Sometimes you want to see places because they have such a cool name. One of those places is Drekagil, which means Dragon Ravine in English. The ravine is close to the Askja caldera in the northern Icelandic highlands. I had the good fortune of exploring this special place last summer.

A lonely road in the Icelandic highlands.
A lonely road in the Icelandic highlands.

Unique opportunity for exploration

We came to Drekagil after we had ventured up to Askja Caldera. Unlike when we had been up to Askja, the weather was not giving us any problems. Unlike the gale-force wind and rain we experienced Askja, it was calm at Drekagil. Just one more example of the weather volatility you experience here! I had high expectations of the ravine and was eager to explore it. After all, since the ravine is in the remote highlands, I knew that it could be a while until I had the chance to revisit this place.

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Highland shapes in Drekagil ravine in Iceland.
Highland shapes.

Reminiscent of Martian terrain

Drekagil has a nice little role in the exploration of Mars. NASA used this area for research for their Mars 2020 mission. The rough terrain there is similar to the surface of the red planet. The ravine is part of the massive Dyngjufjöll mountain range that defines this part of the Icelandic highlands. Other noteworthy destinations nearby include Askja, Herðubreiðarlindir, and Kverkfjöll.

Putting your imagination into overdrive at Drekagil

The appeal of the gorge for me is the vibrant features of the lava. Yes, there are lava formations there that remind you of dragons. But there are also so many shapes and forms in this wonderful ravine that stir the imagination. In the middle of the ravine is a river carving its way there since time immemorial. Deep down in the ravine, an impressive waterfall awaits. However, the gorge was closed due to the risk of rock falling. I did not venture further. Hopefully, I can come back and check out that waterfall.

A rare luxury in the highlands

At Drekagil, there are huts where you can stay, or at least use to go the bathroom. But it is the same thing at Drekagil as in other places in the Icelandic highlands; there are no shops or anything like that. But it is a place where you can use a clean and well-maintained toilet. That is a real luxury in rough Icelandic highlands!

How to get to Drekagil

Drekagil is in the Icelandic highlands and only accessible on an F-road, a bumpy highland trail. Drive on road F-88 to Öskjuvegur road until you reach highland-trail F-910, which will take you to the Drekagil ravine. Please note that car rental companies forbid their customers to go on F-roads as far as I know. Most people should go to the Icelandic highlands with an experienced driver-guide.