Inside the Volcano
6 hours•Pickup available
The dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano is a unique natural phenomenon. By setting up the necessary gear and equipment, we’ve created a tour that opens the door to a new world.
Þríhnúkagígur is the only place on planet Earth where you can descend into a dormant volcano and safely explore its massive lava chamber. It is truly a one of a kind experience. To be able to experience this wonder, all you need is the willingness to do a moderate 45–50 minute hike (to get to the crater) and the guts to descend 120 meters/400 feet to the bottom of the crater in an open cable lift. The hike to the volcano is an integral part of the tour, not only because of the breathtaking scenery, but also because it’s one of only two ways of getting to the base of the volcano This ticket includes entrance and transfer service to Inside the Volcano. Departures from BSÍ Bus Terminal are at 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00. Each transfer arrives at Inside the Volcano Base Camp about 30 minutes later. Return transfers from Inside the Volcano depart as follows:
- Guests departing BSÍ at 08:00 return to BSÍ around 13:15.
- Guests departing BSÍ at 10:00 return around 15:15.
- Guests departing BSÍ at 12:00 return around 17:15.
- Guests departing BSÍ at 14:00 return around 19:15.
- Guests departing BSÍ at 16:00 return around 21:15.
Return times may vary depending on tour duration and conditions.
TourID: SRE32
Activity provider: Reykjavik Excursions by Icelandia
BSÍ Bus Terminal - City center
Need to know
- Moderate fitness level required
- Remember to dress warmly & wear sturdy footwear.
- Pick up is up to 30 minutes before departure.
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- Flexible Cancellation
- No Booking Fees
What’s included and what to bring on this tour
It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip
Included
- Rain gear if it pours - From where you start the walk
- Safety gear - helmets and harnesses
- Traditional Icelandic lamb soup - or a vegetarian/vegan option
Are you wondering about something?
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the right information. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan your trip
It's strongly advised against visiting Iceland’s caves without an expert guide accompanying you.
Ice caves are especially unpredictable, forming from shifting glaciers. Local specialists continuously assess these caves for safety—a precaution you might overlook if venturing solo.
Lava tunnels, too, have their dangers, having experienced collapses previously. Opting for guided tours ensures safety, as the condition and accessibility of these caves are rigorously overseen. Additionally, some caves are privately owned and are off-limits to unauthorised visitors.
There are many caves close to Reykjavík. In fact, it might be Iceland’s best region for seeing caves.
For example, Raufarhólshellir, Leiðarendi, and Víðgelmir are all lava tunnels that are less than an hour from the capital city. Similarly, some of Iceland’s best ice caves, including the Langjökull ice tunnel, are close by too.
There are many cave tours to choose from in Iceland, but the best one will depend on what interests you most.
Iceland’s lava caves showcase the power of lava, which gouged great holes in the earth beneath our feet. You can explore these ancient tunnels on foot and witness the strange effects of light on the crumbling rock.
Alternatively, there are Iceland’s ice caves. These are pockets of air in the moving glaciers that are always under transformation. Come and see the dazzling patterns in the ice.
Explore our tours to see all your options.
You can find caves across the whole of Iceland—from the westernmost tip of Snæfellsnes peninsula to Grjótagjá in the north. However, most of them are to be found on the south coast.
You’ll find many around Reykjavík too. For example, Raufarhólshellir, the Lava Tunnel, is just a short distance from the city. The iconic Leiðarendi Lava Cave is in the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark too.
Iceland’s cave systems give you a different perspective on the fascinating geology of the youngest country on the planet. If you’re interested in the way that the earth moves, warps, and is violently transformed—or if you just want to see something truly special—you shouldn’t miss a cave tour.