Admission
5,200 ISK
Adult Full Experience; Cinema Only 2,000 ISK. Checked September 10, 2026
Lava Centre: Interactive Volcano Exhibition in Hvolsvöllur
An interactive volcano exhibition in Iceland's most active volcanic zone, covering the geology behind Eyjafjallajökull, Katla, and Hekla.
Location
Hvolsvöllur
South Iceland • Route 1
Quick Answer
The Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur covers Eyjafjallajökull, Katla, and Hekla with an earthquake simulator and live seismic feeds. On Route 1, 1.5 hours from Reykjavík.
The Lava Centre is an interactive volcano and earthquake exhibition located in Hvolsvöllur, a small town on Iceland's south coast along Route 1. Opened in 2017, the centre sits in the shadow of some of Iceland's best-known volcanoes: Eyjafjallajökull, Katla, and Hekla. The exhibition uses real-time seismic monitoring, an earthquake simulator, and interactive displays to explain how Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart. That rifting produces the volcanic and geothermal forces that shape the island.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Opening Hours
08:30–17:00
September–May; June–August closes at 19:00. Checked September 10, 2026
Ticket choice
Exhibition or film
Full Experience and Cinema Only are sold separately
Choose the exhibition or the film
The operator lists two adult ticket options: Full Experience costs 5,200 ISK and Cinema Only costs 2,000 ISK, checked September 10, 2026. Choose Full Experience if you want the interactive displays described on this page. The lower price buys the movie option; check the ticket name before comparing offers.
The seasonal change happens in September: daily closing moves from 19:00 to 17:00 on September 1, while opening remains 08:30. That makes an evening stop unsuitable for an autumn or winter drive along the south coast.
What to Expect
Earthquake Simulator
A room where you feel real seismic tremors based on actual earthquake data from Iceland's volcanic zones
Eyjafjallajökull Eruption
Detailed exhibits on the 2010 eruption that grounded flights across Europe and its impact on local farming communities
Real-Time Seismic Monitor
Live data feeds showing current earthquake activity across Iceland, updated in real time
Tectonic Plate Exhibition
Interactive displays explaining how the Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs through Iceland, pulling the island apart
Katla & Hekla Exhibits
In-depth information on two of Iceland's most powerful and historically significant volcanoes
Volcano Cinema
A short film of Icelandic eruption footage on a large screen
Getting There
The Lava Centre is in Hvolsvöllur, directly on Route 1 (Ring Road), approximately 105 km east of Reykjavík (about 1.5 hours' drive). It is a natural stopping point on the south coast route between Reykjavík and Vík. Free parking is available at the centre. The building also houses a restaurant and gift shop.
Best Time to Visit
The Lava Centre is open year-round and works well as a first or last stop on a south coast day trip. In summer, extended hours and longer daylight make it easy to combine with nearby waterfalls and glacier views. In winter, it is a warm refuge along the sometimes harsh south coast drive. The exhibition is indoors, but weather and road conditions still affect the drive.
Planning help
Lava Centre FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What volcanoes does the Lava Centre cover?
The exhibition focuses on the volcanic systems of south Iceland, including Eyjafjallajökull (which erupted in 2010 and disrupted European air travel), Katla, Hekla (historically known as the 'Gateway to Hell'), and the Westman Islands' Eldfell. It also covers Grímsvötn and the broader geology of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Is there an earthquake simulator?
Yes, the Lava Centre features an earthquake simulation room where visitors can feel the tremors that frequently occur along Iceland's tectonic plate boundary. The simulation is based on real seismic data and gives a sense of what Icelanders experience during earthquake swarms.
Is the Lava Centre suitable for children?
Yes, the interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and earthquake simulator are very popular with children. Choose the Full Experience ticket for the interactive exhibition; the Cinema Only ticket is a separate option.
Can I combine a visit with nearby attractions?
The Lava Centre sits right on the south coast route. It pairs well with visits to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Eyjafjallajökull eruption area, and the Westman Islands ferry at Landeyjahöfn. Many visitors stop here en route between Reykjavík and Vík.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.