Have you ever wondered what it is like inside a volcano? Now is the time to discover and even very closely. Get ready for a tour to a different world, full of unexpected surprises and thrills.If you think that it’s a very difficult task, this experience is not as complicated as it seems. All you need is the willingness for a 45 minute exploration up the crater and the power to descend 120 meters to the bottom with the help of an open elevator. The dormant volcano Thrihnukagigur is a unique natural phenomenon in Iceland, a country that can easily be described as a geological hotspot.
It is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world, with eruptions occurring every 3-4 years average. This is primarily because of its location at the crack of the Atlantic, where the European/Asian and American plates moved, creating literally an opening in the earth’s crust. In the center of this ridge lies the volcano Thrihnukagigur.
The Thrihnukagigur exploded 4,000 years ago and there is no indication that it will erupt in the near future. The name comes from Arni V. Stefánsson, who was the first to investigate the dome and the first who managed to make it accessible.
The dates of the tour start from May 15th and end on September 10th every year. The whole adventure will last 5-6 hours and from these hours for about 45 minutes you will be inside the volcano. It is important that no special knowledge in trekking and climbing are needed, but surely you should be in good physical condition.
Bring good hiking shoes and warm clothes, as the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. You wont need anything else, since you’ll always have a trained guide beside you, offering you appropriate security measures at anytime.
The impressive scenery will compensate you for the inconvenience and you will literally stay with your mouth open discovering once again the greatness of nature. The price is 230 euros per person. Are you ready?
By Nicole P.
Volcano photos: Mr Hicks46, Philip Karstadt, David Nunn, Lynn1066.