The Tour
Þríhnúkagígur is the only place on planet Earth where you can descend into a dormant volcano and safely explore its massive lava chamber. It is truly a one of a kind experience.
- ISK 47.000
- for adults
- ISK 23.500
- for children 8–12 years old
May to October
We operate from May 5th to October 31th every year.
3 km each direction
Or around 2 miles. It usually takes around 45–50 minutes.
5-6 hours
That includes the pickup and drop off. If you drive to the meeting point yourself the tour takes about 4 hours.
Moderate fitness level required
The difficulty level is 2 out of 5.
Tour Overview
To be able to experience this wonder, all you need is the willingness to do a moderate 45–50 minute hike and the guts to descend 120 meters / 400 feet into the volcano in an open cable lift. The hike to the volcano is an integral part of the tour, not only because of the breathtaking scenery, but also because it’s one of only two ways of getting to the base of the volcano. The other option is with a helicopter.
What’s included
Rain gear if it pours
From where you start the walk
Safety gear
Helmets and harnesses
Traditional Icelandic lamb soup
Or a vegetarian/vegan option
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate
And all the water you can drink
Designated guidance
and storytelling
What to bring
Good Hiking Shoes
We recommend wearing hiking boots on the tour since the trail is rocky. It can also get wet and muddy on a rainy day.
Warm & Rainproof Clothing
No matter how good the weather is in Reykjavík, there is always a good chance of rain and wind up in the mountains. So always bring your warm clothes and raingear.
A Camera
Both the scenery and the lava chamber are breathtaking so you might want to capture some of its splendor with your camera.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival at the meeting point
Our meeting point is a ski cabin in the mountains. You can arrive there either on our bus or with your own vehicle. When you arrive our guides will greet you, give the group a short briefing and then lead the way across the lava field.
The hike
The path to the volcano is about 3 km / 2 miles each way. It is relatively easy and usually takes about 45 min to cover with your guide. At the very end there is an incline of about 50 meters / 150 ft from basecamp to the top of the volcano. It is a little steep but we can take our merry time and our guides make sure you get all the way.
Basecamp
At Base Camp you get the chance to enjoy a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Your group is then informed about the safety procedures followed by everyone gearing up. After a final inspection of your safety equipment you walk up to the lift and descend into the volcano.
Descending down
We lower you into the volcano in a lift, operated by our expert mountaineers. The ride takes about 7 minutes and is quite frankly spectacular.
Inside the Volcano
You will spend about half an hour on the ground inside the volcano, during which time you can take as many photos as you want. Expert guides will be with you at all times to answer all your questions and give you fun facts about the chamber.
Food and snacks
When back on the surface, while waiting for everyone in the group to complete the volcano visit, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary traditional Icelandic lamb soup or a vegetable/vegan option. We also offer coffee, tea or hot chocolate inside our warm and cozy basecamp.
Departure to Reykjavík
Finally, you will walk back over the lava field. Again, you will be accompanied by a guide at all times. The bus will be waiting for you in the parking lot, ready to drive you back to Reykjavík.
How to get there
Most of our clients get to the meeting point by taking the bus from Reykjavík. We highly recommend that you give your car a day off and take advantage of this option. People are also welcome to drive themselves to the meeting point. Note that the pickup service comes at a small additional fee. Here you can see more info about each option.
Alternative Tour Options
We offer helicopter tours to Þríhnúkagígur, which are ideal for those who aren’t interested in or able to hike to the roots of the Volcano.
The volcano is a perfect venue for private visits. If you like the idea of having a volcano all to yourself, then a private tour might be just perfect for you.
