Thrihnukagigur The Only Volcano in the World You Can Descend into by Elevator! –

Iceland what to see, tourist attractions, Iceland travel guide

Iceland is a country that never ceases to amaze. Among glaciers, geysers, and black sand beaches lies Thrihnukagigur – the only volcano in the world you can descend into by elevator to stand in the heart of a solidified magma chamber. If you’re looking for a unique adventure that combines science, adrenaline, and awe of nature, this is the place for you!

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Iceland Thrihnukagigur Inside Volcano

The Þríhnúkar volcano erupted three times.
One of the resulting craters is the youngest, Þríhnúkagígur

The Þríhnúkagígur volcano, known by the simplified English name Thrihnukagigur, literally means “crater with three peaks” and is a dormant volcano that last erupted 4000 years ago.

Þríhnúkagígur – It is a unique, giant lava crater, hidden under the mountain Þríhnúkarnir, located on the outskirts of Bláfjöll near a ski slope and about 20 km from Reykjavík.

The name Þríhnúkagígur translates to “Crater of Three Peaks” in Icelandic, derived from: Þrír (three), hnúkar (peaks/hills), gígur (crater/hole). This refers to the three distinct peaks surrounding the volcano.

The volcano is part of the Brennisteinsfjöll volcanic system, near Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

The most fascinating aspect of Þríhnúkagígur is the fact that its magma chamber was “emptied” after the eruption – the lava drained downwards, leaving behind a huge, empty space.

History of Discovery: From Risky Expedition to Tourist Sensation

Thrihnukagigur owes its fame to Árni B. Stefánsson, an Icelandic explorer who, in the 1970s, was the first to descend on ropes into the chamber. His dream was to “make hell accessible to tourists” – and after 38 years of preparation (in 2012!) he succeeded! Today, the volcano is visited by thousands of people annually, and Stefánsson is a local legend.

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Thrihnukagigur Key Moments in History:

First Explorations (1970s):

A local guide and explorer, Árni B. Stefánsson, was one of the first to investigate the mysterious crater near the Bláfjöll ski area close to Reykjavík. Although the volcano last erupted 4000 years ago, its magma chamber did not collapse (which is rare!), creating a unique “empty space” deep underground.

Scientific Breakthrough (1974):

Árni B. Stefánsson, together with a team of mountaineers and geologists, descended 120 meters on ropes into the Þríhnúkagígur crater, discovering the spectacular, multi-colored walls of the chamber. It was then that the idea to make this place accessible to the world was born.

Long Years of Preparation:

For decades, studies on the chamber’s stability and safety projects were conducted.
In 2010, a documentary film was recorded by National Geographic.
It wasn’t until 2012 (38 years after the discovery!) that Thrihnukagigur was opened to tourists, with the installation of a special elevator that now transports visitors into the heart of the volcano.

Project Idea:

In 2004, Árni B. Stefánsson, Björn Ólafsson, and Einar K. Stefánsson founded the company “Þríhnúka ehf.”, with the goal of exploring the possibility of making this extraordinary place accessible to the general public, while simultaneously preserving its natural value and integrity.

Why was this discovery revolutionary?

Unique Geology: Most volcanoes “close” their magma chambers after an eruption – Thrihnukagigur is the only “open” system in the world that allows you to see what the Earth’s interior looks like!
Risky Mission: The first researchers descended on ropes into the unknown – today, the elevator and viewing platforms guarantee safety and comfort.
Stefánsson’s Vision: The Icelander dreamed of “making hell accessible to tourists” – today, his idea attracts thousands of people every year!

Fun Facts for Fact Seekers:

Chamber Depth: 120 m (like a 40-story skyscraper!).
Rock Colors: Red (iron), black (basalt), gold (sulfur) – the result of chemical reactions between magma and air.
Name: “Þríhnúkagígur” means “crater with three peaks” in Icelandic – referring to the shape of the volcano.

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Why is it Worth Visiting Thrihnukagigur?

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1. The only such attraction in the world
   No other volcano offers the possibility of descending by elevator into a magma chamber. It’s like a journey to the center of the Earth!
2. Incredible colors and rock formations
   The chamber walls shimmer with shades of red (iron oxides), black (solidified lava), and gold (sulfur). The effect? It looks like a science-fiction movie set!
3. Safety and accessibility
   You don’t need mountaineering equipment – the elevator and viewing platforms mean even children from the age of 12 can participate in the tour.
4. A live geology lesson
   The guide-custodians (often geologists) talk about the mysteries of Icelandic volcanoes and the processes that shaped the island.
   
