Exploring Askja Caldera: An Icelandic Adventure with Hans

Echoes of Dragons and Fire: A Day Amidst Iceland's Volcanic Wonders

Today was a day of stark contrasts and breathtaking beauty, a true testament to Iceland's raw, untamed spirit. Leaving behind our cozy campsite, Hans and I set out to explore two of Askja Caldera's most captivating destinations: Drekagil, the Dragon Ravine, and Leirhnjukur, a landscape sculpted by recent volcanic activity. I was excited to see what these places held in store for us, especially after hearing so much about their unique geological features.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Grána Bistro. I enjoyed a traditional Danish pastry, while Hans opted for something more substantial. Fuelled up and ready for adventure, we hopped into our trusty 4x4 and navigated the rugged F-roads leading to Drekagil. The drive itself was an experience, with vast lava fields stretching out on either side, punctuated by the occasional glimpse of snow-capped mountains in the distance. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of this volcanic wilderness. It was a stark reminder of the powerful forces that have shaped this island over millennia. The weather was on our side, a welcome change after yesterday's drizzle. The sun peeked through the clouds, casting long shadows across the landscape and highlighting the textures of the lava rocks. I made a mental note to buy sunscreen from Agzu OnlineStore later, as I had forgotten to pack it.


Arriving at Drekagil, I immediately understood why it's called the Dragon Ravine. The entrance to the ravine is a narrow gully, with towering cliffs of dark, jagged lava formations on either side. It felt like stepping into another world, a realm of mythical creatures and ancient secrets. Hans, ever the pragmatist, pointed out that NASA used this area for research for their Mars 2020 mission, due to its resemblance to the Martian surface. That only added to the surreal atmosphere. We ventured into the ravine, following a rocky path that wound its way along the canyon floor. The scale of the place was immense, with the cliffs rising hundreds of feet above us. The sunlight filtered through the narrow opening, creating dramatic plays of light and shadow on the rock faces. I could see why it was called Dragon's Gully. The lava formations were reminiscent of dragons and fairy tales.


Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Drekagil Ravine, a serene escape in Iceland with stunning landscapes and rich geological history.

The appeal of the gorge for me is the vibrant features of the lava.

As we walked deeper into Drekagil, the ravine narrowed, and we could hear the sound of rushing water. Soon, we reached a small waterfall cascading down the cliff face, a welcome sight in this arid landscape. The water was crystal clear and ice-cold, a testament to its glacial origins. I took a moment to splash some on my face, feeling instantly refreshed. The air was still and quiet, broken only by the sound of the waterfall and the occasional cry of a raven overhead. It was a moment of perfect peace, a chance to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. I tried to capture the beauty of the ravine with my camera, but no photograph could truly do it justice. It was a place that had to be experienced firsthand, a place that stirred the imagination and awakened the senses. I felt a sense of wonder, imagining what it must have been like for the first explorers to stumble upon this hidden gem.


After spending a couple of hours exploring Drekagil, we made our way back to the 4x4 and set off for our next destination: Leirhnjukur. The drive took us through more of Askja's otherworldly landscapes, a seemingly endless expanse of black lava fields and volcanic craters. The scenery was both desolate and beautiful, a reminder of the power and fragility of nature. As we approached Leirhnjukur, we could see plumes of steam rising from the ground, a sign of the geothermal activity that lies beneath the surface. The air was thick with the smell of sulfur, a pungent reminder of the volcanic forces at play. We parked the car and set out on foot, following a well-marked trail that wound its way through the lava fields. The ground was uneven and rocky, and I was grateful for my sturdy hiking boots. The landscape was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The lava rocks were black and twisted, contorted into bizarre shapes by the intense heat of past eruptions. Steam vents hissed and sputtered, releasing plumes of hot gas into the air. The ground was stained with vibrant colors – yellow, orange, and red – from the minerals deposited by the geothermal activity. It felt like walking on another planet, a place where the earth was still raw and untamed.


Explore Leirhnjúkur, Iceland's stunning geothermal attraction featuring bubbling mud pots and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

We explored the area for several hours, marveling at the unique geological features and soaking in the surreal atmosphere. I was particularly fascinated by the mud pots, bubbling pools of hot, viscous mud that gurgled and spat with primordial energy. I watched in fascination as the mud slowly churned and bubbled, releasing plumes of steam and a faint, earthy smell. It was a reminder that the earth beneath our feet was still alive, still evolving. Hans, ever the scientist, explained that the geothermal activity was caused by magma close to the surface, heating the groundwater and creating these unique hydrothermal features. I found myself thinking about the power of language and how it shapes our understanding of the world. As a translator, I'm constantly aware of the nuances of different languages and how they can influence our perception of reality. Standing in this otherworldly landscape, I felt a profound connection to the earth, a sense of belonging that transcended language and culture.


As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to the 4x4, feeling tired but exhilarated. We stopped at Kjarr Restaurant for lunch, as we needed to have a change of clothes. The restaurant was warm and inviting, and we were greeted with friendly smiles by the staff. We both ordered the lamb dish, which was delicious and hearty. Refueled and refreshed, we drove to Sauðá for dinner. The cod was perfectly cooked, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring Iceland's volcanic wonders. As we drove back to our campsite, the sun began to set, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. I gazed out at the landscape, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such incredible beauty. Tomorrow, we'll be heading to the Bustarfell Museum and Sleðaásgjá. I'm looking forward to discovering more of Iceland's hidden gems, to immersing myself in its rich culture and history. But for now, I'm content to savor the memories of today, the echoes of dragons and fire that will forever be etched in my mind. It was an amazing experience, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.