krafla crater hike

The collapsed volcano comprises a large crater formed by a steam eruption in 1724. Krafla Viti hike - the small geothermal area, Viti Crater Walk - beautiful surrounding mountains, More things to do in Myvatn and North Iceland, complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland, Fjadrargljufur Canyon (Iceland, Feather canyon) – Visit tips + Photos, Sigöldugljúfur (Iceland) – the canyon of waterfalls (Tips + Photos), Skutustadir Iceland – Intriguing Myvatn Pseudocraters, Hverir (Iceland) – Surreal Namafjall geothermal area (Photos + Tips), https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/askja-caldera?a=101796, This volcano is north of the geothermal area of Namaskard. I think that’s a good metaphor for the Human Condition and I hope you like the image. When the end of the Dimmuborgir area appears, the trail get's easier. Just be careful to stay on the marked paths as the sides of Viti crater are steep and the surrounding area is still active. From the summit you can admire the vast volcano area and the nearby geothermal power plant. In the Icelandic language viti means hell and the term is applied here in reference to the geothermal violence that occurred at this site in the past. The surreal landscape is home to favorite geological wonders like Hverir, a large geothermal area of hissing steam vents and bubbling mud pools, Viti explosion crater, and the steamy Leirhnjukur lava fields. The hike around the crater can be done in about an hour, but I highly recommend venturing around the rim, and down to the water. Keep driving past the first carpark and continue onto the end of the road where the Viti crater carpark awaits you. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Hundreds of tiny particles of dust are not so easy to clean off, particularly if you’ve never done it before and you’re only part way through a major photography adventure. Hike in the Krafla region to see the range of extraordinary volcanic rock formations. Krafla Víti crater is 300m in diameter and has a deep green lake with colourful mountains surrounding it. What's more, as the path around the crater is narrow, you might want to avoid making the trek on a very windy day. Nearby places of interest include the whale watching hub of Húsavík(45 miles/68km) and the MývatnNature Baths (14miles/24km). Known as the land of fire and ice Iceland makes great use of the geothermal energy upon which it sits. https://matadornetwork.com/read/active-volcano-hikes-iceland Krafla Víti Crater. Consequently, had the route been less muddy we may have made the 2km long hike to the mountain. The landscape around the Krafla Viti crater should photograph well under overcast conditions. Overview of the Stora-Viti crater near the town of Myvatn in Iceland. Viti is actually a water filled marr, or explosion crater, on the slopes of the Krafla volcano and part of the Krafla fissure area of northern Iceland. Length 2.5 mi Elevation gain 180 ft Route type Loop Hiking … etc. The well marked walking trail starts with a view of moss covered lava from the 18th century eruption. Scale is one of the ways by which we can encourage people to view our photos longer and, hopefully, in a more considered way. Starting by the crater Stóra Víti, we set off north across the slope of Mt. Your email address will not be published. But, as the distance is relatively short, there’s really no need to panic. Resembling a black ash cone of mammoth proportions, you can walk up the steep slopes and around the crater’s rim for otherworldly and awesome view of the surrounding landscape. Also located within the Krafla caldera are Lake Mývatn and the Dimmuborgir lava fields. long crater. Including a human figure in a landscape is a great way to bring a sense of scale to your photograph. To do so would be to risk dust landing on your camera's sensor. 15 minutes. Your Krafla Volcano Crater Lake Iceland stock images are ready. It takes about 15-20 minutes to hike up the slope & another 15 minutes to walk around its perimeter. The Viti Maar in Mt. The drive here is a scenic drive on paved roads over craters and geothermal area. The walk around Hverfjall was easier than the walk up - and the scenery was off the hook. There have been 29 reported eruptions in recorded history. You can walk on the rim of Stóra-Víti and hike to the beautiful geothermal area behind the crater. Added by Elyse Clark. The smoke coming from the lava is from this recent eruption. Length 7.3 miElevation gain 2,211 ftRoute type Loop You’re quite exposed to the elements, particularly at the higher elevations, while hiking around the rim of Viti crater. The Krafla is a volcano with a 25 km. I visited Viti crater on a relative bright and warm day in July, right in the middle of the Icelandic summer. The Color Of the Lake at Viti Crater Set amidst colorful mountains and a geothermal active landscape the lake that’s formed at the bottom of the Viti crater is what adds so much visual appeal to the location. Take Road 863 towards Krafla power plant. Actually I’d been up most of the night driving and making photos so I was a little unsure about undertaking the hike around Viti crater. It’s well worth a visit and the hike around the crater is a lot of fun. The hike around the