Near Reykjavík, Iceland, amidst the stark and otherworldly lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, rises Þríhnjúkagígar (Thrihnjukagigar), a trio of volcanic craters whose name translates to “three peaks craters.” What sets this dormant crater, inactive for 4,000 years, apart is its unique accessibility: visitors can descend vertically into its vast magma chamber. After years of meticulous preparation led by Árni B. Stefánsson, the Inside the Volcano tour launched last month, providing carefully managed access to small, guided groups.
We made the sortie on the morning of July 19. The first installment of this two-part photo essay deals with getting to the Þríhnjúkagígar base station after a trek of of 4.5 Kms through the lava field, the second part covers the actual drop into the cavern.
Location of Þríhnjúkagígar (Thrihnjukagigar)
Courtesy: Google Earth
The morning was overcast and moist, a near perfect setting for this austere landscape. We assembled near the parking lot for a briefing by our assigned guide Þórunn.
All set to head out
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP
Lavascape of Reykjanes
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP
Þórunn
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP
The 50 minutes hike across the lava field is fairly easy but more challenging than a leisurely stroll through Keukenhof. A good pair of hiking shoes with ankle support is essential to forfend damage to body parts.
The trek begins
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP
Getting there
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP
Three at last!
The three peaks of Þríhnjúkagígar come into view
5D Mark III, TS-E 24L II
At the base station we were welcomed by the Inside the Volcano team and decorated with harnesses and helmets.
Base station
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP
Electric generators power the operation
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP
Path leading to the crater
5D Mark III, TS-E 24L II
Continued in Part 2.
