Lava Show Reykjavik Tickets

Lava Show at Grandi harbour

The Lava Show is on Fiskislóð in Grandi, the old fishing harbour area a short distance west of downtown Reykjavik, now filled with cafés, galleries and small museums. It was created by two Icelanders who wanted people to see real lava safely up close, and it has become one of the most talked-about indoor attractions in the city.

If you are looking for Lava Show tickets or wondering how to get to the Lava Show, Grandi is about a twenty-minute walk from the Old Harbour or a short bus or taxi ride from the centre, and a shuttle serves the district at set times. Check the current shuttle timetable if you plan to use it.

What happens during the Classic Experience

The show begins with a short welcome from the host and a film about Iceland's volcanoes, including the ones that threaten the Reykjavik area and the biggest eruptions in Icelandic history. Then the room is prepared and molten lava, heated in a furnace to about 1,100 degrees, is poured out in front of the audience.

You watch it flow, cool and change colour, and feel the heat radiating on your face. The host explains how eruptions work, how lava forms different rock types and why Iceland has so many volcanoes. The whole experience lasts about fifty minutes, and safety goggles are provided for everyone in the room.

Classic and Premium: what is the difference

The default option on this page is the Classic Experience, which covers entry to the show with a live English-speaking host. A Premium Experience is available as a separate option for guests aged thirteen and over and includes extras such as lounge access and a behind-the-scenes look, so check the option you choose in the booking panel.

Children under five are not recommended, since the show involves heat and a dark room. If you bring a younger child, buy a child ticket for them. Older children and teenagers usually find it one of the highlights of a Reykjavik visit.

Planning your visit: how long and is it worth it

Is the Lava Show worth visiting? For visitors who will not see an active eruption, it is the closest safe experience of real lava, and it takes less than an hour. That makes it easy to fit between other Reykjavik sights, or to use as a wet-weather plan.

Arrive at least ten minutes before your show. The best time to visit is any time of day, as the experience is the same, but afternoon slots tend to be busier in summer. The neighbourhood has cafés and other attractions, so you can turn your visit into a half-day in Grandi.