Krafla Geothermal Area

Krafla

An active geothermal region near Mývatn featuring volcanic craters, steaming vents, and colorful rhyolite mountains with otherworldly hues. Visitors can hike among the geothermal features and see the remains of lava flows from recent eruptions.

Things to do

• Leirhnjúkur Crater Walk — Hike among steaming fumaroles and colorful geothermal vents with views of sulfur deposits and rhyolite formations across this active volcanic landscape.
• Námafjall Geothermal Area — Explore vibrant yellow and orange mud pots, boiling hot springs, and geothermal steam vents on the ridge overlooking Mývatn lake.
• Krafla Caldera Rim Trail — Trek around the rim of the Krafla caldera to view multiple volcanic craters, recent lava fields from the 1970s–1980s eruptions, and expansive geothermal valleys.
• Víti Crater Lake — Visit the dramatic crater filled with a warm milky-blue geothermal lake formed during the 1724 eruption, accessible by short hiking trail.
• Lava Tube Exploration — Descend into ancient lava caves and tunnels formed by flowing basalt, some featuring geothermal steam and moss-covered walls.
• Geothermal Power Plant Visit — Tour the Krafla Power Station visitor center to learn about Iceland's renewable energy from geothermal sources and the region's geological history.

Food to try

• Fresh Trout from Mývatn — Arctic char and trout caught from the nearby geothermal lake, often served simply grilled or smoked at local restaurants in Mývatn village.
• Geothermal-Baked Bread — Rye bread traditionally baked using geothermal heat from hot springs, a specialty of the Mývatn region with a dense, slightly sweet flavor.
• Icelandic Lamb Stew — Slow-cooked local lamb with root vegetables, a hearty comfort dish served in lodges and restaurants throughout Northeast Iceland.
• Wild Game from the Region — Locally hunted reindeer or ptarmigan dishes reflecting the wild game traditions of Iceland's interior and geothermal areas.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Geothermal Safety Boundaries — Stay on marked trails and heed warning signs near boiling springs, as thin crusts over geothermal features can collapse and cause severe burns.
• Dress for Rapid Weather Changes — Northeast Iceland's weather shifts quickly; bring waterproof layers and sturdy hiking boots even on clear mornings, as conditions can turn windy and wet within hours.
• Leave No Trace in Fragile Areas — The geothermal landscape is delicate and slow to recover; stay on paths, do not remove minerals or rocks, and pack out all waste to protect this unique ecosystem.
• Visit in Summer for Best Access — The Krafla area is most accessible and safest from June through August; winter snow and ice can close roads and trails, making autumn and spring visits unpredictable.