Lava Centre: Interactive Volcano and Earthquake Exhibition in Iceland
4.5
162 Ratings
Hvolsvöllur
Experience the Lava Centre in Iceland, an interactive exhibition that explores the birth and growth of the country as a volcanic island. Interact with volcanoes, feel earthquakes, and witness the latest eruptions in a captivating movie.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Lava Centre - At LAVA Centre is a high-tech, interactive volcano and earthquake exhibition. It is the most awarded exhibition in Iceland. It tells the story of Iceland and explains why it is so active. It goes into details on the different volcanoes and types of volcanoes. A replica of the hot spot under Iceland (Magma plume) and a earthquake simulator will make your hair to rise. A movie about all the most recent eruption and a beautiful observation deck round up an experience not to be missed. LAVA Centre is right at the main road going east from Reykjavík and is the gateway to the South Coast and the Katla Geoopark.
What's Included
  • Information on Iceland’s geology in the reception area
  • Exhibition access
  • Cinema access
  • Option to combine Exhibition and Cinema
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information

Discover the formation and development of Iceland, one of the largest volcanic islands in the world, at the cutting-edge Lava Centre exhibit. Over the course of millions of years, volcanic eruptions along the North Atlantic Ridge submarine have contributed to its rise. The magma up-flow beneath these rifting segments has grown in volume due to the introduction of molten rock by a significant local mantle plume. These segments lie along the ridge whose spreading causes the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates to separate by 20 kilometres every million years, or a minuscule amount each year. Engage with the volcanic displays and experience the shake of simulated earthquakes. A spectacular film showcasing recent eruptions in Iceland and an enchanting observation deck complete a visit that you shouldn’t miss.

  • Availability for shows cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of show availability
Location
Hvolsvöllur
Departure Point: The Lava Centre Address: Austurvegur 14, Hvolsvollur, Iceland 63.7546735, -20.2372402 Directions: • Only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Reykjavík along Route 1 • Take Bus 52: https://www.straeto.is Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(162 Ratings)
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Federicomi5924id
May 20, 2024
A very personalized experience. - We received a very personalized explanation of the exhibition from María and Víctor. It has been a very special experience as has the kindness with which we were treated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiltedaxis
Dec 10, 2023
Great for a short stop - Quick stop but informative and fun. Enjoyed learning about the earthquake activity and seeing the recent tracking of it. Not huge, but they do also have a nice gift shop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nugemolaca
Oct 22, 2023
State of the art - earthquakes and volcano experience - From the overview map on the table, the constantly-updating earthquake stats on the wall, to the movie, this place is fantastic. So much information on tectonics, types of eruptions and the topography they cause. It is a must-stop to get a great appreciation on just what the heck is going on literally all around you as we were completing the ring road with Nordic Visitor tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
160cesarn
Oct 14, 2023
Stop on your way to other places - I found the experience highly educational and high tech. It was great to learn more about volcanoes and how they shaped Iceland. The staff was also very helpful. It was a nice day too, so we were able to spot some of the volcanoes from their rooftop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel_n
Oct 11, 2023
Kids really liked it, and... - Kids really liked it, and engaged with the content. Ages 4, 6, 11. They loved the self pace. Would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Albertoer600bn
Sep 19, 2023
Very interesting - Very interesting and interactive volcano museum. Victor, the guide, in addition to being very friendly, gave us good explanations about the center, answered our questions about the volcanoes because he is a geologist, and even gave us recommendations on what to see in Iceland. I would repeat without a doubt!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_g
Sep 8, 2023
Excellent experience - The Lava Centre was very original in it’s method of display. It was all interactive ….a really special experience worth doing!
Review provided by Viator
Damsel14
Nov 4, 2023
Kid friendly, informative - We came here as a part of a group tour. It was informative and interactive, pretty kid friendly. I'm not sure I would have come here on my own, though. The views from above are stunning--the views everywhere in Iceland are stunning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sab_et_benja
Apr 8, 2024
Disappointing - We were a little disappointed with this visit. The visit was described as interactive and fun, with a representation of a volcanic eruption and an earthquake. In reality, the film is just a succession of images without sound and without description. The exhibition shows different types of volcanic rocks and the explanations are not very clear. The "interactive" side amounts to moving icons on screens but that doesn't add anything. The images are beautiful, but for the scientific side, we find that the experience is not worth the price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stevecaqc
Sep 12, 2023
Ok but expensive - Interesting information. Takes about one hour to visit , however we find the price of admission to be too expensive for the experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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