Thrihnukagigur Volcano

The Basics

Thrihnukagigur is a relatively new sightseeing destination. It was only discovered, by an Icelandic cave explorer, in the 1970s and opened up to tourists in 2012. Travelers can experience it by booking a guided tour. It’s about a half-hour south of Reykjavik and tours typically begin with a 2-mile (3-kilometer) hike to the volcano across a lava field. Visitors then board an open elevator for a 6-minute journey that descends 700 feet (213 meters) into the magma chamber. There you are free to explore the dormant volcano's cave floor, its vividly colored rocks, and frozen magma icicles, for usually around 35 to 40 minutes. After returning to the surface, visitors are typically rewarded for their efforts with a bowl of traditional Icelandic meat soup.

Tours involve a moderate amount of walking but helicopter tours are available for those unable to do the hike.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Be sure to wear good hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

• Wearing a warm jacket and outdoor clothing is strongly recommended as it is usually very cold inside the crater.

• Thrihnukagigur is a must-see attraction for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers.

• There is a cozy “base camp” by the volcano with restrooms, coffee/tea, a souvenir shop, and Wi-Fi.

• Tours involve a moderate amount of walking but helicopter tours are available for those unable to do the hike.

How to Get There

Thrihnukagigur is in southwest Iceland, about a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik, via the Golden Circle or Ring Road, or a 50-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport. There is no public transport to the site. You can skip the hassle of driving by booking with a tour that includes pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik hotels.

When to Get There

Tours usually only run during the spring and summer months and take place during the day—check with the operators to confirm. If you want a more personal experience, you can book a private tour, which typically run in the early mornings. Iceland’s long summer days and short nights make getting up early a breeze.

Go Inside Thrihnukagigur Volcano

Iceland is the only place in the world where you can venture inside a volcano’s magma chamber. Thrihnukagigur is easily accessible from Reykjavik and makes for a straightforward day trip, especially if you book a tour that includes round-trip transport.

Ways to explore

The only way to visit Thrihnukagigur volcano is on a guided tour, which starts with a 2-mile (3-kilometer) moderate hike through the lava fields and up to the top of the volcano. From the crater, board the open-sided lift and steel your nerves for the slow 7-minute descent into the heart of the volcano. After descending 400 feet (130 meters) into the magma chamber, enjoy time to explore the volcano floor with your guide.

Tours last about four hours, and options include a group tour with or without transfers from Reykjavik, a private tour, or a helicopter tour over the volcano.

Accessibility

Volcano tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Age limits

You must be at least 8 years old and able to hike the 4-mile (7-kilometer) out-and-back trail in all weather; kids (ages 8-12) get reduced tickets; an adult must accompany all children.

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen

What to wear

Water-repellant outdoor clothing for hiking; hiking boots; a hat, scarf, gloves, sweater or fleece for the cave’s 37°F (4°C) temperatures

Not allowed

Hiking without a guide, removing lava rocks, bringing large bags

Amenities

At the basecamp: free parking, restrooms, gift shop, hot drinks, Icelandic soup (included with the tour), safety harnesses (included)

Address

Thrihnukagigur Volcano is located in the Bláfjöll Mountains area of southwest Iceland, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Reykjavik. The tour starting point is reachable by road or helicopter from Reykjavik; to reach the volcano itself, it’s a 45-50 minute hike.

Driving

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik to the tour starting point, a ski cabin in Bláfjöll. Head east along the Ring Road (Route 1), then turn right onto road 417 towards Bláfjallavegur and continue straight along the paved road to reach the meeting point.

Public transportation

There is no public transport to the site, but if you don’t have your own transport, you can book a tour with round-trip transfers from Reykjavik. The bus picks up from the city center as well as from several Reykjavik hotels.

Best times to visit

Tours run up to six times daily, with the first tour of the day at 8am and the final tour at 2pm. Taking an earlier tour means you’ll be hiking in the coldest part of the day, but it also means that you’ll have the afternoon free for other activities.

Best days to visit

Weekends tend to be busiest, but tours run more often. Opting for a weekday tour might mean fewer people in your group, but you may only have two or three tour times from which to choose.

Best months to visit

Tours operate from early May through to late October each year. Iceland’s peak travel season is June through August, so you’ll have a higher chance of a small group if you visit in the shoulder months.