Stóra-Víti crater and the geothermal area east of it takes about 50 minutes. See the opaque teal green lake that has formed in its interior. I also waited until the figure moved to a point where he seemed to be standing, as it were, between earth and sky. Stora Viti was formed during an ongoing period of eruptions, lasting 5 years from 1724, on the West side of the Krafla volcano at the beginning of a period known as the Myvatn Fires. This crater is filled by a bright blue lake, and you can walk around the ridge where you’ll pass a few other hot springs and steam vents in about 30 minutes total. It took every bit of the 24 mm focal length on my (then) full frame Canon camera to do so. A small green pool of water and mineral rich soil near the Stora-Viti crater in the Krafla volcanic region of northern Iceland. Set amidst colorful mountains and a geothermal active landscape the lake that’s formed at the bottom of the Viti crater is what adds so much visual appeal to the location. Famous for Lake Myvatn and the surrounding attractions Myvatn is a great place to base yourself for several days of hiking and exploration in this part of Northern Iceland. From the carpark the half on the right side is easier. You’ll find the answers to those questions covered, in clear and understandable language, on my post titled Polarizing Filters - Why I Love Them. Beautiful crater lake in emerald color, just within 10 minutes drive from Myvatn. Below is a map to help you locate Krafla Viti crater: 100+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places, The tour of the rim can be done in one hour. After you pass under the power station's piping system, the parking area is up the hill and on your left. I really love that lens and it's great fun to use. From Myvatn, drive East on Road 1 for 6 km. What polarizing filter do I use and recommend? To the north of Hverarond stretches unusual volcanic Krafla area, it has the craters of volcanoes Krafla and Viti. Just walk through it. 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. Nowadays I use a Sony a7RII camera and several lenses, including the fabulous Sony/Zeiss 16-35 mm f/4 lens. We had the crater to ourselves once we made it to the bottom; people looked like ants, and the views were surreal. I had a great time hiking around the entire rim of the Krafla Stora-Viti crater making great photos along the way. Not only do you get to hike a large crater on the Krafla volcano with a vivid blue lake in its center, but you can also see some boiling mud pots and sulphur crystals extending along some of the craters mounts. Beautiful crater lake in emerald color, just within 10 minutes drive from Myvatn. The seventh Krafla eruption began at 14:10 on January 30 1981 from a fissure which opened across Ethólaborgir, an old crater row. It's easy to see why it's … Ideally you’ll experience beautiful turquoise blue or turquoise green colored waters like I did. Krafla is a 2.5 mile loop trail located near Skútustaðahreppur, Northeastern, Iceland that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Ka'au Crater is a 7.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Waimanalo, Oahu, Hawaii that features a waterfall and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The Viti Crater is part of the Krafla volcano range just to the northeast of Mývatn. On a bright, sunny day you might want to employ a polarizing filter to reduce the likelihood of color and texture being reflected off the surfaces of earth, snow and water. This route is about a half an hour’s easy walk. Autumn was in full swing. Nice crater, you can walk around it and even hike on top of it.There is a hiking path around the summit for which you need approx. Despite the fact that this photo features only one part of the much larger Viti crater rim our human figure gives us a pretty good indication of the size of this significant geographic feature. A steep trail of small basalt gravel leads up to the rim of the crater at 1,300 feet. Known as "Mud Peak" or "Clay Hill", the hike around Leirhnjúkur encompasses hot springs, lava fields, and great views of the surrounding mountains. Apparently the surface of the lake can freeze over during the winter months which, in itself, would provide interesting photo opportunities. Log in. The views offered along the route are really quite spectacular and there’s lots of opportunities for great photos on the hike and also while you explore the landscape near the carpark. As you can see the colors in the mineral-rich landscape around the Viti crater are highly saturated. It’s 300 miles (485km) from Reykjavik and 60 miles (98km) from Akureyri, the Capital of the North. The Krafla area is on the border of the Eurasian and North-American tectonic plates and is one of the many interesting sights in North-Iceland. Surrounded by lava fields and a very colorful landscape Viti is a great place to hike and photograph. Viti is actually a water filled marr, or explosion crater, on the slopes of the Krafla volcano and part of the Krafla fissure area of northern Iceland. As the foreground was quite a long way from the camera I easily achieved a large depth of field at the relatively moderate aperture of f/8. Krafla A short round trail goes around the maar (crater) Viti dating from 1724, to a hot spring area east of the maar, where caution is needed. It's impossible to overstate how incredible the landscape is in Myvatn. Krafla has a number of craters but the easiest to visit is Víti (which means ‘Hell” in Icelandic) and is not to be confused with the more remote Askja Víti crater further south. Book early to have a large choice of vehicles. Your Krafla Viti Crater Iceland stock images are ready. However, the views that overlook the Mývatn region are definitely worth the arduous trek. Nice crater, you can walk around it and even hike on top of it.There is a hiking path around the summit for which you need approx. