Journey through the geological history of a nation as you explore the fiery heart of Iceland at awarded Lava Centre overlooking the great volcanoes of Eyjafjallajökull, Katla and Hekla. Learn by using interactive displays and videos. Become immersed in an experience that blends education with artistic displays of the various natural forces that created Iceland. Go to the Trembling Earth section and learn how diverging tectonic plate movements and rising magma cause frequent earthquakes. Experience the drama of a simulated earthquake. In front of the Fiery Heart of Iceland display, learn about the normal up-flow of magma at the diverging plate boundaries and how they interact with a mantle plume (hot spot) beneath Iceland, pin-pointed in the central highlands. Once the gaseous molten rock in the earth’s crust and mantle, known as magma, is expelled during a volcanic eruption, it is termed lava and tephra (airborne material). There are 30 volcanic systems in Iceland containing many types of volcanoes, with a strong impact on nature and the rapidly developing landscapes. In the Magma Learning Center, get an insight into many volcanic structures. Tephra forms when magma encounters water or ice, or if the gaseous magma is very viscous. The magma splinters into pieces of various sizes that may spread over large areas. Get a panoramic view of 4 large, active but dormant volcanoes and a group of volcanic islands in the Local Volcano section, or from the viewing deck. All are of a different type and nature, and two of them are among the most active and productive volcanoes in Iceland!   

The movie starts with a historic overview of eruptions in Iceland and then goes through the latest eruptions in Iceland. Only footage in the highest possible quality is used, shot in 4K or better. There is no vocal narrative (voice-over) - only video and sound, presenting a story that will leave you breathless due to the forces of Icelandic nature. The movie starts with a short overview of the eruptions in Iceland, starting with the Katla eruption in 1918, Hekla in 1947, Askja in 1961, Surtsey in 1963, the Westman Islands in 1973, Krafla in 1975, and many more. Finally, you will learn about 2010 and the Fimmvörðuháls eruption followed by Ejafjallajökull which blocked all air traffic. You will also find out about the Grímsvötn eruption in 2011 and Holuhraun in 2014-2015 and the latest eruptions in Fagradalsfjall or Fagradalseldar as we call the series of eruptions. You will leave with a better understanding of the magnitude of these eruptions and what effects it has on the inhabitants of this rugged island.