iceland inside the volcano tour

Inside the Volcano

A Journey towards the Center of the Earth

Enter Þríhnúkagígur volcano and descend into the only accessible lava chamber on planet Earth. What awaits you down there is truly magnificent.

The Volcano

Þríhnúkagígur

The volcano’s name Þríhnúkagígur, mostly unpronounceable for anyone other than locals, would be directly translated as ‘Three Peaks Crater’. No worries, it is safely dormant and has been for over 4.000 years.

Professional Guides

Amazing group of people are there for you. The guides who walk with you to and from the volcano have an undying passion for nature and people. The guides that take you down into the volcano are all heavily experienced mountaineers, many still part of the Icelandic wilderness rescue squads. Quite strong minds. The base camp guides welcome you with the best lamb soup there is and together with the rest of the crew they will immediately make you feel right at home.

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Our guests review

"Kaboom! True once in a lifetime experience!" - Olga H

"Put this at the top of your list of amazing, one-of-a-kind experiences that you can only do in the extraordinary country of Iceland!" - Albert S

"Yesterday was one of the coolest days of my life! This was one of the most beautiful natural cathedrals I have ever seen, and I was in awe the entire 45 minutes inside." - Jonathan

"Unlike anything out there. I will never forget my journey down into a place where Mother Nature has allowed us wee-humans to venture into. Simply put, awesome !!!" - Patricia

When are you going to have the chance to be inside the volcano again? 100% recommended! Nera

"This is an absolute must-do!!! We had the most awe-inspiring trip into the volcano and cannot recommend this more!!" Katie M

"The landscape was amazing. The inside of the volcano was unbelievable!! A very nice touch to offer lamb soup after the volcano." Kristen G

Iceland is open for travel: check volcano updates here

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Volcano Tours

Inside The Volcano Tour

Iceland volcano tour free reykjavik pick-up.

Want to know what a Volcano looks like from the inside? Then go on a journey to the center of the earth, on this half-day lava caving trip inside Thrihnukagigur crater, a truly unique experience!

• Þríhnúkagígur (Thrihnukagigur crater)
• Descend 120 meters into an 4.000 years old volcano
• Small Group Tour
• Short hike across lava fields
• Volcano Tour
• Free Pick-up & Drop off in Reykjavík
• All Safety Gear
• Traditional Icelandic Soup

What to bring

• Good & sturdy shoes are important
• Warm outdoor clothing

Tour Snapshot

• Expert Guides
• Small Group Experience
• No Booking Fees
• Fast & Secure Payment
• Best Price Guarantee
• Operated by our trusted partner

We enter through the top crater and descend to the bottom of its magma chamber, which was once filled with steaming hot lava. Thrihnukagigur Volcano is the only spot on earth where it’s advisable to explore a magma chamber from the inside. The volcano has not erupted for 4.000 years and shows no signs of coming to life anytime soon, so it is safe to enter. The name is directly translated as "Three Peaks Crater", participants descend into one of these craters for an unforgettable experience, chosen by CNN travel as one of the must-see places in the world!

Tour Description

This tour offers multiple departures a day from Reykjavík, where you have the choice of being picked up from your Reykjavík hotel or nearby authorized location. You can also meet us on location but we encourage you to take advantage of the complimentary pick up in Reykjavik, if you choose to drive to the meeting point then please see directions below.

The drive to the volcano parking lot is located approximately 25 minutes from Reykjavik. Once we arrive, we head off on a short hike across a vast  lava field   in order to reach the crater. Along the way, you will be able to keep yourself pre-occupied with breathtaking scenery, a good way to warm up for what’s to come next. Keep in mind that the surface can be hilly and uneven. The walk is moderate and usually takes around 45-50 minutes (3km / 2miles each way).

When we have reached the crater you will be   lowered 120 meters   (400 feet) in an open elevator system. The 120 m journey into the volcano takes about 6 minutes, giving an indication of how slowly you will be moving. This is to ensure the safety of participants as well as to give you time to indulge in the experience and amazing view. You will spend approximately 40 minutes inside the volcano. Groups are small, so you will have the personal attention of your experienced guides, who is rich in knowledge of the volcano. Learn all about this fascinating natural wonder, a   dormant volcano   that last erupted over 4.000 years ago.

Meeting Point

If you choose to meet us on location, then we will meet you at Blue Mountains’ parking lot (Bláfjöll parking). The GPS coordinates are  N 63.98502 (Latitude),  W -21.649949 (Longitude). From Reykjavik, take road #1 for about 15 minutes before turning right on Blafjallavegur #417. The road changes into road #407, do not make a right turn to the gravel part of road 417, continue straight on road #407 towards the skiing area. After about 10 minutes of driving from road #1 you will see a sign that says “Inside the Volcano – Parking 300 meters”.

Safety inside the volcano

All equipment and procedures have been tested extensively and approved by the administration of Occupational Safety and Health in Iceland. Everyone that goes down into the crater will have a harness and required to use a helmet at all times. All guides are experienced mountain guides and cave explorers and will be with you at all times.

Please note

There is an additional pick-up and drop-off fee of 2.500 ISK for adults, and 1.250 ISK for children.

How is it best to be ready for a pick-up for a tour with Arctic Adventures?

This is a great question. We ask all participants to be ready from the start of the pickup time indicated. This is because you may well be the first pick up of the day. Please be at your assigned location at the start time that you chose when booking the tour.

