About this experience
Þríhnúkagígur is the only place on planet Earth where you
can descend into a dormant volcano and safely explore its
massive lava chamber. It is truly a one of a kind experience.
At a glance
- Duration: 6 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Rain coats - if needed
- Warm traditional Icelandic lamb soup or a vegan option along with coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
- Safety gear - Helmet and harness
Itinerary and highlights
Once you arrive the meeting point which sits just on the outskirts of the capital area, you will embark on a 3 km (2 mi) hike to Þríhnúkagígur volcano. There you will descend into the volcano itself.
When you reach the crater, you will be equipped with a helmet and harness and you will enter the lift's basket to begin your descent. Nowhere else in the world can you enter a magma chamber this way, which is part of what makes this tour so unique and worthwhile. This lift journey takes about 7 minutes.
During your descent, the beauty of the magma chamber will become instantly apparent. Intense heat and pressure from Þríhnúkagígur’s most recent eruption, over four thousand years ago, gave the rocks an incredible coloration and texture. You will have 30 minutes to explore the magma chamber.
Once you are back at the surface, you will be served a traditional meat or vegetable soup, along with hot beverages, which you can enjoy before hiking back.
Meeting and pickup information
- If you have not specified a hotel or bus stop as your pickup location please arrive at BSI bus terminal 15 minutes prior to start time. The bus will leave ON the hour.
- If you have not chosen a hotel or bus stop for your pickup you can meet the bus at BSI bus terminal. This is the final stop before the bus leaves Reykjavík. Hotel and bus stop pickup starts 30 minutes prior to the start time given.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Inside The volcano
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
