See red-hot lava flow without danger? In Vik, in the south-east of Iceland, this is possible. 85 kg of lava rock is melted for the show. 4 hours and 1100 degrees are needed to liquefy the stone again. Júlíus, the founder of the Icelandic Lava Show, gets the guests in the mood. As a young man, his grandfather barely survived the tsunami caused by the volcanic eruption of Katla. Interesting facts and a gripping story take you into the world of fire and smoke. In the center is a pedestal with cooling ice sheets and small lava stones. 40 liters of real lava will flow there.
Update: Since 2022 you can also experience the Lava Show in the capital Reykjavik. A second location was opened here. In Vik, the Icelandic Lava Show has been delighting viewers since 2018.
Islandic Lava Show 1100 degrees hot glowing lava - UNESCO Katla Geopark VIK Iceland
Islandic Lava Show See and experience real lava in the UNESCO Katla Geopark VIK Iceland
Islandic Lava Show - Volcano Lava Detail Photo - Katla UNESCO Geopark VIK Iceland
Islandic Lava Show - Hot Lava Throws Bubbles - Katla UNESCO Geopark VIK Iceland
Islandic Lava Show the lava hardens - live at Katla UNESCO Geopark VIK Iceland
Islandic Lava Show - Fire and Flame on the Volcanic Lava - Katla UNESCO Geopark VIK Iceland
After the gripping eyewitness story, goosebumps prevail. Then the light is dimmed and the tension increases. A stream of brightly glowing lava flows unexpectedly brightly into the dark room. Slowly but steadily, the red tide rolls down the slight incline... I am confronted with tremendous heat. Bubbles of fire boil in the hot broth and pour into a red lake. Small ephemeral works of art. Deep red and bright yellow, the colors dance around each other until finally their movement seems to freeze under a soft black veil.”
AGE ™
AGE™ attended the Icelandic Lava Show in Vik. It is advertised as the only live show featuring actual molten lava. But what does that mean? We can't really imagine anything like that. Fire and smoke from a dummy volcano? Equipped with safety goggles, we sit in a small auditorium. This is followed by a welcome, explanation, historical review and gripping insights into a personal family history and the moment when the Katla volcano erupted. You can feel that this is a heart project, but will we really see real lava?
Then it gets serious: we stare spellbound at the glowing stream that rolls over a sloping channel into the auditorium and brings with it an impressive heat. The lava slowly rolls towards the catch basin. Liquid, bubbling and bubbly. Gleaming bright, red-yellow and deep dark red. The lava changes live and in color before our eyes. I can feel, see and even hear them. Instead of show effects, a real and honest experience awaits us, accompanied by many interesting facts and comments. It slowly cools down, forms the first crusts and finally turns black. If you want, you can also take a look at the blast furnace behind the scenes (for an extra charge).
In the Lava Show you will experience a glowing lava flow. Depending on the seat - just an arm's length away from you. Volcanism up close.
Where is the Icelandic Lava Show located?
You can experience the original of the Icelandic Lava Show in the south-east of Iceland. The show building is located in Vik, between glaciers and black beaches, in the middle of the UNESCO Katla Geopark. This is about a 2,5 hour drive from Reykjavik. Location: Víkurbraut 5, 870 Vík
Since 2022 there has been a second Lava Show location in the capital Reykjavik. The building is located in the Grandi Harbor District. Location: Fiskisloð 73, 101 Reykjavik
Iceland Map & Driving Directions
When is it possible to visit the Lava Show?
The Lava Show takes place all year round. You can choose between several times of the day. Exact times vary. Depending on the calendar month and location, there are 2 to 5 shows per day.
Who can attend the lava show?
The lava show is suitable for all ages. Small children must sit on the lap. Children up to 12 years must be supervised by parents.
How much does a ticket for the Icelandic Lava Show cost?
The lava show costs around 5900 ISK per person. Children get a discount.
• 5900 ISK per person (adults) • 3500 ISK per person (children from 1-12 years) • Children under 1 year are free • 990 ISK back-stage tour of the lava melting process As of 2023. Please note possible changes. You can find current prices here.