   PHOTO COPYRIGHTS: Inside the Volcano

Base Camp

The Base camp at Thrihnukagígur, 206 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland is the key starting point for the entire expedition into the volcano. Here’s what you need to know about it:

Meeting and Preparation Point:
This is where tour participants gather. Upon arrival, a short briefing takes place where guides provide important information regarding safety, rules of conduct, and the plan for the entire expedition.

Start of the Hike:
From the base camp, you set off on an approximately 3-4 km hike across lava fields. This part of the route introduces tourists to the harsh but fascinating landscape of Icelandic nature before they reach the elevator that descends into the volcano.

Educational and Logistical Functions:
The base camp also serves as an information center, where you can learn more about the geology, history of the region, and the specifics of the Thrihnukagígur volcano. There are often information boards or short presentations that prepare participants for the unforgettable experience of descending into one of the few accessible magma chambers in the world.

Seasonality:

Tours run from early May to the end of October. ​

Descent into the volcano:

Descent by open elevator to a depth of 120 meters into the magma chamber. ​

Prices:

Adults: 49,000 ISK (approx. 1,354 PLN) ​
Children: 25,000 ISK (8-12 years) (approx. 700 PLN) ​

Tour Operator: 3H-Travel

In short, the base camp is where the adventure begins, where tourists are properly prepared and informed, and then directed towards the fascinating journey through the harsh, volcanic landscape.

The official website Inside the Volcano, where you can book the expedition is located here

Fun Facts about Þríhnúkagígur / Thrihnukagigur

In August 2015, members of the Icelandic band Kaleo and fourteen support staff members descended into the volcano’s magma chamber and recorded a live version of the band’s song “Way Down We Go”

In 2016, the organizers of the Secret Solstice music festival announced that alternative rock musician Chino Moreno from the band Deftones would perform the first public concert in a volcano’s magma chamber.

Active Volcanoes of Iceland – Volcanic Eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Iceland is a land full of fascinating volcanoes. In recent years, the Reykjanes peninsula, where Þríhnúkagígur is located, has experienced several volcanic eruptions.
In March 2021, the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted, with further eruptions occurring in August 2022 in the Meradalir valley and in July 2023 near Litli-Hrútur.
I wrote about the Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption in the post about the Reykjanes region and described my trip to the Fagradalsfjall volcano itself in the post Eruption of the Fagradalsfjall Volcano Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula Iceland Volcanoes in Europe

Eruption in March 2024: On March 16, a fissure approximately 3 km long opened between Stóra-Skógfell and Sýlingarfell, threatening the town of Grindavík. The eruption lasted until May 9, 2024. ​ Grindavik volcano

Eruption in May 2024: On May 29, another eruption began, during which the fissure expanded to about 3.4 km. It lasted 24 days, ending on June 22. ​

Eruption in November 2024: On November 20, the Sundhnúkagígar volcano erupted, opening a 2.5 km long fissure. This explosion led to the evacuation of about 60 residents of Grindavík.

As soon as eruptions occur in Iceland, I start a Livestream on the Youtube OndaTravel channel. Iceland volcano live / Active volcanoes Iceland

In January 2025, scientists noted increased seismic activity around the Bárðarbunga volcano, located under the Vatnajökull glacier. Although the exact timing of a potential eruption is difficult to predict, the observed earthquakes and ground deformation suggest the possibility of an eruption in the near future.

These events are a reminder of Iceland’s constant geothermal activity and serve as tourist attractions drawing nature lovers from all over the world. Our Iceland travel guide in the form of a travel blog reveals amazing places like Thrihnukagigur to you. So if you want to find answers to questions like: Iceland what to see, fun facts about Iceland, Iceland what to visit, Iceland tourist attractions, then we invite you here

Volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant feature of Iceland.

I recommend the website Ferlir.is and the post Þríhnúkagígur – fyrirhugað aðgengi on the topic of the discovery of the Thrihnukagigur volcano

Icelandic Volcanoes Complete Guide to the Island’s Active Volcanoes

Active Volcanoes of Iceland and the Regions Where They Occur

Fun Factsaboyt Iceland :

Iceland has about 30 active volcanic systems.
Subglacial eruptions (e.g., Grímsvötn) often generate ash and glacial floods.
Volcanoes on the Reykjanes peninsula (e.g., Fagradalsfjall) are currently the most active areas.

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