Inside the Þríhnúkagígur Volcano Tour, Reykjavík

4.6 (9 reviews)

Overview

Just about 20 miles (33 km) from Reykjavik sits the dormant Þríhnúkagígur Volcano, a unique natural phenomenon. Experience this wonder from the inside out with a moderate hike to the volcano's crater. You'll start with a scenic walk to the base of the volcano, passing through lava fields and valleys with views of mountain peaks. Then, you'll brave a 400-foot (120-m) descent to the bottom of the crater in an open cable lift. 

Inside the crater, chilly year-round temperatures of about 37°F (3°C) greet you. Enjoy time to explore inside the volcano, walking along designated paths that snake through the underground and into the magma chamber. Take photos and admire the vibrant colors of the rocks before heading back up to the surface. 

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Traveler reviews

9 total ratings, 7 with reviews
4.6
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
5.0
Liz
Liz K.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Aug 05, 2026
We loved this! It's very well run and the experience is wonderful being in the volcano crater. There is a 2 mile hike to get to what they call the base camp, and then another short, but steep climb to the entrance where you get on the open elevator to go down into the crater. So be prepared for that. The inside is stunning and weirdly disorienting, but not in a bad way. We were surrounded by beautiful rock and lava formations and it was easy to get around to see it all in the time we were... Read more

We loved this! It's very well run and the experience is wonderful being in the volcano crater. There is a 2 mile hike to get to what they call the base camp, and then another short, but steep climb to the entrance where you get on the open elevator to go down into the crater. So be prepared for that. The inside is stunning and weirdly disorienting, but not in a bad way. We were surrounded by beautiful rock and lava formations and it was easy to get around to see it all in the time we were down there.

Tips for future travelers

Be prepared for the 2 miles walk in. It wasn't a difficult hike, but for some reason we didn't read about this ahead of time.

J
Jennifer J.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 26, 2026
Incredible! I loved the walk out to the volcano, so we had time to reallly be present in the landscape and take in the wonder of it all. The pace of the trip was perfect. Going down into the volcano was amazing - again great pacing. Time to really be in the place and not feel rushed. Staff were kind, informative and relaxed. Soup was delicious! Read more

Incredible! I loved the walk out to the volcano, so we had time to reallly be present in the landscape and take in the wonder of it all. The pace of the trip was perfect. Going down into the volcano was amazing - again great pacing. Time to really be in the place and not feel rushed. Staff were kind, informative and relaxed. Soup was delicious!

Tips for future travelers

Do it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Edith
Edith K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2026

The 'Inside the Volcano' tour was an unforgettable day. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and descending into the volcano was an awe-inspiring experience. The lamb stew served afterward was delicious, making the whole experience perfect.

B
Brian T.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2026
Fantastic experience, very unique opportunity to go 450 feet below the surface. And they finished the trip off with a great bowl of lamb stew. The guides were very entertaining and knowledgeable. Read more

Fantastic experience, very unique opportunity to go 450 feet below the surface. And they finished the trip off with a great bowl of lamb stew. The guides were very entertaining and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Michael
Michael H.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2026
Tips for future travelers I would not pass this up. Unless you have a fear of heights or of hanging suspended 400 feet above the floor in a steel basket. It was truly a fun experience. Wear good shoes/boots as it is a 4-mile, easy walk, round trip, through lava fields to get to the entrance of the cave. After the cave the guides provided hot drinks (it was a very cold/windy/rainy day) and really tasty lamb soup. Read more
Tips for future travelers

I would not pass this up. Unless you have a fear of heights or of hanging suspended 400 feet above the floor in a steel basket. It was truly a fun experience. Wear good shoes/boots as it is a 4-mile, easy walk, round trip, through lava fields to get to the entrance of the cave. After the cave the guides provided hot drinks (it was a very cold/windy/rainy day) and really tasty lamb soup.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gaia
Gaia B.
Reno, NV | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2025

This was cancelled due to maintenance.

Jenna
Jenna F.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025
This experience was incredible, a once in a lifetime excursion. You have a 2 mile hike there and back over lava fields and it’s like you’re on another planet. The guides were knowledgeable and you got ample time inside the volcano to explore. Would 1000% recommend. Read more

This experience was incredible, a once in a lifetime excursion. You have a 2 mile hike there and back over lava fields and it’s like you’re on another planet. The guides were knowledgeable and you got ample time inside the volcano to explore. Would 1000% recommend.

Tips for future travelers

There is a bit of hiking involved. While it is mostly flat (last bit is uphill), they do go at a pretty quick pace so that may not be for everyone. They do have a guide at the back of the group so no one is left behind, and you are able to take the walk back at your own pace. That being said, if you’re up for the hike this experience is incredible!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Grima and Katherine were great!
Transport

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Itineraries with Inside the Þríhnúkagígur Volcano Tour