Krafla Geothermal Area

Krafla

An active geothermal region featuring steaming vents, colorful mineral deposits, and the dramatic Krafla caldera with its bright blue crater lake. The otherworldly landscape represents Iceland's raw geothermal power and offers unique photo opportunities.

Things to do

• Walk the Krafla Caldera Rim Trail — Hike the marked trail around the rim of the active caldera to witness steaming fumaroles, colorful mineral deposits, and panoramic views of the geothermal landscape.
• Visit Mývatn Nature Baths — Bathe in the geothermally heated milky-blue mineral-rich waters just south of Krafla, a more intimate alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
• Explore Námaskard Geothermal Field — Walk among colorful mud pots, sulfur vents, and steam rising from the earth at this otherworldly geothermal zone adjacent to Krafla.
• Photograph Krafla Crater Lake — Capture images of the dramatic bright blue crater lake surrounded by dark lava formations and steaming geothermal activity.
• Drive the Myvatn Loop Scenic Route — Follow the circular route around Lake Mývatn and through the geothermal areas to see lava formations, steam vents, and pseudo-crater formations.
• Visit Dimmuborgir Lava Formations — Explore the maze-like landscape of twisted lava pillars and caves near Mývatn, rich in Icelandic folklore and dramatic geology.

Food to try

• Fresh Arctic Char from Lake Mývatn — Enjoy locally-caught Arctic char prepared simply with geothermal steam or traditional Icelandic cooking methods at regional restaurants.
• Geothermal Baked Bread (Rúgbrauð) — Experience traditional Icelandic dark rye bread traditionally baked using geothermal steam vents in the ground around Krafla and Mývatn.
• Hot Spring Eggs and Vegetables — Sample eggs and vegetables cooked directly in geothermal hot springs, a unique preparation method tied to the region's volcanic landscape.
• Icelandic Lamb Stew (Kjötsúpa) — Try hearty local lamb stew, a staple comfort food in North Iceland often served at farm restaurants near the geothermal areas.
• Fresh Fish Soup (Yfirlit) — Savor creamy fish soup made with local catches from Lake Mývatn and surrounding waters, served warm at regional eateries.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Geothermal Safety Boundaries — Stay on marked trails and behind safety barriers around active steam vents and hot springs, as temperatures can exceed 100°C and the ground may be unstable.
• Embrace Icelandic Weather Preparedness — Pack waterproof gear and dress in layers year-round, as the North Icelandic climate is highly variable and can change rapidly throughout the day.
• Engage with Local Farm Culture — Visit small family farms and local guesthouses to learn how Icelanders have historically adapted to living near geothermal activity and extreme landscapes.
• Photograph Respectfully at Dawn and Dusk — The best photography occurs during golden hours when steam and mineral colors are most vivid; ask locals for permission before photographing people or private property.