Thríhnúkagígur Volcano

About Thríhnúkagígur Volcano

Thríhnúkagígur volcano (Þríhnúkagígur, "three peak crater") is a volcanic crater in the Bláfjöll lava fields, about 30 minutes' drive southeast of Reykjavík, with an empty magma chamber you can be lowered into. Most volcanoes seal themselves shut when an eruption ends, but after this one last erupted about 4,500 years ago, the magma drained away and left the chamber open.

From the small opening on top, the vertical conduit drops to a total depth of 212 meters, and the floor of the magma chamber measures roughly 50 by 65 meters. Its walls are streaked red, yellow and black by minerals, and they are far bigger in person than any photo suggests.

You can only go inside on the guided Inside the Volcano tour. It starts at the Breiðabliksskáli ski cabin in Bláfjöll, followed by a hike of about 3 kilometers each way across moss-covered lava, which takes 45 to 50 minutes. At base camp you put on a helmet and harness, then an open cable lift lowers you 120 meters in about seven minutes for roughly 30 minutes on the chamber floor.

The operator currently lists 51,000 ISK for adults and 25,000 ISK for children aged 8 to 12, with 8 as the minimum age. Tours run from May 5 to October 30, and places are limited, so book well ahead. Back at base camp you get lamb soup (or a vegan option) and hot drinks.

Allow about four hours if you drive yourself, or five to six with the paid pick-up from Reykjavík. To self-drive, take Route 1 east and turn onto Route 417 (Bláfjallavegur), since the Route 42 approach via Hafnarfjörður is closed. Wear hiking boots and rain gear, because the weather on the lava often turns while the city stays dry.