Experience the heat of real molten lava at the Reykjavik Lava Show. Discover why booking tickets in advance is essential to secure your spot in Iceland.
The Reykjavik Lava Show is one of the few places in the world where you can watch real molten lava flow in a safe indoor setting. The combination of science, storytelling and theatre has proved so popular that tickets often sell out, particularly in the busier summer months and on cruise ship days.
Buying in advance removes the risk of finding the show fully booked when you arrive. It also allows you to choose between the standard Classic experience and the Premium option, which has fewer seats available.
- Book Reykjavik Lava Show tickets here to secure a place for your preferred date and time.
Walk-up availability is limited
The venue accepts walk-in visitors if there are spaces left, but this cannot be guaranteed. On busier days, same-day tickets can be gone hours in advance. Arriving to find no availability is a real possibility, particularly for the evening shows.
Advance booking means you can plan your day with certainty, avoiding the need to return later or rearrange other activities. It also allows you to go straight in without queuing at the ticket desk.
Why book the Reykjavik City Card (48-hour)?
- Free entry to top Reykjavik attractions: Visit museums, galleries and cultural sites without paying separate entrance fees.
- Unlimited public transport included: Use buses across Reykjavik city for 48 hours without extra cost — great for easy sightseeing.
- Two-day convenient pass: Covering 48 hours, it offers flexibility to explore at your own pace across two days.
- Cost-effective for multiple visits: Ideal if you plan to visit several attractions — saves money compared with paying entry individually.
- Easy digital voucher format: Receive the pass as a voucher on your phone — no need to print any tickets or vouchers.
Flexible booking terms
Reykjavik Lava Show tickets purchased online usually come with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the show. That gives you the security of a confirmed booking while keeping the option to change plans if your schedule shifts or the weather affects other activities.
If you are travelling in a group, this can also make it easier to ensure everyone is seated together.
- Reserve Reykjavik Lava Show tickets here with flexible cancellation included.
Choosing your experience
Classic experience
The standard Reykjavik Lava Show ticket includes a 50–55 minute presentation with video, a demonstration of molten lava being poured and cooled, and a Q&A session. Visitors are given safety goggles and seated in front of the demonstration area, where they can see, hear and feel the heat of the lava.
Premium experience
Premium tickets at the Reykjavik Lava Show are limited to adults aged 13 and above. They add a welcome drink, access to a small VIP lounge, balcony seating close to the lava, a behind-the-scenes tour and a small lava souvenir to take home. These places are often the first to sell out.
Timing and seating
The Reykjavik Lava Show starts exactly on time, so it is worth arriving 15–20 minutes early to get settled. Advance bookings allow you to focus on finding the best available seats without having to queue at the entrance.
As the audience is seated in close proximity to the demonstration, every place has a clear view, but early arrival still improves your chances of sitting in your preferred area.
- Book Reykjavik Lava Show tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rush.
Location and practicalities
The Reykjavik Lava Show is at Fiskislóð 73 in the Grandi Harbour area, about 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre. There is free parking outside for those driving, and several cafés and shops nearby if you want to combine your visit with lunch or coffee.
The venue is fully accessible, and children are welcome, although under-5s may find the noise and heat overwhelming. The lava used in the demonstration is safe to be around, as it is free of harmful volcanic gases.
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