A method for the thermal stimulation of a geological gas hydrate formation (10) is described in which thermal energy is supplied to the gas hydrate formation (10) so that gas hydrates in the gas hydrate formation (10) are converted and gaseous components are released and the supplied thermal energy is delivered by an exothermal chemical reaction that takes place in a reactor (20) arranged in the gas hydrate formation (10). A device for carrying out the process is also described.