Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Optional Pickup from Reykjavik

A man stands in the depths of Thrihnukagigur Crater Volcano with beautiful colors in the background.
Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Optional Pickup from Reykjavik
Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Optional Pickup from Reykjavik
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Optional Pickup from Reykjavik
Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Optional Pickup from Reykjavik
Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Optional Pickup from Reykjavik
Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Optional Pickup from Reykjavik
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Travel details

Dates
Time
Travelers
1
Pick-up

When to book

Most travelers book about 6 weeks ahead. The price is the same all season, so book the date that suits you. August is the busiest month.

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Reykjavík
Duration
6 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Languages
English
Available
May - Oct.
Minimum age
8 years old

When to book

Most travelers book about 6 weeks ahead. The price is the same all season, so book the date that suits you. August is the busiest month.

3,789 reviews

Description

Descend into the magma chamber of the dormant Thrihnukagigur Volcano on this tour from the Blue Mountains near Reykjavik, with optional pickup. It's the only place in the world where you can descend into a dormant volcano and explore its lava chamber.

The tour starts at the meeting point, a ski cabin in the Blue Mountains (Blafjoll), just outside the capital area.

At the meeting point, your guide gives the group a short briefing and then leads the way across the lava field.

At the end, there's a short, steep climb of about 164 feet (50 meters) from base camp to the top of the volcano. At base camp, you can have coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, get a safety briefing, and put on your gear.

Then you step into an open cable lift and descend 400 feet (120 meters) into the volcano. The ride takes about 7 minutes. As you go down, the colors of the chamber come into view. Heat and pressure from Thrihnukagigur's last eruption, more than 4,000 years ago, left the rock walls streaked with yellow, blue, red, violet, and orange.

The chamber is huge. Landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty or Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja Church could fit inside it.

At the bottom, you have about half an hour to explore and take photos, with your guides on hand to answer questions. When a volcano goes dormant, its magma chamber usually cools and solidifies, but at Thrihnukagigur the magma drained away, leaving this open space behind.

Back on the surface, you enjoy traditional Icelandic lamb soup, with vegetarian and vegan options, plus coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Then you hike back across the lava field to the meeting point.

Check availability by choosing a date.

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Included

All necessary safety gear (helmets and harnesses)
Traditional Icelandic lamb soup (or a vegetarian or vegan option), coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
Experienced guides
Rain gear if needed

Activities

Caving
Hiking
Iceland's leading travel agency
Traveler's Choice

Attractions

BláfjöllBláfjöll
ThrihnukagigurThrihnukagigur
ReykjavikReykjavik

Tips from travelers

  • Wear sturdy boots and waterproofs

    Put on supportive hiking footwear for the rocky trail and windproof, waterproof layers to stay warm in the damp underground air.

  • Warm up with traditional soup

    Grab a bowl of hot lamb or vegetable soup at base camp after returning from the cold magma chamber.

  • Prepare for abrupt weather shifts

    Expect strong wind, rain, and rapid shifts on the exposed lava plain, and check the weather and road forecast before setting off.

  • Adjust your camera settings

    Switch to low-light settings inside the volcanic chamber to capture the rich colors along the dark rock walls without flash.

  • Plan for staggered group descents

    Expect to wait at the base camp hut while small groups take turns riding the open elevator down to the cavern floor.

  • Secure your provided safety harness

    Let the guides fit your helmet and harness at the top station before stepping onto the open metal platform.

Pick-up information

Starting time

This tour has flexible departure times. See the drop-down for all departures.

Pick-up location

This tour offers optional hotel pickup. Choose your pickup location from the dropdown, or add it later if you're not sure yet.

How it works

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Secure your spot
Secure your spot instantly on Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace. As soon as you reserve, we lock in your place to help you make the most of your trip. You’ll get the best price and a secure payment system that protects your information.
Receive instant confirmation
You’ll get your e-ticket and a detailed summary immediately after booking, including meeting points and schedules. Enjoy peace of mind and get exactly what you booked, or a money-back guarantee. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Get access to the VIP Club
Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.
Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.

What to bring

Hiking boots
Warm, waterproof clothing
Camera
Hat and gloves

Good to know

The trek to base camp crosses uneven gravel and rock before a steady climb toward the crater rim. The route is entirely unsheltered, so conditions can feel harsh when the wind picks up.

Inside the dormant chamber, temperatures stay near freezing throughout the year. The cavern floor features rough, unpaved terrain that demands careful balance as you view the illuminated rock formations.

This tour runs from May 5 to October 30.

The tour takes about 4 hours from the meeting point, or 5 to 6 hours with pickup and drop-off.

The hike is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) each way and takes 45 to 50 minutes.

The tour requires a moderate fitness level, rated 2 out of 5.

The trail is rocky and can be wet and muddy, so hiking boots are recommended.

The temperature inside the volcano stays at about 42 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 6 degrees Celsius). Dress in layers you can easily remove.

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Price per person by month

Summer only.

The price stays at about US$435 per person from May to October, with no peak-season surcharge. Not available: November to April.

