The volcanoes fascinate you and you decided to go to Iceland to admire some closer? You will be able to live in a unique experience: the visit of the Thrihnukagigur volcano in Iceland
If you have visited Lemptégy in Auvergne You were probably amazed! Observing the details of an open-air ventilated volcano is not common. If you are visiting Iceland, you will be able to push the experience even further! Enter the heart of the Thrihnukagigur volcano, located about 30 minutes from the Reykjavik capital.
Yes, visiting the inside of a volcano is possible. However, that of Thrihnukagigur has a rare feature: the room of the magma did not close after its last eruption, about 4,000 years ago. Perhaps the source has silenced, or has it sinked even deeper, we don’t really know, but it gives us an exceptional opportunity to contemplate a unique show. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe, the volcano shows no signs of a coming awakening.
Also read: The 7 things to do in Reykjavik
History of the volcano Thrihnukagigur
Photo credit: Shuttertsock / Szymon Barylski
Thrihnukagigur remained very discreet until 1974! Indeed, no one had noticed the existence of this volcano. Yet, it is located less than 35 km southeast of the capital of the Iceland . It was the speleologist Árni B. Stefánsson who had the idea of exploring the cave of 3 meters of visible diameter on the surface. He had discovered it during one of his reconnaissance hikes in the region. Enjoy 213 meters, it actually measures 3 170 m2 ! Inside, it would be possible to hold the Tour Montparnasse and install three basketball courts at its base. Thus, Árni B. Stefánsson gave him this name of Thrihnukagigur.
In Iceland, it means "Cratère aux trois pics", with reference to the three piton that come out of its crater. The volcano is spelled ECA in the local alphabet. It is in one of these craters that you can visit the inside of this volcano. The developments are recent. Indeed, the site was opened to the public only in 2012. He's been meeting since a success.
What to see and do at the Thrihnukagigur volcano?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Alisa_Ch
To begin with, access is impressive! Its volcano chimney has been designed to bring down a glass elevator up to 120 metres deep. It can contain 5 people, including a guide. First of all, you will be equipped with a helmet and a harness, which will be attached to a steel cable. The descent can only be started! It lasts about 6 minutes, with a stop on the way so you can take the measurement of the size of the room and the vacuum under your feet... People sensitive to vertigo will not appreciate the experience, yet unforgettable. You get out of the elevator and your guide leads you to explore the magma room.
This exploration spans a duration of 35 to 40 minutes. The lava, by ageing, has taken various colors, ranging from yellow to red, passing through green and blue. You will be impressed by your visit from the inside of the volcano Thrihnukagigur! You can also freely explore the places and spend a little more time or on the contrary go back earlier.
How do I go to the Thrihnukagigur volcano?
Access to Iceland is almost automatically by plane. Our partner Ulysses will offer you the best flights based on your dates of stay.
The visit of the volcano Thrihnukagigur is totally organized by Inside The Volcano . Thus, the company comes to pick you up at your hotel or a bus stop and reappoints you once the visit is complete. From the start, and until your return, you will be supervised by a team of professional guides. They'll be happy to comment on everything that takes place in front of you. The tour is usually for a dozen people, and is limited to a maximum of 18.
The bus transfer to Bláfjöll Mountain takes about 30 minutes. You will be taken to the starting point of a hiking path of 3 km to the place of exploration. The hike, of medium difficulty, is mainly in a field of lava. The land is mountainous and lasts 45 to 60 minutes. You will feel like walking on the moon! It is not recommended to people with a disability on the walk. The total duration of the Tour de l’Intérieur du volcano is between 5 and 6 hours.
Schedules and rates for the visit of the Thrihnukagigur volcano in Iceland
This trip is part of a complete package, which includes:
- Transfer from your hotel in Reykjvaik or other meeting point in Reykjavik
- Security equipment loan: helmet, harness and waterproof jacket if necessary
- The guided tour, from beginning to end
- Traditional Icelandic soup, meat or vegan
- Hot drinks and refreshments
- Transfer back to your starting point
This tour takes place for a limited period, spreading over the months of May to October. Departures take place every hour from 7:30 a.m. and until 2:30 p.m. It is requested to be half an hour before, to ensure the departure at the exact time, after checking tickets and briefing.
The full tour price is 44,000 ISK, about 318 € per person. This is a net price, you will not have any booking fees or any additional fees if you pay by credit card. The cancellation is free until 24 hours before the start of the visit. The amount will be refunded on your card.
If you are looking for accommodation in the Icelandic capital, we strongly recommend that you consult our guide best places to stay in Reykjvaik . The capital is a small town full of charms.
Good to know.
- Because the number of places is limited and the visit of the Thrihnukagigur volcano is very popular, it is best to book well in advance if you have time constraints.
- The weather is very changing in Iceland: plan several layers of clothing, which you can remove/remit according to climatic conditions. In addition, you should know that the temperature inside the washroom is 3°.
- The hiking trail has some uneven passages. So think of going with a good pair of hiking shoes, preferably waterproof.
- You will want to immortalize the colors and shapes of this particular cave: don’t forget your camera!
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