Here you should wait for your guide.

Have your email and phone number listed with us so we can contact you if we run into any trouble finding you.

View our   pick-up locations   in Reykjavík.

Can I drink alcohol before or during Arctic Adventures tours?

Before and during activities on the multi-day tours consumption of alcohol is prohibited. If we suspect that a participant is intoxicated, we will prohibit them from joining the activity.

After the activities of the day are finished, you are welcome to have a drink and relax.

Do you offer any family friendly tours, for younger children?

Yes, we do. Langjökull Ice Cave is a magical experience, the tour has no minimum age and is a wonderful option for the whole family. Whale Watching with our partner company Elding has been a favourite with families traveling with young children, these guys have a great success rate in seeing whales (upwards of 98% in the summertime).

Another option would be the Landmannalaugar Safari on this tour you get to explore parts of the Icelandic highlands and bathe in natural hot springs. Most of our super jeep tours  are also suitable for children over the age of 6 years old. If you would like a nice and relaxing experience we would also recommend the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour .

Can the itinerary for the tour change?

Your safety is our number one priority! Keeping this in mind, Arctic Adventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on conditions. Please read more information in our  cancellation policy .

Is there a guide on each Arctic Adventures tour?

Yes, there is a specially trained and certified guide on each of our tours. The only exception to this is for our   self-drive tours .

All of our tours are guided in English.

Can the guide advise if I am eligible for rescheduling the tour and/or a refund?

No, for all your questions and concerns you would need to contact our customer service.

What type of power outlets are used in Iceland? Do I need to bring an adapter?

The standard in Iceland is 230V and 50Hz and we use F-type power sockets and plugs, so you might have to bring an adaptor if you are visiting from UK, USA, Canada or other countries using a different voltage, Hz or plugs.

How are the tours rated in terms of difficulty?

Our tours are split into four different categories that help participants to understand what to expect from the tour. The categories are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Demanding. Each tour is rated making it easier to find tours that suit you.

For further information about the   difficulty ratings   and descriptions.

How does carbon offsetting work?

We’ve partnered with the Kolviður Fund in a new carbon offsetting program, which passengers can select to participate in at the time of booking.

The Kolviður Fund   is the oldest, most respected carbon offsetting program in Iceland. With your support, one tree will be planted in special Kolviður forests in Iceland to carbon offset your tour with us.

Kolviður forests are strategically planted to absorb the maximum amount of CO2 and the forests are protected for a minimum of 60 years. During their lifetime the trees absorb carbon and store it in their root system, trunk, and branches. Trees also prevent soil erosion and maintain storage of carbon in the soil.

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Arctic Adventures offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.is You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

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Availability

May - October

Minimum Age

ISK 47.000

Tour Highlights:

• Þríhnúkagígur Crater Volcano
• Standing Inside a Volcano
• Amazing Geology
• Small Group Experience
• Pickup at your hotel in Reyjavík
• Guided tour
• All safety gear, helmets, harnesses, etc.
• Traditional Icelandic Meat Soup
• Vegetarian Soup
• Coffee/tea and something sweet
• Transfer back to your hotel in Reykjavik
• How To Get There

The Inside the Volcano Tour

The Inside the Volcano tour is a true bucket list adventure in Iceland. On this unique volcano tour, you will literally go inside the dormant Þríhnjúkagígur volcano. Located just a short drive away from Reykjavík, this tour is the perfect addition to a great day in the city. The tour includes pick-up in Reykjavík and transport to the base camp for the tour.  If you have a rental car, you can also meet at the base camp and enjoy this tour on your way in or out of Reykjavík.

For families with older kids, a volcano tour in Iceland provides an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

After arrival at the Inside the Volcano base camp , you will suit up with safety equipment. You will also get a safety briefing from your guide. Afterward, you will start  the hike up to the Þríhnjúkagígur volcano ( approx. 3 km ). The path is mostly even terrain, although there are some elevation and uneven parts along the way. After about 45-50 minutes, you will arrive at the base of the Þríhnjúkagígur volcano! The last part of the hike is the most challenging, as you hike up to the mouth of the crater. Here the elevation is about 100m/350 ft. Your efforts will be rewarded with a fantastic experience as you enter the open elevator system that lowers you 120 meters into the volcano! 

The ride down is part of the trill of the tour and provides you with a stunning view of your surroundings. As you enter the volcano, you will feel like another world. Once you reach the ground, you will have ample time to explore the inside of the volcano and take plenty of pictures of your adventure!

Before hiking back, you’ll be able to enjoy some delicious Icelandic meat soup and warm drinks to complete your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Good hiking shoes are important. You should also bring warm outdoor clothing as the temperature inside the crater is around 4°C / 37°F.

It’s important for tour guests to realize that the weather is very unpredictable, and you should definitely bring warm, rainproof clothes with you, even if the weather in Reykjavik is nice and the forecast looks good. We highly recommend that you check the weather forecast the day before or the morning of your tour departure.

Yes, we highly recommend that guests take advantage of the complimentary transfer that is included in the tour.

At booking, you can select a pickup location either at your accommodations or close by. Please be ready at the pickup location 30 minutes before the tour departure time.

Alternatively, you can make your way to the Gray Line Bus Terminal in Holtagarðar, 104 Reykjavik. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time stated on the voucher and introduce yourself at the Sales Desk for check-in.

