Descent
120 m
An open-cage elevator descends 120 meters through the volcanic vent into the magma chamber
Þríhnúkagígur – Enter a Volcano's Magma Chamber in Iceland
The only place on Earth where you can descend into a volcano's magma chamber -- a once-in-a-lifetime subterranean experience
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Reykjanes Peninsula
Bláfjöll area, near Reykjavík
Þríhnúkagígur (meaning "Three Peaks Crater") offers an experience found nowhere else on the planet: the chance to descend into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the Bláfjöll mountain area, just 30 minutes from Reykjavík, this volcano last erupted approximately 4,000 years ago. What makes it extraordinary is that when the eruption ceased, the magma drained away completely rather than solidifying inside the chamber, leaving behind an enormous empty cavity roughly the size of the Statue of Liberty. The chamber walls display a stunning palette of reds, oranges, yellows, purples, and greens created by different mineral deposits. Visitors descend 120 meters via an open-cage elevator through the narrow volcanic vent into this vast underground space, guided by the "Inside the Volcano" tour operation.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Access is by guided tour only. Helmets and harnesses are provided. Moderate fitness required for the 45-minute hike to the crater. Not recommended for those with claustrophobia or fear of heights.
Sources to check
Season
May - Oct
Tours operate during the summer season, typically from mid-May through late October
Access
Guided only
Only accessible through organized guided tours operated by Inside the Volcano
What to Expect
Elevator Descent
An open-cage elevator lowers visitors 120 meters through the narrow volcanic vent, taking about 6 minutes with views of the rock walls changing color as you descend.
Vast Magma Chamber
The chamber is enormous, large enough to fit the Statue of Liberty. The floor area spans roughly 3,500 square meters of volcanic rock.
Mineral Color Walls
The chamber walls display vivid bands of red, orange, purple, yellow, and green created by iron, sulfur, copper, and other mineral deposits.
Guided Exploration
Knowledgeable guides explain the geology and history of the volcano during the 30 minutes spent inside the chamber.
Scenic Hike In
The tour begins with a 45-minute hike across a moss-covered lava field to the crater opening, with views of the surrounding Bláfjöll mountains.
Base Camp Refreshments
A heated base camp near the crater provides warm soup and drinks before or after the descent, a welcome comfort in the highland weather.
Getting There
Þríhnúkagígur is located in the Bláfjöll mountain area on the Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 30 minutes from central Reykjavík. Access is only available through the Inside the Volcano tour operation, which provides transport from a designated meeting point. The tour typically departs from the Bláfjöll parking area, where participants are driven to the base camp. From there, a 45-minute guided hike across the lava field leads to the crater. Tours must be booked in advance and cannot be done independently. The tour operator provides pickup from central Reykjavík hotels as an optional add-on.
Best Time to Visit
The Inside the Volcano tours operate from mid-May through late October. The best time to book is June through August when weather conditions for the approach hike are most favorable. However, since the main attraction is underground, the experience itself is weather-independent. The tour operates rain or shine. Early season (May-June) and late season (September-October) visits may encounter cooler temperatures and more wind during the hike. Advance booking is highly recommended as tours sell out quickly, especially during peak summer months. Tours depart multiple times daily with small group sizes.
Planning help
Þríhnúkagígur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.