and other things to do, head to my North Iceland Travel Guide.

Note: If you don't want to book everything yourself, consider booking a Self-Drive Tour Package (see my article to help you choose)

Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?

Discover more things to do and places to see in Iceland in my online Iceland Destination Guide.

What do you think: a must-stop for you?