The Krafla Viti crater Iceland, located near lake Myvatn in the North of the country 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. Below is my guide to help you plan your visit to Lake Viti, Iceland.
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About the Krafla Viti Crater Iceland
Krafla Viti Crater, Iceland
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 month 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 Lake Viti
Beware, Since Viti means little, there is another Viti Lake. It is located near Askja. It is also a famous location, but it is only accessible with 4WD (skills required). To see that one you can book a day trip - See photos and program
PLANNING TIPS - Krafla Viti Iceland
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
- Below is a map to help you locate Krafla Viti crater:
Location of Krafla Vito Crater - Map
Viti is included in my eBook with my selection of the best places to see in Iceland and practical maps to facilitate planning:
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Krafla Viti Crater walk / hike
- The carpark is just next to the rim
- The tour of the rim can be done in 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 soles 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
Accommodations nearby
Lake Myvatn with the town of Reykjahlid would be a great option to visit the area. Check out the Lake Myvatn accommodations
Not far is the Dimmuborgir Guesthouse, one of my favorite places to stay in Iceland (I booked myself and paid entirely for my stay). Right next to the lake and with the Hverfjall crater in the background... perfect! Check out more photos and book
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 a 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!
Krafla Viti hike - the small geothermal area
In the middle of the rim hike, 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.
If you like geothermal areas, don't miss Hverir not far from here - check out my article!
Need to rent a car for your road trip in Iceland?
- You can choose from some great local companies - Iceland has a lot of specificities and their offerings are adapted - you can compare cars and prices of quality local brands on this expert Icelandic website
- Otherwise you can compare offers from international companies on RentalCars.com
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
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:
More things to do in Myvatn and North Iceland
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)
Planning a road trip around Iceland? Check out my travel guide that helps you plan your itinerary:
Plan your perfect trip to Iceland!
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 110+ original photos to get inspired
Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?
What do you think: a must-stop for you?
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Hi,
We are travelling to Iceland for the first time. We would like to do the Krafla Viti Crater Lake – Rim Walk. Could you please let us know what is the cost involved for both of us.
We will be in that area in the first week of July 2018.
Thanking you
Bharati
Hi Bharati.
For the moment, almost all of Iceland’s Nature attractions remain free to access.
You just drive, park and start walking 🙂
Have a great trip!
Hello,
We would like to know if the carpark to Krafla Viti Crater Lake is accessible by motorhome.
Are there other places we can drive to easily around myvatn lake?
Thank you for your help
Hi
The road to Krafla is paved and good. Should be no problem.
Dimmuborgir, Hofdi, pseudo-craters, Hverir… most are easily accessed.
Avoid Grjotgja and Hverfjall.
Happy travels!
Thank you so much for your quick and complete answer !
I know now that I can plan to stay for 2 or 3 days in Myvatn to enjoy peacefully the area.
Congratulations too for a your travel guide. It is clear, full of beautiful photos and good advices.
Im going to iceland for 5 days in april and would like to visit the Viti crater but dont know how to get there since i dont drive. Do you know If it is possible to get a guide?
If you want to see Krafla viti (the one in this article), I don’t know of anyone that would do just that tour since I focus on road trips. Sorry.
However if you have in mind the other famous Viti crater (near the Askja Volcano), there are 4WD tours in the Highlands to get there from Lake Myvatn – See here: https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/askja-caldera?a=101796