Interactive museum for volcano fans!
Iceland is known for living in the shadow of the fiery giants. The LAVA Center in Hvolsvöllur offers exciting insights and information on the subject of volcanoes in a modern packaging and with an interactive design. Light effects, an authentic background noise and interactive elements make the visit a special experience. The guest is actively immersed in the exhibition via projections, touch screens and moving elements. A cinema room with impressive visual material is also part of the exhibition. In addition, there is a map in the entrance hall showing the earthquake activities in Iceland live.
LAVA Center Iceland - interactive volcano information for the family in Katla UNESCO Geopark Iceland
Model of the magma flow under Iceland (mantle plume) in LAVA Center Iceland - Katla UNESCO Geopark Iceland
Excitedly, I walk along an impressive timeline and the volcanic eruptions of the last few decades cast a spell over me. Then I leave the dim red light behind and continue my journey through time, through the volcanic history of Iceland. A loud rumble of thunder lures me through a dark corridor. A sign reveals: these are original seismic images from the 2010 volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökul. The rumbling continues and I stand in amazement in front of the huge model of a mantle plume. "
Excitedly, I walk along an impressive timeline and the volcanic eruptions of the last few decades cast a spell over me. Then I leave the dim red light behind and continue my journey through time, through the volcanic history of Iceland. A loud rumble of thunder lures me through a dark corridor. A sign reveals: these are original seismic images from the 2010 volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökul. The rumbling continues and I stand in amazement in front of the huge model of a mantle plume. "
Europe • to Iceland • UNESCO Katla Geopark • Lava Center Iceland
Experiences with the LAVA Center in Iceland:
A special experience!
The visitor is right in the middle of the interactive exhibition at the Lava Center. Do you also want to experience the seismic soundscape of a real volcanic eruption? Immerse yourself in the world of fire and ashes and experience the volcanism of Iceland.
What is the entry fee for the LAVA Center In Iceland? (Stand 2021)
• 9.975 ISK per family (parents + children aged 0-16)
• 3.990 ISK per person (adults)
Please note possible changes. You can find current prices here.
What are the opening times of the LAVA Center? (Stand 2021)
The museum's exhibition is open from 9 a.m. to 16 p.m., depending on the season.
Please note possible changes. You can find current opening times here.
How much time should I plan? (Stand 2020)
For the tour through the 8 rooms and corridors of the LAVA Center, depending on the intensity and thirst for knowledge, 1 to 3 hours should be planned. The fascinating LAVA film lasts 12 minutes.
Is there food and toilets?
A restaurant & café are integrated in the LAVA Center. Toilets are available.
Where is the LAVA Center located in Iceland?
The LAVA Center is a museum about volcanic activity in southern Iceland. It is located in Hvolsvöllur, about 1,5 hours by car from Reykjavik.
Which sights are nearby?
The LAVA Center is at the beginning of the UNESCO Katla Geopark. Get an overview of the volcanic cones visible in the distance from the museum's observation deck. Furthermore lies the well-known Seljalandsfoss waterfall only around 20 km away. Hvolsvöllur is also an important stop for bus connections, e.g. for the Laugavegur hiking bus ticket on the return journey from Skogar to Reykjavik.
Museums in Iceland for nature lovers
- Perlan - a natural history museum in a class of its own
- LAVA Center - interactive museum for volcano fans
- Husavik whale museum - the world of gentle giants
- Whales of Iceland - the whale museum in Reykjavik
Attractions in Iceland for volcano fans
- Icelandic Lava Show - feel the heat of real lava
- Lava Center Iceland - interactive museum for volcano fans
- Vidgelmir lava cave - Largest accessible lava tube in Iceland
- Krafla Lavafield - through the lava field on your own
- Kerið crater lake and Viti blue crater lake
Exciting background information
What is a mantle plum?
A magma flow from the deep earth's mantle is called mantle plume in geology. These vertical pillars of hot rock can be found in several places around the world. Their temperature is at least 200 ° C hotter than the surroundings. Hot rock also flows up directly below Iceland. This island plume is responsible for the formation of Iceland and the island's volcanism.
In which volcanoes is water more dangerous than fire?
There are volcanoes that lie under the ice sheet of a glacier. The Katla volcano in Iceland is an example of this. When this subglacial volcano erupts, a life-threatening tidal wave is created by the glacial melt.
When does a volcano spew a lot of ash?
If the molten rock contains a lot of gas, then lava will be atomized into small particles when it erupts. It cools down immediately and large clouds of ash form. Rule of thumb: the richer the lava, the more ash is created.
When does a volcano spew a lot of lava?
When lava is viscous, it temporarily closes the chimney. Gas pressure builds up until the thin crust is blown away again. Rule of thumb: The thinner the lava, the more lava flows off and the less explosive atomization with ash cloud formation takes place.
Good to know
Where can you safely experience real lava?
Europe • to Iceland • UNESCO Katla Geopark • Lava Center Iceland
10 reasons to visit the LAVA Center in Hvolsvöllur, Iceland, in the UNESCO Katla Geopark:
- geological wonders: The LAVA Center offers an in-depth look at Iceland's geological wonders, including volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers and geothermal activity.
- Interactive exhibitions: The exhibits at the LAVA Center are highly interactive and provide a fun way to explore Iceland's geology, including simulations of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
- Education and Enlightenment: The center provides valuable knowledge about geological processes and the formation of Iceland, which deepens the understanding of the nature of this country.
- Volcanic history: You'll learn about the history of volcanic eruptions in Iceland, including famous events like the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010.
- Experienced guides: The center has knowledgeable guides who answer questions and provide in-depth insights into Iceland's geological phenomena.
- Cultural heritage: In addition to geology, the LAVA Center also highlights Iceland's cultural heritage and its connection to nature.
- Environmental Protection: The center emphasizes the importance of environmental protection and how geological processes shape Iceland's landscape and ecosystems.
- Experience for all ages: The interactive exhibits are suitable for people of all ages and provide a fun experience for families, tour groups and individual visitors.
- Close to nature: The LAVA Center is located in the heart of the UNESCO Katla Geopark, giving you the opportunity to experience what is shown on site.
- Entry into the world of research: The center allows visitors to gain insight into the world of geological research and the work of geologists.
A visit to the LAVA Center in Hvolsvöllur offers a fascinating journey through the geology and nature of Iceland, helping to understand the unique landscape and history of this amazing country.
Europe • to Iceland • UNESCO Katla Geopark • Lava Center Iceland
LAVA Center Hvolsvöllur Iceland (oD): Homepage of the Lava Center Iceland. [online] Retrieved on 12.09.2020/10.09.2021/XNUMX, last accessed on XNUMX/XNUMX/XNUMX from URL: https://lavacentre.is/