Inside the Volcano - Thrihnukagigur Magma Chamber

This magma chamber is one of a kind of magma chamber and is often referred to as the heart of a volcano. It’s there that the liquid rock waits to find a way through to the surface, causing a volcanic eruption. In most cases, the crater is usually closed after the eruption by cold, hard lava.

Thrihnukagigur volcano is a rare exception to this, because the magma in the chamber seems to have disappeared. It’s believed that the magma solidified in the walls or quite simply retreated to the depths of the earth, just as if someone had pulled out the plug, letting all the magma run down out of the chamber.

You will spend up to an hour inside the volcano (or less if you prefer), and there is plenty of time to take as many photos as you wish. However, you are not allowed to take away rocks and stones from the crater. Expert guides will be with you at all times, in the cable lift and on the ground in the magma chamber.

While waiting for everyone in the group to complete the volcano visit, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Icelandic meat soup, hot coffee / tea / chocolate and perhaps some sweets. Don´t be surprised when we ask for your email – we would like to send you a quick survey to complete after the tour.

Finally, accompanied by a guide who is with you at all times, you walk back over the lava field. The coach will be waiting for you in the parking lot, ready to drive you back to Reykjavik.

The weather in the mountains can be very different to the city. A warm sweater and jacket are very useful, not least because it’s always the same temperature inside the crater – about 5–6°C (42–43°F). That’s cold! This is a trip to be remembered. Don't forget your camera! Yes, you can take as many pictures as you want! Most of all have fun!

* Important note regarding pick-up: The best option to join the tour is simply to take advantage of our complimentary hotel pick-up service by selecting your hotel or guest house from the drop-down list when booking your tour. We urge you to be ready outside the lobby 30 minutes before the tour departure time.

Alternatively, you can make your own way to the Gray Line Bus Terminal in Holtagarðar, 104 Reykjavik. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time stated on the voucher and introduce yourself at the Sales Desk for check-in.

Fitness level: Moderate (the difficulty is 2–3 out of 5). No knowledge of hiking or climbing is required. The hike is on slightly hilly and uneven ground. This is NOT a tour for those in limited physical shape.

Distance walked: 3 km (2 miles) each way for some 45–50 minutes, with a guide

Don’t worry, expert guides will be with you at all times and you can rest assured extreme safety precautions are taken every step of the way.

We ask all visitors to behave responsibly during the tour. This environment is extremely sensitive and we expect all visitors to leave no footprint behind. Whatever you carry in with you, you must also carry out.

Simply put, Iceland is one giant geological hotspot. The country is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, with eruptions occurring every 3–4 years on average. But why is Iceland so active? It is mostly due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates are moving apart – and therefore literally opening the earth’s crust. The Thrihnukagigur volcano sits in the center of this ridge.