Iceland'a LAVA centre opens next month overlooking infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano

LAVA, the Iceland Volcano and Earthquake Centre, is set to open on June 1. Visitors are promised an interactive and educational experience exploring the nation's unique and volatile geology over millions of years.

The attraction is located in Hvolsvöllur, an hour's drive east of the capital of Reykjavik. It sits in the shadow of three of the country’s most prominent volcanoes, Katla, Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. The latter became infamous in Europe in 2010 when it released an ash cloud that shut down air space. Flights were stranded over several days.

Guests at LAVA will learn about the epic forces that shaped the planet and created Iceland.

The following features are promised:

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• Introduction to Volcanology
• Volcano Corridor
• Lava Corridor
• Ash Corridor
• Earthquake Corridor
• Geology Globe
• The Fiery Heart of Iceland – a 12m high structure simulating the mantle plume and magma flow underneath the country
• Cinema screening footage of volcanic eruptions and other natural events

A 360° viewing deck will allow visitors to contemplate the power of the volcanoes surrounding LAVA from a safe distance. As well as a restaurant and shop, there will also be an information centre offering tours of the Katla Geopark. Tickets are 2,900 ISK ($27.30/€25.00) to the exhibition and cinema, or 2,200 exhibition only.

Iceland's geological tourism

According to The Guardian, a number of geological tourist attractions have opened in Iceland in recent years. In February of last year, a 400m ice cave was cut into the heart of the Langjökull ice cap. In May 2016, Víðgelmir, the country’s largest lava cave, reopened with a new walkway and feature lighting.

Images: LAVA Centre

Volcano and earthquake museum to open in Iceland | Iceland holidays | The Guardian