Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike

Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike is a standout among Icelandic adventures, combining natural wonder with active exploration. Costing around $450 per person, this tour from Reykjavik lasts about 5 to 6 hours, offering a chance to descend into a full-fledged magma chamber—a rare experience found only here. Led by professional guides, the experience includes a scenic drive, a challenging hike through lava fields, and a jaw-dropping descent inside a dormant volcano. The feedback is impressively positive, with a 4.5-star rating and 94% of travelers recommending it. It’s a well-curated experience that balances adventure and safety, with a small-group atmosphere that keeps things intimate and engaging.

What sets this tour apart for me are two things. First, the descent into Thrihnukagigur’s magma chamber—you’re not just looking at a volcano, you’re inside it, riding an open cable elevator 400 feet down into an otherworldly, colored cavern. Second, the guides deserve applause; many reviews mention Jonas and others by name, praising their expertise, friendliness, and ability to tell stories that bring the volcano’s past to life. However, potential visitors should note that the hike to the volcano is about 3 km across uneven, rocky terrain, requiring moderate fitness and good hiking shoes. If rain or wind hits, the weather can make it more challenging, but most reviews find that the stunning views and inside experience outweigh the weather’s annoyances.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: You get to descend into a dormant volcano’s magma chamber, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Jonas and others are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing the experience.
• Hiking Challenge: The 3 km hike across lava fields offers a raw look at Iceland’s volcanic landscape but requires good footwear and moderate fitness.
• Small Group: Tours are limited to 18 people, making it more personalized and safer.
• Visit to Blue Mountains: Scenic drive and hike through otherworldly volcanic terrain before the descent.
• Good Value: For roughly $450, the experience includes transportation, guiding, safety gear, and a memorable adventure that’s hard to match elsewhere.

The Experience in Detail

Starting from Reykjavik, you’ll appreciate the comfort of pick-up service and the scenic drive as your guide, such as Jonas, shares insights into Iceland’s volcanic activity and the geology of the Blue Mountains. The approximately one-hour drive sets a calm tone for what’s to come, with plenty of interesting tidbits about Iceland’s volcanic history.

The Hike through Lava Fields is where you’ll get your feet wet—literally and figuratively. It’s about 3 km across uneven land filled with volcanic cones, fissures, and steaming gas vents. This is the part that can be tough, especially if the weather turns windy or rainy—one reviewer described their hike as a “bit of a walk” but acknowledged it’s moderate in difficulty. Wearing proper hiking shoes is a must—trail running shoes or sturdy boots would be ideal. The landscape is surreal, with cones, fissures, and steam creating a landscape that feels like another planet. Travelers praised the trail for its “otherworldly beauty,” and some mentioned seeing Arctic foxes, hinting at the rich wildlife beyond the volcanic scenery.

Reaching the Rim of Thrihnukagigur’s Crater, your guide will give a quick safety briefing, then strap you into a harness before boarding the open cable elevator. This is the core highlight. The elevator slowly lowers you into the vast, colorful magma chamber, giving you a bird’s-eye view of walls stained by minerals, and a sense of floating inside a natural cathedral carved out by past eruptions. Several travelers, like Lucy and Grace, called this “unbelievable” and a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment. The vibrant hues and enormous scale often leave visitors speechless.

Inside the Volcano, your guide explains the last eruption—about 4,000 years ago—and points out the towering rock formations and mineral deposits. You’ll get to walk around a cavern that once hosted flowing lava and see a surface dotted with colors from mineral deposits. The experience of being inside a volcano’s chamber, surrounded by giant, sculpted walls, is awe-inspiring. According to reviews, the guides’ storytelling brings alive the volcanic activity, helping you imagine what it was like when this chamber was filled with flowing magma.

Returning to the Surface, you’ll retrace your steps across lava fields, taking time to soak in the landscape one last time. Afterward, you’ll board the vehicle for the drive back to Reykjavik, often with a sense of having experienced something profoundly unique.

Post-tour, many reviewers enjoy the warm lamb soup and drinks often provided at the base camp, a nice touch after the outdoor exertion. One traveler noted the hot soup was “great” and helped fight the chill after the descent.

