Frequently Asked Questions
Booking and payments
Are you a fully licensed tour operator?
Yes. The tour is operated by 3H Travel, a fully licensed tour operator, as acknowledged by the Icelandic Tourist Board.
What currencies do you accept?
We charge in ISK, the Icelandic Krona. But that doesn't mean you can't pay in EUR, USD or any other currency of your choice. The exchange rate used is simply based on the official rate as provided by the Central Bank of Iceland, at the time that the payment is made. You will find the current exchange rate here.
If I book the tour and then do not make it to Iceland, will I get a refund?
We advise you to read the terms and conditions carefully.
Can I only book the tour online through this website?
No, we have various resellers from where you can book your place on the tour. You will also be able to book the tour in most tourist information centres and hotels when you are in Iceland. However, we highly recommend that you secure your place beforehand, as there is limited availability for each departure. And by booking it through this website, you are dealing with the tour operator (3H Travel) directly. That guarantees the best service available.
How long in advance do I have to make the booking?
Well, that’s entirely up to you. However, we highly recommend that you book in advance, as there is limited availability for each departure. We work solely on a first come/first serve basis and it’s not possible to hold a place for a certain departure without payment. You might have a hard time finding an empty spot if you plan to book with 1–2 days advance while in Iceland.
When and where do I get my voucher?
When you have completed the online payment form, the voucher is sent to you as a PDF document via email. Be sure to print it out and have it with you when doing the tour, as the voucher is your proof of payment.
The Volcano and the Tour
Can I wear photochromic lenses inside the crater?
Photochromic lenses (Lenses that darken on exposure to different types of light) have proven to be very inconsistent inside the volcano. We recommend wearing traditional glasses inside the crater.
I can’t do the hike. Is there any other way to get to the volcano?
Yes, it's possible to get there via helicopter.
How long do I get to spend inside the volcano?
It's approximately 35–40 minutes. The descent takes about 5-6 minutes, then you spend around 30 minutes on the ground floor of the vault, where you are free to explore as you like. The elevator trip back up then takes another 5–6 minutes.
Is there a weight limit on the tour?
No, there is no official weight limit. But it is very likely that an overweight person will have a hard time walking a total of almost 6 km over a lava field. So, the question is not really about fitting in the elevator, but more about the fitness level needed to complete the hike towards the volcano. You can read more about the hike here.
Are there any hidden hazards or dangers involved in the tour?
The first priority on all tours is the safety of the participants. Extensive safety procedures are followed at every stage of the tour. However, as in all tours that involve any exploration of nature, it isn’t risk-free. Walking over a lava field is not the same as walking on a pavement, there are rocks and holes in the ground. And, as in all underground vaults and caves, there is the risk of falling rocks. This risk is mostly limited to the walls of the magma chamber, so we recommend that people stay inside the allowed exploration area and follow the instructions from the guide.
How difficult is the walk/hike across the lava field
We consider it to be moderate. On a scale of 1–5 (with 5 being maximum difficulty), it’s level 2. The hiking path only has a limited slope (it is not an uphill walk), but can be hilly and uneven. We highly recommend that you wear good hiking boots and warm clothes. Just remember, a guide will be with you during the walk, leading you via the easiest route over the field. If you have any doubts regarding the hike, you should look into the option of going to the volcano via helicopter.
Is there free parking at the meeting point?
Yes, there is plenty of parking at the meeting point and it’s totally free! The meeting point is at a ski cabin and if you are arriving in your own car we encourage you to wait there for the rest of your group. We have complimentary coffee and tea while you wait. Please don’t start the hike without your guide! You can find everything you need to know about self-driving to the meeting point by following this link.
What’s the difference between this tour and a “traditional” caving tour?
Well, it’s pretty simple – these are two different things. You are not going into a cave, you are going into a volcano. You should also look at how we get into the vault. The only way into Thrihnukagigur volcano is by descending 120 metres in a cable lift through the top of the crater. In all caving tours, you will walk through an opening on the surface.
How many guides are on location?
The number of guides depends on the season but we rarely have fewer than 7 guides in total. Each group will be assigned with 1-2 private guides. They will walk over the lava field with the group, go into the volcano with the group and be of any assistance needed. Expert mountain guides will be present at the top of the crater, in the cable lift and at the bottom of the magma chamber. Additionally, other guides will be available at the base camp (the cabin next to the volcano). They will make you feel right at home over a bowl of hot soup!
