Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike in Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland

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

Outty Ranking 75 4.7 · 178 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom €240
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Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 178 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike worth booking?

Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike is a 5-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from €240 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 178 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (178)
Duration
5 hours
From
€240 per person

Descend into a dormant volcano on this unique small-group adventure from Reykjavik. Hike across the stunning lava fields of Iceland’s Blue Mountains before lowering into the vast magma chamber of Thrihnukagigur Volcano—last active over 4,000 years ago. Equipped with safety gear, you’ll explore the only accessible volcano interior in the world, witnessing vividly colored rock formations and a massive underground dome. This once-in-a-lifetime 5-hour experience is limited to 18 guests for a more intimate, guided journey into Iceland’s volcanic heart. Book your Thrihnukagigur Volcano tour for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.

What you get

    About this experience

    Descend into a dormant volcano on this unique small-group adventure from Reykjavik. Hike across the stunning lava fields of Iceland’s Blue Mountains before lowering into the vast magma chamber of Thrihnukagigur Volcano—last active over 4,000 years ago. Equipped with safety gear, you’ll explore the only accessible volcano interior in the world, witnessing vividly colored rock formations and a massive underground dome. This once-in-a-lifetime 5-hour experience is limited to 18 guests for a more intimate, guided journey into Iceland’s volcanic heart. Book your Thrihnukagigur Volcano tour for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.

    What's included

    Included

    • Light refreshments
    • Professional guide
    • Descent into the Volcano
    • All necessary safety gear, helmets, harness
    • Guided Volcano Tour
    • Pickup and drop-off from select locations

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities
    • Outdoor Clothing and Hiking Shoes

    What you'll see and do

    1. Thrihnukagigur Volcano

      From the base of Bláfjöll, embark on a 2-mile (3 km) guided hike across ancient lava fields. The trail is uneven and winds through a surreal volcanic landscape filled with cones and fissures. It’s a moderate hike that offers an up-close look at Iceland’s geological past. At the edge of the crater, you'll gear up with a helmet and harness before boarding an open cable elevator. This one-of-a-kind lift lowers you into the dormant volcano’s magma chamber — a rare opportunity not found anywhere else in the world. Safety briefings and professional guidance ensure a secure and memorable descent.

    2. Reykjavik

      The tour begins with a scenic drive from Reykjavík toward the Bláfjöll (Blue Mountains). Along the way, your guide provides fascinating insight into the geology and history of the Thrihnukagigur volcano.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Located just outside Reykjavík, the Bláfjöll (Blue Mountains) set the scene for your adventure. These rugged volcanic peaks are home to the Thrihnukagigur volcano and are known for their dramatic terrain and otherworldly beauty. It’s a striking backdrop for the start of your hike.

      60 minutes here

    4. Inside The Volcano

      Descend 400 feet (120 meters) into the vast and colorful magma chamber of Thrihnukagigur. Explore this incredible natural space where the glowing lava once flowed, now solidified into a kaleidoscope of mineral-stained rock formations. Your guide will explain the volcano's last eruption and the formation of this geological wonder. After your time inside the volcano, ascend back to the surface and retrace your steps across the lava fields. Take in the final views of this unique terrain before returning to your vehicle. The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Reykjavík.

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Reykjavik

    The meeting point is at the BSI Bus Terminal our centrally located Bus Terminal. Please be there at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    The meeting point is at the BSI Bus Terminal our centrally located Bus Terminal. Please be there at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Gray Line Iceland

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Wear warm and waterproof clothing, as well as hiking boots. Sneakers and jeans are not appropriate.
    • Minimum age is 8 years
    • Be aware that this tour includes a total of 7 km hike across an uneven mountain terrain in unpredictable weather conditions. No hiking experience is needed, but this does require moderate fitness levels.