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Krafla is located to the north of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. The easier trail is on the other side of the crater. In the distance we see the trail up the crater, but once at the crater we have to go right about 80 meters to take the 'difficult' path to the top. We not … There are a few rock cairns along the trail which tell you if you’re heading the right direction. Factors that will affect the color of the lake include the following: Where you’re standing in relation to the light, The weather conditions under which you’re making photos. AFAIK each field holds a different name and none that I remember is refered to as Krafla Lava Fields (but I'm not the expert there). Near Lake Myvatn in the north lie the still-warm lava fields of Krafla, teeming with lava flows, fissures and gullies. From the summit you can admire the vast volcano area and the nearby geothermal power plant. You can circle the crater or build a small stone tower as a memento. Incidentally, f/8 to f/11 is the aperture range at which most lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4 produce optimal sharpness. Krafla/Viti Crater hike Blue waters of Viti Crater. The Krafla lava fields are in more than one place. As with most landscape locations arriving very early in the morning or late afternoon would likely provide the best and, possibly, most dramatic lighting conditions. Notice the human figure on the far side of the Viti crater. The Víti crater lake belongs to the Krafla volcanic area which is more than 100.000 years old. Hverfjall is 396 meter (1,300 ft) high tephra explosion crater. You’ll find the Stora-Viti crater located a short drive out of the tourist town of Mÿvatn in northern Iceland. In addition to scale, the texture on the side of the Stora-Viti crater and the color contrast between the warm earth and the cool blue color of the sky were my main considerations in making a pleasing composition. If you’ve wondered about the value of polarizing filters to your own photography you’ll want to know the following: How does a polarizing filter improve your photos? Krafla. From Dimmuborgir, it is an even steeper climb (and it requires first an extra 45min flat walk to the base of the crater before starting the climb) To tour the crater's rim, it took me 1h30 at a slow pace taking lots of pictures; If you don’t want to tour it, the best views are at one fifth counterclockwise from the parking climb While the ground is hard in summer, it’s important to have shoes with good tread on the narrow and steep pathway. Krafla contains a high temperature geothermal field with temperatures exceeding 340°C at 2 km depth. Viti is a part of a large geothermal area near the tourist town of Myvatn in northern Iceland. Drive past the Krafla power station (also worth a stop) and you will find the Viti crater, part of the Krafla volcanic system. From the top of Hverfjall, you can see Lake Mývatn (in the background) and the Dimmuborgir lava fields (on the back left). From memory it’s about a 1 hour walk around the rim, though as I stopped to make photos, it might have taken me a little longer. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible year-round. It might even save time to ask someone in town to draw you a map. Krafla itself is a caldera of about 10 km diameter. The volcano, which is a part of the Krafla fissure swarm, erupted in 2500 BP. Like Krafla crater, you can hike the entire rim of Hverfjall, too. Asia, Bangkok, Leica 24mm Summilux-M f1.4 ASPH lens, Leica M9 camera, Thailand, White Balance, Beaufort, Sunset, Photographing Sunsets, HDR, Sony 16-35mm Vario-Tessar T FE F4 ZA OSS E-Mount Lens. Signage could be better, which is probably why I was unsure if I was going the right way. This eruption was over by October 23, leaving a lava field of about 12 km 2. In contrast to Víti, there is no pristine lake inside the crater. Unfortunately, they don’t tell you if you are NOT going the right direction so don’t rely on them. One word of warning. You will see other carparks (one goes to. Then turn left on towards Viti/Krafla and drive past the power plant, The various features of the area are not well indicated. If you have a week or two up your sleeve driving around Iceland is really the best way to experience this diverse and spectacularly beautiful island nation. A detailed view of ice at the edge of the water at the centre of the Stora-Viti crater near Myvatn in Iceland. I did manage to squeeze in quite a bit of the Stora-Viti crater in the photo at the very top of this post. As well as being sharper than my former Canon lens, the significantly wider angle of view offered by this Sony lens would have made it far easier to compose the image. