The Krafla Caldera sits between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates on an active volcanic zone twelve feet long and one foot deep. There are three sights of interest in the area: Krafla Power Plant, Leirhnjúkur Lava Field, and Viti Crater. Located in Myvatn on the other side of the Ring Road from Námaskarð.
Icelandic people often believe that Hell is located beneath a volcano. Viti Crater translates to Big Hell and its story is tumultuous. At the start of the 1724 Mývatn Fires, Viti was formed in a volcanic explosion that lasted for five years. It’s mud boiled for over one hundred years after, but today there is a very different picture.
The diameter of the crater is almost 1,000 feet across and is basin is filled with the brightest blue water. You can hike around its rim in approximately one hour, but be cautious of the slippery gravel and steep sides, especially on a windy day. As you make your way around you will come to a geothermal area.
Here there is a smaller pond, fumaroles, and geodesic domes.