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What you should expect to see inside volcano Iceland

Inside volcano Iceland is among the most interesting and unique adventures you can ever experience on your trip to Iceland.

Sounds really scary to say that you descend into volcano Iceland but it is a very safe and secure trip and definitely the experience of your life.

Iceland has a lot of glaciers and volcanoes. They are in different parts of Iceland, mostly in the south and in the highlands.

There are more than 130 volcanoes in the world, some of them active and some of them dormant.

Dormant means that they are not currently active but could become active again in the future.

Fagradalsfjall volcano

At the moment Fagradalsfjall volcano is the most active volcano from Iceland, its eruption began on March 19, 2021.

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For more than six months, the rivers of lava have been reshaping the landscape.

Cameras that are installed on the edge of the volcano transmit live images of the whole eruption.

Closeup Lava Magma at Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland
Closeup Lava Magma at Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland

The Fagradalsfjall volcano is one of the few volcanoes that is still safe to visit even during an eruption.

Many tourists come to Iceland to see this amazing event.

Reykjavík: Half-Day Guided Hike of Fagradalsfjall Volcano is the tour we take to get closer to this volcano.

The tour of Iceland starts in Reykjavik. You can choose to have a hotel pick you up or not. Then, you will go on a hike through the newest lava fields.

This will be a great opportunity to see the hot rivers of lava that are always changing the face of this country.

Reykjavík Half Day Guided Hike of Fagradalsfjall Volcano Guide
Reykjavík Half Day Guided Hike of Fagradalsfjall Volcano Guide

The tour will last for approximately 5 hours.

You will have a guide with you who is experienced and can tell you many things about volcanoes in Iceland, the country’s geography, and the Reykjanes Peninsula.

What to expect to see inside volcano Iceland?

What else you can find inside the volcano in Iceland if not boiling lava and hot magma?!

Well, have you ever thought that inside the crater you can find a beautiful lake with boiling water?!

Yes, it is possible. Iceland has many crater lakes spread out across the country.

The most famous one is the Kerid crater.

The story of the Kerid crater

The crater lake from Kerid is more than 3,000 years old. Its depth is between 7 and 14 meters.

The depth depends on the amount of rain that falls and other factors.

The water is a beautiful blue color. You can get to it after hiking through lava fields.

The crater is huge! It is 170 meters wide, 55 meters deep, and 270 meters in circumference.

Iceland Volcano Eruption Inside volcano Iceland
Iceland Volcano Eruption

The lake is famous all across the country for being located in one of the best-preserved calderas in the world.

The crater can be reached by car until you get to a certain point.

After that, you have to hike the rest of the way on foot and go down into the volcano in Iceland.

This is a rare opportunity to go inside the volcano in Iceland without being worried that the hot magma will come to the surface without any warning.

A great way to explore the whole area not just the Kerid crater is with Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater a full tour of the most emblematic road from Iceland, Golden Circle plus a stop at the unique Kerid Crater.

Reykjavik Golden Circle Full Day Tour with Kerid Crater Guide
Reykjavik Golden Circle Full Day Tour with Kerid Crater Guide

The tour lasts for around 8 hours. This is enough time to visit Kerid Crater, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir area, and Thingvellir National Park.

At the Geysir area, you will have a longer stop for lunch, but you will need to pay for your own food.

Interesting facts about Kerid crater

What is interesting about Kerid crater lake is how it was formed.

If most of the calderas appear after a volcanic explosion, scientists think that Kerid was different.

Scientists think that the place where the lake is today was a volcano.

The magma inside the volcano ran out and the lava chamber fell down.

Kerid Crater Iceland 60
Kerid Crater Iceland

The lake is most beautiful during the summertime when the ice melts and reveals a rainbow of colors.

Even though the lake is frozen in winter and everything is covered with snow, it doesn’t mean that the place is less beautiful.

The crater is believed to be quite young, having around 3,000 years old, and appeared when the magma chamber collapse.

This is a natural volcanic crater lake. Many people say it is one of the most beautiful crater lakes in the world.

Accommodation close to Kerid crater

There are two ways to explore Reykjavik. You can either take a day trip or rent a car and explore on your own.

If you plan to spend a few nights in the area, far from noise and pollution, our recommendations are:

-Luxury: Hotel Grimsborgir Goldencircle which is located only 4 kilometers away from the crater and offers clean and spacious rooms with breakfast plus an outdoor geothermal pool where to relax after a long day of exploring the area.

Hotel Grimsborgir Golden Circle Iceland Tingvellir National Park Luxury Hotel
Hotel Grimsborgir Golden Circle Iceland Tingvellir National Park Luxury Hotel

– mid-level: Borealis Hotel Iceland is located about 8 kilometers from the crater and a 10-minute drive from Thingvellir National Park. The property features beautiful rooms with a mountain view and a restaurant that serves local and international dishes

Iceland Borealis Hotel Tingvellir National Park
Iceland Borealis Hotel Tingvellir National Park

– budget: Selfoss Hostel Iceland is basic accommodation with clean rooms, kitchen facilities, and a shared bathroom. The property is conveniently located close to the crater. The nearest supermarket is just a 2-minute walk from the property.

Selfoss Hostel Iceland 80
Selfoss Hostel Iceland
Selfoss Hostel Iceland Room 80 1
Selfoss Hostel Iceland Room 80 1

Descending inside a volcano

I find the idea of going inside a volcano Iceland really interesting and exciting.

So I searched for an experience that would allow me to get closer to a magma chamber.