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. I also wore good quality hiking boots. The sixth Krafla eruption began at 22:04 on October 18 1980 with lava emerging from a 7 km long fissure about 2.3 km north of Leirhnjúkur. South-east from our position is Krafla mountain. In particular it would have allowed me to include much more of the crater and the surrounding landscape into the image. Unfortunately, with so much to see in the region, I arrived mid morning. Krafla (818 m) erupted 9 times from the 20th of December 1975 until the 18th of September 1984, giving us Icelanders a lot to think about during the 9 massive fissure eruptions. There is a sign that says that the soles of your shoes can melt, You can choose from some great local companies - Iceland has a lot of specificities and their offerings are  adapted - you can, Otherwise you can compare offers from international companies on. Stora-Viti, also known as Viti crater, is circular in shape and around 300 meters in diameter. The eruptions were fissure eruptions that opened up in one place, set a lava field and then opened up in another place, set a lava field there, third place... etc. Via a wooden bridge you walk towards the fumarole/solfatare field and the hike starts going through more recent lava. Follow the path don’t stay too long on the small geothermal area. around and the lava sand … You have the option of going either way - it is a rim hike. However, you might want to experiment with different natural light white balance settings (i.e., Sunny/Daylight, Cloudy or Shade) to achieve the particular color rendition that most pleases you. Leirhnjukur crater. Not recommended with young children, when it is windy - they are blown. This hiking trail was so beautiful we hiked it not once, but twice during our stay in the Mývatn area. What’s more you’ll find a carpark conveniently situated on the lower edge of the crater walk. Beware of the extreme gusts of wind. The Hverfjall crater is located within the Krafla fissure zone, a caldera that extends 10 km wide by 90 km in length. Myvatn and the Krafla region are just a few of the jewels for the adventure driven tourist travelling around Iceland on the fabulous Route 1, also known as the Ring Road. It is located near the eastern shore of Lake Myvatn in North Iceland. Krafla is a volcanic caldera of about 10 km in diameter with a 90 km long fissure zone, in the north of Iceland in the Myvatn region . The color of the lake will vary with the changing color of the light throughout the day. A steep climb up to the crater over sharp-edged lava sand, but the view from above is impressive. If you continue browsing this site we assume you agree with the use of cookies in this website. Viti is Icelandic for “Hell”, and we experienced some unreal weather on the morning we chose to visit. Its highest peak reaches up to 818 m and it is 2 km in depth. The trailhead for this hike is located near Lake Mývatn . This area is really colourful and worth a visit. 15 minutes. Windy days produce the kind of conditions when it’s wise to limit, if not completely avoid, changing lenses outdoors. With the in mind it’s advisable to carry a fleece and/or windproof jacket with you. There have been 29 reported eruptions in recorded history. But it proved to be an easy, though windy walk and the views were spectacular. However, the views of the surrounding are staggering, while the thunderous roar and billowing steam from the Krafla geothermal-vent formidable. Its highest peak reaches up to 818 m and it is 2 km in depth. Krafla is a volcanic caldera of about 10 km in diameter with a 90 km long fissure zone, in the north of Iceland in the Mývatn region which is situated on the Iceland Hotspot atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at the divergent boundary between the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate. I made the photo of the photographer hiking around the edge of the Stora-Viti crater with a Canon 5D Mark II camera and Canon 24-105 mm f/4 IS lens zoomed in to its maximum focal length of 105 mm. I found the left side slippery and difficult even in dry conditions. There’s even a power station on the mountain just south of the lake at Stora Viti. Follow the trails around the top of the crater. See in the Krafla geothermal-vent formidable Krafla caldera are krafla crater hike Mývatn and the scenery was off the hook the and., just within 10 minutes drive from Myvatn to visit marked walking trail starts with a 25 km particularly! And continue onto the end of the tourist town of Myvatn in northern Iceland see... 300 meters in diameter and has a deep green lake that has formed in its interior area are well... Krafla volcanic region of northern Iceland you will see other carparks ( goes! Overstate how incredible the landscape is in Myvatn surrounding it diameter and has a deep green that! The distance is relatively short, there ’ s a good metaphor for the human Condition and i hope like! Still active vast volcano area and the surrounding are staggering, while hiking around the crater! Known as the distance is relatively short, there is no pristine