This incredible tour gives you the opportunity to descend inside the volcano, down into a magma chamber of a dormant Icelandic volcano, Thrihnukagigur.
To be able to experience this volcanic wonder, all you need is the willingness to do a moderate 45–50-minute hike and the guts to descend 120 meters/400 feet to the bottom of the crater in an open cable lift.
When the bus from Reykjavik arrives at the meeting point, which is a ski cabin, you will meet your guide. The guide will lead your group across a beautiful lava field to the Base Camp. Hiking is the only way to reach the volcano other than by helicopter.
At the Base Camp your group will learn about all safety procedures. The guides will help you to put on a helmet and a harness. Your group is split into smaller parties of 6–7 people. The trips up and down take about 6 minutes each way, and the first ones to go down will be the first ones to go up.
You will spend about half an hour on the ground of the volcano, during which time you can take as many photos as you want. However, you are not allowed to take rocks and stones from the crater. Expert guides will be with you at all times.
When you are back on the surface, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Icelandic meat soup or vegetable soup and hot coffee/tea/chocolate.
Finally, you will walk back over the lava field with the guide. The bus will be waiting for you, ready to drive you back to Reykjavík.
Difficulty/Activity level: Moderate
- The hiking distance is 3.5 km (2 miles) each way
- It’s not a steep uphill walk, but the surface is uneven in places. The last 10 minutes of the hike to the volcano are the most challenging, with an elevation of around 50 m/150 ft
- No knowledge of climbing is required.
- This is NOT a tour for those in limited physical shape.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from Reykjavik hotel or nearest City Tour Bus Stop
- All safety gear, helmets, harnesses, etc.
- Traditional Icelandic meat soup, coffee/tea and perhaps some sweets as well. We also serve vegetarian soup
- Small groups in the volcano
- Expert guides during the tour
- Volcano tour of a lifetime
Bring/Wear:
- Good shoes – We recommend wearing hiking boots on the tour since the trail is rocky and can get wet and muddy on a rainy day.
- Outdoor clothing – The weather in the mountains can be very different from the conditions in the city. It’s important for guests to realize that the weather is very unpredictable, and you should definitely bring warm, rainproof clothes with you, even if the weather in Reykjavík is nice and the forecast looks good. Not least because it’s always the same temperature inside the crater – about 3°C (37°F). That’s cold!
- A camera – You will want to remember this trip. Yes, you can take as many pictures as you want!
- A good spirit – This tour is all about having fun.
Not Included
- Meals, refreshments, beverages other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal travel insurance. We advise you to have valid travel insurance.
Important
- All equipment and processes have been tested extensively and approved by the administration of Occupational Safety and Health in Iceland.
- Before accessing the open elevator, you must wear a helmet and the required harness, which will be provided on the spot. Several guides, all highly trained and experienced mountain guides and cave explores, will be with you at all times.
- We ask all visitors to behave responsibly during the tour.
- The environment is extremely sensitive, and we expect visitors to leave no footprint. What you carry in, you carry out.
- The tour operator reserves the right to alter the tour without prior notice, due to safety reasons
- Children 8 or older who are able to twice hike 3.5 km (2 miles), even in bad weather, are welcome to join the tour.
- Please make sure your children are dressed appropriately for a 40-minute hike each way, especially if the weather is bad (cold/wind/rain).
- Keep in mind that it’s always cold in the crater. Even if it’s warm outside, make sure to bring warm clothes for your child to wear while in the crater.
- Note that we cannot make a refund if your child is not able to finish the hike.