    Photos

    Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike in Reykjavik, photo 2Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike in Reykjavik, photo 3Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike in Reykjavik, photo 4Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike in Reykjavik, photo 5Descend inside a volcano's crater in an open elevator, Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike in ReykjavikHiking towards the crater, Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike in Reykjavik

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 178 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Physical effort

    6 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    178 verified traveler reviews for Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    150
    4 star
    15
    3 star
    7
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    6
    Sort
    carolinewR3809ID · October 2026

    Amazing day

    Thank you for an amazing day. Hotel pickup. Professional friendly guide, fabulous experience in the cavern followed by really tasty lamb stew ... even saw some artic foxes. Thanks again

    Response from the operator: Dear Caroline, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted that you had such an amazing day, from the smooth hotel pickup and fascinating volcano experience to the delicious lamb stew. Spotting Arctic foxes must have made it even more special! We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Iceland. 😊 Warm regards, Patricia

    via Tripadvisor

    Sudhakar_N · September 2026

    Unique experience

    The four mile trek to and from starting point could be challenge for senior citizens specially the steep climb to the top of the volcano. We strongly recommend they prepare well for the trip. The trip worth every penny for this unique opportunity to experience getting deep into the volcano. The staff at the camp are helpful and made the trip possible and enjoyable

    Response from the operator: Dear Traveler, Thank you for sharing your experience and helpful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that the journey was worthwhile and that our team helped make this unique experience enjoyable and memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and advice for future travelers. Best Regards, Gabriele

    via Viator

    Rande_L · August 2026

    More strenuous than expected. But amazingly beautiful.

    This was an incredible experience, but was a much harder hike than we had expected. I counted 16000 and rather than a flat trail there was a lot of up and downs. The last bit is very steep. If you're in good shape, this should not be a problem. I'm surprised they had no accomodation for anyone with a handicap. They did mention that one woman had hired a helicopter to take her to the volcano.

    Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback! 🌋 We’re delighted to hear you found the experience incredible, while also appreciating your honest comments about the difficulty of the hike. The trail does involve significant elevation changes and some steep sections, so we understand how challenging it can be, especially if you are expecting a flatter route. We also appreciate your feedback regarding accessibility and the lack of suitable options for guests with limited mobility. We’ll certainly take this into consideration as we continue to improve our communication and services. We hope to welcome you again for another Icelandic adventure! Kind regards, Svava

    via Viator

    GeneBazan · August 2026

    Need to be fairly fit....

    I may have missed this detail....it is a 45 minute hike to the Base Camp and back on somewhat uneven ground. VERY INTERESTING. More 'rustic' than cave tours in the States.

    Response from the operator: Dear Gene, Thank you so much for your review. We’re delighted to hear that you found the experience so interesting and enjoyed exploring the lava cave. We also appreciate you pointing out the walk to and from the cave. The hike to the entrance is part of the adventure and does involve uneven terrain, so your feedback is helpful for future travellers when preparing for the tour. Thank you again for travelling with us. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Iceland. Warm regards, Patricia, Customer Service, Reykjavik Excursions by Icelandia

    via Viator

    douglassB4041QM · August 2026

    inside the volcano

    weather was horrendous (cold, windy and rainy), but otherwise an incredible trip. Very unique, a lot of walking in the rain, but otherwise very worthwhile.

    Response from the operator: Hello. Thank you for your review! We’re glad to hear that despite the challenging weather, you found the Inside the Volcano experience unique and worthwhile. Icelandic weather can certainly make an adventure more challenging, but we’re happy the experience was still memorable for you. We appreciate you joining us! Kind regards, Sesili

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    €240 to €471
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    62
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)66
    Booking momentum (14% weight)61
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)43
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

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

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.

    How much does Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike cost?

    +

    Prices start at €240 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.

    Is Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 178 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike?

    +

    Around 62 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Reykjavik?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike?

    +

    Included: Light refreshments; Professional guide; Descent into the Volcano; All necessary safety gear, helmets, harness; and Guided Volcano Tour. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Outdoor Clothing and Hiking Shoes. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 30 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Inside the Volcano: Small-Group Tour and Lava Field Hike?

    +

    Across 178 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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