Everything to know before you book: Classic vs. Premium tickets, what happens, and my honest take on whether it’s worth it.
There’s a reason I got excited to see a Lava Show in Reykjavik. Whenever there’s a report of volcanic eruption in the world I want to jump on a plane and go see that golden, molten lava streaking through the black night, safety be damned. So far, no luck. So when I learned there’s a place in Iceland you can see actual lava flow up close anytime you visit I was all in.
The Lava Show posters caught my eye, but they also seemed marketed to families with kids. As a grown-up geek travelling solo, I was worried it might be a bit like crashing a grade-school science centre outing. But as I mentioned, I really like lava. So on my last trip to Reykjavík — on a grey, drizzly day that killed my outdoor plans anyway — I took time away from my usual spa visits to go nerd out about what makes Iceland the “land of fire and ice.”
In this post I’ll give my honest opinion about whether the Lava Show in Reykjavik is worth it on your visit to Iceland, what to expect, and how to decide which ticket to buy.
Notes: There are two locations — this review is for the Lava Show in Reykjavík. I received complimentary admission but they did not review or pre-approve of this post. There is a second location in Vík.
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What Is the Lava Show?
The Lava Show bills itself as the only live lava show in the world.
It’s a sit-down presentation in a small, intimate theatre that allows you to learn how lava actually works and its relationship to Iceland, and see molten lava move in a controlled environment.
Fun fact: the lava you see is from an eruption in 1918. It is reheated to 1100°C (2000°F) several times a day for these shows, then recycled. I loved learning about the closed loop system of using a natural product to create real wonder for guests, and the connection to Iceland’s genuine volcanic history.
The show experience lasts about one hour.
What actually happens at the Lava Show
The Lava Show in Reykjavik takes place in a dark theatre environment, and guests are all seated for the duration of the show. All seats have clear view of the action. But there are two choices of tickets: general admission is down on the floor, the closest to the lava. Premium seats are upstairs, looking down from a balcony. (See below for more pro/con on each ticket.)
First, they screen a cinematic documentary short about Iceland’s geothermal core and historic volcano eruptions. This part did feel like being at a science centre.
Then…showtime.
“It’s been almost 5,000 years since lava has flowed in Reykjavík. That is…until now….”
A live host appears and with dramatic flair (and quite a few jokes) they open a small gate and real molten lava enters the showroom, flowing down a narrow chute to a small pool just feet away from the guests in general admission. The glowing lava will snap, crackle and pop as it comes into contact with ice, and the host manipulates the material to show off how it can be spun and cracked at different temperatures
Of course, they give lots of nerdy facts and answer questions throughout and after the presentation. I thought the host’s sense of humour was a fun part of the whole experience.
It’s all completely safe, but you can really feel the intense heat, especially if seated upstairs.
Classic vs. Premium: Which Should You Book?
Classic seating gets you closer to the actual lava. You’re seated right at floor level, mere feet away from the pool, close enough that the heat hits you in waves when the gate opens. It’s also easy to interact with the host here if you have questions. These seats require safety googles, which are provided. If what you want out of this experience is to feel like you’re standing near a real eruption, Classic delivers.
Premium trades this proximity for extras. Before the show, Premium gives you access to the upstairs lava-themed lounge and a free drink. The small lounge has screens showing live volcanic activity trackers, various lava specimens are on display, and a costume area where you can dress up as a volcanologist for photos. (Yes, I did this, no regrets.)
Choosing Premium also gets you a “backstage video” with a deeper dive into the furnace and all the steps taken to make the lava.
Your Premium seats are on the balcony, and have a clear view. They also get really hot. As the show goes on and the heat rises, you will really feel the lava even though you are further away.
What else is there to do at the Lava Show in Reykjavik?
The experience is a self-contained show, so once you’re done, you’re done. (Honestly, I appreciate them not adding some lame museum exhibits for no reason.) But the merch is worth a browse — the T-shirts and such are genuinely funny and good gifts for nerds. There’s a bar on site, but for a treat I recommend heading over to Om Nom, Iceland’s internet-famous chocolate and ice cream shop just a few steps away and well worth the line-ups. Fire and ice in one afternoon.
Final Impressions: Is the Lava Show Worth It?
Yes, if you are into science, specifically geography, this is a cool thing to do in Reykjavik.
In my opinion, the Classic ticket will be enough for most people, if you’re looking to save some money. But Premium is a nice upgrade if you’re on a date or other special occasion.
It’s also a smart place to hang out for a while if the weather is nasty. Then you can return to exploring Iceland’s incredible natural wonders with a greater appreciation of the land.
Lava Show Reykjavík FAQs
Where is it?
The Reykjavík location of the Lava Show is in the “Grandi Harbour” area — about a 30-minute walk from the city centre, easily reached by local bus, with lots of parking.
What are the hours?
Multiple shows run daily between with the first show at 10am and the final show at 9pm.
How much does it cost?
Classic admission is 6,590 KR (about $71 CDN); Premium is 9,990 KR (about $108 CDN).
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The Classic experience is wheelchair accessible. Premium is not — it involves stairs to the balcony seating.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — ticket slots do sell out, especially in peak season, so advance booking is recommended.
Check availability here
Can you actually touch the lava?
No — you get close enough to feel the heat, but the lava itself stays safely contained. That’s kind of the magic of it: real molten lava, zero risk.
Is it too “kid-oriented” for adults without kids?
It leans a little 101/introductory in places — the documentary especially has a school-outing feel — but the live show itself is genuinely engaging for all ages of science enthusiasts.
Is there a volcano erupting near Reykjavík right now?
Maybe, maybe not. The Reykjanes Peninsula has had a dozen-plus eruptions since 2021, most recently in mid-2025, after 800 years of dormancy in the area — and geologists say magma keeps rebuilding, with another eruption considered likely. But timing is never guaranteed, active sites are often restricted for safety, and it’s not exactly a spontaneous side trip. That unpredictability is part of why Lava Show works so well: it’s the guaranteed version — real lava, up close, on a schedule, whatever the actual Earth is doing that week.
Read this next: More unique and unusual things to do in Reyjkavik
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