Lava Centre | Vik

The Vík Lava Centre is an interactive and educational visitor center located near the village of Vík í Mýrdal on the southern coast of Iceland. It focuses on Iceland’s volcanic activity, geological history, and the role of lava in shaping the island's landscape. The center provides a fascinating insight into the forces that have shaped Iceland and its people. Here’s a detailed look at what the Vík Lava Centre offers:

Geographical Location

• Position: The Vík Lava Centre is located just off Route 1, a short distance from the village of Vík í Mýrdal, making it easily accessible for those traveling along Iceland’s southern coast. Its proximity to popular attractions such as Reynisfjara Beach, Skogafoss Waterfall, and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier makes it a natural stop for visitors exploring the area.

Purpose and Concept

• The primary aim of the Vík Lava Centre is to educate visitors about Iceland’s volcanic activity, which is central to the island’s geography and history. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, with frequent eruptions and ongoing geothermal activity. The center highlights the science behind volcanic eruptions, their impact on the environment, and the challenges faced by Icelanders in living alongside these natural forces.

Exhibits and Attractions

The Vík Lava Centre features several exhibits that provide visitors with an engaging and educational experience. Some of the key elements include:

Interactive Exhibits

Volcanic Eruptions: The center uses state-of-the-art technology to explain the process of volcanic eruptions and how they have shaped Iceland. Visitors can learn about the eruptions of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes, including Eyjafjallajökull and Katla, and understand how volcanic activity has influenced the country’s landscape and its people. Interactive displays include simulations of eruptions, allowing guests to experience the dramatic events in a virtual setting.

Geological History: The exhibits also cover the geological history of Iceland, explaining how the island was formed by tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions. The lava flows, craters, and geothermal features that visitors can see across the country are the result of millions of years of volcanic processes. There are also displays on the types of lava flows, volcanic ash, and how they interact with the environment.

Lava and Earthquakes

• Visitors can also explore how volcanic activity is connected to earthquakes. Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This tectonic activity causes frequent earthquakes, which have influenced the country's geological features and even the development of Icelandic culture and architecture.

Films and Multimedia

• The Lava Centre features short films that showcase Iceland’s eruptions, including the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. These films highlight the power and impact of volcanic eruptions, as well as the resilience of Icelandic communities in the face of natural disasters.

Lava Models and Rock Samples

• The center has an impressive collection of lava rock samples, which provide a tactile way for visitors to understand the different types of lava that have erupted from Iceland’s volcanoes. These hands-on exhibits help to illustrate the physical properties of lava and how different eruptions create varying landscapes.

Simulations

• The Lava Centre offers virtual simulations that allow visitors to experience what it might be like during a volcanic eruption. These simulations show the lava flow and ash clouds from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, as well as the immediate impact on the surrounding landscape.

Educational Focus

The Vík Lava Centre places a strong emphasis on making learning about geology and volcanism fun and engaging for all ages. It caters to families, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the unique natural forces that shape Iceland. The interactive displays and multimedia features make complex scientific concepts accessible, ensuring that visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

Tourism and Visitor Services

Guided Tours: Visitors to the Vík Lava Centre can take part in guided tours that offer more in-depth explanations of the exhibits and the volcanic phenomena that they showcase. These tours often include a discussion about the importance of volcano monitoring in Iceland, as well as the ways in which scientists study volcanic activity to predict eruptions and mitigate risks.

Gift Shop: Like many tourist centers in Iceland, the Vík Lava Centre features a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs related to the exhibits, such as lava-themed jewelry, geological books, and local handicrafts.

Cafe and Restaurant: The center includes a cafe where visitors can take a break and enjoy coffee, snacks, and light meals. It provides a comfortable place to relax after exploring the exhibits.

Volcanic Activity in Iceland

Iceland’s volcanic activity is one of the main reasons it attracts so many visitors. The Vík Lava Centre showcases the real-time risks of living in an active volcanic zone and highlights the measures that are taken to monitor volcanic eruptions. The Eyjafjallajökull eruption of 2010 is one of the most significant events in recent memory, disrupting air travel across Europe and causing ash clouds that impacted the local environment. The Vík Lava Centre delves into the science of this eruption and others, explaining how the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull and other volcanoes are linked to the island’s unique geological features.

Nearby Attractions

The Vík Lava Centre is located near several other major tourist attractions in southern Iceland, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the area. Some nearby sites include:

• Reynisfjara Beach: Famous for its black sand, basalt columns, and dramatic sea stacks, this beach is just a short drive from the Vík Lava Centre.
• Skogafoss Waterfall: One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Vík.
• Dyrhólaey: A promontory near Vík offering panoramic views of the coast and home to puffins in the summer.
• Mýrdalsjökull Glacier: A large ice cap situated above the Katla volcano, it is a popular destination for glacier hikes and snowmobiling tours.

Summary

The Vík Lava Centre is an excellent resource for those interested in learning more about Iceland’s volcanic activity and the unique geological processes that have shaped the island. With its interactive exhibits, educational films, and informative displays, the center offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. It serves as a perfect complement to the natural wonders found along the southern coast of Iceland, offering valuable insight into the forces of nature that continue to shape the land. Whether you're a geology enthusiast or simply curious about the island's volcanic history, the Vík Lava Centre is a must-see stop.