Deep beneath Iceland's volcanic landscape lies an extensive magma chamber, offering travelers a rare opportunity to see the interior of a dormant volcano. The adventure concludes with the consumption of traditional Icelandic soup.
The volcano Trjokagigur, located approximately 30 kilometers from Reykjavik, offers a unique experience among all volcanic attractions. Tourists first traverse a rugged lava field and then descend 120 meters into a massive magma chamber that was filled with molten rock thousands of years ago.
This tour, known as Inside the Volcano, combines geology, adventure, and hot food in the wilderness of Iceland. Although dinner is served back on the surface, it is the underground journey that makes this trip exceptional.
Trjokagigur translates to 'Crater of Three Peaks.' Its last eruption occurred about 4500 years ago, but the most remarkable feature of this site is underground. Unlike most volcanic chambers where cooling magma solidifies, this chamber has dried out, leaving behind a huge cavity.
The chamber covers an area of approximately 3100 square meters, and its walls are decorated with bands of red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue. It has been open to visitors since 2012, providing a rare chance to explore the volcano's internal structure rather than just admiring its crater from above.
The adventure begins with an organized three-kilometer hike across uneven lava fields, which takes about 45–50 minutes one way. At the base camp, visitors receive personal protective equipment before boarding an open cable car. The descent takes six to seven minutes and brings them approximately 120 meters inside the chamber.
Inside, colorful rock formations demonstrate the volcano's geological history. Tourists spend about 30 minutes exploring the space with a guide before returning to the surface. This is a vivid reminder that Iceland's volcanic landscape extends far beyond the visible landmass.
Back at the base camp, visitors are served traditional Icelandic lamb soup, with vegetarian or vegan alternatives available. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also included.
The meal is not served inside the volcano. Instead, it serves as a pleasant opportunity to warm up after the hike and the descent underground. Despite its apparent simplicity, a hot bowl of soup feels particularly fitting after exploring a landscape shaped by fire.
The Inside the Volcano tour typically operates from May to October, depending on weather conditions. If the meeting is directly at the site, allow about four hours for the excursion, and five to six hours including transport from Reykjavik.
A moderate level of physical fitness is required. It is recommended to wear sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and waterproof gear, and the minimum age for participation is eight years. Current information on prices, availability, and departure times is available on the Inside the Volcano website.
Iceland's glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes are impressive in themselves. However, at Trjokagigur, the experience becomes deeper, revealing a hidden world shaped by ancient geological forces. The descent is the main attraction, but the return to the surface for a warming soup completes the adventure. Perhaps it is not dinner in the center of the Earth in the literal sense, but few meals are accompanied by such a story.