Inside the Volcano Hiking Tour with Reykjavík Pickup
Description
Descend into the colourful magma chamber of Þríhnúkagígur, a dormant volcano near Reykjavík. This seasonal small-group adventure combines a guided hike across lava fields with an open cable-lift descent 120 metres below ground.
Meet at BSÍ Bus Terminal for the included transfer, then follow your guide across the volcanic landscape before entering one of Iceland’s most extraordinary natural spaces.
Itinerary
BSÍ Bus Terminal departure
Meet at BSÍ Bus Terminal, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, Reykjavík, and travel to the Þríhnúkagígur area.
Guided lava-field hike
Walk about 3.5 km each way across uneven volcanic terrain with your guide.
Descend into the volcano
Ride the open cable lift 120 metres down into the magma chamber and explore with your guide.
Return journey
Enjoy soup, coffee or tea after the visit before returning to Reykjavík.
What is included
- Return transfer from BSÍ Bus Terminal, Reykjavík
- Guided lava-field hike and volcano descent
- Required safety equipment and rain gear
- Soup, coffee or tea after the visit
What do I need to bring
- Warm layered clothing
- Waterproof and windproof outerwear
- Sturdy hiking footwear
- Water bottle and packed food unless otherwise stated
- Camera or phone
Good to know
Meeting point: BSÍ Bus Terminal, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík
Get directions
Optional pick-up (additional fee): Pick-up is available from selected hotels and designated bus stops in central Reykjavík and the capital area. Choose your preferred pick-up location when booking. If you do not select pick-up, meet at BSÍ Bus Terminal. Check your voucher for the confirmed time and location.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
- The hike is approximately 3.5 km each way over uneven lava terrain.
- This seasonal tour generally operates from May to October.
- Children must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Highlights
- Descend 120 metres into Þríhnúkagígur volcano
- Guided lava-field hike and small-group experience
- Return transfer from Reykjavík
- Seasonal adventure from May to October
Inside the Volcano – Frequently Asked Questions
This is a real volcanic magma chamber, not a man-made attraction. After the guided lava-field hike, an open cable lift takes you 120 metres down into the vast chamber where you can explore its remarkable colours, rock formations and scale with your guide.
No. Þríhnúkagígur last erupted around 4,000 years ago, so there is no flowing lava or volcanic heat inside. The chamber stays cool at about 4°C, which is part of why warm layers matter even on a sunny day.
Allow roughly 35–45 minutes for the descent, exploration time on the chamber floor and the cable-lift ride back up. The complete experience, including transfer and hike, takes about six hours.
The walk is moderate rather than steep, but it covers about 3.5 km each way over uneven lava terrain. Sturdy footwear, warm layers and a willingness to walk on natural ground are essential.
Your guide provides the required helmet, harness and rain gear when needed. After the visit, you can warm up with soup plus coffee or tea; vegetarian and vegan soup options are available when requested.
Children must be at least 8 years old and able to complete the return hike in variable mountain weather. Every child must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes. For an additional fee, pick-up is available from selected hotels and designated bus stops in central Reykjavík and the capital area. Select your preferred location while booking, then check your voucher for the confirmed details.