Iceland Travel Guide logo Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND My trip Talk to a local

Inside the Volcano Tour: Þríhnúkagígur from Reykjavík

About 6 hours with transferGroup: Small groupModerateBus from ReykjavíkAge 8+5 May to 30 October
5.0(5 reviews)
Visitors in the open lift going down into the volcanoHikers on the path across the lava fieldVisitor on the walkway to the liftColoured rock walls of the magma chamber
Path up to the crater of Þríhnúkagígur

On the Inside the Volcano tour you hike across a lava field to Þríhnúkagígur and ride an open lift about 120 m down into its empty magma chamber. It is the only place in the world where you can go inside a volcano's magma chamber like this, and it is just outside Reykjavík.

Bláfjöll mountainsLava field hikeBase campOpen lift descentÞríhnúkagígur magma chamber
  • Go down about 120 m into a dormant volcano's magma chamber
  • A 3 km hike each way across moss-covered lava fields
  • Around 30 minutes on the floor of the chamber, surrounded by coloured rock
  • Traditional Icelandic lamb soup, with vegetarian and vegan options, at base camp
  • Helmet, harness and rain gear provided

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkBus from Reykjavík to the Bláfjöll ski area car park.
2Hikers on the path across the lava fieldHike across the lava fieldAbout 3 km on a marked path across moss-covered lava.
Hikers on the path across the lava fieldGuide pointing out the view from the craterPath up to the crater of Þríhnúkagígur

Your guide leads the way from the car park to the volcano along a marked path across an old, moss-covered lava field, with views back towards Reykjavík on clear days. It is about 3 km each way, 45 to 50 minutes, over an uneven lava path with some uphill.

Distance · about 3 km each wayTime · about 45–50 minutesWalking · uneven lava path, some uphill
3Visitor on the walkway to the liftBase camp briefingSafety briefing and fitting of helmet and harness.
Visitor on the walkway to the liftArctic fox at base camp

At the base camp next to the crater your guide explains how the lift works and checks your helmet and harness. The base camp shelter is also where you have soup after the descent.

Equipment · helmet and harness providedFacilities · base camp shelter
4The lift going down through the crater openingDown into the magma chamberAn open lift lowers you about 120 m to the floor of the magma chamber (the crater is about 213 m deep in total).
The lift going down through the crater openingVisitors in the open lift going down into the volcanoLooking up from the floor of the magma chamber

The open lift goes down through the narrow opening at the top of the crater and into the magma chamber below, about 120 m to the floor, and the ride takes about 7 minutes each way. The crater is about 213 m deep in total. Keep your camera on a strap.

Depth · about 120 mLift ride · about 7 minutesTip · keep your camera on a strap
5Inside ÞríhnúkagígurInside ÞríhnúkagígurAround 30 minutes to explore the chamber floor.
Inside ÞríhnúkagígurInside ÞríhnúkagígurInside Þríhnúkagígur

You walk around the floor of the chamber for about 30 minutes, looking up at walls coloured by minerals and at the small patch of daylight far above. Your guide explains how the chamber formed when the magma drained away. The floor is rocky and uneven, and it is cool and damp, so dress warmly.

Time here · about 30 minutesWalking · rocky, uneven floorTemperature · cool and damp, so dress warmly
Read our Þríhnúkagígur guide →
6Path up to the crater of ÞríhnúkagígurSoup and hike backLamb soup at base camp, then the walk back across the lava.
Path up to the crater of ÞríhnúkagígurGuide pointing out the view from the crater

Back at the base camp you have traditional Icelandic lamb soup, with vegetarian and vegan options, plus coffee, tea or hot chocolate. You then walk back across the lava field to the car park.

Food · lamb soup and hot drinks included
7Back to ReykjavíkDrive back to Reykjavík.

About the Inside the Volcano tour

Þríhnúkagígur is a volcano in the Bláfjöll mountains just outside Reykjavík that last erupted around 4,000 years ago. Unusually, the magma drained away instead of hardening in place, leaving a huge empty chamber. On the Inside the Volcano tour you are lowered into it in an open cable lift, the kind window cleaners use on tall buildings.

The tour starts with a hike of about 3 km each way across a lava field, which takes around 45–50 minutes. The path is uneven and has some uphill sections, so you need moderate fitness and proper shoes. At base camp you get a safety briefing and your helmet and harness before the lift ride.

The descent takes about 7 minutes. At the bottom you have around 30 minutes to walk around the chamber floor, where the walls are streaked with red, yellow and black from minerals. It is lit, but it can be cold and damp, so dress warmly. Back at base camp there is lamb soup, hot drinks and time to talk about what you have seen.

The tour only runs from May to October, when the path and lift can be used safely. The weather on the lava field can change quickly, so bring waterproof layers even on a sunny morning, and be ready for the plan to change if conditions are bad.