Although we highly recommend using the complimentary transfer service, it is also possible to drive yourself to the meeting point.

If you plan to drive yourself, make sure you arrive at the parking lot outside the cabin no later than 20 minutes past the scheduled departure time (so that those who do the scheduled transfer and those who have their own car arrive at the same time).

The GPS coordinates for the meeting point at Blue Mountains parking lot are N 63.98502 (Latitude), W -21.649949 (Longitude).

* Directions from Reykjavík *

From your location in Reykjavik, find your way to Ring Road route nr. 1 (purple line), through Sudurlandsvegur road. Drive straight for about 15 minutes and then turn right on to Blafjallavegur road nr. 417 (dark green). Drive straight down that road until it changes into road nr. 407. Don’t make a right turn to the gravel part of road 417 – continue straight on road 407 towards the ski resort.

The roads are paved all the way from Reykjavik to the meeting point and suitable for all vehicles (even small cars like Toyota Yaris or similar). If you are at any point driving on a gravel road, then you are on the wrong track.

After driving for around 10 minutes after turning off route 1, you’ll see a sign that says ‘Inside The Volcano – Parking 300 meters’. Drive that distance and you will notice a parking lot that also holds a sign marked ‘Inside the Volcano’. Please note that there are other parking lots in the area, but the correct one is where you´ll see our sign (and probably other cars as well!)

The tours depart from Reykjavik at 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 16:00, and the walk over the lava field starts around 30 minutes past the hour. You should be on the parking lot 20 minutes past the departure hour you have booked. Do not be late! Wait for a guide, who will escort you and other passengers on the tour during the hike from the parking lot to the volcano.

* Directions from the Golden Circle/South Coast*

From your location in the southwest corner of Iceland, find your way to the town of Selfoss and/or Hveragerdi. From either of those towns, follow Ring Road route nr. 1 westbound (Light green) through Sudurlandsvegur road. Drive straight for about 15 minutes from Hveragerdi village, until you can take a left turn onto Blafjallavegur road. Follow the directions as stated above.

The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old. However, if parents feel like their child is up for the tour please contact us and we will check if an exception can be made to the age limit.

The hike is classified as moderately difficult. Guests hike along a path to Þríhnjúkagígur volcano. Most of the path is on level terrain with little elevation gain, but there are a few areas where you will be walking uphill on your way to the volcano. No climbing is required on the hike.

The last 10 minutes of the hike is the most challenging, with an elevation of around 100m/350ft.

You don’t need any particular skills or prior hiking experience in order to do the hike, but you need to be in decent shape. If you are suffering from any of the following, then the tour is probably not for you:

Problems with ankles, knees or any part of the feet. Problems with the back and/or hips. There is a lot of pressure on the back when walking on such an uneven surface. Obesity or being severely overweight. Any other physical problem that might affect your ability to complete a combined walk of almost two hours within half a day.

One guide minimum is with you at all times and there are a few (short) stops made on the way. There is a strict time schedule to follow and guests are expected to follow the walking speed set by the tour guide.

Yes, this tour is also available with helicopter transfer. If you are interested in the helicopter version of this tour, please contact us at [email protected] for pricing and availability.

Yes, the operator of this tour has taken the utmost precautions and safety measures to make this tour a safe experience. All tours are led by expert guides and you will be provided with safety equipment before entering the volcano.

The open elevator that lowers you into the volcano moved slowly, not only to ensure the safety of the passengers but also to let you enjoy the spectacular sight of the volcano on your way down.

Thrihnukagigur volcano is dormant – it last erupted over 4,000 years ago. There are no indications of it erupting again in the near future.

If you have any questions regarding the safety of this tour, please feel free to contact us.

The volcano’s name, mostly unpronounceable for anyone other than locals, would be directly translated as ‘Three Peaks Crater’. The name comes from Árni B. Stefánsson, who was the first to explore the vault and who pleaded the case for making it accessible for years.

The three craters (one of which you will be descending into) are prominent landmarks, standing against the sky on the highland edge, about 20 km (13 miles) southeast of the capital area, within the protected area of Bláfjöll Country Park.

Cancellation for individuals and small groups (less than 10 persons):

Reservations can be canceled 48 hours prior to departure without penalty. Cancellations received less than 48 hours prior to departure are non-refundable.

Cancellations for private tours and larger groups (10 persons or more):

Reservations can be canceled 2 weeks prior to departure without penalty. Cancellations received less than 2 weeks prior to departure are non-refundable.

Notice for all bookings:

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] .

Please be mindful of possible time zone differences. Iceland is in the GMT time zone and cancellations must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure in Icelandic local time (GMT).

If you do need to cancel your tour, we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible. 

We highly recommend using the included transport to and from Reykjavík for this tour. If you do have a rental vehicle and would like to meet on location, the meeting point is in Bláfjöll (“Blue Mountains). It is about 35 minutes drive from downtown Reykjavík, about 1 hour from Keflavík International Airport and about 45 minutes drive from the town of Selfoss.

Please see this tours FAQ for detailed directions.

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Price from 47.000 ISK per person.

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Inside the Volcano Tour

Go on a journey to the center of the earth, on this lava caving trip inside Thrihnukagigur volcano, a breathtaking and truly unique experience! This tour literally takes you inside a dormant volcano, through the top crater and to the bottom of its magma chamber that once was filled with red-hot molten lava.

