Descend into Thrihnukagigur Volcano: Small-Group Lava Field Tour

Drop into a dormant volcano and walk inside its colorful magma chamber

This small-group tour from Reykjavik takes you down 400 feet into Thrihnukagigur Volcano, the only accessible volcano interior in the world. You'll hike 2 miles across the lava fields of Iceland's Blue Mountains, then descend via cable elevator into the vast magma chamber, where mineral-stained rock formations glow in shades of red, orange and yellow. The tour runs 5 hours, includes a professional guide, all safety gear and pickup from select Reykjavik locations, and is limited to 18 guests. Children from age 8 are welcome. Moderate fitness is required for the uneven terrain and 7 km total hike.

Step-by-step itinerary

Volcano hike and magma chamber tour

• Drive from Reykjavik to Bláfjöll
• Hike 2 miles across lava fields
• Gear up with helmet and harness
• Descend 400 feet into magma chamber
• Explore colorful volcanic interior
• Ascend back to surface
• Return hike across lava fields
• Drive back to Reykjavik

The experience

Five hours from Reykjavik, you'll start with a scenic drive toward Bláfjöll, the Blue Mountains, where your guide introduces the geology and history of Thrihnukagigur as you approach. The landscape shifts from road to raw volcanic terrain, and the hike begins at the base of Bláfjöll. For 2 miles you walk across ancient lava fields, an uneven trail that winds through cones and fissures. The ground beneath your feet tells Iceland's geological story, and the surreal terrain builds toward the crater's edge.

At the crater rim, you'll put on a helmet and harness before boarding an open cable elevator: the only lift of its kind in the world. This one-of-a-kind descent lowers you 400 feet into the dormant magma chamber, a space so vast and colorful that standing inside it feels like stepping into the earth's interior. Your guide explains the volcano's last eruption, over 4,000 years ago, and how the lava that once flowed here has solidified into a kaleidoscope of mineral-stained rock. You explore this underground dome at your own pace, taking in formations that glow in reds, oranges and yellows. The cable elevator brings you back to the surface, and you retrace your steps across the lava fields before the drive back to Reykjavik.

Groups stay under 18 people, which keeps the experience intimate and means less waiting at the cable elevator. Your guide is a live professional who speaks English and manages the safety briefing and descent. Light refreshments are included. You'll need warm, waterproof clothing and proper hiking boots: sneakers and jeans won't work on the uneven ground and in Iceland's unpredictable weather. Pickup and drop-off from select Reykjavik locations are included in the price.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• pickup and drop-off from select Reykjavik locations.
• all necessary safety gear including helmet and harness.
• cable elevator descent into the magma chamber.
• guided hike across the lava fields.
• light refreshments.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Gray Line Iceland

Is this one for you?This tour is built for travelers who want to experience something genuinely rare (the only accessible volcano interior in the world) without arranging transport or managing the technical details of descent and safety. The small group size and included guide mean you move at a steady pace and get geological insight as you walk, rather than navigating alone or joining a crowd at the crater rim.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the hike like before you descend into the volcano?

The hike across the lava fields is 2 miles on uneven terrain through Iceland's Blue Mountains. It's moderate difficulty: no hiking experience is needed, but you'll need a moderate level of fitness to handle the surreal volcanic landscape and unpredictable weather. The total distance for the day, including the approach and return, is 7 km.

How deep do you go into Thrihnukagigur, and what do you see inside?

You descend 400 feet into the magma chamber via cable elevator. Inside, the space is vast and colorful, with mineral-stained rock formations glowing in reds, oranges and yellows where lava once flowed. Your guide explains the volcano's last eruption over 4,000 years ago and the geological forces that shaped this underground dome.

How long does the whole experience take from Reykjavik?

The tour runs 5 hours total, including the scenic drive from Reykjavik, the 2-mile hike, the cable elevator descent into the magma chamber, and the drive back. Pickup and drop-off from select Reykjavik locations are included.

What should I wear and bring on this tour?

Wear warm, waterproof clothing and proper hiking boots: sneakers and jeans are not appropriate for the uneven lava fields and Iceland's weather. Your helmet and harness are provided. Light refreshments are included. Bring water and snacks if you prefer extras.