Volcano House Tours

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on earth, which makes it an excellent place to learn about the science behind the eruptions. For a solid overview of Iceland’s geological history and volcanic systems, stop by Volcano House, just a short walk from Reykjavik’s charming Old Harbour.

The Basics
Volcano House shows two powerful documentaries: one about the volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in 2010, which famously disrupted international air travel, and one detailing the Westman Islands eruption of 1973, which destroyed hundreds of homes. Before or after watching the films, head over to the hands-on geology exhibition and handle samples of pumice, ash, and lava sourced from Icelandic volcanoes.

A visit to Volcano House is often included on sightseeing tours that take travelers into the countryside to see volcanoes such as the Kerid crater. If you want to go to Volcano House only, save time at the entrance by booking your ticket online in advance.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Volcano House is a must-do for travelers interested in Iceland’s natural history.
• The geology exhibition is free, but you need to pay to see the films.
• Admission is free for children under the age of 12.
• The building is wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There
Volcano House is situated in the city center, a 15-minute walk from downtown Reykjavik. Buses 1, 3, 6, 11, and 13 from Hlemmur bus station stop within a 5-minute walk of the building.

When to Get There
Volcano House is open every day from 10am to 10pm. The films show on the hour every hour from 10am to 9pm, making Volcano House a good late-evening place to visit when you’ve finished sightseeing.

The Boutique
Allow yourself some time to browse in the gift shop, where you’ll find a unique selection of volcano-themed souvenirs for sale: mineral samples, lava jewelry, books, soap made with volcanic ash, and more. You can even buy a bottle of ash from Eyjafjallajokull, Hekla, or Vestmannaeyjar.