Reykjavik: LAVA SHOW – Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

If you’re visiting Iceland and have a fascination with volcanoes and molten lava, the Reykjavik Lava Show is likely to be a highlight of your trip. This award-winning experience offers a safe, eye-opening glimpse of real lava in action, combined with educational insights from expert guides. It’s a show that manages to be entertaining, awe-inspiring, and surprisingly informative all at once. Critics and visitors alike drop high praise, with a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 2,100 reviews, proving its popularity.

What we love most is how up-close and personal the experience is—getting to see actual flowing lava in a controlled environment is rare and unforgettable. Plus, the knowledgeable guides, like Samantha and Bastien, add personality and depth, making the science accessible and fun. A potential downside? The backstage tour might not be the star of the show, and children under five aren’t recommended to attend, which could influence family plans. Still, for anyone curious about Iceland’s volcanic activity or looking for a unique, memorable experience, this show hits the sweet spot.

Ideal for travelers with a scientific curiosity, families with children over five, or anyone eager to see lava without risking a trek to a volcano. If you want an experience that combines education, excitement, and a pinch of theatrical flair, this is a top choice.

Key Points

• Close-up views of real flowing lava in a safe environment
• Educational content about Iceland’s volcanic history and risks
• Engaging guides who make the science accessible and fun
• Option to upgrade to a premium experience with added perks
• Family-friendly but not suitable for children under five
• Affordable at $52 per ticket, offering good value
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Short duration (50–75 minutes), perfect for fitting into a busy Iceland itinerary

What Is the Reykjavik Lava Show? An Overview

The Lava Show in Reykjavik is a one-of-a-kind live demonstration that makes volcanoes feel a lot closer than you might expect, thanks to a controlled, fiery spectacle of molten lava. The show is designed to be both visually stunning and educational, making it popular among those who want more than just sightseeing—they want to understand the land of ice and fire beneath their feet.

The experience is divided into two options: the Classic Experience and the Premium Experience. The Classic version is ideal for most visitors—an indoor, family-friendly show that comfortably fits into your Reykjavik plans. The Premium package, however, elevates the outing with an aperitif, exclusive lounge access, balcony seats (extra hot — literally and figuratively), a ** backstage tour** of the furnace room, and even a gift-wrapped piece of lava to take home, making it a true collector’s item.

The Itinerary: What to Expect During the Show

Arrival and Welcome

You’ll start your visit by showing your voucher at the ticket counter. The staff is friendly and welcoming, guiding you to your seats and preparing you for the spectacle ahead. Expect a quick safety briefing, as everyone will don security goggles—a small detail that adds to the sense of adventure.

Educational Intro and Video

Before the fiery action begins, the host—sometimes Bastien, sometimes Samantha—kicks things off with a brief, lively introduction. You’ll watch a short educational video about Icelandic volcanism, which covers the main volcanoes nearby and their eruption history. This background gives the show context and makes the visuals all the more meaningful, especially if you’re a geology buff or just love a good story.

The Main Event: Lava in Action

The core of the experience is a stunning live demonstration of molten lava. You’ll see real lava flowing, glowing, and pouring in a controlled environment, with the heat radiating visibly and physically. Several reviewers describe the experience as “very interesting,” and note how the show captures both the beauty and danger of volcanoes. The guide explains what’s happening as the lava reacts, with some describing it as “fascinating to see how the lava reacts” and noting how close they got during the show.

Special Seating and Views

The Premium Experience offers balcony seats that put you closer to the action, with some reviewers noting that even from upstairs, the heat and glow are palpable. Standing or sitting at different vantage points can change your perspective, with some saying the balcony view is “good if you stand up and look over”. The show’s design ensures everyone gets a good look, but the premium seats are worth considering if you’re after the most dramatic views.

Backstage Access and Lava Gift

For those who upgrade, a backstage tour provides insight into how the lava is produced and controlled. You’ll also receive a gift-wrapped piece of lava—a memorable keepsake that many reviewers treasure long after their trip. While some reviews mention that the backstage tour isn’t the main attraction, it still offers a behind-the-scenes peek that appeals to the scientifically curious.

