Lava Center Hvolsvöllur
The Lava Center, located in Hvolsvöllur, Iceland, is an interactive museum and exhibition space dedicated to the country’s unique and powerful volcanic activity. Situated near some of Iceland's most active volcanoes, the center provides visitors with an immersive experience that explains the geological forces shaping Iceland's dramatic landscape.
The exhibition covers everything from the formation of Iceland, driven by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, to the various types of volcanic eruptions and the impact they have on the environment. State-of-the-art displays, including interactive exhibits, 3D models, and panoramic screens, bring the story of Iceland’s fiery origins to life. Visitors can explore the science behind earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the creation of lava fields, gaining a deeper understanding of the volatile nature of the island.
One of the highlights of the Lava Center is its observation deck, which offers stunning views of nearby volcanoes like Hekla, Katla, and Eyjafjallajökull. The center also serves as an educational resource, providing up-to-date information on ongoing volcanic activity and monitoring efforts in Iceland.
Facts & Figures
- Opened: June 1st, 2017
- Location: Hvolsvöllur, South Iceland, near the Katla Geopark
- Distance from Reykjavík: About 100 kilometers (62 miles), a 1.5-hour drive
- Size: 2,500 square meters
- Time to Spend: 1.5 to 2 hours recommended
- Open: Year-round
- Awards: Multiple Red Dot Awards, Lighting Awards, architecture awards, and named one of Lonely Planet's top 10 new attractions worldwide in 2017.
Award Winning Interactive Museum
Lava Center Hvolsvöllur was designed as an educational center to underline Iceland's unique position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, making it one of the most volcanically active places in the world. Designed by Basalt Architects [1], the center isn't very far from Iceland's three most important volcanoes: Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull, and Katla. The center opened its doors in 2017, its creation having been a way of giving both locals and tourists an in-depth understanding of Iceland's volcanic activity and the potential threats posed by its many active volcanoes.
Over the years, numerous prizes have been bestowed upon Lava Center in regard to its unique architecture and interactive exhibitions. Locally, the design of the center received the Red Dot Awards [2] for outstanding light and visitor experience, while internationally it celebrated its educational values. The center was listed among Lonely Planet's top 10 new attractions around the world in 2017 [3], further cementing it one of Iceland's newest must-see attractions.
What to See at the Lava Center
The Lava Center is an immersive experience that merges modern technology with educational insight. Situated close to some of the most active volcanoes in Iceland, the center affords a window not only into the fascinating but also the volatile nature of Iceland's geology. Visitors will engage in an interactive display explaining the creation of Iceland's volcanoes, how volcanic eruptions occur, and what earthquakes have to do with it all.
Inside the center, visitors are greeted right away by a timeline of volcanic activity in Iceland and all of the eruptions that have formed the landscape of the island. The most interactive trait is the earthquake simulator — these are tremors people feel that come before an eruption. There are also interviews with the locals whose stories of living close to active volcanoes make the human experience of volcanoes come alive.
Real lava rocks are handled in the lava room and guests learn about different types of lava that has flowed from Iceland's volcanoes. Digital simulation of flowing lava is done for allowing visitors to observe the way lava behaves under different conditions. Other highlights include the Eyjafjallajökull room, featuring a 12-minute film on the 2010 eruption that grounded air traffic across Europe and disrupted lives around the globe [4].
Visitors can also ascend to a rooftop terrace from which views across the surrounding landscape can be taken in, including the nearby volcanoes Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull, and Katla. This really quite breathtaking view will provide an accurate sense of the size and proximity of these geological giants.
Nearby Attractions
Make the most of your trip to the Lava Center with other nearby attractions. The beautiful waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are just close by, offering great views and hikes. For those who love history, take a stop by the Saga Center in Hvolsvöllur for a thorough look at Iceland's Viking heritage. Further, if you need more volcanic adventures, there's Thórsmörk Valley — a popular hiking destination.
Nearby Accommodation
If you’re planning to spend more time exploring the area, there are several accommodation options near the Lava Center. For hotel stays, Hotel Rangá offers luxurious rooms with views of the nearby volcanoes and the chance to see the northern lights. Brú Guesthouse provides cozy, comfortable accommodation in the countryside, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
If camping is more your style, the Hvolsvöllur Camping Site is conveniently located and offers good facilities, including showers, restrooms, and electric hook-ups for campervans.
Where is the Lava Center?
The Lava Center is located in Hvolsvöllur, South Iceland, just off Iceland’s famous Ring Road. It is situated in the Katla Geopark, making it a perfect stop for those exploring the volcanic regions of Iceland.
- The GPS coordinates are: 63°45'11.7"N 20°14'11.1"W.
How to Get There?
From Reykjavík, the Lava Center is an easy 1.5-hour drive along the Ring Road (Route 1), heading east. From Vik, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive west. If you’re staying in the south of Iceland, the Lava Center is conveniently located near many of the region's top attractions, including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
Parking and Facilities
The Lava Center does have ample parking; moreover, it is free. Inside, a very well-appointed visitor center offers restrooms, a small gift shop, and a café where refreshments can be enjoyed after your tour. Information signs are available in several languages to assure the ease and informativeness of every visitor's experience.