Descend into the heart of an Icelandic volcano

Iceland is known for its volcanoes and you may have already heard of the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, which released volumes of ash into the sky when it erupted in 2010. You may also have heard of the Snæfellsjökull Volcano, the gateway to the earth’s core in Jules Verne's novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth. These two volcanoes are covered by glaciers, so you will only be able to see their ice cap. Luckily, you can explore some of the country's other volcanoes.

Only a few miles south of Reykjavik, adventure buffs can descend into the Thrihnukagigur Volcano’s large magma chamber in a gondola. Thrihnukagigur's crater is a geological wonder. Normally, a volcano's chimney is sealed by cooled lava after an eruption. In the case of Thrihnukagigur, however, the magma was deposited on its walls or receded into its depths. Because of this, its large magma chamber remains open—it’s large enough to hold the Statue of Liberty or three basketball courts. The volcano is accessible from May to October and can be reached via a 45-minute picturesque hike.

After a safe 65-foot descent to the crater floor in a basket, you will be able to enjoy its interior for about 40 minutes. Take a comforting break after this remarkable experience and savor a traditional meat soup, courtesy of your guide.