Inside The Volcano
Enter Þríhnúkagígur volcano and descend into the only accessible lava chamber on planet Earth.
Discover the unparalleled adventure of exploring the massive lava chamber within a dormant volcano at Þríhnúkagígur, a unique experience found nowhere else on Earth.
Embark on this unforgettable journey that starts with a moderate 45–50 minute hike and muster the courage to descend 120 meters / 400 feet into the volcano via an open cable lift. The hike to the volcano not only showcases breathtaking scenery but also serves as an essential component of the tour, offering one of the two access routes to the volcano's base—the other being a helicopter ride.
Embark on a scenic hike, approximately 3 km / 2 miles each way, guided by our knowledgeable team. The path is relatively easy, taking around 45 minutes, with a gentle incline of about 50 meters / 150 ft towards basecamp. It is a bit steep but our attentive guides ensure a comfortable pace for all participants.
Upon reaching Base Camp, indulge in a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea while our staff briefs you on safety protocols and assists with gearing up. Following a thorough equipment check, prepare for the extraordinary descent into the volcano via our lift.
Descend into the depths of the volcano aboard our expertly operated lift, offering a breathtaking 7-minute journey.
Explore the magnificent lava chamber for approximately half an hour, capturing stunning photos and learning fascinating facts from our expert guides who accompany you throughout.
Savor traditional Icelandic lamb soup or a vegetable/vegan option along with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in our cozy basecamp while waiting for the group's volcano visit to conclude.
Conclude the excursion by retracing your steps across the lava field with our guides, ensuring a safe and enjoyable return journey. Our bus awaits in the parking lot to transport you back to Reykjavík, marking the end of an extraordinary adventure.
Meeting Point is at the ski cabin, located in Bláfjöll. Pickup is also available from Reykjavik
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Meeting Point
The meeting point is at a ski cabin, located in Bláfjöll (the Blue Mountains). It takes about 30 minutes on paved road to drive there from Reykjavík. The name of the cabin is Breiðabliksskáli.
It is important to be at the meeting point no later than 30 minutes past the scheduled departure time. That is when the bus picking up participants from Reykjavik will arrive. For example, if you booked the 08:00 tour, you should be at the meeting point no later than 08:30.
What's included?
Rain gear if needed
Safety gear - Helmets and harnesses
Traditional Icelandic lamb soup or a vegetarian/vegan option.
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and all the water you can drink
Designated guidance and storytelling
What do I need to bring?
Good Hiking Shoes.
We recommend wearing hiking boots on the tour since the trail is rocky. It can also get wet and muddy on a rainy day.
Warm & Rainproof Clothing
No matter how good the weather is in Reykjavík, there is always a good chance of rain and wind up in the mountains. So always bring your warm clothes and raingear.
A Camera
Both the scenery and the lava chamber are breathtaking so you might want to capture some of its splendor with your camera.
Please note
Tour operation dates: From May 5 – October 20
Tour departures: Several departures every day. The first tour is at 8:00 and the last tour is in the afternoon.
Duration: 5–6 hours (about 40 minutes inside the volcano).
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 are 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). A guide will be with you at all times during the walk.
Minimum age limit: 8 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.
Cancellation policy
We understand changes happen, so we offer a no-questions asked 100% free cancellation, if booking is cancelled 24 hours or less local Icelandic time prior to event.
Would you like a private tour?
If you would like a customized tour or just want the tour on your own schedule, please send us a message and we will happily arrange things for you.