Viti, located near lake Myvatn in North Iceland is a circular crater filled with blue water and surrounded by a geothermal area and colorful moutains… What could you want more? This is another incredible Icelandic landscape.
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - KRAFLA'S VITI CRATER
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’…). Attention do not mix the Viti Lake near Askja (quite famous too but only acecssible with 4WD) and the viti crater near Krafla.
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.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Krafla's Viti Crater
Getting to Krafla's 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 on the road until it ends
Visiting Krafla's Viti Crater
- The carpark is jsut 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 while the best views of the surrounding mountains were on the right. PLus the best views of the surrounding mountains are on the left
- Follow the path don’t stay on the small geothermal area. the sign was only on one side but it does says that the sole of your shoes can melt.
The Visit crater is included in the Travel guide Experience Iceland that I wrote to help you plan your road trip around Iceland and make the most of your time.
Viti Crater and Lake
The area of the Viti crater is quite surral. The water, colorful mountains and the steam hissing out of vents create an post-apocalyting atmosphere (except for the cars parked at the end…). I took a picture of the people accross to give you an idea of the depth.
Viti’s small goethermal 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
There is a small second lake on the side of Viti
Viti’s 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:
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?
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