Stable price all season
US$435per person
Every month is within US$6 of this price

Average price per person, by month

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
US$429
Jun
US$432
Jul
US$435
Aug
US$434
Sep
US$433
Oct
US$433
Nov
Dec
Runs this monthCheapest monthDoesn’t run
Prices from US$388Lowest price, in May, July, and August
US$435 in JulyPeak season costs only US$6 more than May
May to OctoberRuns 6 months a year

Weather and cancellations

Called off on about 2.5% of dates. June is the safest month. October is the riskiest.

3.3%
May
0%
Jun
1.4%
Jul
1.6%
Aug
4.1%
Sep
6.1%
Oct
None called offFewer to more called off
  • Called off by the operator? You get a full refund or a free rebooking.
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

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Who books this tour

Who travels on this tour, where they come from and which days fill up first.

Who books

2travelers per booking on average
Couples47%
Groups of 3 or more16%
Solo travelers32%
Families with children5%

Couples make up the largest share of bookings, at 47%. Solo travelers follow, at 32%.

Where travelers come from

United States28%from the United States
United StatesUnited States28%
JapanJapan13%
TaiwanTaiwan12%
Hong Kong SAR ChinaHong Kong SAR China11%
ChinaChina9%
CanadaCanada5%

The largest share of travelers, 28%, comes from the United States, followed by Japan and Taiwan.

Busiest days of the week

SunbusiestTue and Thuquietest
Mon
14%
Tue
13%
Wed
14%
Thu
13%
Fri
15%
Sat
14%
Sun
17%
Busiest daysQuietest days

Sunday is the busiest departure day. Tuesday and Thursday are the quietest.

Verified reviews

What travelers love

More than half of reviews mention the volcanic landscape.

  • Informative geology explanations
  • Hikes across raw lava fields
  • Calm and patient group pace
  • Well-maintained safety gear

Most common complaint: Many travelers find the tour price exceptionally high compared to other day excursions. Keep in mind that the fee covers specialized lowering machinery, safety personnel, and transport into a remote dormant crater.

1,319 reviews
9.8
All languages
All ratings
All ratings
Rebecca Boitano
10
Amazing!

Rebecca Boitano

Despite the weather it was an absolutely amazing experience, and I was especially thrilled to see some Artic foxes whilst at Base Camp.

Anne Cross & Eric Reuss
10
Amazing!

Anne Cross & Eric Reuss

This tour was one of the highlights of our visit to Iceland, and we've been recommending it to friends and acquaintances since we took it. Standing inside an empty magma chamber while the water drips from the ceiling above, and the falling drops echo in the silent cold air is an experience unlike any other. The colors of the walls are stunning. (Having a background in geology just added to the experience, but it's not required at all.)

We also lucked out on the weather, which meant that the walk there was gorgeous, and during the walk back, we ended up in an extensive conversation with Benjamin, one of our two guides, about the local geology. At one point, I found a boulder that was clearly different from the local surrounding rocks, and Benjamin told me it was a glacial deposit, which lead to a lengthy discussion of the hills surrounding the area, and which ones had been carved. Crossing the tectonic divide, and noting that the crack had permanent snow at the base, was also a delight.

The food after the hike was delicious, and much to our pleasure, there was a vegetarian option that was just as good as the one with the lamb.

STRONG recommend on this.

Szu hsuan Chen
10
Amazing!

Szu hsuan Chen

Magnificent! Must do in Iceland!

Marcin Karbowniczek
10
Amazing!

Marcin Karbowniczek

I can't recommend this tour enough! You have a short 3ish KM hike to the volcano and you get to not only enjoy the scenery, but they'll give you some great historical facts along the way. As you get lowered down into the volcano, you'll continue to be amazed at the changes in details and then all the colors that come alive once you're in the chamber itself. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, and the meal afterwards delicious.

eric martin
10
Amazing!

eric martin

A must see and do! Great guides all around.

Chow Wai Yin Christen
10
Amazing!

Chow Wai Yin Christen

The tour was very well organized. The tour guide shared the geology of Iceland and the dormant volcano. It was interesting to see the inside of the volcano but the experience was quite expensive so we had to save up for this visit.

Anke Hartung
10
Amazing!

Anke Hartung

Einmaliges Erlebnis - sehr beeindruckend, tolle Farben, schöne kurze Wanderung zum Eingang, sehr nette Atmosphäre - auch im Basecamp, freundliches Personal und den Polarfuchswelpen haben wir auch gesehen! Teuer aber empfehlenswert.

Ricetteperpalestratifini
10
Amazing!

Ricetteperpalestratifini

Amazing day! The weahter wasnt good and this problem make the trip more beautiful! One of the best experience in my life! Everything was perfect! thanks also to the guide!

Corinne BACABARA
10
Amazing!

Corinne BACABARA

Amazing. Experience exceptional. You are inside a volcano l, rocks with a lot of different colors. The descent in the lift is incredible. Moment of contemplation inside.

Pochu IP
10
Amazing!

Pochu IP

It was an amazing experience. The lift ride down to the heart of a volcano is stunning and various colours of lava formations is absolutely beautiful . The 3 Km walk is not very tough and the views along the way worth it. Hot lamb or vegetarian soup provided upon returning from the volcano concluded the tour perfectly

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