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I s su e 4 4 • 2021
Journey Inside
the Volcano Explore a dormant volcanic crater
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celand is a geological hotspot and one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Indeed, thousands of people are flocking to Iceland’s newest volcanic eruption at Geldingadalir with fountains of lava spewing metres into the air. For travellers interested in getting a deeper look inside a dormant volcano, Inside the Volcano is a can’t miss tour.
The unique volcano
The Þríhnúkagígur volcano is dormant. It last erupted more than 4,000 years ago. There are currently no indications of it erupting again in the near future. The volcano’s name can be directly translated as ‘three peaks crater’. The three craters (one of which you will be descending into) are prominent landmarks, standing against the sky, about 20km southeast of Reykjavík. It is famous for its enormous magma chamber that is so
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large that the Statue of Liberty could easily fit inside it and it is the only magma chamber in the world that can be entered. “It’s really beautiful inside the volcano with all the different colours and textures”, said Inside the Volcano’s Helga Frímann. “People can walk around the bottom of the crater and take photos or they can stay close to the guide and ask questions.”
How it started
The idea of making Þríhnúkagígur volcano accessible came from Árni B. Stefánsson, a doctor in Reykjavík and a lifelong cave enthusiast. He has studied caves in Iceland since 1954 and it’s easy to argue that nobody in Iceland has explored as many caves as Árni. Þríhnúkagígur has always been very special to Árni as he was the first to descend to its floor in 1974 and, like most people who experience it, he was awestruck by its beauty
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and uniqueness. The Inside the Volcano team made his vision become a reality.
The experience
The Inside the Volcano tour starts with a guided walk over a lava field that takes about 40-50 minutes. “We have one guide in the front leading the group and another guide in the back with those who want to go a little slower”, said Helga. “They will stop a few times if the weather is good and the guide will tell them about the area.” Once the group reaches the basecamp, another