What gear/clothing is needed for the tour?
It honestly depends on how the weather is on the day of the tour. Most of the tours are during the summer, so the temperature shouldn’t be too cold. However, it can be very windy and rainy in the area so we recommend checking the weather forecast for the day of your tour. Please make sure to bring appropriate clothing for the weather of the day. For example, we highly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket when there is a potential for rain. Even when it’s sunny and warm, we recommend that you bring a sweater with you. The temperature inside the volcano is always the same – around 4°C (37°F). That’s NOT t-shirt temperature! We also recommend that you wear hiking boots if you have them. Sneakers will work, but they will definitely get dirty and may get some punctures.
Can I drink alcohol before/during the tour?
No! If suspicion arises that participant(s) are under the influence of alcohol or any other drug(s), they will be prohibited from going into the volcano.
Is there a minimum age limit for the tour?
The age limit is 8 years old. Please make sure that they are dressed appropriately for a 40 minutes hike. Especially if the weather is bad (cold/wind/rain). Also, keep in mind that it’s always cold in the crater. So even though it’s warm outside. The price is 25,000 ISK for children (8-12 years old). Note that we cannot make a refund if it turns out that your child is not able to finish the hike. Children that are able to hike 2 times 3.5 kilometers, even in bad weather are welcome to join the tour.
How far is it from Reykjavik to the volcano?
About 30 km (20 miles). The drive usually takes about 30-40 minutes. You will find directions here.
Can I drive to the location myself?
Yes, you're welcome to. Just make sure you arrive at the meeting point in time for your tour. You can find everything you need to know about self-driving to the meeting point by following this link. This includes the exact coordinates of the meeting point, at what time you should arrive, and how long it takes to drive there from Reykjavik.
Is it possible to do a private tour?
Yes, of course. You can read all about that here.
Can I take rocks from the crater away with me, as a souvenir?
No, absolutely NOT. And we trust that all participants will respect this magnificent phenomenon enough not to try to sneak any rocks into their pockets.
Can I take photos inside the volcano?
Of course, take as many pictures as you can - and we would love it if you'd share them with your friends! We love when you hashtag us #insidethevolcano
How big is the magma chamber?
It’s HUGE! The enormous size of the crater is both intimidating and beautiful. In more details, the ground space is equivalent to almost three full-sized basketball courts planted next to each other and the distance from top to bottom is a little short of three times the Statue of Liberty.For those more interested in numbers, the crater opening has a diameter of approximately 4×4 meters (12×12 ft). That leads to the 120 m (400 ft) deep, bottle-shaped volcanic vault, measuring 50x70 m (160x220 ft) at the bottom. Volcanic passages continue down to the southwest, to a total depth of about 200 m (660 ft).
Are passengers on the tour insured?
That depends on how extensive your own private home and/or travel insurance is. You are not insured through 3H Travel. Please read our terms and conditions for detailed information about this issue.
Is it guaranteed that the volcano will not erupt again?
Thrihnukagigur volcano has been asleep for 4,000 years and there are no signs of it waking up. However, that’s an option that cannot be ruled out. In fact, it’s very likely that the volcano will erupt again. But that could happen in 1,000 years' time, in 10,000 years or even 100,000 years. No one knows. So, don’t hold your breath! Iceland is home to approximately 130 volcanic mountains, 18 of which have been active since the country was first inhabited. Thrihnukagigur volcano is NOT one of those 18 and scientists see no indications of it coming to life in the near future. So, the point we are trying to establish is that it’s very, very, very unlikely that an eruption will start.
Is it really safe?
The safety of our clients is the number one priority on each and every tour. All equipment and processes have been tested extensively and approved by the administration of Occupational Safety and Health in Iceland. However, like all other activities in nature, this tour has inherent risks and passengers are advised that the tour and its activities are undertaken entirely at their own risk. To get a better feeling of how it's done, we recommend you read this.
Is it an active volcano?
No, it erupted 4,000 years ago. No floating lava or burning lava rocks. It isn’t even hot! But it will still be one of the most amazing experiences you’ll ever have in your life.