The Guides and Atmosphere

What elevates the Lava Show beyond a simple demonstration is the personality and knowledge of the guides. Reviewers frequently praise staff like Bastien, Samantha, Glenn, and Ian for their engaging, humorous, and informative manner. They answer questions even after the show, adding a personal touch that many visitors appreciate.

Guests note the lively atmosphere, with the host’s humor and storytelling making the experience more relatable. One reviewer mentioned how Bastien was “very engaging and very informative”, turning a fiery spectacle into a mini geology lesson that stuck.

The Practicalities: Duration, Price, and Booking

The Lava Show lasts between 50 and 75 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your day without feeling rushed. It’s priced at $52 per person, which includes safety gear, a host, and a short educational film. The premium upgrade adds value through exclusive seating, a backstage peek, and a lava gift, often seen as worthwhile by visitors who want a more intimate experience.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, or cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The show runs at various times, so you can pick a slot that fits your schedule.

Reviews and Authentic Insights

Beyond the general five-star ratings, individual reviews reveal what makes the Lava Show special. Guests mention how “seeing lava in person is a very unusual experience,” and how guides like Samantha and Bastien make the science engaging and accessible. One guest appreciated the “friendly staff” and the chance to ask questions during and after the show.

Many reviews also highlight the good value for money, especially considering the proximity to real lava and the educational aspect. Some mention that “even from upstairs, you can feel the heat,” emphasizing the immersive nature of the experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This show is perfect for families with children over five, as younger kids might find the heat or the dark environment intimidating. It’s also ideal for anyone curious about volcanology and Iceland’s fiery landscape—geology buffs and adventure seekers alike.

If you’re after a unique photo opportunity or a memorable story to tell, the Lava Show delivers. It’s not just a visual spectacle but an insightful peek into the power of nature, guided by knowledgeable and entertaining hosts.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Lava Show offers a remarkably close encounter with real lava in an environment that combines entertainment with education. The guides’ engaging style, the stunning visuals, and the value of learning about Iceland’s volcanic activity make it worth considering for your Iceland itinerary. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast or simply looking for a fascinating experience, this show promises both awe and understanding.

For families, the show provides a safe environment to marvel at the Earth’s fiery heart, while solo travelers and couples will appreciate the intimacy of the demonstration and the chance to learn from experts. The premium upgrade adds a layer of exclusivity that many find worthwhile, especially if you want to turn the experience into a special memory.

In short, this is a well-reviewed, accessible, and visually stunning showcase of Iceland’s volcanic nature—perfect for those who want to see and understand the land of ice and fire a little better.

FAQ

Is the Lava Show suitable for children?
Yes, but children under five are not recommended. Kids over five usually enjoy the show, especially with engaging guides explaining what’s happening.

How long does the show last?
The experience takes between 50 and 75 minutes, providing enough time for the demonstration, educational content, and possibly some questions.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes safety goggles, a live host, and a short educational video about Icelandic volcanism. The premium ticket adds extra perks such as balcony seats and backstage access.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the show for a full refund, making it flexible for travel plans.

Is the show indoors or outdoors?
It is an indoor experience designed for safety and comfort, so you don’t need to worry about weather conditions.

What is the best way to get a good view?
While all seats are designed to give a good view, the premium experience offers balcony seats that many reviewers recommend for the most dramatic visuals.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ expertise and friendly manner, which enhances the experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is fine, but expect to wear safety goggles during the show. If you opt for the premium experience, you’ll also access the lounge and backstage areas.

Is the backstage tour worth it?
While not the main focus, some reviews indicate it’s a nice bonus that offers insight into how the lava is produced and controlled.

To sum it up, the Reykjavik Lava Show offers a rare chance to see real lava up close in a safe environment, guided by passionate experts. It balances excitement, education, and accessibility, making it a worthwhile addition to your Iceland adventure. Whether you’re a geology geek or just want a memorable experience, this show delivers on both spectacle and substance.