- Address: Reykjavik, Iceland;
- Height above sea level: 1 516 m;
- The last eruption: 1961.
Intending to go on a trip to Iceland , the tourist route must include the Ascia volcano. This geological phenomenon is located in the very center of the island. The area around the volcano is considered very mysterious. It is rumored that scientists in this region of Iceland have been missing.
Ascia volcano - history
The volcanic depression of the Ascia mountain stands out especially against the backdrop of endless lava fields of 6,000 m². Its existence became known only at the eruption of March 29, 1875. And although there was not a large number of victims, rumors spread even in Sweden and Norway.
Underground shocks, ashes - all this frightened the locals, who in panic began to move to live in other countries. I fell asleep the volcano for almost 100 years. His last eruption was in 1961. But this does not mean that there is no need to wait for the next ones.
Volcano Askja - description
To see the Ascia volcano near, it is necessary to reach the remote part of Iceland. Not many tourists have the courage to do it. But such a way is worth doing to see this greatest creation of nature.
The Ascia volcano rises above the sea level at 1516 m. It is located in the territory of Vatnajökull National Park . The volcano is covered with numerous layers of ash, pumice, tefte and lava. Also there are several destroyed craters - calderas. The Highlands is a bizarre mixture of lava piles with outcrops of geothermal waters.
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Gifts of the volcano Ascia eruption
The natural catastrophe was not in vain. Thanks to the tremors, two large lakes were formed. At the present time, they have made a significant contribution to attracting tourists.
- Lake Esquivatn is the deepest in Iceland. Its area is 11 km ², and the depth is 220 m. In the first days of its appearance, the lake was warm, but gradually covered with ice. During another eruption in the southern part of the lake formed a small island of Eyja.
- The second lake is Viti , it borders on the northern shore of Lake Esqujuvatn. This is a geothermal pond. The diameter is 100 m, the depth is not more than 7 meters. The water in it is an amazing color - milky blue. The temperature does not drop below 20 ° C. The name of the lake was due to the smell of sulfur that hovers around it. After all, with the Spanish Viti means hell.
It's amazing, but the fact is, how one volcano could spawn two such unlike lakes. These are not the only reservoirs that appeared as a result of the eruption.
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Interesting facts about Ascia volcano
- Scientists and tourists talk about the volcano Askja only in a positive way. For example, praise for the round shape, are surprised by the titanic dimensions. To get around the crater, you need to walk 8 km.
- The view that appears before tourists - a lifeless landscape, bare rocks, piles of stones - all this more like a scene from a sci-fi movie. But this is a real landscape, which tourists come to visit from different countries.
- Here there were training of astronauts Apollo, which flew to the moon. This was due to the fact that the surface of the structure is very similar to the lunar soil.
How do I get to Ascia Volcano?
You can get to the volcano Askja differently. It all depends on the point of departure. If you move from the south, you should go to the F910. Tourists, who first visited Lake Myvatn in the north, need to get to the highway F88. He will lead to the first highway, along which the future path will continue. Since the patency of roads leaves much to be desired, you should get a suitable transport.
The convenience of the brave souls will be taken care of in a permanent tourist camp. If desired, you can stay there for the night. Travelers are assigned two houses. In one they prepare meals for a common kitchen, there is a shower. And the second one is meant for rest.