Journey to the Center of the Earth - Iceland's Volcano Thrihnukagigur from inside

Iceland is the land of natural phenomena. One of them is the sleeping volcano Thrihnukagigur in the southwest of Iceland. Where once there was glowing magma, there is now a huge empty volcanic cone. With a wire basket you descend 120 meters deep into the earth, passing red, grey, black and yellow walls of the volcano chimney. Here I will tell you about my "journey to the center of the earth" and you will learn what Iceland's volcano Thrihnukagigur looks like from the inside.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

The Volcano Thrihnukagigur in the Southwest of Iceland

Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. It lies in the middle of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This is where the Eurasian and North American continental plates meet. They drift about seven millimetres apart every year, which is why the earth's crust is particularly unstable here. The volcano Thrihnukagigur is located in this zone. Thrihnukagigur (Þríhnúkagígur) means something like "Three Peaks Crater". Its summits can be seen from far away. One of them is about 50.000 years old, its rock is grey coloured. The other two peaks, however, are reddish in color and, at about 4,000 years old, still relatively young.

The Thrihnukagigur on Iceland is the only volcano in the world where it is possible to see the magma chamber from inside. Because normally the magma chamber of a volcano is filled with hot magma. But the chamber of the volcano Thrihnukagigur is empty. It is assumed that the magma has drifted into the depth and afterwards hardened on the walls of the volcano. Today the Thrihnukahigur is sleeping. Its last eruption was about 4,000 years ago. At the moment he shows no signs of a new eruption.

Hiking across the Lava Field

In order to reach the volcanic crater, we first walk about three kilometres across a lava field. It is still early in the morning. The sun warms up the wet moss and water vapour rises. The white clouds of steam in front of the grey sky immerse the landscape in a mystical atmosphere. During our short hike to the Thrihnukagigur we pass two lava tunnels and the continental fissure that runs through the whole of Iceland. With one step we are America.

After about 45 minutes we arrive at the "Basecamp". Here we are getting equipped: climbing harness and helmet with headlamp. Afterwards we are informed about the safety precautions and divided into groups of 6 to 7 people, who go down into the volcano one after the other with a wire basket.

In a Wire Basket to the Center of the Earth

Do you know those wire baskets that window cleaners use to reach the windows of high-rise buildings? One of these opens us the door to another world. The wire basket for 6 to 7 people is connected to a crane that was placed vertically above the crater opening. Massive cable wires lead the basket 120 meters deep into the interior of the volcano. That is about the height of a skyscraper with 40 floors. The trip down takes about 6 minutes. To prevent us from falling out of the basket in astonishment, each of us is secured with a rope. First we pass close to the volcano walls. The volcano is shaped like a bottle neck. After we have passed the narrow entrance, a huge dome with a base of about 49 x 67 meters opens.

What remains of a volcanic eruption we know as black lava. But here inside the volcano it is colorful. Yellow sulfur oxide has been deposited on the walls. The rust-red coloration, on the other hand, is due to the oxidation of iron. Grey and black is the basalt rock. To make the colours and the size of the chamber clearly visible, prominent spots are illuminated by spotlights. It is hard to imagine that this huge dome was once filled with glowing magma.

At the bottom of the chamber there is a circular path marked out with ropes. After a short briefing by our guide we had about 30 minutes for own discoveries and for taking pictures.

After the visit to the crater we are spoiled with hot soup and coffee in the base camp. There was even a vegan version - I was thrilled! Strengthened we start the way back. Here in the width of the lava field I try to absorb what I just experienced.

Facts about the Tour

Duration: 5 to 6 hours (about 40 minutes inside the volcano)
Costs: Inside the Volcano offers tours for 276 Euro (July 2020)
When: The season is lasts from 10 May to 31 October. In winter, the bridge and the wire basket are dismantled so that the heavy snow does not stress the system.
Directions to get there: from Reykjavik approx. 25 minutes (pick up possible)
Temperature in the crater: about 3° to 6° Celsius
Meeting point if you arrive by yourself: Blue Mountains / Bláfjöll parking lot. The GPS coordinates are N 63.98502, W -21.649949

What am I taking with me?

• Something warm, waterproof and windproof. The volcano is located in one of the rainiest regions of Iceland. If the weather is good in Reykjavik, it can be quite different at the Thrihnukagigur.
• Hiking boots (ankle high), because down in the volcano you climb over rocks in the semi-darkness.
• A drink and a snack. There is water, tea, coffee and soup at the hut, but the tour duration of 5 to 6 hours is long.
• Very important: Do not forget your camera and spare batteries. The best way to take pictures inside the volcano is with a light-intensive wide-angle lens. I also had a mini tripod with me.

Book Recommendations and Tour Tips for Iceland

Do you want to know where the journey is going? Then I can recommend this travel guides* to you.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. This does not make the product more expensive for you.

Are you looking for a guided tour to the caves of Iceland? If you are looking for a guided tour into the caves of Iceland, I can recommend the Ice Cave Tour near Vík* or the combination tour Snorkeling in the Silfra Crevice and Visiting the Lava Tunnel* .

Did you like my report about Iceland's volcano Thrihnukagigur from the inside? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends. Do you have any questions or suggestions? If so, please write me a comment!

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love the Scandinavian countries as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the Faroe Islands or a tour on a Dog Sled from Tasiilaq to Tiniteqilaaq in East Greenland.