Krafla

Natural landmarks of Iceland

TypeVolcanic system / caldera

RegionNorth Iceland

DifficultyModerate

Krafla is a caldera of about 10 km in diameter with a 90 km long fissure zone, in the north of Iceland in the Mývatn region. Its highest peak reaches up to 818 m and it is 2 km in depth. There have been 29 reported eruptions in recorded history.

Krafla includes one of the two best-known Víti craters of Iceland (the other is in Askja). The Icelandic word "víti" means "hell". In former times, people often believed hell to be under volcanoes. The crater Víti has a green lake inside of it.

South of the Krafla area, but not actually within the caldera is Námafjall, a mountain, beneath which is Hverir, a geothermal area with boiling mudpools and steaming fumaroles.

The Mývatn fires occurred between 1724–1729, when many of the fissure vents opened up. The lava fountains could be seen in the south of the island and a lava flow destroyed three farms near the village of Reykjahlíð, although nobody was harmed.

Between 1975 and 1984 there was a volcanic episode within the Krafla volcano. It involved nine volcanic eruptions and fifteen uplift and subsidence events. This interrupted some of the Krafla drillfields. During these events a large magma chamber emerged. This has been identified by analysing the seismic activity.

Since 1977 the Krafla area has been the source of the geothermal energy used by a 60 MWe power station. A survey undertaken in 2006 indicated very high temperatures at depths of between 3 and 5 kilometres and these favourable conditions have led to the development of the first well from the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP), that found magma only 2.1 km deep.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krafla

More details

Rock typeBasaltic volcanic rock, tephra and geothermal alteration

Formation typeCaldera and volcanic system

Last eruption1984

Best seasonSummer

Hiking routeHikeable

Glacier coverNot glacier covered

VolcanismVolcano

Volcanic activityActive volcano

Overview

Krafla is an active volcanic system north of Lake Myvatn, containing a caldera, fissures, young lava fields and geothermal areas.

History

Krafla has repeatedly entered Icelandic history through eruptions, geothermal development and scientific research. Cultural context: Krafla contributes to the visual and cultural identity of its region and is part of the long relationship between Icelandic communities and mountain landscapes.

Geology

The system lies in the Northern Volcanic Zone and includes a central volcano, fissure swarms and basaltic lava fields. The 1975-1984 Krafla Fires demonstrated active rifting and magma intrusion.

Hiking

Hiking possibilities around Krafla vary by route, season and access point. Exact distance and duration should be taken from a dedicated route record where available.

Safety

Conditions on Krafla can change quickly. Wind, low cloud, rain, snow, ice and loose ground can all increase difficulty. Visitors should check current conditions and choose routes appropriate to their experience. Practical visitor information: Visitors should choose an experience that matches current conditions and their own experience

Views & surroundings

Higher ground overlooks the caldera, young lava, Myvatn region and the broader volcanic landscape. Surroundings: Krafla should be understood as part of its wider Icelandic landscape, including neighbouring valleys, ridges, lowlands and volcanic or glacial features. Nearby highlights: Viti; Leirhnjukur; Lake Myvatn Destination area: Lake Myvatn area

Interesting facts

The Krafla Fires became a textbook modern example of continental rifting. Understand Krafla by noticing not just the summit, but also its rock, slopes, neighbouring landforms and position within the wider landscape. Notable features: It is one of the best places in Iceland to see the connection between plate movement, magma intrusion, eruptions and geothermal activity. Summary: An active volcanic system north of Myvatn, famous for rifting, geothermal areas and the 1975-1984 Krafla Fires. Themes: Volcanic system; rifting; lava; geothermal activity

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Krafla?: Krafla is part of Iceland's mountain landscape, shaped by the combined effects of volcanism, glaciers, erosion and a harsh maritime climate.
How was Krafla formed?: The geology of Krafla is linked to Iceland's volcanic bedrock, while glaciers, frost, running water and weathering later reshaped the landform.
What should visitors know before visiting Krafla?: Conditions around Krafla can change quickly. Check access and weather before travelling, stay on established routes where possible and avoid damaging fragile natural surfaces.