Iceland’s New Lava Center Will Overlook Three Active Volcanoes

The volcanoes of Iceland are famous for shaping the island’s landscape, fueling its hot springs, and causing mass flight delays. Now, the nation is getting its own museum dedicated to its volatile underbelly. As The Guardian reports, the new volcano and earthquake center will provide views of three active volcanoes when it opens June 1.

The Lava Center is situated in the town of Hvolsvöllur in south Iceland. Surrounding it are some of the most active volcanoes in the country. Katla, Hekla, and Eyjafjallajökull have each erupted several times over the past century. Most recently, Eyjafjallajökull made headlines in 2010 when it coughed up enough ash and debris to halt flights across Europe.

Visitors can see all three of the explosive behemoths from the center’s 360-degree viewing platform. Other attractions at the museum include a timeline of volcanic eruptions, an artificial “ash corridor,” and a 30-foot-tall recreation of a lava stream beneath the Earth’s surface. The space also features a movie theater where guests can watch real-life footage of volcanoes and earthquakes.

When it launches next month, the Lava Center will be just one way to experience Iceland’s geological wonders. The destination is also home to lava fields, visible tectonic plates, and dormant volcanoes that are accessible to the public.

[h/t The Guardian]

All images courtesy of Lava Center.