Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike
Overview
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Mobile ticket
Descend into a dormant volcano on this unique small-group adventure from Reykjavik. Hike across the stunning lava fields of Iceland’s Blue Mountains before lowering into the vast magma chamber of Thrihnukagigur Volcano—last active over 4,000 years ago. Equipped with safety gear, you’ll explore the only accessible volcano interior in the world, witnessing vividly colored rock formations and a massive underground dome. This once-in-a-lifetime 5-hour experience is limited to 18 guests for a more intimate, guided journey into Iceland’s volcanic heart. Book your Thrihnukagigur Volcano tour for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Wear warm and waterproof clothing, as well as hiking boots. Sneakers and jeans are not appropriate.
Minimum age is 8 years
Be aware that this tour includes a total of 7 km hike across an uneven mountain terrain in unpredictable weather conditions. No hiking experience is needed, but this does require moderate fitness levels.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Thrihnukagigur Volcano
From the base of Bláfjöll, embark on a 2-mile (3 km) guided hike across ancient lava fields. The trail is uneven and winds through a surreal volcanic landscape filled with cones and fissures. It’s a moderate hike that offers an up-close look at Iceland’s geological past. At the edge of the crater, you'll gear up with a helmet and harness before boarding an open cable elevator. This one-of-a-kind lift lowers you into the dormant volcano’s magma chamber — a rare opportunity not found anywhere else in the world. Safety briefings and professional guidance ensure a secure and memorable descent.
Reykjavik
The tour begins with a scenic drive from Reykjavík toward the Bláfjöll (Blue Mountains). Along the way, your guide provides fascinating insight into the geology and history of the Thrihnukagigur volcano.
What‘s Included
Light refreshments
Professional guide
Descent into the Volcano
All necessary safety gear, helmets, harness
Guided Volcano Tour
Pickup and drop-off from select locations
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Outdoor Clothing and Hiking Shoes
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Inside the Volcano tour
Pickup included
Reviews
168 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Inside Volcano Tour
Dominique W,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the absolute highlight of my trip. Although pricey, very very VERY worth it! Our guides were humorous, knowledgeable, and accommodating. The hike to the volcano was a little long, but not strenuous and our group was full of mixed-ages from young to old. The colors inside the volcano and just the sheer size of it will definitely leave you in awe. Highly highly highly recommend!
The best experience! 10/10!
dajanag728,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible and surreal experience! An absolute highlight of our trip to Iceland. I usually try to leave reviews covering “the good, the bag and the ugly” but there was nothing bad or ugly about this - except the bus driver who drove us to the location was a very erratic driver and not the safest, no one on the bus felt very safe on the way there or back. The entire experience and the guides were 10/10. I recommended this tour to multiple people while I was still in Iceland and I will tell anyone going to Iceland to do it too. My partner and I had the best time. The inside of the volcano is like nature’s cathedral and the walk across the lava field is so invigorating. It really felt like a once in a lifetime experience. And the veggie soup we were served at the end was one of the best I’ve ever had! Thank you for such a great day!
This is an experience not...
AdrianneA L,,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an experience not to be missed when visiting Iceland. The only place in the world that you can actually go into a "dormant" volcano and witness the interior beauty. The guides were wonderful and caring, and the entire experience - from arrival to departure - was second to none! HIGHLY recommend.
Unique tour close to downtown Reykjavik
Valay61,,Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00In late August, my son aged 10 and I did the Inside the Volcano tour. My wife and other children (aged 12 and 10) opted to skip the tour so they could sleep in that morning. The meeting point is located ~ 30 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. Thereafter, you hike 40 minutes to another hut where you get geared up. You are then lowered into the volcano via a shaft. You have ~ 30 minutes to explore within the chamber before you head back up for delicious soup (we opted for the vegetarian option). Then, you can walk back to the original hut on your own (weather-permitting) or wait for your group to head back together. We opted for the former. Being inside a volcano for 30 minutes was a surreal experience. There is nowhere else in the world where you can do this. The price is exorbitant but it was well worth it because of how unique it is and the visual splendors you see in the chamber. I highly recommend doing this tour.
Phantastic
Robert B,,Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Use good clothing for rainy days ! Use good shoes - you need nothing to eat. A very good soup is provided !
Communication not great but experience itself was cool
Laura W,,Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The experience itself was great but the tour guide communication is not.. it took reaching out several times on several different platforms to get them to answer and it made me very anxious if I’d get a response in time.
Unique Iceland Experience - Must do!
Vinay S,,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A unique experience that you cannot miss when in Iceland. This is the only place on earth where you can enter the magma chamber of a dormant volcano. There’s a mostly flat and scenic hike to get to/from the entrance of the volcano, and a thrilling 400ft ride on essentially a modified window-washing platform to get to the bottom. Amazing rock formations, beautiful colors, … a must-do activity! The guide is extremely knowledgeable about the history and geology of the area and the volcano itself. My family of 4, including kids 12 & 14, loved it - it was our #1 activity from our action-packed 9-day stay in the country.
Once in a lifetime experience!
340liseanneb,,Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a unique experience. The pace of the tour was well organized and we didn't feel rushed or like we didn't have enough time. The staff at base camp was great offering that great icelandic stew.
You can’t miss this tour
jessie l,,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an unbelievable experience. It’s the only volcano in the world that one can enter down 400’. The tour requires a bit of a hike(2 miles) to get to the volcano but it’s scenic and part of the whole experience…totally worth the effort. A must for anyone traveling to Iceland.
This is really an...
Nancy M,,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is really an awe-inspiring experience like no other. This is the only volcano on earth where you can descend 400 feet into an actual magma chamber.
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Operated by Gray Line Iceland