Lava show Reykjavik
Imagine standing just a few metres away from a stream of blinding molten lava heated to 1,100 °C. You can feel the heat radiating from it and hear the characteristic hissing and crackling of the red-hot rock. This is not a Hollywood special effect — it is the Lava Show in Reykjavík, the world's only live demonstration of real molten lava indoors.
This unique experience skilfully combines spectacle and science. Each spectator not only watches the movement of the fiery mass, but also immerses themselves in the dramatic history of Icelandic volcanoes, learns about the geological secrets of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the events that shaped the character of this ‘land of ice and fire’.
The show is held in the modern Grandi Harbour District, not far from Reykjavik's Old Harbour. This place is ideal for those who want to experience the wonders of Icelandic nature without leaving the capital.
Duration of the show | approximately 50–60 minutes |
|---|---|
Lava temperature | 1100 °C (2000 °F) |
Address | Fiskislóð 73, 101 Reykjavík (Grandi Harbour District) |
Opening hours | Daily, 09:00 – 21:00 (last show usually at 20:00) |
Language of the event | English |
Ticket price | from ~$52–79 (depending on the package: Classic or Premium) |
Age restrictions | None — suitable for families with children |
Features | Safety glasses provided, VIP area with balcony and lounge |
Reservations | Official website Lava Show or popular platforms such as GetYourGuide |
Lava Show promotional video - 01:17 minutes
Lava Show has received high international recognition, including prestigious awards from Tripadvisor's ‘Best of the Best’ (2024) and Viator Experience Award (2025).
Review of Lava Show
It all began in 2010 during the spectacular eruption of the Fimmvörðuháls volcano in southern Iceland. Julius Ingi Jónsson and Ragnildur Agustsdóttir stood just a few hundred metres away from the disaster, watching as the red-hot lava flowed down the cliff in a 200-metre-high lava waterfall. It was then that they had an ambitious idea: what if people could see this incredible wonder up close all year round without risking their lives climbing an active volcano? They began to think about how to organise and implement this.
Julius Ingi Jónsson, Ragnildur Agustsdóttir opened the first show in 2018 in the small town of Vík
The path to their dream was not easy. In 2011, fate threw the couple a challenge — their two sons were diagnosed with autism. The couple devoted themselves entirely to their children: their education, adaptation and daily small victories. However, the fire of their idea did not die out. The resilience and strength of spirit of their sons inspired their parents to return to the idea of the Lava Show in 2016. Sceptics just shrugged their shoulders: ‘Real lava inside a building? That's impossible!’ But Julius and Ragnildur knew that a big dream was worth a big risk.
The first show opened in 2018 in the small town of Vík. Real Icelandic lava from the Katla volcano (which erupted in 1918) was used for the demonstration, heated to a blinding 1,100°C and poured into a specially equipped hall. The audience was finally able to not only see the lava, but also hear it crackle, smell its distinctive odour and feel its heat — all from a safe distance. This year was also a milestone for the family: their third son, Funi, was born, which means ‘fire’ in Icelandic — a symbol of their unquenchable passion and family unity.
The show grabs your attention from the very first second. Molten rock is released from the furnace, and the fiery stream slowly moves through the centre of the hall. The presenter demonstrates the amazing reactions of lava with water and ice, showing how it changes colour from bright orange to deep black. At the same time, footage of Icelandic eruptions is shown on a large screen, and experienced guides talk about how nature literally shapes the country's landscapes before our very eyes. All guests receive protective goggles, and premium ticket holders can watch the process from the balcony or even take a peek behind the scenes — into the very ‘heart’ of the boiler room.
Today, the Lava Show is one of the most popular experiences in all of Iceland, and the reviews are very positive. Tourists consider it a ‘must-see,’ especially if their schedule does not allow them to reach active volcanic areas. Locals appreciate the project for its educational mission: schoolchildren often come here to study the geology of their native land. In 2022, due to huge demand, the show opened a second location in the Grandi Harbour District in Reykjavik.