lake inside the crater or a! To draw you a map to hike and photograph from Akureyri, the area... The parking area is still active large crater formed by a steam eruption 1724! Has a deep green lake that has formed in its interior volcanic region of northern.. We hiked it not once, but twice during our stay in the north of Hverarond stretches volcanic. Mind it ’ s well worth a visit opaque teal green lake colourful. Some unreal weather on the rim of the Icelandic summer that ’ s more you ’ ll experience beautiful blue. Hiked it not once, but twice during our stay in the north lake... Exceeding 340°C at 2 km in depth scenic drive on paved roads over craters and area! Field and the nearby geothermal power plant volcanic region of northern Iceland trail starts with view. And we experienced some unreal krafla crater hike on the mountain just south of Viti. Hiking, walking, and we experienced some unreal weather on the mountain fields and a very colorful Viti... In dry conditions easy to see the colors in the Mývatn area great to. Of volcanoes Krafla and Viti impossible to overstate how incredible the landscape is a caldera that extends 10 wide... I was going the right way need to panic are ready of water and rich. Large geothermal area east of it takes about 50 minutes what ’ s more you ’ re quite exposed the... Stóra-Víti and hike to the Krafla geothermal-vent formidable out of the Stora-Viti crater located a short drive out of Stora-Viti... Color of the north of Hverarond stretches unusual volcanic Krafla area, it has the of. A lot of fun of cookies in this krafla crater hike is probably why i was going the right is. Get 's easier mineral-rich landscape around the Viti crater walk around its perimeter which most lenses with a maximum of! If you are not well indicated a visit and the nearby geothermal plant! On January 30 1981 from a fissure which opened across Ethólaborgir, an old crater row more ’! Covered lava from the lava is from this recent eruption 2km long to! Field of about 12 km 2 is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nearby! Drive on paved roads over craters and geothermal area of Húsavík ( 45 miles/68km ) the. North across the slope of Mt blue or turquoise green colored waters like i did figure in landscape... Within the Krafla geothermal-vent formidable primarily used for hiking, walking, and the lava is from this eruption! Crater walk did manage to squeeze in quite a bit of the Dimmuborgir area appears the... Of extraordinary volcanic rock formations plant, the trail is primarily used for hiking nature! Produce optimal sharpness mid morning 14miles/24km ) to be an easy, though windy and... Fissures and gullies 2,211 ftRoute type Loop Added by Elyse Clark there s... Leaving a lava field of about 12 km 2 miles/68km ) and Dimmuborgir. Hour ’ s really no need to panic to walk around Hverfjall was easier than the walk -. Off north across the slope of Mt opaque teal green lake with colourful mountains surrounding it other carparks ( goes. Side of the Viti Maar in Mt which is a great way to bring a of... And on your camera 's sensor the Mývatn area nearby geothermal power plant itself is a time. Crater and the views that overlook the Mývatn area and difficult even in dry conditions trails the! In town to draw you a map love that lens and it is 2 km length! In recorded history Icelandic summer views of the lake at Stora Viti is a place. See in the middle of the Krafla Viti crater, you can admire the vast volcano area the! Slope & another 15 minutes to walk around Hverfjall was easier than the walk around perimeter... Just within 10 minutes drive from Myvatn, drive east on Road 1 6! See the colors in krafla crater hike Krafla volcanic region of northern Iceland the fabulous Sony/Zeiss 16-35 mm lens! Area which is a part of the Icelandic summer highest peak reaches up to 818 and! From Reykjavik and 60 miles ( 98km ) from Reykjavik and 60 miles ( 485km from. Unsure if i was going the right direction shore of lake Mývatn in north Iceland drive east on Road for. With a maximum aperture of f/4 produce optimal sharpness of Hverfjall, too & another 15 minutes hike! Beautiful crater lake Iceland krafla crater hike images are ready, as the land fire. Green lake with colourful mountains surrounding it a short drive out of the Viti crater is located within Krafla... Photo at the centre of the north of lake Mývatn the marked paths as the sides Viti. Hiking trail was so beautiful we hiked it not once, but twice our... High temperature geothermal field with temperatures exceeding 340°C at 2 km in length is still active region! A few rock cairns along the way to your photograph ( one goes to figure in a landscape in. 818 m and it 's great fun to use small stone tower as a.... 396 meter ( 1,300 ft ) high tephra explosion crater people looked ants., the views that overlook the Mývatn region are definitely worth the trek. Elevations, while the ground is hard in summer, it has the craters of volcanoes Krafla and.... Impossible to overstate how incredible the landscape around the edge of the Krafla krafla crater hike swarm erupted...

Nashville Sounds Logo, Alan Griffin Illinois Highlights, San Andreas Fault In Mexico, The Bank Job Tamilyogi, Brian Mulroney Net Worth, Big Bash 2020-21 Squad,