• Descending 120 meters into a 4.000 years old volcano
• Thrihnukagigur crater
• Exploring the colossal magma chamber
• A short hike in a lava field
• Learn about volcanoes and volcanic activity

What's included

• Guided small group volcano tour
• All safety gear, helmets, harnesses, etc.
• Transfer between the base camp and your hotel in Reykjavík
• English speaking local expert guides and drivers
• Traditional Icelandic meat soup, coffee/tea and perhaps some sweets as well. We also serve vegetarian soup.

What's not included

• Other food and drinks

This tour will begin when you are picked up from your hotel in Reykjavík and taken to the Bláfjöll Country Park, which sits just on the outskirts of the capital area. From here, it is just a two-mile easy hike to Thrihnukagigur volcano, where you will descend into the magma chamber of the volcano. At the base camp, your group will be split into smaller parties of 6–7 people.

After being equipped with the necessary safety equipment, you will enter the lift’s basket and begin your descent. Nowhere else in the world can you enter a magma chamber this way. This exciting lift journey toward the center of the earth covers 120 meters and takes about 6-7 minutes.

During your slow descent, the beauty of the magma chamber will become instantly apparent. Intense heat and pressure from Thrihnukagigur’s most recent eruption gave the rocks an incredible texture and coloration. Expect to see smooth walls and bizarre formations in many colors: yellows, blues, reds, oranges, and violets. So vibrant that it’s hard to believe that they could be natural.

It is not just the beauty of the space that will amaze you; it is also the size of it. To give some perspective on the size of the magma chamber, enormous monuments such as Reykjavík’s iconic Hallgrímskirkja church or the Statue of Liberty could easily fit inside it.

Once your descent down the chamber is complete, your guide will let you out of the elevator, and you can explore the volcano. You will spend about 30-40 minutes on the ground of the volcano, during which time you can take as many photos as you want. Your guides will be with you at all times, in the cable lift and on the ground in the chamber.

After your exploration, you will return to the elevator and ascend into the bright, open world. Once you reach the surface, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Icelandic meat soup or vegetable soup and hot coffee/tea/chocolate.

Finally, you will walk back over the lava field. Again, you will be accompanied by a guide at all times. The bus will be waiting for you in the parking lot, ready to drive you back to your hotel in Reykjavík.

FAQ & Important Information

The following is important information applicable to this volcano tour. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us by email or phone, we are here to make your tour exceptional!

Operation: This tour is operated by our trusted partner.

Pick up: Please note that Activity Iceland offers pick-up service from authorized pickup points in the Reykjavik downtown area. We can unfortunately not offer pick-up service from Airbnb or private apartments, nor Keflavik Airport for our tours. If your pick-up location is not on our pick up list in the booking form then we kindly ask you to locate the closest pick-up point to your accommodation. It might take up to 30 min for our guides to reach your pick-up point, so please wait patiently for us to arrive. As much as possible be prepared and ready to go.

Booking: Our day tours are very popular and we have many days when all the available seats are booked out. Please book your tour early to avoid disappointment. You can book this tour online using the booking form or just call our office. We typically respond to phone calls from 8:00 AM to 17:00 PM GMT – if you do not reach us, please  send an email and we will reply to your message as soon as possible.

Prices: All prices are per person. We accept payment by major credit and debit cards with no additional fees. Gratuities are not included.

Tour itinerary changes: At all times your safety is our first priority. You can expect any kind of weather in Iceland. For this reason, the tour itinerary may be subject to change the sights without notice or the tour might be canceled due to weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. If the timing changes, we will need your valid mobile phone number to contact you and inform you of the time change. Please don’t forget to fill out your phone number on the booking form. If the tour is canceled, you can choose to receive a full refund or to reschedule your tour for another day. We make every effort to avoid any such changes wherever possible.

Age limit: The minimum age is 12 years old, but we do make exceptions. Children that are able to hike 2 times 3.5 kilometers, even in bad weather, are welcome to join the tour. If this applies to your child and you have appropriate clothing, then you can go ahead and book your ticket on the booking site. The price is the same for children and adults. Note that we cannot make a refund if it turns out that your child is not able to finish the hike. Also, note that we do not recommend that people bring infants into the crater.

Fitness level needed: Moderate (the level of difficulty is 2 out of 5). No knowledge of hiking or climbing is required. It’s not a steep uphill walk, but the surface is uneven in places. The last 10 minutes of the hike is the more challenging, with an elevation of around 50 m/150 ft.  This is NOT a tour for those in limited physical shape.

Distance walked: Approximately 3.5 km (2 miles) each way. The walk usually takes around 45–50 minutes depending on the condition of people in the group. Guides will be with you at all times during the walk. What to bring: Since the weather is unpredictable, always bring comfortable outdoor clothes, warm layers, with waterproof and windproof outer-layers. Jeans are not suitable clothing; waterproof jacket, sturdy and waterproof outdoor shoes and a warm sweater are highly recommended. Bring your personal daily medications if required.

Medical conditions: Please let us know of any allergies or medical conditions that you may require assistance with.

Payment and cancelation: Full payment is required at time of booking to secure your place. We require 24 hrs notice of cancellation for a refund. Any cancellation made within less than 24 hours prior to departure will be fully charged.

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Inside the Volcano

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Home / Day Tours / West Iceland / Inside The Volcano Tour

Join an unforgettable guided tour inside the volcano Þríhnúkagígur. You enter the volcano in an open cable lift through the top crater and you will go to the bottom of its 4,000-year-old magma chamber, once filled with steaming hot lava. This is an out-of-this-world experience!

