Viti in Krafla is a striking geothermal crater filled with a blue-green lake in North Iceland. This short, accessible stop near Lake Myvatn offers a clear look at Iceland’s volcanic landscape, with crater walls, steaming surroundings, and easy viewpoints that fit naturally into a Myvatn or Diamond Circle itinerary.
Viti in Krafla is a striking volcanic crater in North Iceland and a popular stop on self-drive tours in Iceland, especially during the warmer months. Set within the active Krafla Volcanic Area, the crater is known for its steep sides and blue-green geothermal lake, offering an easy way to experience Iceland’s geothermal landscape up close.
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The site is frequently included on Iceland’s summer tours, when road access is reliable and surrounding paths are clear. Its location near Lake Myvatn makes it a convenient addition to longer vacations in Iceland, particularly for travelers focusing on the must-see places in the North.
Many travelers reach Viti in Krafla as part of tours in Iceland, such as Akureyri excursions, Myvatn sightseeing routes, or broader Diamond Circle trips, which link volcanic areas with iconic sites across North Iceland.
Key Takeaways About Viti in Krafla
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Viti in Krafla is a geothermal explosion crater located in North Iceland near Lake Myvatn.
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The crater contains a striking blue-green geothermal lake created by mineral-rich water rising from below the surface.
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Viti is part of the active Krafla Volcanic Area, which sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and is closely monitored.
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It’s best to visit during the summer, and it’s commonly included on Myvatn and Diamond Circle routes.
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Swimming is not allowed at Viti in Krafla, but the crater edge is safe to visit when staying on marked paths.
About Viti in Krafla
Viti in Krafla is a geothermal explosion crater best known for its blue-green crater lake and rugged volcanic surroundings in North Iceland. The crater forms a steep-sided bowl that holds mineral-rich water, creating a striking natural feature that stands out even among Iceland’s many volcanic sites.
The name Viti means “hell” in Icelandic, a reference to the violent forces that shaped the landscape. This dramatic name reflects how early observers understood the power of geothermal activity in the area, long before modern geological monitoring.
What makes Viti in Krafla especially distinctive is the color of its lake, which shifts between milky turquoise and deep blue depending on light and conditions. This unusual appearance comes from geothermal minerals rising through the water. It gives the crater a striking, unusual look and makes it one of the most visually memorable volcanic sites in North Iceland.
Location of Viti in Krafla
Viti in Krafla is located in North Iceland, just northeast of Lake Myvatn. The crater sits in a geothermal zone shaped by volcanic activity, surrounded by lava fields and steam vents that define the broader landscape.
Its position places it within the Diamond Circle region, alongside other well-known natural sites in northern Iceland. This central location within the Myvatn area makes Viti easy to place geographically without being far from other major landmarks.
How to Get to Viti in Krafla
Driving is the most flexible way to reach Viti in Krafla, especially if you are exploring North Iceland at your own pace on summer self-drive trips. From Route 1 (the Ring Road), you turn onto Road 863, which leads directly to Krafla and toward the crater’s parking area.
The road is usually accessible in summer, but can be hard to access in winter. Conditions can change, so it’s best to check road.is for current road status, vedur.is for local weather, and safetravel.is for travel alerts before heading out.
To help with planning, here are approximate driving distances to Viti in Krafla:
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From the Lake Myvatn area: about 15 miles (25 kilometers)
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From Akureyri: about 61 miles (98 kilometers)
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From Husavik: about 43 miles (70 kilometers)
From the Myvatn area, Viti in Krafla is commonly combined with nearby landmarks such as Leirhnjukur Volcano, the Krafla power station, and the surrounding geothermal viewpoints of the Namafjall Area. Exploring the area with rental cars in Iceland makes it easy to link Viti with lava fields and other natural features in the same region.
Guided tours are the easiest option if you prefer not to drive or want local insight during your visit. Viti in Krafla is often included on the best excursions from Myvatn and Akureyri, Diamond Circle day tours, and selected Ring Road tours.
Best Time to Visit Viti in Krafla
The best time to visit Viti in Krafla is from late May to early September. This also aligns well with the ideal times to go on a vacation in Iceland for road access and sightseeing. During summer in Iceland, roads in the Krafla area are usually open, walking paths are clear, and conditions make it easy to explore the crater and nearby geothermal sites.
June through August is especially convenient, as Iceland in summer brings long daylight hours and the midnight sun in North Iceland. This gives you more flexibility to plan your visit around crowds, lighting, and personal pace, while also enjoying more predictable weather in Iceland.
Outside the summer season, access becomes limited. Snow and ice often make the road to Viti difficult or impassable. Additionally, travel during winter in Iceland usually requires guided tours or specialized vehicles. For most travelers, summer offers the simplest and most comfortable way to experience Viti in Krafla.
Safety Tips for Visiting Viti in Krafla
Viti in Krafla is easy to visit, but it’s still part of an active geothermal area, so a little awareness goes a long way. These tips highlight the most helpful things to keep in mind while you explore the crater and its surroundings.
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Stay on marked paths and viewing areas: The ground around geothermal sites can look solid while still being delicate, so staying on designated routes keeps you safe.
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Keep a safe distance from the crater rim: Loose gravel and uneven ground near the edge can make footing unpredictable, especially when stopping for photos.
