Þríhnjúkagígur Tour

Capital Region

The only place on Earth where you can ride an open cable lift into an actual magma chamber, Þríhnjúkagígur sits in the Bláfjöll mountains about 30 minutes south of Reykjavík. The volcano last erupted around 4,000 years ago; its magma drained away rather than solidifying inside, leaving a hollow cathedral roughly 120 meters deep with a floor area of over 3,000 square meters. The walls show layers of red, orange, yellow, purple, and green from mineral deposits; the scale only becomes apparent once you are standing inside. Getting there involves a 3 km hike across a lava field, then a 7-minute cable lift descent. Tours run from early May to late October and last 5 to 6 hours including transport. Daily capacity is limited, and summer dates sell out weeks ahead. Minimum age is 8; moderate fitness is needed for the hike. Dress in warm, waterproof layers — it is significantly colder underground than at the surface. Drivers can park at the Blue Mountain meeting point rather than joining the Reykjavík pickup.

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