How long is the Lava Show?
Including history, introductory film and question and answer session, the show lasts approx. 45-50 minutes. Around 15 minutes are reserved for the flow of the lava, its cooling, the reaction to ice and a look under the already hardening upper crust - in short for your fascinating experience with real lava.
Is there food and toilets?
In the building of the Lava Show in Vik you can strengthen yourself in the restaurant "The Soup Company". A bestseller is the lava soup: original and tasty at the same time. Tip: If you combine the soup with a booking for the show, you get a discount! Toilets are available free of charge.
Which sights are nearby?
The Lava Show building in Vik is also the meeting point for the Katla ice cave tour with Troll Expeditions. The ideal combination in the land of fire and ice! Only 15 minutes away by car is the beautiful black beach Reynisfjara and also the cute ones Puffin you can observe at Vik.
The Lava Show building in Reykjavik is only around 500 meters from the big Whale Museum Whales of Iceland removed. If you are looking for more action, you will also find the virtual 2D flight experience only about 4 minutes away on foot FlyOver Iceland.
Exciting background information
What is lava made of?
Lava is molten rock (magma) that has been brought to the surface by a volcanic eruption (eruption). When the lava solidifies, volcanic rock (volcanite) is formed. As a rule, silicate melts form the highest percentage.
There are high-viscosity ryolitic lavas graded above 65% silica, low-viscosity basaltic lavas graded below 52% silica, and intermediate lavas graded in between. Aluminum, titanium, magnesium and iron compounds can also be included.
How hot is lava?
This depends on their composition. Ryolithic lava is about 800 ° C hot when it emerges, basaltic lava reaches about 1200 ° C.
Where does the red color of lava come from?
The enormous heat of 1100°C initially makes lava glow almost glaringly white. If it cools down a bit, the well-known red glow becomes perceptible. The iron oxide it contains gives the liquid lava flow its typical red colour.
Good to know
What lava is used for the lava show in Iceland?
Basalt rock is melted for the Icelandic Lava Show. The volcanic rocks for this come from Iceland and are often found. When it cools, so-called lava glass is formed. This is reused and melted again along with new rock for the next show.
Can you see the furnace in which the lava is created?
ADVERTISEMENT: Book online tickets for the Lava Show in Vik or Reykjavik
This editorial contribution received external support
Disclosure: AGE™ were given discounted or free services as part of the report - by: Icelandic Lava Show; The press code applies: Research and reporting must not be influenced, hindered or even prevented by accepting gifts, invitations or discounts. Publishers and journalists insist that information be given regardless of accepting a gift or invitation. When journalists report on press trips to which they have been invited, they indicate this funding.
Liability
The content of the article has been carefully researched and is based on personal experience. However, if information is misleading or incorrect, we assume no liability. If our experience does not match your personal experience, we assume no liability. Furthermore, circumstances can change. AGE™ does not guarantee topicality or completeness.
Copyright
Texts and photos are protected by copyright. The copyright of this article in words and images is entirely owned by AGE ™. All rights are reserved. Content for print / online media can be licensed on request.
Source reference for text research
Information on site, as well as personal experiences when visiting the Lava Show in July 2020.
Information boards on site in the Natural History Museum Perlan Reykjavik and in the LAVA Center Hvolsvöllur in July 2020.
Icelandic Lava Show (oD): Homepage of the Icelandic Lava Show. [online] Retrieved on 12.09.2020/07.06.2023/XNUMX, last accessed on XNUMX/XNUMX/XNUMX from URL: https://icelandiclavashow.com/
Wikipedia authors (May 25.05.2021, 10.09.2021), Lava. [online] Retrieved on XNUMX/XNUMX/XNUMX from URL: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lava
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A special experience!
A special experience!
Where is the Icelandic Lava Show located?
Where is the Icelandic Lava Show located?
When is it possible to visit the Lava Show?
Who can attend the lava show?
How much does a ticket for the Icelandic Lava Show cost?
How long is the Lava Show?
Is there food and toilets?
Which sights are nearby?
What is lava made of?
What lava is used for the lava show in Iceland?
Attractions in Iceland for volcano fans