Geothermal crater lake of Viti


In the picturesque country of Iceland there are truly unique natural sites. One of them is the geothermal crater lake of Viti. It can be called a true miracle of nature, and tourists are recommended to visit it.

Characteristics of the crater lake

Crater lakes are one of the most interesting natural phenomena. They are truly unique. These are reservoirs that form when water is filled with natural depressions.

Crater lake is characterized by the shape of a circle, the depression has high walls. In the reservoirs, rainwater is contained. As a rule, the water in the lake is saturated with gases, it is characterized by high acidity, as well as sediment, which has a rich greenish tinge.

If the lake is located in an extinct or dormant volcano, the water in it is fresh and very clear. This is due to the fact that there are no precipitations for such reservoirs.

Lake Viti - description

Geothermal Lake Viti is located in the central highlands of Iceland, near the active volcano Askiya . Stratovolcán belongs to a complex of several calderas, which belong to the Dingyufjöldl mountain system. The height of the mountains is relatively small and amounts to 1510 m. The name of Asquia in translation means "caldera". The last eruption took place in 1875. The volcano is located northeast of the Vatnajekul glacier .

This area is characterized by a minimum amount of precipitation, which fall throughout the year. They are only about 450 mm. In these places, tourists can only get in for a few months of the year. This is due to the fact that the lake is in the area of ​​rain shadow, and there is also no permanent road, and therefore one has to take advantage of the weather.

In diameter, the reservoir reaches 150 m, and the depth does not exceed even 7 m. The water temperature in it is kept at 25 ° C. The lake has a regular rounded shape.

In the immediate vicinity of Viti there is a second lake, which arose as a result of a volcanic eruption. Interestingly, this pond is constantly covered with ice.

What interests Lake Viti?

Undoubtedly, bathing in the lake of Viti will bring a lot of impressions. You can get aesthetic pleasure, thanks to the surrounding scenic view. But it will also add emotion and the fact that the volcano is active. Therefore, such entertainment, first of all, prefer extreme. At the same time, swimming in the lake is extremely useful, since water is rich in microelements. The water has an opaque, saturated blue color. The lake is characterized by a strong sulfuric odor.

An interesting fact is that it was in this place that the training of astronauts took place, which were prepared according to the Apollo program, which were to land on the Moon.

How to get to Lake Viti?

Access to the geothermal crater lake of Viti is possible only by car. Get on the road number F910. It will only be possible to reach the volcano Askiya, and then have to walk.