Description
09.07.2012
| Hildur Fjóla Svansdóttir
Þríhnúkagígur volcano is the only place on earth where it is safe to explore a
magma chamber on the inside. The volcano has not erupted for 4,000 years and shows no signs of coming to life again anytime soon. Hence, you are safe!
The volcano is located in approximately 25 minutes' driving distance from Reykjavík. However, an easy hike over a lava field is required as that is the only way to reach the crater. The walk is moderate (level 2-3 difficulty out of 5 possible) and usually takes 45 - 50 minutes.
Using a system normally used to carry window cleaners outside of skyscrapers, you will descend 120 metres (400 feet) in an open elevator. All equipment and processes have been tested extensively and approved by the administration of Occupational Safety and Health in Iceland.
Tour facts:| - Operation dates: From 15 May – 10 September (ongoing tours all days within that period). |
| - Tour departures: 08:00 | 10:00 | 12:00 | 14:00 |
| - Duration: 5–6 hours (about 40–45 minutes inside the volcano). |
| - Fitness level needed: Moderate (the difficulty is 2–3 out of a possible 5). No knowledge of hiking or climbing is required. It is not an uphill walk, but the surface is hilly and uneven. This is NOT a tour for those in no or limited physical shape. |
| - Bring with you: Good hiking shoes and warm clothes. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can be very different from how it seems at ground level. Wear warm clothes (sneakers and jeans will NOT do you any good!). |
| - Distance walked: Approximately 3 km (2 miles) each way. The walk usually takes around 45–50 minutes (depending on the people in the group). A guide will be with you at all times during the walk. |
| - Minimum age limit: 12 years. |
| - Price: EUR 239 |