June had already arrived in Reykjavík but it was four degrees celsius outside, felt like -2 according to the weather app on my phone due to the north wind from the sea. I was feeling cold and miserable and the summer weather around mid-May felt like a distant memory or something I had made up. But that was about to change. I thought to myself: “Maybe a 1000 degrees hot lava can help warm and cheer me up? What if I go to the Lava Show now?” – and so I did. I first called them to make a reservation and luckily enough, they had availability for the eight o’clock show. They are often sold out, so booking more in advance is recommended.
What is Lava Show?
The Lava Show originally opened in Vík, but added their second location in Reykjavík in 2022. For a short and sweet introduction, we can use their own description: Lava Show is a globally recognized, award-winning live experience that recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava to 1,100°C (2,000°F) and pouring it into a custom-designed showroom. Located in both Reykjavík and Vík, Iceland, Lava Show offers the extraordinary opportunity to safely witness real flowing lava up close—rain, shine, or snow. […] Combining thrilling visuals with expert narration and deep geological insight, the show is both a sensory spectacle and an educational deep dive into Iceland’s volcanic legacy.
How is the Lava Show Premium Experience in Reykjavík?
I went for the premium experience, which includes a backstage tour of the furnace room. The “Lava Master” that hosted the show for us is a geologist from France and he combined his knowledge of geology with storytelling and humour to keep the audience engaged when stirring up the lava and playing with it. This was a welcome differentiator from other volcano shows I have seen with a voiceover rather than an actual person. In this day and age, human connection is becoming more appreciated and valued, with automation, AI etc. The smell is another factor that adds to the sensory experience.
The video in the beginning was also telling a story with a dramatic voiceover, about supervolcanoes in the world and volcanic eruptions in Iceland through the ages.
Afterwards, we got a backstage introduction to see the modified oven, used to melt lava. Its original purpose was to melt aluminium but it had to be custom-made to be able to melt lava and allow higher temperatures. The fuel for the furnace is methane made from the household waste from Reykjavík residents, making it as sustainable as possible. Below you can find a short clip and photos from the visit:
