Exploring Askja Caldera: An Icelandic Adventure with Hans

A Symphony of Earth and Flavor

Today was a day of stark contrasts and delightful surprises. From the otherworldly landscapes sculpted by volcanic activity to the warmth of Icelandic hospitality and the unique experience of dining in a cowshed, Askja Caldera continued to reveal its multifaceted charm. It's days like these that remind me why Hans and I crave these adventures – the unexpected beauty and the simple joys found in shared experiences.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Gígur. Located on the southern shore of Lake Myvatn, the restaurant offered stunning views that set the tone for our explorations. I opted for the traditional Icelandic skyr with fresh berries, while Hans chose the smoked salmon. Fuelled up, we were ready to delve deeper into the volcanic heart of Askja.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Gígur in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where every meal tells a story of local flavors and warm hospitality.

First on our itinerary was Sleðaásgjá, a fissure-fault ripped apart by tectonic plate movement and earthquakes. As we approached, the landscape transformed into a dramatic display of raw geological power. The earth seemed to have been torn open, revealing the immense forces at play beneath the surface. We walked along the edge, marveling at the sheer scale of the fissure and the intricate patterns etched into the rock faces. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of minerals and earth. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the natural world.


Discover the breathtaking fissure of Sleðaásgjá in Thingvellir National Park, where nature meets history in stunning Icelandic landscapes.

Next, we ventured to Leirhnjukur, an active volcano and one of the most impressive in the Krafla caldera. The drive there was an adventure in itself, navigating the rugged terrain in our trusty 4x4. As we got closer, the landscape shifted again, transforming into a surreal panorama of lava fields, steaming vents, and colorful mineral deposits. It felt like stepping onto another planet.


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

We parked the car and set out on foot, following the marked paths through the volcanic landscape. The ground crunched beneath our boots, a mixture of hardened lava and fine volcanic ash. Steam rose from the vents, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The air was thick with the smell of sulfur, a reminder of the powerful geothermal activity beneath our feet. We were careful to stay on the designated trails, as the ground can be unstable and surprisingly hot in places.

The colors of Leirhnjukur were mesmerizing – vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds painted across the volcanic rocks. Small crater lakes with boiling geothermal waters added to the otherworldly scene. We spent hours exploring the area, taking photos and simply soaking in the unique atmosphere. It was a truly unforgettable experience, a testament to the raw beauty and power of nature.

To truly appreciate the beauty of Iceland, one must embrace its contrasts – the delicate balance between fire and ice, the stark landscapes and the warm hospitality of its people.

By lunchtime, we were both feeling quite peckish. We decided to head to Vogafjós Farm Resort for a unique culinary experience. The resort is located on the east coast of Lake Mývatn. The idea of dining in a cowshed was certainly intriguing, and we were eager to see what it was all about.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine and warm hospitality at Vogafjós Farm Resort near Myvatn Lake.

As we entered the restaurant, we were immediately struck by the cozy and inviting atmosphere. The dining area was separated from the cowshed by a large glass window, allowing us to watch the cows as we ate. It was certainly a novel experience, and one that perfectly encapsulated the Icelandic spirit of connecting with nature and embracing local traditions.

The menu at Vogafjós featured homemade local food, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. We started with the Geysir rye bread, baked in their underground bakery, served with homemade butter. It was warm, dense, and incredibly flavorful. For our main courses, Hans ordered the lamb shanks, while I opted for the mozzarella salad, made with cheese from their own cows. The lamb was tender and succulent, and the mozzarella was incredibly fresh and creamy. It was a truly delicious meal, and one that we savored while watching the cows being milked.

After lunch, we took the opportunity to visit the cowshed and meet the calves. It was a delightful experience, and we even got to try some fresh milk straight from the source. It was surprisingly sweet and creamy, a testament to the quality of the farm's produce.

In the late afternoon, we made a quick stop at The Heart of Reykjavik, a shop I had spotted earlier in the day. I was hoping to find a small souvenir to remind me of our trip, and I wasn't disappointed. I found a beautiful hand-knitted wool scarf, made with traditional Icelandic patterns. It was the perfect memento of our adventure.


Explore The Heart of Reykjavik for unique Icelandic gifts and souvenirs that capture the spirit of this beautiful country.

For dinner, we decided to try Kjarr Restaurant & Bar. Located a bit further away, the drive was beautiful. The restaurant prides itself on serving honest, simple food made with top-notch ingredients. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the menu featured a range of Icelandic specialties. Hans chose the Arctic char, while I opted for the lamb fillet. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, and the flavors were rich and satisfying.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Kjarr Restaurant & Bar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur – where local flavors meet warm hospitality.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the dramatic volcanic landscapes to the unique culinary experiences, it had been a day of discovery and delight. We felt grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible region of Iceland, and for the chance to share these experiences together.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Dyngjufjoll and Drekagil. I'm particularly excited about Drekagil, as I've heard it's a truly magical place. We'll also be stopping by Shopicelandic for some more souvenirs. I'm hoping to find a traditional Icelandic sweater to keep me warm on our future adventures.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves back at our campsite, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Askja Caldera. The sky was ablaze with the colors of sunset, painting the landscape in hues of orange, pink, and purple. We sat in comfortable silence, sipping hot tea and watching the stars begin to emerge. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Before drifting off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Traveling with Hans makes every adventure even more special, and I cherish the memories we are creating together. As I closed my eyes, I knew that tomorrow would bring new wonders and new discoveries. And I couldn't wait to experience them all.