Askja, the enigmatic volcano tucked away in the remote northern highlands of Iceland, harbors a history that ignites intrigue. In 1875, Askja bellowed with an eruption that etched its name in volcanic lore, blanketing distant lands with ash and prompting waves of emigration from Iceland to north America. The tumultuous event remains an emblem of nature’s might.
Yet, more stories lie within its ashen embrace. In 1907, the disappearance of German scientists Walter von Knebel and Max Rudloff while exploring Öskjuvatn’s waters left a mystifying void. Von Knebel’s fiancée Ina led an expedition to search for them, but no indication of what happened to them was ever found.
Half a century later, in 1965 and 1967, the training of NASA’s Apollo astronauts bestowed Askja with a cosmic role, cultivating skills for moonwalking amid its rugged terrain. Neil Armstrong took his small steps on Earth on the rim of Askja’s Crater, studying its geology to better prepare himself for collecting rock samples from the Moon.
In 1961, another eruption unleashed Askja’s fury, captivating scientists and showcasing the intricate dance between Earth’s mantle and its crust. Now, as tremors hint at a new awakening, Askja’s tale continues, promising another chapter in its ongoing dialogue with the skies.
From vanished pioneers to lunar dreamers, Askja is a mosaic of human curiosity and planetary tumult, standing as a testament to both the geological spectacle and our ceaseless quest for understanding Earth’s ancient secrets.
Media contact: Orly Orlyson +354 848 7600 orly@husavik.com