Ódádahraun (“The Lava Field of Evil Deeds”) is the largest lava field in Iceland, covering nearly 5% of the country’s total land area. It stretches across the northern part of Sudur-Thingeyjarsýsla, from Vatnajökull in the south to Mývatn in the north, bordered by rivers Skjálfandafljót to the west and Jökulsá á Fjöllum to the east. Within and around Ódádahraun lie both Herdubreid and Askja, as well as Trölladyngja—the largest shield volcano in the world—just north of Bárdarbunga in Vatnajökull. The oldest lava formations in Ódádahraun date back around 12,000 years, while the most recent, Holuhraun, erupted 11 years ago in Iceland’s largest volcanic eruption of this century, spreading across the plains between Askja and Vatnajökull.
The name Ódádahraun first appears about 500 years ago in Bishop Gissur Oddsson’s book Undur Íslands (Wonders of Iceland). At the time, unlike today, it was believed that many outlaws found refuge there, living in the grassy oases of the lava field, with access to hot water in this geothermal volcanic region of the Icelandic highlands. However, in reality, the area has remained uninhabitable since Iceland was first settled, as it is little more than an immense lava desert where hardly any grass grows.
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Ódádahraun, 18/02/2025: A7R IV, RX1R II – FE 1.4/24mm GM, FE 1.8/135mm GM, FE 1.4/50mm Z, 2.0/35mm Z – Images & text: Páll Stefánsson
