Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur
A fascinating insight into Iceland’s natural forces
24.05.2024
What can I expect when visiting the Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur? Here you’ll find all the important information about the experience, whether photos can be taken, and my conclusion.
Table of Contents
Information
The Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur can be conveniently booked via GetYourGuide* or Viator* It provides exciting insights into the formation and discovery of Iceland and the geological processes that bring magma to the Earth’s surface. Unlike some museums, there are no audio devices or QR codes for a guided tour.
Arrival
After checking in at the ticket counter, visitors can explore the first part of the exhibition before heading to the cinema.
Experience
The tour begins with a short, worthwhile film in the cinema. Afterwards, visitors enter the main exhibition.
The paths inside the Lava Center are dark, and the walls are curved with red-orange colors to simulate the movement of magma. Guests learn how divergent tectonic plate movements and rising magma lead to frequent earthquakes, and they can experience the drama of a simulated earthquake firsthand.
The exhibition explains how magma rises at plate boundaries and interacts with a mantle plume (hot spot) under Iceland, located in the central highlands. The gaseous, molten rock expelled during a volcanic eruption is called lava or tephra. A map shows all active volcanoes in Iceland, including the date of their last eruption.
Outside, there is a viewing platform with labels showing which volcanoes are visible from the center.
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My Travel Diary
Your personal companion for your adventures – with plenty of space for photos and notes!
After this experience
At the end of the tour, visitors can browse the souvenir shop before leaving.
Photos
Photos can be taken throughout the exhibition. If you want to appear in a photo, it’s best to ask other guests.
My Review
Visiting the Lava Center was very exciting, especially the earthquake simulator. The geological explanations are fascinating. I highly recommend the center for anyone interested in learning more about Iceland’s natural forces. While it’s not the same as witnessing a live lava eruption, it offers a safe and close-up way to experience this impressive natural phenomenon.
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