Askja Route F88 — Ring Road to Askja Caldera via Herðubreiðarlindir and Drekagil
Lava desert to a caldera lake and a hot crater
F88 leaves the Ring Road and heads south into the Ódáðahraun, the Icelandic ‘Desert of Misdeeds’, a lava field outlaws once used as a hideout. You cross a short ford and follow the gravel to the green oasis of Herðubreiðarlindir, under the flat-topped bulk of Herðubreið. Past it the track climbs through ash and pumice to Drekagil and the Dreki huts, then bounces across the lava toward Askja. The finish is a short walk to Öskjuvatn, a deep caldera lake, and Víti, a warm explosion crater you can swim in when the weather plays along.
F-roads are 4WD-only in Iceland, and F88 earns it with fords, washboard and soft ash. It’s Moderate when the water is low and a different story after rain or heavy melt. Check the Road Administration’s conditions page before you go, and walk any crossing you can’t read. The route is open roughly late June to early September. Fuel up before you leave the Ring Road, as there’s none out here. Camping is restricted to designated sites at Herðubreiðarlindir and Dreki. Cell service is spotty at best. Give it two days so you aren’t rushing a caldera. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 59 mi / 95 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3600 ft |
| Best season | Late June-early September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance (F-road legal) |
| Nearest town | Mývatn, Iceland |
| Land manager | Vatnajökull National Park / Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | Vatnajökull National Park Icelandic Road Administration road conditions |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or similar SUV do the Askja Route F88?
Yes, if it's a real 4WD with decent ground clearance. F-roads are legally restricted to 4WD vehicles, and a stock 4Runner, Land Cruiser, or Defender handles the washboard, loose lava rock, and moderate fords fine. Crossover SUVs and 2WD rentals aren't legal or smart here.
When is F88 open, and can I drive it in winter?
No. Highland F-roads are closed in winter and typically open between mid-June and early July, depending on snowmelt, and close again in September or October. The final stretch to Askja often opens later than the lower sections, so check road.is before you commit.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive to Askja?
No permit or road toll is required for the drive itself. You'll pay for camping at the designated sites, such as Herðubreiðarlindir and Drekagil. Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland and carries heavy fines, so stay on the marked track.
What's the hardest part of the route, and how deep are the river crossings?
Expect rough, corrugated lava gravel, rocky sections, and a few fords, with the Lindaá near Herðubreiðarlindir the one people worry about. Depth changes with meltwater and rain, so check road.is and ask the rangers at Herðubreiðarlindir or Drekagil before crossing. Walk it first if you're unsure.
Where do I get fuel, and can I camp along the way?
There's no fuel in the highlands, so fill up around Mývatn or on the Ring Road before you turn off. It's 95 km one way, and the trip is best done over 2 days. Camp at the designated sites at Herðubreiðarlindir or Drekagil, since wild camping isn't allowed in the national park. Cell service is spotty, so tell someone your plan.
Trail track
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