You get picked up from your hotel in Reykjavík and the drive to the Bláfell Mountain takes about 30 minutes. After a 45-50 minute hike, you reach the volcano Þríhnúkagígur in the middle of a lava field. The entrance to the volcano is relatively narrow and you will go down in an open cable lift.

You will go 120 meters / 400 feet to the bottom of the 4,000-year-old magma chamber. Inside the volcano, you have enough time to enjoy the wonderful colors and you can take as many photos as you want. Not many people have the possibility to have such a close encounter with a volcano and you will get a really strong sense of geology, time, and the incredible powers of the Earth. Before hiking back to the road and a transfer back to Reykjavík you can enjoy a traditional Icelandic meat soup.

Meeting point: From Reykjavík, pick-up from your accommodation or one of the official bus stops , meeting on location is possible as well

12 Years Old

• Pick-up at your hotel in Reykjavík
• All safety gear, helmets, harnesses etc.
• Traditional Icelandic meat soup/vegetarian soup
• Coffee or tea
• Transfer back to your hotel

Not included:

• Anything that is not stated in the included list

What to bring?

• Good hiking shoes
• Outdoor waterproof clothing
• Warm clothes

Meeting Point:

From Reykjavík, pick-up from your accommodation or one of the official bus stops

Meeting on location is possible as well

Requirements:

Moderate (the difficulty is 2 out of a possible 5). No knowledge of hiking or climbing is required. It’s not a steep uphill walk, but the surface is partly uneven. The last 10 minutes of the hike are the most challenging, with an elevation of around 100m/350ft. This is NOT a tour for those in no or limited physical shape.

Approximately 3 km (2 miles) each way. The walk usually takes around 45–50 minutes (depending on the condition of people in the group). A guide will be with you at all times during the walk

Minimum age is 12 years (we can and have made exceptions on the age. Contact us if you want to convince us that your kid is up for an adventure).

It is always the same temperature inside the crater – about 5–6°C (42–43°F)

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Inside the Volcano Tour

The inside the volcano tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the depths of a dormant volcano. journeying through its top crater and descending into the once fiery magma chamber, visitors can witness the remnants of red-hot molten lava. this extraordinary experience is exclusive to iceland, making it one of the few places in the world where you can venture inside a volcano's magma chamber..

• Descending into the heart of a volcano
• Exploring the colossal magma chamber
• Amazing colours in hues of red, yellow and purple
• Learning about volcanoes and volcanic activity
• Round-trip transportation
• Professional travel guide
• All necessary safety gear, helmets, harness etc.

Tour Itinerary

Located in a historic lava field near Reykjavik, the extraordinary Thrihnukagigur volcano stands as a rare gem among only a few destinations in the world where you can venture deep into the core of a volcano and explore its immense magma chamber.

Typically, after a volcanic eruption, magma chambers collapse. However, in the case of Thrihnukagigur, the lava drained away, leaving behind an empty plumbing system within the volcano. This unique characteristic allows visitors to enter the volcano and discover its remarkable magma chamber.

Embarking on an inside-the-volcano tour is an awe-inspiring experience that takes you right into the heart of the volcano. From the top crater to the very bottom of the magma chamber, you will witness the remnants of molten magma that once flowed during an eruption approximately 4,000 years ago.

To reach the Thrihnukagigur volcano, you'll embark on an hour-long walk through captivating surroundings. Once you arrive, you'll descend 120 meters into the volcano's depths using an open cable lift.

Once inside, you'll be astounded by the vastness of the space. The ground area within the volcano is equivalent to approximately three basketball courts, while the central cavity is large enough to easily accommodate the Statue of Liberty.

Prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as you step into Thrihnukagigur volcano and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of its majestic magma chamber.

Please note

• Wear outdoor clothing and proper walking/hiking shoes - trainers and jeans are not sufficient.

Part of this tour is operated by our partners

Pickup points

Not booked your hotel yet? Hotel not listed ? Staying with a friend/family?

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Pickup Info

Please present your electronic travel voucher/ticket at the time of tour departure. Pick up and drop off Pick up from hotels, guesthouses and designated bus stops starts 30 minutes before the tour departure time stated on your voucher.

Need assistance? Call:  +3545401313 or e-mail: [email protected]

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Inside the Volcano

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Pick up, Self Drive

The Inside the Volcano tour in Iceland is probably one of the most unique experiences of your life! Take an elevator inside the volcano – towards the center of the earth!

• Thrihnukagigur volcano
• Seeing Inside the Volcano in Iceland
• Hike through lava fields
• Traditional Iceland meat soup / vegetarian soup

Þríhnúkagígur Volcano

Haraldur Sigurdsson volcanologist explains Þríhnúkagígur like this:

“Þríhnúkagígur is unique (…) It’s like somebody came and pulled the plug and all the magma ran down out of it.” 

The Inside the volcano in Iceland Tour

The volcano is located only around 20 kilometers East of Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. You can choose to meet us at location or have a pick up in Reykjavik. 

• Guided tour inside the volcano in Iceland. 
• Small groups and plenty of volcano guides – personal experience.
• All safety gear – helmet, harnesses, etc.
• Traditional Icelandic meat soup / vegetarian soup
• Coffee / tea / hot chocolate. 
• Transfer back to your hotel in Reykjavik. 

