Inside The Volcano
6 Hours · Moderate · From ISK 55.500 per person
About This Tour
Journey into the heart of a dormant Icelandic volcano on the extraordinary Inside the Volcano Iceland tour at Þríhnúkagígur. Hike across a dramatic lava field before descending 120 metres (400 feet) into an enormous volcanic chamber hidden beneath the surface.
Instead of looking into a crater from above, you’ll enter the volcano itself using an open cable lift operated by experienced professionals.
The complete experience takes approximately 6 hours with transfers from Reykjavík, including the hike, volcano descent and time inside the remarkable magma chamber.
Hike Across an Icelandic Lava Field
After arriving at the meeting point in the mountains, set off with your guide across the lava field towards Þríhnúkagígur.
The hike is approximately 3.5 km (2 miles) each way and normally takes around 45–50 minutes in each direction.
The terrain is generally manageable but uneven, and weather conditions can make the hike more challenging. The final section includes an elevation gain of approximately 50 metres before reaching the volcano.
Descend 120 Metres Into Þríhnúkagígur
At basecamp, your guides provide a safety briefing and prepare you with the necessary equipment before you walk to the crater.
Then step aboard the open cable lift for an unforgettable approximately 7-minute descent, 120 metres beneath the surface.
Inside, discover the immense volcanic chamber and its extraordinary rock formations and colours — a perspective of Iceland’s volcanic geology that few experiences can match.
You’ll spend approximately 30 minutes at the bottom of the volcano, with expert guides available to explain the chamber and answer questions.
Icelandic Soup at Basecamp
After returning to the surface, warm up at basecamp with complimentary traditional Icelandic lamb soup, or choose a vegetable/vegan alternative.
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are also available before you begin the guided hike back across the lava field.
The temperature inside the crater remains around 3°C (37°F), so warm outdoor clothing and good hiking footwear are essential even when the weather in Reykjavík is pleasant.
Tour Highlights
- Descend 120 metres (400 feet) inside Þríhnúkagígur volcano
- Explore an extraordinary volcanic magma chamber
- Ride an open cable lift deep into the dormant volcano
- Hike across a dramatic Icelandic lava field
- Spend approximately 30 minutes inside the volcano
- Enjoy traditional Icelandic lamb soup at basecamp
What’s Included
- Guided Inside the Volcano experience
- Expert guides throughout the hike and volcano visit
- All necessary safety equipment, including helmet and harness
- Open cable-lift descent into Þríhnúkagígur
- Approximately 30 minutes inside the volcanic chamber
- Traditional Icelandic lamb soup or vegetable/vegan soup
- Coffee, tea or hot chocolate at basecamp
- Rain jacket if needed
- Transfer between BSÍ Bus Terminal and the tour meeting point
Quick Facts
Availability: May – October
Duration: 6 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Pickup: Included
Minimum Age: 12 Years
Price: From ISK 55.500 per person
Detailed Itinerary
If you book the tour with transfer, travel from BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík to the Inside the Volcano meeting point in the mountains. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes. Hotel and designated bus-stop pickup can also be selected when booking. After arriving at the mountain meeting point, meet your guide for a short introduction before setting off across the lava field. The hike to Þríhnúkagígur is approximately 3.5 km (2 miles) each way and normally takes around 45–50 minutes. The trail is generally moderate, although uneven terrain, wind and rain can make it more challenging. The final section includes an ascent of approximately 50 metres to the volcano. Arrive at basecamp near the volcano and enjoy a hot drink before preparing for your descent. Your guides explain the safety procedures and provide the necessary helmet, harness and safety equipment before completing a final equipment check. Step onto the open cable lift for an extraordinary journey into Þríhnúkagígur. Operated by expert mountaineers, the lift takes approximately 7 minutes to descend 120 metres (400 feet) into the dormant volcano. At the bottom, spend approximately 30 minutes inside the volcanic chamber. Explore the remarkable colours, rock formations and immense scale of the chamber while your guides explain the geology and history of Þríhnúkagígur. Photography is welcome, so make sure to bring your camera. Return to the surface and warm up at basecamp with complimentary traditional Icelandic lamb soup or a vegetable/vegan alternative. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are also available while the rest of the group completes their volcano visit. Finish the adventure with the guided hike back across the lava field to the meeting point. If you booked transfers, your bus will then take you back to BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík, with onward drop-off available for guests who selected hotel or bus-stop transfer. The complete experience takes approximately 6 hours including Reykjavík transfers. 🌋
Important Information
- Duration: Approximately 6 hours including Reykjavík transfers
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Minimum age: 8 years
- The hike is approximately 3.5 km (2 miles) each way
- Allow around 45–50 minutes each way for the hike
- The trail can be uneven, wet or muddy, and weather can make the hike more challenging
- The final section includes approximately 50 metres (150 feet) of elevation gain
- Approximately 30–40 minutes are spent inside the volcano
- The cable lift descends approximately 120 metres (400 feet)
- The temperature inside the crater is approximately 3°C (37°F) year-round
- The tour operates approximately May 5 – October 30
- No previous hiking or climbing experience is required, but participants need a moderate level of fitness
- The tour is not recommended for guests with limited physical fitness
- Hiking boots and personal outdoor clothing are not included
- Reykjavík hotel/bus-stop pickup is optional; the standard transfer departure point is BSÍ Bus Terminal
- If using BSÍ, please arrive at least 10 minutes before departure
What to Bring
- Good hiking boots or sturdy hiking shoes
- Warm outdoor clothing
- Waterproof clothing
- Warm layers, even when the weather in Reykjavík is mild
- Camera or phone for photos
- A good spirit for the adventure 🌋
Cancellation Policy
- Full refund when cancelled at least 1 day before the tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How far do you descend inside Þríhnúkagígur?
You descend approximately 120 metres (400 feet) into the volcano using an open cable lift operated by expert mountaineers.
How difficult is the hike to the volcano?
The tour is rated moderate. The hike is approximately 3.5 km each way and normally takes around 45–50 minutes in each direction.
How long do you spend inside the volcano?
You’ll spend approximately 30 minutes inside the volcanic chamber, with expert guides there to answer questions and explain the geology.
How cold is it inside Þríhnúkagígur?
The temperature inside the crater stays at approximately 3°C (37°F), so warm clothing is essential even on a pleasant summer day.
What is the minimum age for the Inside the Volcano tour?
The minimum age is 8 years. Children need to be capable of completing the hike in potentially challenging Icelandic weather conditions.