Lava Show — Attraction in Reykjavik

As part of our Around the Corner Iceland Vacation from Icelandair Holidays, my adult children and I had the awesome opportunity to attend the Lava Show. This was our very first trip to Iceland, and we were really excited about exploring the many wonders that exist there. The Lava Show is the perfect solution for those of us wanting to experience what real lava is like without being in harms way in the midst of volcanic eruptions in Iceland.

Our host for the Lava Show was a young lady that is currently obtaining a degree in geological sciences, I believe. She did an exceptional job taking us through the process of watching lava flow through a controlled environment. She presented and explained the different facets of lava and handled the real lava with care and precision. She was polite and welcomed our many questions.

Seeing the lava up close and personal was an unreal experience. It looked just like what is seen on television. Feeling that heat in close proximity gave me insight to what it must be like literally being there during an eruption.

I learned so many things about lava and now have a better understanding of what it is and potential impact from an eruption. Examples of some of the things that I learned are that lava can get to 2000° F; although lava appears to be cooled down when it’s blackened on the outside, there is still hot, molten lava that is within the core that takes years to cool down; there are 30 volcanoes in Iceland of which 19 have already erupted; and there are 6 super volcanoes on earth.

Seeing the reactions of when ice gets into contact with lava was amazing! I also enjoyed seeing how parts of it turned to glass as it cooled down.

The Lava Show was a worthwhile activity. It was also great receiving the lava stone gift...

The Lava Show masterfully blends edutainment, culture, and class, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience that captivates both local and international audiences. The show goes far beyond spectacle, offering rich, meaningful takeaways in earth sciences, volcanology, and environmental awareness.

One of the most unforgettable aspects of the show is the live lava pour, and exactly as they promise - a rare and thrilling experience where molten lava is melted right in front of a keen and curious audience. The heat, the glow, the sound - it’s a visceral, sensory moment that brings geological forces to life in a way textbooks never could. The one-hour show is an immersive encounter with Earth’s raw power, delivered with scientific precision and theatrical flair.

Mariana, a volcanologist and the presenter on the day, elevated the experience with her passion and knowledge. She breaks down complex scientific concepts into clear, digestible insights and responds to challenging questions with confidence and ease.

The marketing team, in particular, deserves 'volcanic kudos' for seamlessly bringing together the 3Es of marketing - Engage, Educate, and Entertain - ensuring that every touchpoint, from outreach to on-site delivery, feels intentional and well-executed!

In all, The Lava Show is a richly layered, deeply engaging, and educationally rewarding experience. It’s a must-see for anyone fascinated by the natural world, and a stellar example of how science communication can be both entertaining and enlightening. I highly recommend making it your first stop in Reykjavík before exploring the rest of Iceland, as it offers the perfect foundation for understanding the island’s extraordinary...

I've been to the Lava Show in Reykjavik 4 times now, and it's been incredible each time. They've really built something fantastic for making a remarkable experience seeing lava in person in the theater while also learning a lot about the history of Iceland's volcanism and getting a really fun breakdown on a lot of the science of lava, volcanoes, and more. As a geologist, I super appreciate the way that they communicate the science of volcanism in a way that is fun and exciting for the audience!

One recommendation for parents of young kids traveling to Iceland: maybe don't do this on the first day. We took our kiddo when he was 4 on day-one after a long flight and the jet lag and dark, comforting room just led him to falling asleep during the show. We went back this year with him at 5 and did the show closer to the end of our trip. He loved seeing the lava flowing into the room, and especially loved seeing the operator create Pele's Hair.

I've also led two groups of high school students to see the show now, and I can say that for groups (but also just for families in general) you might want to get there a good bit early so that members of your group can sit close to each other in the theater (though, to be fair, it can also be a lot of fun if you have members in your group who get photos and videos from different angles around the theater).

Finally, you'll do everyone a favor if you learn how to turn off the flash on your phone's camera before you go (flash is a big no-no in the theater and makes for terrible photos). You'll also do yourself a favor if you dress in a way where you can easily strip down layers (once the lava enters the room it gets very warm...