What to bring

• Outdoor clothing: the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable. The weather on the carter can be different than in the city of Reykjavik. Bring warm, rainproof clothes. The temperature in the crater is always the same, around 3°C (37°F).
• Good shoes:  You will be hiking through rocky trail so we recommend hiking shoes. The trial can get muddy on a rainy day. 
• Camera: You will want to remember this trip inside the volcano in Iceland! 

Good to know

• It is possible to add a pick up from your hotel in Reykjavik for a small extra price. 
• This tour is ideal for everyone – solo travelers, families, kids, groups and friends.
• We ask all visitors to behave responsibly during the tour. The environment is extremely sensitive, and we expect visitors to leave no footprint.  What you carry in, you carry out .
• The duration of the tour is around 5-6 hours including pick up and drop off.
• If you choose to meet us at location, the duration of the tour is around 4 hours.
• You will be spending about 35-40 minutes inside the volcano. 
• A moderate level of fitness is needed on this tour. No knowledge of hiking or climbing is required. 
• You will be walking around 3 kilometers (2 mi) each way on this tour. The hike usually takes around 45-50 minutes each way. 
• It is not a steep uphill walk, but the surface is uneven in places. The last 10 minutes of the hike are more challenging with an elevation of around 50 meters (150 ft). 
• A volcano guide will be with you at all times on this tour. 
• The minimum age limit for this tour is 8 years old. Children 8 years and older, that are able to hike 2 times 3 kilometers are welcome to join the tour. They have to be dressed appropriately for the tour. The price for children 8-12 years is 50% off (22.000 ISK). We can not make a refund if it turns out that your child is not able to finish the hike. 

Do you have a question?

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Inside The Volcano - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Inside the Volcano

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Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Exciting 2.5 Hour Helicopter Ride & Volcano Tour at Thrihnukagigur with Transfer from Reykjavik

Inside the volcano is located here, verified customer reviews.

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Meliza Memon

Loved this tour and highly recommend. Pickup and drop off was easy, guides were friendly and knowledgeable, the hike through the lava fields was relaxing and descending into the volcano left us speechless.

COLIN RANDALL

Great excursion, between the hike to get there and the time/descent in the volcano itself truly a once in a lifetime experience and well worth the hike! Guides were excellent and delicious soup offered afterwards, both a meat/vegetarian option offered. Also note they do provide rain gear on site..

Luis Fernando López Báez

Espectacular tour! Una auténtica delicia haber podido ver el volcán desde dentro y muy amables y atentos los guías en todo momento.

Mirjana Markovic

Our experience was amazing. Our tour guide Jónas was very knowledgeable and told us many interesting facts about the volcano, and he guided us safely through snow and high winds. Definitely recommend, once in a lifetime experience.

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Inside the Volcano

San Francisco Sky Line

Due to a maximum 14 passenger limit on the tour, please send us email to check for availability before making an online booking. Ever wondered what a volcano looks like on the inside? This unique volcano tour, takes you literally inside a dormant volcano, through the top crater and to the bottom of its magma chamber, once filled with steaming hot lava. CANCELLATION: – PLEASE NOTE the different and more strict cancellation terms for this tour below.

AVAILABLE: May 10 to October 20

Duration: 5-6 hours, departures: daily, departure time(s): 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, tour id: tt50.

The dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano (yeah, good luck trying to pronounce it!) is a unique natural phenomenon. By putting up the necessary gear and equipment, we´ve created a tour that opens the door to a new world. And it really isn´t that complicated to experience it, only an easy 40 minute hike to the crater and then the guts to descend 120 meters/400 ft to the bottom of the crater in an open cable lift.

Useful Information: Here you will find other information for this tour.

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Inside the Volcano Tour Iceland with pick up

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with our Inside the Volcano Tour ! This unique experience takes you inside the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano – a sightseeing opportunity that can only be found in Iceland. And the best part? This tour is ideal for those who like to explore on their own self-drive!

The tour starts with a pick-up in Reykjavik, and you’ll need to be ready 30 minutes before departure time. If your hotel is located in the downtown area, we’ll pick you up from the closest pick-up point. A representative from Grayline will come and collect you with your booking reference and take you to the main terminal of Klettagarðar, where you’ll board a big bus that will take you directly to the Meeting Point Inside The Volcano.

But the real adventure begins at the Þríhnúkagígur volcano – a dormant volcano that last erupted over 4,000 years ago. With no indications of it erupting again in the near future, you’ll have the chance to explore this magnificent wonder. The volcano’s name, which is mostly unpronounceable for anyone other than locals, would be directly translated as ‘Three Peaks Crater’. The three craters (one of which you’ll be descending into) are prominent landmarks standing against the sky on the highland edge, about 20 km (13 miles) southeast of the capital area, within the protected area of Bláfjöll Country Park .

To reach the bottom of the crater, you’ll need to do a moderate 45-50 minute hike, which is an integral part of the tour. But don’t worry, the hike is worth it, not only because of the breathtaking scenery but also because it’s one of only two ways of getting to the base of the volcano. Once you’ve arrived at the base of the volcano, you’ll descend 120 meters/400 feet to the bottom of the crater in an open cable lift. The descent is not for the faint-hearted, but if you have the guts, the reward is an experience you’ll never forget.

Frequently asked questions about the Inside the Volcano tour

When does the inside volcano tour open.

