Dreki and Drekagil Gorge
Dreki is an area in the Highlands of Iceland a short distance from Askja Viti. It is reached by a 100km drive across lava fields with numerous river crossings and deep ash tracks. The area is only open in June, July and August but is an experience not to be missed during this brief window. Used as a NASA training ground and research station it is closely associated with the moon landing.
Dreki and Drekagil Canyon
On the lower slopes of Askja is a small gully that is tight and narrow. Known as Dragon’s Gully the rugged cliffs that tower above the gorge in the Dyngjufjöll mountains look like dragons standing guard over the stream below. Rock formations and jagged boulders line the gorge for its entire length. At the far end is a small waterfall but access is difficult and sometimes not permitted.
In 1968 a small hut was built by the Touring Club of Akureyri and that has grown into the campsite, mountain huts and information centre that forms the basecamp for exploring the Dyngjufjöll mountains and Askja. In the summer months, it is also the home to NASA scientists preparing and researching for their next projects. The huts at Dreki are basic, but the atmosphere between visitors and rangers makes up for the basic facilities.
Across the barren lava fields from Dreki is Mount Herðubreið, thought to be one of the most beautiful mountains in Iceland. Formed by a volcanic eruption under a glacier it has a distinctive flat top and steep sides. It sits on the east side of the Ódáðahraun Desert a vast area of ash and lava fields formed from the eruption of Trölladyngja and other shield volcanoes in the area.
Staying at Dreki Mountain Hut
It is possible to camp at Dreki although given the weather conditions and how rapidly things can change it may be better to book into the mountain hut. Snow can arrive in early August making even the most beautiful of days chilly at night.
This is a very basic but comfortable hostel with large dormitories as well as smaller family rooms. The kitchen area has a cooker as well as pots and pans, cutlery and plates. You do need to take all your provisions with you as there is nowhere nearby to stock up. The hostel has communal showers which are shared with the campsite but they are large and have ample hot water. The wardens are friendly and are really happy to share their enthusiasm for the area.
How to go to Drekagil and Dreki Mountain Hut
Getting to Drekagil and Dreki needs a 4WD vehicle. Despite the recommendations of some tours and sat navs F88 should be avoided unless you are super confident and have a modified vehicle that will manage deep-flowing river crossings.
The more sensible option is to follow F905 or F910 from Ring Road 1 to Dreki. The drive is across lava fields and ash with a number of small river crossings. Despite being about 100km from the main road the drive will take at least 4 hours in each direction.
Getting to the highlands in Iceland is possible with a hire car and plan a self-drive route. You should ensure that you have a 4WD vehicle and are confident with off-road driving including river crossings. These roads do not forgive mistakes and the road conditions should be checked before setting out and during the day to ensure the weather and road conditions are safe. Check out the conditions on Vegagerðin
Drekagil is behind the huts on the far side of the river. Access is restricted and it is best to check with the rangers if you can explore.
- F910, 660, Iceland
- Find Dreki on Google Maps
- Dreki Mountain Hut Website
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