Practical Details and Tips

Pricing and Value: At roughly $450, the tour includes transportation, a guide, safety gear, and access to the volcano—an impressive package considering the exclusive nature of the descent. Many reviews praise the guides’ professionalism and the overall value, especially given the once-in-a-lifetime quality of the experience.

Duration and Group Size: The 5-6 hour length allows for a relaxed pace, all in a small-group setting of up to 18 travelers. This makes for more personalized attention and easier group management, especially important given the outdoor safety considerations.

Clothing: Iceland weather is notoriously unpredictable, so wear warm, waterproof clothing and good hiking shoes. Sneakers or jeans won’t cut it on the uneven terrain. The safety gear provided—helmet and harness—is essential, and guides are experienced in handling all safety aspects.

Age and Fitness: The minimum age is 8 years, making it accessible for families, but expect a moderate hike demanding decent fitness. If walking in rugged terrain is a chore, this might not be your best fit.

Weather Considerations: The tour is weather-dependent. Bad weather can lead to cancellations or difficulty on the trail, but a full refund or rescheduling is offered if that happens.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Many reviewers, including those who described the experience as “unbelievable” or “stunning,” emphasize the guides’ professionalism. One noted, “Jonas was fantastic, very knowledgeable and helpful,” which highlights the importance of a good guide. The comments about the vivid colors inside the chamber and the size of the volcanic cavern underscore how spectacular the descent can be; one even called it “like walking inside a work of art.”

Others mentioned the good food post-tour—not just for the warming effect but as part of the overall value. The lamb soup and hot chocolate offer a comforting ending after the rugged hike and descent.

A few critical reviews mention issues like missed pick-ups or weather challenges, reminding us that, like with all outdoor adventures, flexibility and patience are part of the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure seekers who don’t mind a bit of physical activity and love the idea of exploring a volcanic landscape firsthand. Families with children over 8 who are comfortable with rugged terrain will also find it a memorable outing. It’s fantastic for geology buffs, photographers, or anyone interested in natural phenomena beyond the usual sightseeing.

If you want more than just looking at volcanoes and prefer to actually step inside one, this tour delivers. It balances adventure, education, and stunning scenery in a well-rounded, meaningful experience.

However, travelers who struggle with uneven terrain, have mobility issues, or dislike cold, rainy weather should consider their comfort before booking. If weather conditions are unfavorable, be prepared for possible rescheduling or cancellation, though the tour offers flexibility in case of poor weather.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour fee covers transportation from Reykjavik, a professional guide, all safety gear including helmets and harnesses, and the descent into the volcano. Light refreshments, like soup and drinks, are also included at the base camp.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, the minimum age is 8 years old. The tour is suitable for children in good health who can handle a 3 km hike over uneven terrain.

How physically demanding is the hike?
It’s rated as moderate difficulty due to uneven, rocky ground. A decent level of fitness is recommended, but no expert hiking experience is necessary. The hike involves walking over volcanic cones and fissures.

What should I wear?
Bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Sneakers or jeans aren’t suitable for this terrain. The weather can be cold, windy, and wet even in summer.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent, and tours can be canceled if conditions are unsafe. If canceled due to weather, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

How long does the entire experience last?
Plan for about 5 to 6 hours, including pickup, travel, hiking, the descent, exploration, and return.

What is the size of the tour group?
Limited to 18 people, ensuring a more personal experience and better safety management.

Can I just do the hike without descending into the volcano?
The main attraction is the descent, but the hike through lava fields is an integral part of the experience.

Is food included?
Light refreshments like soup and hot chocolate are often served after the descent. Food is not included in the booking fee, so consider bringing snacks if you’re hungry.

This tour is a true highlight for those wanting a deep connection with Iceland’s volcanic power. It’s perfect for adventure lovers, curious travelers, and those seeking a story to tell for years. The experience of stepping inside a volcano, coupled with the scenic hike and knowledgeable guides, makes for a memorable Icelandic adventure that’s hard to find anywhere else. Just remember to dress properly and be prepared for a trek that’s both physically rewarding and visually stunning.