Into the Heart of the Icelandic Highlands

The journey began at the break of dawn, as we set off from Lake Mývatn, the air crisp and biting, a familiar sensation for someone who has spent years in the Arctic. The anticipation was palpable as our group, a mix of British, French, Dutch, and Icelandic adventurers, climbed into the superjeep. Our guide, Anton, was a man of the land, his knowledge of the Highlands as vast as the landscapes we were about to traverse. The area had been closed for ten days, and we were the first to return, a privilege that added an edge of excitement to the expedition.

The drive was a relentless 100 kilometers of dirt track, flanked by black mountains and endless lava fields. The superjeep, a beast of a machine, plowed through deep snow, carving a path through the wilderness. The landscape was stark and unforgiving, yet there was a raw beauty to it that was impossible to ignore. As we stopped to collect glacial water and explore an outlaw’s hideout, I couldn’t help but reflect on the resilience required to survive in such an environment, a theme that resonates deeply with my past research in polar regions.

The Ascent to Askja

Reaching the Vikraborgir Car Park, the starting point for our hike to Askja Caldera, felt like an achievement in itself. The air was thin and cold, the snow deep and unyielding. Each step was a battle, but the camaraderie among our group made the struggle worthwhile. Anton, ever the professional, guided us with a steady hand, his humor and expertise a constant source of encouragement.

The caldera, when we finally reached it, was a sight to behold. Its sheer size was overwhelming, a reminder of nature’s power and our own insignificance. The lake and the Víti Crater were equally impressive, their icy waters a stark contrast to the surrounding snow. Standing on the edge, I was struck by the silence, a profound stillness that seemed to echo the vastness of the landscape.

The Journey Back

As we began our descent, the path now familiar, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the snow. Darkness fell quickly, adding a new dimension to the journey. The return trip was easier, the path already forged, but the sense of adventure remained. Conversations flowed freely, stories shared under the cover of night, a testament to the bonds formed through shared experience.

Anton, with his blend of professionalism and humor, was the perfect guide. His ability to navigate the treacherous terrain with ease was impressive, his knowledge of the area invaluable. As we finally returned to Lake Mývatn, exhausted but exhilarated, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the experience. The Askja Caldera Adventure was more than just a journey through the Icelandic Highlands; it was a reminder of the beauty and harshness of nature, a theme that continues to inspire my work as a travel writer.