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The uniqueness of this experience lies in the fact that it is the only place in the world where you can legally and safely be close to molten magma indoors. The project has received a number of prestigious awards, including the Icelandic Travel Industry Innovation Award, but for the founders, the most important thing is the live emotions of the people. The same goosebumps when the lava begins to move and the silent admiration when its heat touches your face.
The Icelandic Lava Show is not just a story about geology and entertainment. It is a story about fire in all its manifestations: the power of nature, the warmth of family, and the inner energy that makes you believe in the impossible, even when everyone around you doubts it. A hot combination of inspiration and exploration.
Where to buy tickets for the Lava Show
Planning a visit to the Lava Show in Reykjavík? Keep in mind that the show is very popular, and tickets for convenient times are often sold out in advance. The best option is to book your seat online 2–4 weeks before your trip.
Lava Show is the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava. The show is both educational and exhilarating
Where to find tickets?
- Official website (lavashow.com): the most obvious and reliable way. Here you will always find the current show schedule for locations in Reykjavík and Vík;
- Travel platforms (GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor, Viator): convenient if you want to buy a combination ticket to complement your trip to Iceland (for example, Lava Show + FlyOver Iceland attraction or a sightseeing tour of the city);
- Large platforms (Booking, Klook): the advantage of this method is that there are sometimes discounts or favourable cancellation terms;
- Box office on site: located at Fiskislóð 73, but free seats immediately before the show are very rare.
Ticket types and prices (valid for 2026)
You will be offered two main formats for visiting. The choice depends on how deeply you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and whether you need additional comfort.
There are several shows a day and they start every two hours. The first shows are usually at 10am
Ticket category | What is included in the price | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|
Classic Experience | Main show, viewing of a short film about volcanoes, protective glasses. | ~$52–53 |
Premium Experience | Everything from Classic + access to the VIP lounge, a drink of your choice, the best seats on the balcony and a souvenir piece of lava. | ~$79–85 |
Important details for parents
- Children (4–12 years old): tickets cost around $26–30;
- Infants (under 3 years old): admission is usually free, but keep in mind that the show can be quite loud, which may scare your child;
- Premium restrictions: this package is only available to visitors aged 13 and older.
If you are travelling with a group or want to see every detail of the process without any obstacles, you should choose the Premium Experience. The view from the balcony allows you to see the entire lava flow, and a souvenir stone from the shop will remain a pleasant memory for a lifetime.
Experience the Only Live Lava Show in the World
Promo codes for lava show
If you plan to book tickets online, it is worth spending a few minutes searching for promo codes. This is an easy way to get a nice discount and make your visit more budget-friendly. But remember that codes can change/be disabled, so check whether the discount is currently applicable before paying.
Where to find current codes and discounts:
- EPICLAVA: one of the most stable promo codes, often offering a 10% discount on tickets in both Reykjavík and Vík;
- Visitor’s Guide Iceland: this popular tourist guide (in print or online) almost always has 10% discount coupons for visitors to the Lava Show;
- Official newsletter: if you subscribe to the newsletter on lavashow.com, the organisers may send you a personal code or notify you of seasonal promotions by email.
If you book tickets through third-party platforms such as GetYourGuide or TripAdvisor, the promo codes from the official website will not work there — these services usually have their own loyalty system and internal discounts.
Restaurants near Lava Show Reykjavik
The show lasts about an hour, and after such a powerful rush of adrenaline and emotions, your appetite usually awakens. Therefore, it is useful to know where to eat after the show.
The Grandi district is a former industrial port area that has been transformed into the city's most fashionable gastronomic quarter. The huge advantage of this location is that everything is very compact. You can easily combine watching the lava with dinner and an evening stroll through the Old Harbour without wasting time travelling.
This houses built with corrugated metal siding and painted in cheerful colors, featuring trim and details that are a nod to historical design trends
Best places in the Grandi area
Below is a list of places within walking distance of Fiskislóð 73 where you can enjoy a delicious end to your evening.
