Inside the Volcano from Reykjavik
This one-of-a-kind tour takes you deep within the earth inside the volcano! Þríhnúkagígur is a dormant volcano in the Blue Mountains or Bláfjall, just outside Reykjavík. The last eruption here formed a large domed magma chamber. The chamber indeed is unusually large with a ground area of over 3000 sqm with the crater walls gradually rising to the crater at the top. Until recently it was only possible for expert climbers to abseil down into this grand chamber. This was highly dangerous thereby making the volcano inaccessible to most.
No longer! After the installation of highly specialized equipment, namely an elevator, this natural phenomenon was finally opened up to the general public.
The chamber is strategically lit to display the volcano in all its magnificence, with pathways around the area providing safe walking areas. Grasp this opportunity and join us on this unique tour and experience this natural wonder.
Book now and embark on a spectacular descent into the Thríknúkagígur volcano, wander through ancient lava fields, and savor complimentary Icelandic meat soup and hot chocolate.
Tour highlights & itinerary
- Reykjavík pickup and drop off
- Fully guided tour
- Soup and drink
- Hiking clothes and rain gear
- snack and drink or water bottle
- wind jacket and warm clothing
- The tour is operated daily between May and October. Outside of these months, the elevator and other equipment are removed from the site and the crater entrance cordoned off.
- The tour involves walking 3.5km each way over sometimes uneven terrain. This is of course guided. We also offer a helicopter transfer tour.
- The minimum age for this tour is 8 and this is non-negotiable.
Write a review
Share your experience with others.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Pick-upReykjavikWe offer pickup from various hotels and pickup points throughout the capital area at no extra cost.
1 Inside the Volcano Meeting PointIf you have your own car, you can opt to meet us on location (Details below).
The meeting spot is a ski cabin nestled within the Blue Mountains, known as Bláfjöll. It’s approximately a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík. The cabin is called Breiðabliksskáli. Please avoid the route through Hafnarfjörður (road nr. 417) as it is permanently closed. Instead, take road nr. 1, the ring road, which eventually connects to road nr. 417.
2 Thríknúkagígur volcano hikeOnce everyone is ready, we will walk the winding trail through the lava fields passing small caves along the way. The hike, which takes around 40 minutes each way, is relatively flat until the end when we approach the volcano itself. We have to walk rather than drive to base camp as this is a protected area. We stick to the trail for this same reason.
The base camp is set at the foot of the crater. Here you will have a detailed safety briefing and be outfitted with your harness and helmet. Then we take the short climb to the mouth of the volcano to the elevator.
3 Þríhnúkagígur volcano magma chamberYou and your guide will climb on board the elevator, which takes 6 minutes to descend the 160m (400ft) into the vast, cavernous magma chamber. It may seem scary but it is perfectly safe and our equipment is thoroughly vetted frequently. Once on the ground, you will have around 30 minutes to explore the cave itself. The chamber is vast and they say that the statue of liberty could easily fit within its wall. The rock formations, textures and colours are something to behold.
It can often be chilly inside the volcano, so as a special treat, you can sample our delicious traditional Icelandic meat soup or vegetable soup. We also offer coffee/hot chocolate to warm you up before you embark on the walk back to the meeting point.
- Drop-offReykajvik
Our bus will then take you on the short drive back to the city where you can reflect upon what you have just seen and experienced.
We offer pickup from various hotels and pickup points throughout the capital area at no extra cost.
If you have your own car, you can opt to meet us on location (Details below).
The meeting spot is a ski cabin nestled within the Blue Mountains, known as Bláfjöll. It’s approximately a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík. The cabin is called Breiðabliksskáli. Please avoid the route through Hafnarfjörður (road nr. 417) as it is permanently closed. Instead, take road nr. 1, the ring road, which eventually connects to road nr. 417.
Once everyone is ready, we will walk the winding trail through the lava fields passing small caves along the way. The hike, which takes around 40 minutes each way, is relatively flat until the end when we approach the volcano itself. We have to walk rather than drive to base camp as this is a protected area. We stick to the trail for this same reason.
The base camp is set at the foot of the crater. Here you will have a detailed safety briefing and be outfitted with your harness and helmet. Then we take the short climb to the mouth of the volcano to the elevator.
You and your guide will climb on board the elevator, which takes 6 minutes to descend the 160m (400ft) into the vast, cavernous magma chamber. It may seem scary but it is perfectly safe and our equipment is thoroughly vetted frequently. Once on the ground, you will have around 30 minutes to explore the cave itself. The chamber is vast and they say that the statue of liberty could easily fit within its wall. The rock formations, textures and colours are something to behold.
It can often be chilly inside the volcano, so as a special treat, you can sample our delicious traditional Icelandic meat soup or vegetable soup. We also offer coffee/hot chocolate to warm you up before you embark on the walk back to the meeting point.
Our bus will then take you on the short drive back to the city where you can reflect upon what you have just seen and experienced.