Lava Show Experience, Reykjavík

Ideal for first-time Iceland visitors and curious kids, this sensory-rich, 50-minute Reykjavík show lets you experience the dramatic effects of a volcanic eruption up close. Start with a brief introduction and a short educational video about the island's volcanoes, then don your safety goggles and feel the intense heat as a river of molten lava from the 1918 Katla eruption is poured into the showroom (just feet from your seat!). Listen as your host shares fascinating facts about this geological phenomenon, watch as they guide the flowing lava into shapes, and see what happens when the 2,000°F liquid meets glacial ice.

This multisensory show begins when you arrive at the location in Reykjavík's Grandi harbor district (make sure to allow 20-30 minutes before the start time). After a brief welcome from your host, you'll take a seat and watch a 15-minute video that delves into the history and science of Iceland's volcanoes. This engaging educational segment provides the perfect background to fully appreciate the dramatic spectacle that follows. Next, it's time to don your safety goggles and watch as molten lava from the famous 1918 Katla eruption is poured into the showroom.

You'll be seated just a few feet away from the flowing, 2,000°F (1,100°C) liquid, and the sight, sound, smell, and intense heat will combine to create a sensational experience. Watch as your host "plays" with the lava as it cools, and listen as they explain more about the science behind eruptions in a fun and fascinating way. You'll even get to watch as the lava meets a large ice block, demonstrating how volcanoes under glaciers bubble and explode. After the lava has cooled and solidified, join the Q&A session to ask any burning questions you might have about the science and history of Icelandic geology.