Reykjavik: Volcano Express Show Ticket & Harpa Experience

Summary

Virtual flight over Iceland’s volcanic eruptions at Harpa

You’ll buckle up inside Harpa Concert Hall for the Volcano Express show, feeling every rumble and blast as you virtually fly over Iceland’s volcanic landscapes. From Reykjavik’s skyline to fiery eruptions on Reykjanes peninsula, each moment pulls you closer to Iceland’s wild heart. Expect heat, sound, and a few surprises that linger after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already buckled in before I realized how nervous I actually felt — the seats in Harpa’s auditorium look normal, but once the Volcano Express started, it was like being strapped to a rocket. The room went dark, and suddenly we were flying over Reykjavik’s skyline, dipping and soaring above those black lava fields you see in postcards. Our guide, Jón (he told us to call him Jonny if we couldn’t manage the accent), grinned when someone gasped at the first jolt — “That’s nothing,” he said, “wait for the Reykjanes eruption.” He was right.

Icelandic volcanoes always sounded like something out of a storybook to me — but here, with the ground rumbling under my feet and this weirdly warm air blowing across my face (they really do pump in heat), it felt so much more real. At one point, there was this sharp smell — not quite smoke, not quite earth — that made me think of camping trips as a kid. You could hear people whispering in different languages behind us, and then everyone just went quiet when the lava started flowing on screen. I didn’t expect to feel so small watching a virtual eruption, but honestly? It got under my skin.

The whole thing lasted about half an hour, maybe a bit less — time gets fuzzy when you’re being rattled around by simulated earthquakes. There was a moment where we dipped down into a crater and I swear my stomach dropped (Li laughed at me for grabbing her arm). Afterward, Jonny stuck around to answer questions about the 2021–2024 eruptions on Reykjanes peninsula. He even tried teaching us how to say Eyjafjallajökull. I butchered it; he laughed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Volcano Express immersive experience

• Arrive at Harpa Concert Hall
• Sit in state-of-the-art auditorium
• Take virtual ride from Reykjavik skyline
• Experience volcanic eruption on Reykjanes peninsula

Top questions

Is Volcano Express suitable for all ages?

It is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Where does the Volcano Express experience take place?

The show is inside Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik.

How long does the Volcano Express show last?

The experience lasts about 30 minutes.

Is transportation included with my Volcano Express ticket?

No transportation is included; however, public transport options are nearby.

Is Volcano Express wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are service animals allowed at Volcano Express?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the show.

What will I experience during the show?

You’ll feel simulated earthquakes, heat from lava flows, and virtual flight over volcanoes.

Does my ticket include entry to other attractions in Harpa?

No, your ticket is valid only for the Volcano Express show.

What’s included

Your day includes an admission ticket to the Volcano Express immersive show inside Reykjavik’s Harpa Concert Hall—just arrive at your chosen time and get ready for virtual flight and volcanic action without any extra fuss or pickups needed.