Inside the Volcano is only available from May 15 – October 20

How many departures you have?

We offer several departures every day. The first tour is at 8:00 AM and the last tour is in the afternoon. You can see more details on the calendar. 

How long is the tour?

The tour takes about 5–6 hours including pickup and drop-off time, you will have (about 40 minutes in the crater). If you choose to meet on location, it takes about 4 hours when people drive themselves. 

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

You don’t need to be super fit to do this activity, however, (the level of difficulty is 2 out of 5) or moderate. No knowledge of hiking or climbing is required. It’s not a steep uphill walk, but the surface is uneven in many places. The last 10 minutes of the hike to the volcano are the more challenging, with an elevation of around 50 m/150 ft. This is NOT a tour for those in limited physical shape. 

How long is the walk?

It takes usually takes around 45–50 minutes (depending on the condition of people in the group). The distance is about 3,5 km (2 miles) each way. A guide will be walking with you at all times during the walk.

The minimum age can join this activity?

Children are 8 years old or older, who are able to hike for 40 minutes

What kind of weather should we expect?

The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable, we might have all kinds of weather on this tour, especially, when you do the hike. However, it’s guaranteed that you will have no wind inside the cave

What type of clothes show we wear

Please wear at least 3 layers, thermal, fleece, and the waterproof jacket outside, also, please have a pair of hiking shoes ready. It’s very important on this tour.

Can we take pictures inside

Yes and yes, please have a good camera with you, or a fully charged camera as you will be busy taking a lot of pictures.

I have a car, can I join the Inside the Volcano tour Meet on location ?

Yes, of course, please book this tour meet on location here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy for this tour.

• No cancellation fee will be charged if a client cancels the booking more than 48 hours and you will be entitled to get a 96.5% refund.
• A 3.5% is non-refundable and it represents the transaction fee.
• A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for the cancellations received within 48 hours before the service date.
• If the transfer service is canceled by us due to the weather or any other mishaps, you will get a 100% refund from us.
• Departure From Reykjavik
• Departure Time 08:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM
• Included Pick up at your hotel in Reykjavik All safety gear, helmets, harnesses, etc. Small groups, plenty of guides = personal experience. Volcano tour of a lifetime. Traditional Icelandic meat soup, coffee/tea and perhaps some sweets as well. We also serve vegetarian soup. Free Cancelations (min 24-hour notice). See terms & conditions. Transfer back to your hotel in Reykjavík.

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Volcano Erupts in Iceland, Spewing Lava 150 Feet Into the Air

Guests staying at the Blue Lagoon spa and surrounding hotels were ordered to evacuate hours before the eruption occurred.

By Egill Bjarnason

Reporting from Husavik, Iceland

A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted on Wednesday for the fifth time since December, cracking the Sundhnjukar mountain ridge open with spectacular force and sending lava spewing 150 feet into the air.

The meteorological office said it received indications of a possible eruption about two hours before it occurred at 1 p.m. local time in Grindavik, prompting the civil defense agency to immediately urge guests at the Blue Lagoon — the geothermal spa that is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations — to evacuate.

“Evacuate, Evacuate!” read a text message sent to the nearly 800 guests staying at the Blue Lagoon and surrounding hotels. Civil defense sirens installed in February rang out as visitors scrambled to leave.

Within minutes of the eruption, drivers traveling the highway to Keflavik Airport posted pictures of the nearly two-mile-long fissure at Sundhnjukar. A large column of smoke was visible from Reykjavik, the capital.

Helga Arnadottir, a spokeswoman, said that this was the fifth evacuation order since the volcano first roared back to life last year. The evacuation went as “smoothly as the ones before,” Ms. Arnadottir added. Hotel guests took about half an hour to evacuate, she said.

Another 300 people had to move from Grindavik, a fishing town that has largely been abandoned since January after lava and earthquakes from previous eruptions destroyed parts of it. The government has offered to buy all residential homes in Grindavik to allow residents to resettle elsewhere. Nearly all property owners in the area have opted to sell.

Iceland’s tourism board urged people not to try to get close to the eruption and was quick to note that the country remained a safe destination. The island nation’s economy relies heavily on tourism; airlines and travel agencies have reported a drop in sales since the eruptions began in December. Keflavik Airport reported no disruptions to flights on Wednesday.

While the eruption occurred with little notice, scientists had predicted that another volcanic event would happen after the last eruption three weeks ago.

Magnus Gudmundsson, who was among the first volcanologists to fly over the site, told The New York Times that the fissure at Sundhnjukar appeared to have grown. By Wednesday evening, lava had reached the barriers surrounding Grindavik that had been put in place to redirect the flow away from the town.

“We watched the fissure widen and a heavy stream of lava running south” toward Grindavik, Mr. Gudmundsson said. Parts of the main road were destroyed. The volcano has already produced 2.1 square miles of lava, Mr. Gudmundsson added, “a good amount.”

Watch: Iceland volcano erupts, prompting evacuations, road closures, explosions

A volcano erupted in Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula on Wednesday, prompting a state of emergency for thousands of nearby residents.

Videos shows the massive lava blast in the southwestern Iceland region and an evacuation at the famed Blue Lagoon spa , which will remain closed at least until Friday.

Experts warned volcanic activity was possible after recent studies uncovered the accumulation of magma underground.

