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Mývatn: The Diamond of the North.

High-angle drone shot of the Krafla volcanic caldera and the blue water of Viti explosion crater in North Iceland

Krafla

Krafla is one of Iceland’s most explosive and fascinating volcanic systems. Located directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this 10-km wide caldera is a place where you can literally see the Earth pulling apart. The area is most famous for the ‘Krafla Fires’ eruptions of the 70s and 80s, which left behind a landscape of steaming fissures and still-warm lava fields. A highlight for any visitor is the Víti explosion crater, known for the striking opaque blue lake at its center. Whether you are interested in green energy at the nearby power station or raw volcanic beauty, Krafla offers a glimpse into the fiery heart of Iceland.

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Krafla stuns visitors with black and red lava flows, steaming geothermal fields, vivid crater lakes, and panoramic mountain views. The nearby Leirhnjúkur lava field is still alive with steam and colors from ongoing geothermal processe

Krafla is a short 20-minute drive from Lake Mývatn and about 1.5 hours from Akureyri, easily reached by well-maintained roads off the Ring Road. Free parking is available at the main sites, including Leirhnjúkur and Víti crater. Marked trails lead through lava fields and up to crater rims; sturdy footwear and warm clothing are highly advisable due to rough terrain and unpredictable weather.

Visiting Krafla and its main attractions, including the Víti crater and Leirhnjúkur lava field, is free of charge as of 2025. Parking is also free, making exploration accessible for everyone. Tours of the Krafla Power Station may have a modest fee if booked in advance.

While Krafla is a major attraction in North Iceland, its remote location and broad open spaces mean it’s rarely crowded, even in summer. Most visitors come during daylight hours—to avoid crowds, consider a morning or evening visit, especially for sunrises, sunsets, or geothermal mist photography.