Inside the Volcano

This is a wonderful and unique day tour located about an hour outside of Reykjavik. Travelers arrive via shuttle or rental car to a lodge where they are greeted with hot drinks and a briefing on what to expect. The guides we had were really wonderful- considerate, funny, and informative. The tour starts with a two mile hike along a clear, volcanic trail. Good shoes are important as you are walking on loose, lava rock in places. Though the trail is mostly flat, there are unexpected lava rocks scattered along the trail so it helps to watch where you are walking and bring walking sticks if you are unsure of your footing. We had a guide in the front and back of the group so everyone could hike at their own pace. The lead guide would stop periodically to talk about a volcanic feature along the way and allow the group to reform.

Travelers then arrive at 'basecamp', a cabin at the base of the volcano where more hot beverages are waiting. After having four kids, I'm always a little worried about finding enough bathroom stops on these sorts of tours and was also happy to find facilities (super clean pit toilets) at basecamp. We were separated into groups of 6-7 and given a good quality helmet, headlamp, and harness. The groups were staggered about 15 minutes apart with time to relax at basecamp before and after the tour. We hiked the final 5 minutes of the trail up to the volcano, the only somewhat steep section of the hike. At the top, your harness is clipped to a safety bar and you board an open air elevator of sorts to descend 400 meters into the extinct volcano. On the way down, the guide points out how the different lava features formed when the lava erupted and the minerals resulting in reds, yellows, oranges, purples and blacks lining the walls. 

At the bottom, you exit the 'elevator' and have free time to walk around the lava chamber where everything is clearly marked off with ropes and lights. We had about 30 minutes to wander the lava chamber, enough time for my fast 13 year old to lap the rugged circular trail that loops around the magma chamber circling the elevator. Someone moving slowly and watching their footing on the jagged, wet, volcanic rocks would probably be able to make two loops, though most folks just took their time and plenty of photos in a single jaunt around.

After the elevator back up and the walk down to basecamp, you are greeted with some of the best lamb soup anywhere- super hot and flavorful- and, of course, more hot beverages.

From there you are welcome to walk back to the cabin at your leisure or relax and wait for the guide to escort the group back to the waiting shuttles back to Reykjavik.

Our tour had ages 8 to 76 and it was a trip that most ages could do, though the volcanic rocks are slippery and sharp enough that it works best for folks capable of moderate walking, especially as the pace to basecamp could feel a bit fast for older travelers.