Lava escaped from a 2.1-mile long fissure and blasted more than 160 feet into the air, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said. The molten rock flowed somewhere between 52,000 and 70,600 cubic feet per second, the office said.

The lava extended to defensive walls near the fishing town Grindavík, less than 2 miles from the site of the eruption. Officials are hopeful the walls will hold off the lava, according to national public broadcaster RÚV .

Eruption causes explosions, gas pollution

Lava has flowed over roads and blocked the majority of routes, Iceland’s Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management wrote on Facebook.

Wind direction is expected to head southwest where gas pollution is possible in the capital area through Thursday, the IMO forecasted.

"Explosive activity began when the magma came into contact with groundwater where a lava flows into a fissure," IMO wrote. "The magma causes the water to be quickly converted into gaseous state (steam), causing steam explosions and tephra fall (ash)."

Officials shut down electricity in Grindavík to prevent the the possible destruction of high-voltage line, RÚV reported. The decision was made as a precautionary measure as the lava could have caused significant damage to a power plant if it made contact with the line.

The peninsula has grappled with five volcanic eruptions since December and around nine in the past few years, according to the Icelandic government. Eruptions in Iceland typically occur every five years have significantly increased since 2021, the government said in December.

Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman

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Volcano in Iceland erupts for fifth time since December

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Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Terje Solsvik and Louise Rasmussen; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Aurora Ellis

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An Iceland volcano spews red streams of lava toward an evacuated town

A volcano in southwestern Iceland is erupting again, spewing red streams of lava and triggering the evacuation of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa

GRINDAVIK, Iceland -- A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted Wednesday for the fifth time since December, spewing red lava that once again threatened the coastal town of Grindavik and led to the evacuation of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

The eruption began in the early afternoon following a series of earthquake s north of the town of 3,800 people that was largely evacuated in December when the volcano came to life after centuries of dormancy and put on an impressive show of nature’s power.

Although activity began to calm down by early evening, the eruption was estimated to be the area's most vigorous so far, as lava shot 50 meters (165 feet) into the sky from a fissure that grew to 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles) in length, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said.

Barriers built to protect Grindavik deflected the flowing lava that cut off two of the three roads leading to town and was close to reaching the third.

“It’s a much larger volume that’s on the move right now headed for town,” Grindavik Mayor Fannar Jónasson told national broadcaster RUV. "The lava has already conquered (a lot).”

Workers and anyone still in town were ordered to leave earlier in the day, police said. The Blue Lagoon thermal spa — one of Iceland's biggest tourist attractions — was evacuated before the eruption began, RUV said.

At one point, a dark plume of ash boiled up over the crater from an explosive interaction of magma hitting groundwater, scientists said.

The cloud did not rise high enough to initially pose any threat to aviation, but scientists were closely monitoring the situation, Jóhanna Malen Skúladóttir, of the Met Office, told RUV.

Grindavik, which is about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has been threatened since a swarm of earthquakes in November forced an evacuation in advance of the initial Dec. 18 eruption. A subsequent eruption overwhelmed some defensive walls and consumed several buildings.

The area is part of the Svartsengi volcanic system that was dormant for nearly 800 years before reawakening.

The volcano erupted again in February and March. The Feb. 8 eruption engulfed a pipeline, cutting off heat and hot water to thousands of people.

Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, sees regular eruptions and is experienced at dealing with them. The most disruptive in recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which spewed huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere and led to widespread airspace closures over Europe.

Associated Press writer Brian Melley contributed from London.

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Iceland volcano erupts for fifth time since December spewing lava into the sky

• Thursday 30 May 2024 at 9:56am

The volcano began erupting on Wednesday sending torrents of lava flying into the air

A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted on Wednesday for the fifth time since December , shooting lava into the sky and triggering the evacuation of the nearby spa.

The eruption began in the early afternoon following a series of earthquakes north of Grindavik, a coastal town of 3,800 people that was largely evacuated in December when the volcano erupted.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office said lava was shooting about 50 metres into the sky from a fissure about 1.5 miles long and flowing toward Grindavik.

Although activity began to calm down by early evening, initial estimates found the eruption was the most vigorous in the area so far, as lava shot 50 metres into the sky from a fissure that grew to 2.1 miles in length, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said.

Barriers built to protect Grindavik deflected the flowing lava that cut off two of the three roads leading to town and was close to reaching the third.

"It’s a much larger volume that’s on the move right now headed for town," Grindavik Mayor Fannar Jónasson told national broadcaster RUV. "The lava has already conquered (a lot)."

Workers and anyone still in town were ordered to leave earlier in the day, police said.

Grindavik, which is about 30 miles southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has been threatened since a swarm of earthquakes in November forced an evacuation in advance of the initial eruption on December 18.

That eruption saw huge plumes of lava shooting into the sky across a fissure 2.5 miles long.

Grindavik was evacuated in November when the earthquakes began with some fearing the whole town could be consumed by lava.

The area is part of the Svartsengi volcanic system that was dormant for nearly 800 years before reawakening.

The volcano erupted again in February and March. The February 8 eruption engulfed a pipeline, cutting off heat and hot water to thousands of people.

Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, sees regular eruptions and is experienced at dealing with them.

The most disruptive in recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which spewed huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere and led to widespread airspace closures over Europe.

The latest eruption was unlikely to pose a risk to air travel, national broadcaster RUV quoted Guðjón Helgason, a press officer with airport operator ISAVIA, as saying.

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