Included

  • Bus from BSÍ in Reykjavík and back (hotel pick-up optional, for a fee)
  • Guided hike and descent into the volcano
  • Helmet, harness and rain gear
  • Icelandic lamb soup (vegetarian and vegan options)
  • Coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Not included

  • Hiking boots
  • Other food and drinks

What to bring

  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Warm, waterproof clothing
  • Hat and gloves
  • Water
  • Camera with a strap

Good to know

  • Duration is about 6 hours including the bus from Reykjavík and back (about 4 hours without transfer, with about 40 minutes inside the volcano)
  • Minimum age is 8
  • Difficulty is moderate: 3 km each way on an uneven lava path, about 45–50 minutes
  • The tour runs from 5 May to 30 October
  • Buses leave BSÍ bus terminal at 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 (not every departure runs every day) and are back about 5 hours 15 minutes later. Hotel pick-up can be added for a fee and starts 30 minutes before
  • The tour can change or be cancelled because of weather

Questions people ask

Is the volcano active?

No. Þríhnúkagígur has been dormant for around 4,000 years and is closely monitored.

Is it scary if I'm afraid of heights?

The lift is open and moves slowly down through the crater opening, and it is run by expert mountaineers. If you are very nervous about heights, think about it before booking.

How fit do I need to be?

You need to walk about 6 km in total on uneven ground with some uphill. If you walk regularly, you will be fine.

Can I visit in winter?

No. The tour runs from May to October only.

Is food included?

Yes, lamb soup (or a vegetarian or vegan option) and hot drinks at base camp.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 5 reviews
5 stars5
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Recommend for everyone

I recently went on the Inside the Volcano tour, and it was an absolutely incredible experience! From the moment we arrived, I knew I was in for something unique. Descending into the Thrihnukagigur volcano was both thrilling and awe-inspiring. The adventure of being inside a volcanic crater is something you can't find anywhere else.

Our guide was fantastic, sharing fascinating insights about the geology of the area and how volcanoes function. Once inside the volcano, the colors and formations of the walls were breathtaking. The vastness of the interior chambers and the lava formations were truly mesmerizing.

The tour was well-organized and felt very safe, allowing me to fully enjoy the moment without any worries. The equipment provided was high-quality and comfortable, adding to the overall experience.

I highly recommend the Inside the Volcano tour to anyone looking for an adventure that connects you with the powerful geology of Iceland in a unique way. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss!

Everett Q. · October 2024
Una Aventura Inolvidable en el Interior del Volcán

Acabo de regresar del tour Inside the Volcano, y fue una experiencia absolutamente asombrosa. Desde el momento en que llegamos, supe que estaba a punto de vivir algo único. La aventura de descender al interior del volcán Thrihnukagigur fue increíble, y la emoción de estar dentro de una cavidad volcánica fue indescriptible.La guía era muy conocedora y apasionada, compartiendo información fascinante sobre la geología de la zona y el funcionamiento de los volcanes. Una vez dentro, los colores y las formaciones de las paredes del volcán eran simplemente impresionantes. La vista de las vastas cámaras interiores y los cristales de lava era algo que nunca había visto antes.
El recorrido fue seguro y bien organizado, lo que me permitió disfrutar del momento sin preocupaciones. Además, el equipo proporcionado era de alta calidad y muy cómodo.Recomiendo encarecidamente el tour Inside the Volcano a cualquier amante de la aventura y la naturaleza. Es una experiencia única en la vida que te conecta con la poderosa geología de Islandia de una manera que no encontrarás en ningún otro lugar. ¡No te lo puedes perder!

Sofía M. · October 2024
Absolutely Fantastic!

I had the chance to experience the "Inside the Volcano" tour last week, and it was absolutely fantastic! The journey into the volcano was awe-inspiring, with breathtaking views and expert guides who made the adventure both informative and exhilarating. Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore Iceland’s unique geological wonders!

Mike · August 2024
Incredible!

I had the extraordinary opportunity to join the Inside the Volcano Tour in June, and it was absolutely unforgettable. Descending into the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano was like stepping into another world. The vibrant colors and immense scale of the magma chamber were breathtaking. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, providing fascinating details about the volcano's history and geology. The hike to the volcano was beautiful, and the descent into the crater was thrilling yet safe, thanks to the professional and friendly team. This tour offers a unique perspective on Iceland's volcanic landscape and is an adventure not to be missed. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Bryan · June 2024
Best experience of my life!

Best experience of my life for sure! This tour was well worth every penny. It is such a unique experience and I would recommend it to everyone traveling to Iceland. It was the highlight of our trip! The guide was very friendly and informative and the tour itself was thrilling and simply amazing!

David P. · March 2023
From55,500 ISKPer person

You may also like

Volcano Tour in IcelandVolcano Tour in IcelandFrom 15,990 ISKRaufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel TourRaufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel TourFrom 14,900 ISKUltimate Volcano TourUltimate Volcano TourFrom 15,999 ISK
More tours like this:Volcano tours in IcelandHiking tours in IcelandReykjanes toursAll categories →
Our guides to places on this tour:ReykjavíkÞríhnúkagígur
From55,500 ISK