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Check local conditions before visiting: Weather and geothermal conditions can change, so check current updates on safetravel.is before going to the Krafla area.
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Watch wind direction near steam vents: Steam can shift quickly with the wind and briefly affect visibility, so standing slightly back from the rim often provides a clearer view.
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Dress for wind, not just temperature: The crater is exposed, so wind can feel strong even on mild days. Warm layers and windproof clothing help keep the experience comfortable.
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Be mindful when taking photos: Avoid walking backward or focusing solely on your camera while near the rim, as uneven ground can be easy to miss.
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Listen to your guide and ask questions if you’re unsure: Local guides know current conditions well, so asking questions helps you stay comfortable and get more from the visit.
Two Viti Craters: Krafla and Askja
Iceland has two well-known craters named Viti, and they are often confused with one another. Viti in Krafla is located in North Iceland near Lake Myvatn, while the other Viti sits within the remote Askja Caldera in the Central Highlands.
Although both craters share the same name, they belong to different volcanic systems and offer very different experiences. Viti in Krafla is part of the Krafla fissure zone and is easy to access during summer.
Alternatively, Viti in Askja lies deep in the Highlands and requires long drives on mountain roads. These paths are often only passable with four-wheel-drive vehicles or Askja tours.
Keeping this difference in mind helps avoid confusion, as information about swimming, highland travel, and remote access usually applies to Viti in Askja rather than Viti in Krafla.
History and Geography of Viti in Krafla
Viti in Krafla was formed in 1724 during the opening phase of the Myvatn Fires, a period of intense volcanic activity in North Iceland that continued for several years.
The crater is a geothermal explosion crater, formed when rising magma met groundwater and caused a sudden steam-driven blast. Viti in Krafla measures about 1,000 feet (300 meters) in diameter and contains a deep geothermal lake, whose blue-green color comes from minerals rising through the water.
Viti lies within the wider Krafla volcanic area, which stretches roughly 56 miles (90 kilometers) long and 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide. This volcanic system is among the most active in Iceland, with more than twenty eruptions recorded since settlement, comparable to well-known volcanoes such as Hekla and Katla. Despite this activity, the area is closely monitored and considered safe to visit under normal conditions.
Krafla sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly pull apart, fueling ongoing geothermal activity across the region.
Beyond its geological significance, Viti has also influenced Icelandic culture. One of Iceland’s most beloved poets, Jónas Hallgrímsson, wrote the poem “Víti” inspired by the crater, which was later set to choral music by Icelandic composer Jón Leifs. This impressive piece now has a record performed by the Icelandic University Choir.
Frequently Asked Questions About Viti in Krafla
Viti in Krafla raises a few common questions, especially around swimming, access, and safety at the crater. The answers below provide clear, practical details to help you understand what to expect before visiting.
Are Viti and Krafla the same?
No, Viti and Krafla are not the same, but they are closely connected. Krafla is a large volcanic system in North Iceland, while Viti is a geothermal explosion crater located within the Krafla volcanic area. When people refer to “Viti in Krafla,” they are talking about this specific crater formed during the Krafla eruptions, not the volcano as a whole.
Can you swim in the Viti Crater in Krafla?
No, swimming is not allowed in the Viti Crater in Krafla. Although it contains a geothermal lake, the water temperature and chemical conditions can change suddenly due to active geothermal processes, making it unsafe. Unlike Viti in Askja, which was once known for bathing, Viti in Krafla is strictly a viewing site, and travelers should stay on marked paths around the crater.
Is the Viti Crater in Krafla dangerous?
Viti in Krafla is safe to visit and is a popular stop for travelers exploring North Iceland. As with other volcanic and geothermal sites in Iceland, visitors are expected to stay on marked paths and viewing areas. These routes are designed to let you experience the crater comfortably while protecting the surrounding landscape.
Is Viti in Krafla accessible year-round?
Viti in Krafla is not accessible year-round, as the access road and surrounding area are typically only open during the summer months. Snow, ice, and road conditions often make the site unreachable in winter, which is why most plan their visit between late spring and early autumn or join guided tours that follow current access conditions.
Is Viti in Krafla worth visiting?
Yes, Viti in Krafla is worth visiting while you are exploring North Iceland or the Lake Myvatn region. The crater offers an easy stop with striking geothermal features and an eye-catching crater lake. It also provides clear insight into Iceland’s volcanic landscape, making it a rewarding addition to Myvatn and Diamond Circle itineraries.
Visit Viti in Krafla in North Iceland
Viti in Krafla offers a dramatic geothermal site that is both visually striking and easy to experience. The crater gives people a clear sense of how volcanic forces shape the landscape without demanding long hikes or remote travel, making it an accessible stop in North Iceland.
Its flexibility makes it easy to include in many itineraries, from multi-day tours in Iceland that follow the Ring Road to budget self-drive adventures focused on independent travel. The site also works well for travelers interested in nature trips in Iceland, where geothermal areas are a main focus.
Viti in Krafla fits naturally into more active routes as well, including adventure tours in Iceland that combine volcanic landscapes with outdoor exploration. Whether it’s a brief stop or part of a longer journey, the crater adds depth and context to any North Iceland route.
