Reykjavik: Thrihnukagigur Volcano Tour & Lava Field Hike

Summary

Step inside Thrihnukagigur volcano from Reykjavik on a real guided adventure

You’ll hike across Iceland’s wild lava fields with a local guide from Reykjavik, then descend by cable lift into Thrihnukagigur volcano’s colorful magma chamber — helmet on, heart pounding a little faster than usual. Feel volcanic heat in your nose and silence in your ears before emerging back into daylight with new stories to tell.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving before my coffee had even kicked in — Reykjavik still waking up behind us as our little group bumped along toward the Bláfjöll. Our guide, Sigrún, was already telling us about trolls and eruptions and how the Thrihnukagigur volcano last let loose over 4,000 years ago. I tried to picture that as we set off across the lava fields: black rock underfoot, soft moss here and there, air sharp enough to sting your nose. The wind kept changing its mind — one minute calm, next minute tugging at my hood. Someone ahead slipped a bit on the uneven ground; Sigrún just grinned and said it was “Icelandic flat.”

The hike wasn’t exactly easy but not brutal either — about 3 kilometers each way, so you feel it in your legs but you’re too distracted by all those weird shapes in the lava to care much. At the crater’s edge they handed out helmets and harnesses. I’ll admit, my heart started thumping when I saw that open cable lift waiting for us. There’s this moment when you’re dangling over the mouth of Thrihnukagigur and you can smell something metallic and cold rising up from below. It’s not dark like I expected; colors everywhere — yellow streaks, deep reds, even purple patches along the walls. Sigrún pointed out mineral stains left by ancient eruptions. She told us this is the only place on earth where you can actually go inside a volcano like this. I didn’t expect it to feel so quiet down there — just our boots crunching on gravel and a couple people whispering because anything louder seemed wrong.

I still think about that first breath back on the surface — lungs full of cold air, sky suddenly huge again after being cocooned underground. We retraced our steps across the lava field (my legs wobblier than before), everyone quieter now but smiling in that way people do when they’ve shared something odd together. On the drive back to Reykjavik I kept looking out at those blue mountains thinking: well, that was nothing like what I’d pictured…in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Volcano hike and magma chamber tour

• Drive from Reykjavík to Bláfjöll
• Receive geology and volcano history briefing
• 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
• Hike back across lava fields
• Drive back to Reykjavík

Top questions

How far is Thrihnukagigur Volcano from Reykjavik?

It’s located just outside Reykjavik in the Bláfjöll (Blue Mountains), reached by a short scenic drive included in the tour.

How difficult is the lava field hike?

The hike is about 7 km round-trip over uneven terrain; moderate fitness is needed but no special hiking experience required.

Is it safe to go inside Thrihnukagigur volcano?

Yes, all necessary safety gear is provided and professional guides lead you throughout the descent into the dormant volcano.

What should I wear for this tour?

You should wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots; sneakers or jeans aren’t suitable due to weather and terrain.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

Light refreshments are included as part of your day trip experience.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from select locations in Reykjavik.

What is unique about this day trip to Thrihnukagigur?

This is the only place in the world where visitors can descend into a real volcanic magma chamber with a guided group.

Can children join this volcano tour?

The minimum age for participants is 8 years old due to safety requirements and physical demands of the hike.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from select Reykjavik locations, guidance from an expert local throughout both hike and descent, all safety equipment like helmets and harnesses for entering Thrihnukagigur Volcano itself, light refreshments along the way, plus plenty of stories about Icelandic geology before returning to town together.