Iceland Lava Show Reykjavik: Watch molten lava erupt live

Watch Real Molten Lava Flow in Reykjavik's Only Live Volcano Show

You arrive 20 minutes early, watch real molten lava being poured and shaped by a host who explains the science, feel the heat and see the color changes as it cools, and ask questions in a Q&A after. Entry, safety glasses, an educational video, and the live show are all included. The room gets warm when the lava flows. That's part of what makes it real.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 55.10 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

The Classic Experience 12 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 21:00 Guide in English Runs 50 minutes: about 10 minutes of introduction from the lava host, an educational and dramatic video, then the lava flows into the showroom. A question-and-answer session follows at the end.

Premium Lava Show experience 6 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 20:00 Guide in English Premium Lounge access: relax in the luxurious VIP lounge on the second floor, designed for comfort. An exclusive behind-the-scenes video shown after the classic experience ends, explaining how the lava-melting process works. More comfortable balcony seats on the second floor with an unobstructed view over the lava flow; these seats are extra hot! Lasts 1 hour 10 minutes. On arrival, you receive a welcome drink of your choice from the lounge bar as part of the Premium Experience. A giftwrapped piece of lava: a unique, beautiful piece of shiny black lava (tachylite) from the show, wrapped in a velvet pouch with a tag.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Attend live lava show experience

• Arrive at lava show venue
• Watch live molten lava demonstration
• Experience recreated volcano eruption

What’s included

• Your ticket covers entry to the Lava Show, an educational video on Icelandic volcanism, safety glasses (Classic Experience), a live demonstration where the host pours and shapes real molten lava while explaining its behavior, the chance to see, hear, smell, and feel the heat up close, and a Q&A session at the end where you can ask the host anything about what you just watched.
• Premium Experience adds exclusive second-floor access with a closer view (ages 13+).
• Arrive 20 minutes early so you don't miss the start.

Times

• Every day except Friday 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00
• Friday 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00

Before you book

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 1h before

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Accessible transport Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Lava Show

Prices and times updated today

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Traveler reviews

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The experience

Most volcano experiences happen on a screen or behind a rope. This one puts you in a room where the temperature climbs as soon as the lava starts flowing. The Lava Show in Reykjavik is the only place on earth where you watch molten lava being poured live, in front of you, with a host who explains what's happening as it cools and cracks. You get safety glasses, an educational video on Icelandic volcanism beforehand, and a Q&A session after, so it's not just heat and spectacle, there's actual learning built in.

The show runs on a tight schedule, so arriving 20 minutes early matters. The room fills up and it starts on the dot. Once the lava pours, the space gets genuinely hot, not uncomfortable, but warm enough that you feel the difference between standing near the flow and standing back. You can see the color shift as it cools, hear the sound it makes, smell the volcanic minerals. A host works the lava during the show, moving it around and answering questions about how it behaves. The whole thing is designed so you're close enough to understand what you're watching, not distant enough to wonder what you missed.

Two ticket levels exist: Classic Experience includes entry, the video, the live show, safety glasses, and the Q&A. Premium Experience (ages 13 and up) adds exclusive access on the second floor with a closer view, though that level isn't wheelchair accessible. The Classic option works for families with younger kids, though children under 5 might find it overwhelming. The heat and noise are real. If you're in Reykjavik for a day or two and want something that doesn't require a long drive or hiking boots, this fits into an afternoon without eating up your whole schedule.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Classic and Premium?

Classic includes entry, safety glasses, the video, and the live show. Premium (ages 13+) adds exclusive access on the second floor with a closer view, but that area isn't wheelchair accessible.

Is the Lava Show wheelchair accessible?

The Classic Experience areas are fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible surfaces and transportation options nearby. The Premium Experience second floor is not wheelchair accessible.

What's included in the ticket?

Entry, safety glasses (Classic only), an educational video on Icelandic volcanism, the live lava show with a host, and a Q&A session afterward.

How hot does the showroom get?

It gets noticeably warm when the lava flows (described as "nice and toasty"), but not dangerously hot. You'll feel the difference depending on how close you stand.

Can I get to the Lava Show without a car?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby, so you don't need to rent a car to visit.