Restaurant | What's interesting after the show | Address | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
Grandi Food Hall (Grandi Mathöll) | Ideal for companies: everyone can choose a dish to their liking (from Icelandic to Asian) and sit down together. | Grandagarður 16 | $$* |
Matur og Drykkur | For a special evening: contemporary Icelandic cuisine with exquisite presentation. A place with history and excellent service. | Grandagarður 2 | $$$* |
Kaffivagninn | One of Iceland's oldest restaurants. It has the atmosphere of an old harbour, and the menu features classic home-style dishes. | Grandagarður 10 | $$* |
Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron) | A legendary spot near the harbour. The place is simple, but their lobster soup and fish kebabs are known all over the world. | Geirsgata 4a | $$* |
Fish and Chips Vagninn | The best option for a quick and hearty snack is fresh fish in batter with potatoes, without any fuss. | Grandagarður 19 | $$* |
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland
*The symbols $ / $$ / $$$ are ranges from Tripadvisor, which can be conveniently interpreted as ‘affordable / average / expensive’.
If you plan to visit Matur og Drykkur or Sægreifinn in the evening, it is highly recommended to book a table in advance, as these places are almost always full. At Grandi Food Hall, you can usually find a free table without a reservation.
Gift shop
Lava Show has a fully-fledged concept store where, instead of the usual mass-market goods, you can buy authentic souvenirs inspired by the element of fire. This is a great opportunity to take a piece of Iceland home with you, as most of the souvenirs are made using real lava that you have just seen in the show.
T-shirts, you can buy in the store or online
You can choose a gift directly in the hall after the performance or order online on the official website (shop.lavashow.com).
Examples of souvenirs and prices
The range covers various price categories: from affordable souvenirs to designer jewellery.
Jewellry you can buy in the store or online
Gift | Description and features | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|
Lava Stone Souvenir | A small fragment of lava from the Katla volcano (eruption in 1918) in a branded bag. Each piece is unique in its texture. | 1 990 ISK |
Lava Stone Necklace | An elegant lava stone pendant on a sterling silver chain (925 fineness). A minimalist piece of jewellery with a story. | 7 990 ISK ≈ $57.90 |
Dragon Glass Necklace | An original obsidian and steel pendant from the show's founder, Julius Jónsson. Obsidian is obtained by remelting Icelandic rock. | 9 990 ISK ≈ $72.40 |
Mr. Lava Lava Gift Box | A ready-made gift set that includes several themed items: from volcanic souvenirs to products made by local artisans. | 19 900 ISK |
Tips for choosing
Souvenirs en Lava Ahow en Reykjavík
- Pay attention to obsidian (volcanic glass) products, which are made directly in Lava Show furnaces, making them truly exclusive gifts;
- Since lava is a natural material, each stone in the jewellery has its own pattern. If you are buying in the shop, ask to see several options so that you can choose the one you like best;
- If you do not want to carry fragile or heavy items in your suitcase, the shop offers international delivery when ordering through the website.
The price range in the shop covers approximately $7–15 for small souvenirs to around $145 for premium gift boxes.
Where to buy: online at shop.lavashow.com, and often available on site in the souvenir area after the show — so you can buy something right after the show if you like it.
FAQ
❓ How long does the lava show in Reykjavík last?
The standard show (Classic Experience) lasts approximately 55–60 minutes. If you choose the package with a backstage tour, the total duration is approximately 60–75 minutes.
❓ Where is the lava show in Reykjavík located?
The show is located in the modern Grandi Harbour District, not far from the Old Harbour. The building is within walking distance of the city centre (about a 25-minute walk from the Harpa concert hall). Free parking is available nearby.
Address: Fiskislóð 73, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.
Please note that there is also a second location for this show in the town of Víkurbraut 5, in southern Iceland, so it is important to check the selected city when booking.