Volcano Cave Inside of volcano Iceland Inside volcano Iceland
Volcano Cave Inside of volcano

You can get very close to a volcano and go down inside of it if you include a tour to Thrihnukagigur Volcano in your plans.

This is an amazing experience that I recommend everyone tries at least once in their lifetime.

Thrihnukagigur Volcano experience

The volcano is located on your way to Golden Circle, one of the most popular attractions from Iceland.

The meeting point for hiking the dormant volcano is at Blue Mountain Cabin.

It is located right at the bottom of the ski lifts that go up on the mountain.

This unique journey to the center of the Earth is split into two parts:

  • The 3.2 kilometers hike to the Base Camp, located right near the crater
  • The descending to the crater

The Base Camp is located in the middle of nature, far from any noise or pollution.

From here, you can start your hike to the volcano.

The area is simply breathtaking, and you will be fascinated by the landscape and the beautiful scenery.

From this point, you are not allowed to go to the volcano without an experienced guide.

You can only go with a group, and there are specific times that you have to leave.

Iceland Volcano Gas Clouds
Iceland Volcano Gas Clouds

At the Base Camp, while you wait for your turn to get into the volcano, you can drink something, eat a snack and equip for the second part of the trip.

Before going into the volcano, you will receive a short training.

You will learn what to expect to find inside, how to act, and what you are allowed to do while inside.

It will take you about 30 minutes to hike from Base Camp to the edge of the crater.

Once you get there, you will start going down into the lava cave.

Exploring the volcano

The descend into the volcano is an amazing experience, and you don’t have to worry about any signs of volcanic eruption.

The trail to the crater is very well maintained and covered by wooden pols that are connected with ropes so it is a quite easy 30 minutes hike.

The descent into the crater is possible using an elevator that actually looks like a cage that is hanged from the ceiling.

Iceland Volcano Eruption
Iceland Volcano Eruption

What is interesting about this volcano is that its magma chamber did not collapse during the eruption, and it can be seen intact even today.

You will descend 120 meters with this unique elevator and inside the elevator easily fit 6 people.

Although the descending last for a few minutes, your body will be flooded by adrenaline and the feeling is something you definitely have to try at least once in your lifetime.

The magma chamber from below has different colors, mostly brown, ochre, and hues of maroon and you will spend about 40 minutes inside the volcano.

Nobody knows for sure why this magma chambre is empty and some scientists consider that this is a fake lava chambre and the real one is hidden below.

What I can tell you for sure is that this volcanic landscape full of basalt rocks and mineral deposits is one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes I have ever seen.

Accommodation close to Thrihnukagigur Volcano

The volcano is located about one hour drive from Reykjavik so you can stay in the city and rent a car or book a tour to explore the volcano.

Midgardur By Center Hotels is our favorite choice when speaking about hotels in Reykjavik as it has one of the best price-quality ratios in the whole town.

Center Hotel Midgardur Reykjavik Iceland
Center Hotel Midgardur Reykjavik Iceland

The hotel is conveniently located close to the most important attractions, has private parking, clean and spacious rooms, and a varied buffet for breakfast.

Midgardur by Center Hotels Room Reykjavik Hotel 80 1
Midgardur by Center Hotels Room Reykjavik Hotel 80 1

If you plan to visit Thrihnukagigur Volcano on your tour across the country, you might consider sleeping right near the volcano.

Midgardur by Center Hotels Heated Pool 80 1
Midgardur by Center Hotels Heated Pool 80 1

Hotel Viking Iceland is located within 10 minute drive from the volcano and offers beautiful rooms with a traditional design inspired by Icelandic culture and tradition.

Hotel Viking Iceland 80 1
Hotel Viking Iceland 80 1

In the room rate, you have Icelandic breakfast included, while dinner can be served at the on-site restaurant.

Hotel Viking Iceland Room 80 1
Hotel Viking Iceland Room 80 1

Conclusion

Getting inside volcano Iceland is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience that you should not skip on your Icelandic trip.

No matter if you choose to go down to a crater lake or to descend into an old lava chamber, a whole new Universe appears in front of your eyes.

What I can tell you for sure is that all the volcano experiences from Iceland were unique and definitely worth every dollar.

FAQ

Can you go inside a volcano in Iceland?

Most of the volcanoes on Earth are considered to be too dangerous to be visited, but fortunately, there are some exceptions.

If the beautiful Kerid crater lake, ranked as the most beautiful from Iceland offers a glimpse of what a volcanic crater looks like, Thrihnukagigur Volcano offers the most authentic experience you can have inside a volcano.

Can you walk inside a volcano?

Generally, walking inside a volcano is considered to be too dangerous, but Thrihnukagigur Volcano is the place from Iceland where you can enter into a lava chamber and be totally safe.

walk inside a volcano 80
walk inside a volcano

The volcano is located in the southern part of Iceland, right between Reykjavik and Golden Circle, and offers the most authentic experience you can ever have in your lifetime.

Is the inside of volcano worth it?

Without any doubt, going inside the volcano is a one-of-a-kind experience that you definitely have to try at least once in your lifetime.

Make sure you bring your outdoor clothing with you including hiking boots, raincoats, and a good camera as you will get the best shots from your whole trip.

The most spectacular experience is to go inside Thrihnukagigur volcano where you can enter in small groups accompanied by an experienced guide.

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation

We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance

We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money, plus COVID coverage.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected events and cost like illness, COVID, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.