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The Descent

From a house in Hamburg to a volcano in Iceland, then straight down. Scroll to follow Professor Hardwigg, Harry and Hans through the Earth.

Hamburg Copenhagen Reykjavik Sneffels Stromboli

Overland and by seaUnderground, a guess at their path

Down through the Earth

Each stop is a real moment from the book. Tap Listen to start that chapter.

  1. Chapter 13

    The crater of Sneffels

    A shadow on the crater floor shows which chimney to take.

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  2. Chapter 14

    Down the chimney

    Ropes, lamps and a long drop into the dark.

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  3. Chapter 15

    The lava tunnel

    A sloping tunnel of old lava, glittering in the lamplight.

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  4. Chapter 17

    The coal mine

    A seam of coal, and food and water running low.

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  5. Chapter 20

    Out of water

    Harry collapses. Hans hears a stream behind the rock.

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  6. Chapter 21

    Under the ocean

    The Hansbach stream saves them. The sea is somewhere above.

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  7. Chapter 24

    Lost in the dark

    Harry is alone, and his lamp goes out.

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  8. Chapter 25

    The whispering gallery

    Voices carry through the rock and lead him back.

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  9. Chapter 27

    The Central Sea

    A whole sea under the Earth, lit by glowing clouds.

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  10. Chapter 28

    The mushroom forest

    Mushrooms as tall as trees. A raft is built.

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  11. Chapter 30

    Sea monsters

    Two giant sea reptiles fight beside the raft.

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  12. Chapter 31

    The geyser island

    A huge column of boiling water rises from an island.

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  13. Chapter 32

    The storm

    Lightning and wind smash into the raft.

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  14. Chapter 36

    The giant herdsman

    In an ancient forest, something huge moves among mastodons.

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  15. Chapter 37

    Saknussemm's mark

    His initials, carved in the rock. They are on the right path.

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  16. Chapter 39

    The explosion

    The blast opens an abyss and the sea drags them down.

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  17. Chapter 42

    Up the volcanic shaft

    Pushed upward on boiling water and lava.

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  18. Chapter 43

    Daylight at last

    Thrown out into the sun on the side of Stromboli.

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