Thrihnukagigur Volcano Magma Chamber Descent & Hike from Reykjavik
- Duration4 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
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Overview
Thrihnukagigur is a dormant volcano close to Reykjavik whose empty magma chamber can be entered, an experience found almost nowhere else on Earth. After a hike of about forty-five to fifty minutes across a lava field from the Bláfjöll cabin, you descend around 120 metres into the chamber in a small group of four or five, with helmet and harness, and spend up to an hour inside. A hot bowl of soup and a warm drink finish the day. Choose Reykjavik pickup or drive to the meeting point yourself.
Highlights
- Descend about 120 metres into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano
- Hike across a lava field that looks like the surface of the moon
- Small groups of four or five for the descent, with expert guides throughout
- All safety gear provided: helmet, harness and more
- Traditional Icelandic soup, with vegetarian alternatives, plus coffee, tea or hot chocolate
- Views of Reykjavik, the Reykjanes and Snæfellsnes peninsulas from the crater rim
Full Description
Thrihnukagigur volcano and its magma chamber
Thrihnukagigur, whose name means Three Peaks Crater, is a dormant volcano in the Bláfjöll mountains, about twenty kilometres from Reykjavik. It last erupted around four thousand years ago, and when the magma drained back down, it left an enormous, empty chamber, so large that it is often compared to the Statue of Liberty fitting inside.
Inside the chamber the walls are coloured in reds, oranges, yellows and blues by minerals, and you can see the shape of the ancient magma conduit above you. It is one of the only places in the world where you can descend into a magma chamber, which is why a trip inside the volcano attracts visitors from everywhere.
The hike across the lava field
The adventure begins at the Bláfjöll cabin, where you meet your guides and start a moderate hike of about forty-five to fifty minutes across a lava field toward the crater. The surface is hilly and uneven, but the walk has straight sections and limited climbing. The mossy lava looks like the surface of the moon.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, since trainers are not suitable. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can differ greatly from Reykjavik. On the way the guides explain how the volcano formed, and at the crater you can see wide views across the capital region and peninsulas.
The descent into the volcano
At the crater you receive a safety briefing, then put on a helmet and harness. Groups are split into parties of four or five for safety, and the descent takes about ten minutes as you slowly go down about 120 metres, which gives you a chance to take in the vast space around you.
At the bottom you can spend up to an hour inside, walking around the floor and looking at the coloured walls, with an expert guide beside you all the time. Some people find the descent thrilling, so it is worth telling the guide if you feel nervous. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
Getting there and planning your day
With the pickup option, we collect you from a selected location in Reykjavik and drive about forty-five minutes to the meeting point. If you have a rental car, choose the self-drive option and use the GPS pin we send after booking. The whole day lasts four to six hours, including the hike and the descent.
The tour ends with a traditional Icelandic meat soup, or a vegetarian soup if you prefer, plus coffee, hot chocolate, tea or water. The volcano is normally open in the summer season, so check the dates in the booking panel before you plan your trip.
Itinerary
- Pickup in Reykjavik or meeting at the cabinDepending on the option, pickup or self-drive to the meeting point at Bláfjöll.
- Hike across the lava fieldAbout forty-five to fifty minutes to the crater.
- Safety briefing and gearPut on a helmet and harness at the crater.
- Descent into the magma chamberA slow ten-minute descent of about 120 metres, in a group of four or five.
- Time inside the volcanoUp to an hour exploring the chamber and its colours with an expert guide.
- Soup and returnHike back to the cabin and enjoy a bowl of soup and a warm drink before the drive back.
What's included
- Guided hike to Thrihnukagigur volcano
- Descent into the magma chamber
- All safety gear (helmet, harness)
- Guides (English)
- Traditional Icelandic soup, coffee or tea and sweets (vegetarian option available)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 3–11
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- A half-day plan — about 4 hours
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- Children under 8 years
- Guests who cannot hike on uneven ground for about forty-five minutes each way
Meeting point
With the pickup option, we collect you from a selected location in Reykjavik, and you receive the pickup time with your confirmation. With the self-drive option, you drive to the meeting point at the Bláfjöll mountain cabin using the GPS pin we send, and arrive on time for check-in.
Important information
- Wear good hiking shoes and warm clothes; trainers and jeans are not suitable
- The hike is moderate, about forty-five to fifty minutes each way, over uneven lava
- Helmets, harnesses and other safety gear are provided
- Traditional soup with vegetarian alternatives, plus a hot drink, is included
- The mountain weather is unpredictable and may differ from Reykjavik
- Ages: adults 13 and over, children 8 to 12
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Thrihnukagigur volcano tour cost?
The price depends on the option (pickup or self-drive) and on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each.
Is hotel pickup included?
It depends on the option. The default option includes pickup from selected locations in Reykjavik. The other is self-drive to the meeting point.
How long is the tour?
Four to six hours in total, including the hike each way, the descent and about an hour inside the volcano.
Is it suitable for children?
Children from 8 to 12 can join with a child ticket, and adults are 13 and over. They should be comfortable hiking and with the descent.
What should I wear or bring?
Good hiking shoes, warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Trainers and jeans are not suitable. Helmet, harness and other safety gear are provided.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Sometimes, if places remain. The booking panel shows the next available departures in the operating season.
What is the difference between the options?
One option includes pickup from Reykjavik. The other is for guests who drive themselves to the meeting point. The volcano experience is the same.
Is descending into the volcano safe?
Yes. You wear a helmet and harness, the group is small and expert guides stay with you the entire time.
Is Thrihnukagigur worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the few places in the world where you can descend into a magma chamber, and it is close to Reykjavik.
Is food included?
Yes, a traditional Icelandic soup, with vegetarian alternatives, plus coffee, tea, hot chocolate or water, is included.
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