Everyone visiting Iceland sees a part of the Reykjanes (pronounced Reyk-ee-ness) Peninsula, as that is the place the Keflavík International Airport is positioned. You may even discover Iceland’s hottest vacationer attraction, the Blue Lagoon, on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Yet there’s a lot extra to see that almost all guests miss. It could be very simple to incorporate a day journey or embrace the Reykjanes Peninsula in your Iceland itinerary.
Sadly, the Reykjanes Peninsula is usually neglected by guests touring the Golden Circle or the South Coast. Don’t make that mistake! If you’re questioning if visiting the Reykjanes Peninsula is value it, I’ll let you know completely sure! There is lots to see and do on the Reykjanes Peninsula and its proximity to the worldwide airport and capital metropolis of Reykjavik actually make it a must-visit vacation spot.
In this submit I’ll let you know why to go to the Reykjanes Peninsula, the perfect issues to do on the Reykjanes Peninsula (with a map of these locations), and the way to arrange a one-day itinerary for visiting the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Why Visit the REykjanes Peninsula
Reykjanes means “steamy” and this volcanic space on the southwesternmost tip of Iceland options loads of geothermal fields, historic craters, and fissures that make it stay as much as its title. The Reykjanes Peninsula can also be residence to the Geldingadalur Volcano, the positioning of Iceland’s most up-to-date volcanic eruptions.
The Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark covers the Reykjanes Peninsula, the place the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises above sea degree and you’ll see the boundary between the tectonic plates. Its barren panorama has been in comparison with the moon and was used as a navy base for the U.S. till just lately.
On the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is possible for you to to absorb the view from the highest of a lighthouse, go to seashores, stroll throughout the bridge between two continents, and see highly effective steam vents and geothermal sizzling pots. You may also see the latest land formations in Iceland on the Geldingadalur volcano lava fields.
If you favor man-made sights, after all, there’s the well-known Blue Lagoon, in addition to the Viking Museum, and the Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll. Read on for a full record of issues to do on the Reykjanes Peninsula with a one-day (or extra) itinerary, full with a map and suggestions.
Getting to the Reykjanes Peninsula
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It is straightforward so as to add a day journey to the Reykjanes Peninsula to a visit to Reykjavik or the South Coast of Iceland. You will want a full day to slot in every little thing on this itinerary, presumably even extending it to 2 days relying on how a lot time you need to spend on the Blue Lagoon or the lava fields.
Or, you possibly can break up this up into two days to your arrival day and departure day. When you arrive, hit the Blue Lagoon after which see a couple of extra of the sights. Then in your departure day see when you can go to the Lava Tunnel and one other sight, relying on if you flight departs.
Most arriving flights land early within the morning and you’ll want to kill time anyway earlier than checking into your lodge or Airbnb. Also, most departing flights to the U.S. go away within the late afternoon so you may slot in a go to and end on the airport.
If you’re renting a automobile on the airport to your go to to Iceland, it’s simple sufficient to discover the Reykjanes Peninsula. However, in case you are basing your self out of Reykjavik with no automobile, you will want to join a tour.
If you e-book a tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula with Hidden Iceland utilizing promo code WE3TRAVEL, you’ll save 10 %.
I’ve completed a little bit of each. The first time I visited the Reykjanes Peninsula it was a part of a small group tour that included websites in Reykjavik and a drop-off on the airport. However, due to others’ earlier drop-off instances at KEF airport, I didn’t get to see every little thing. So after I returned to Iceland to discover Snaefellsnes and the West Fjords, I made a decision I needed to see what I missed in Reykjanes as properly. Plus it was good to go to this space when it wasn’t snow-covered this time round!
This time I took a personal three-to-four-hour tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula. I had stayed in a single day in Reykjavik on my final night time and wanted to rearrange for a FlyBus or switch to the airport anyway so I stuffed my downtime with seeing a little bit bit extra of Iceland earlier than flying residence.
Best Things to do on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Here are the highest sights and sights on the Reykjanes Peninsula. I’m itemizing these within the order that you’d go to every attraction when you had been planning a one-day Reykjanes Peninsula itinerary from Reykjavik. This would begin on the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel on the best way to Reykjanes and end with a soothing soak on the Blue Lagoon. Obviously this may very well be reordered relying on what you most need to go to and any time constraints.
Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
The Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel is likely one of the longest and finest in Iceland, plus it’s simple to get to as it’s simply half-hour from Reykjavik. Tours run roughly one hour and go away on the hour from 9 am to five pm. This permits you to get an early begin and slot in a full day on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
You will get to see the inside workings of a volcanic eruption as you stroll by means of a lava tube created 5200 years in the past through the Leitahraun volcanic eruption. Helmets and lamps are supplied however it is best to gown warmly and put on sturdy footwear to stroll over uneven and typically moist surfaces.
Book a tour of the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Seltun Geothermal Area and Kleifarvatn Lake
If you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa from the airport, you may swing by the Seltun geothermal space and Lake Kleifarvatn afterward. However, in case you are ranging from Reykjavik, cease on the Seltun geothermal space after your Lava Tunnel tour.
Kleifarvatn Lake is likely one of the deepest lakes in Iceland and the most important on the Reykjanes peninsula. It is an attractive spot to {photograph} due to the volcanic panorama and lava fields surrounding the lake. There is even a perception {that a} “Loch Ness Monster-like” large worm and a medium-sized whale stay within the lake.
Just down the road, you will discover the Seltún Geothermal space. This space options mud pots and sizzling springs which are simply accessible from the parking zone alongside a boardwalk. When I visited within the winter this space was snow-covered and I didn’t get to see the gorgeous colours that this geothermal space is known for.
Geldingadalur Volcano
It shouldn’t be a protracted stroll to the sting of the lava subject that was created by the current eruptions of the Geldingadalur Volcano (additionally known as Fagradalsfjall á Reykjanesi). However, it’s a for much longer and more difficult hike if you wish to go nearer to the place the eruptions passed off.
The volcano isn’t actively erupting on the time of this writing, so there isn’t any energetic lava flows or eruptions to view. This is at all times topic to vary so I might encourage you to go to the Safe Travel web site earlier than you embark to verify hazard ranges because of gases, climate, landslides, or falling rocks, and many others.
If you do determine to stroll all the best way out to the place the lava was erupting (if it restarts), that hike will take no less than a few hours, plus time spent taking within the view and expertise. Therefore it might be onerous to slot in every little thing on this itinerary and also you may want to separate your go to into two days or skip a few of the sights.
Book a guided volcano hike or e-book a helicopter volcano viewing tour
Grindavík
It is sensible primarily based on location to go to the Blue Lagoon subsequent. However, I nonetheless suppose it’s good to finish the day with a soothing soak after a day stuffed with exploring and mountaineering. This manner you additionally don’t have to rush your time. However, if you go to is as much as you. You may also go to the Blue Lagoon in your arrival or departure day and save your Reykjanes Peninsula itinerary for its personal day.
Whether you go to the Blue Lagoon or not, Grindavík is a cute fishing city close to the Blue Lagoon. In this small city, you will discover mountaineering trails, swimming amenities, and even certainly one of Iceland’s finest golf programs.
This can also be a very good cease for lunch. In Grindavík fishing village you will discover a number of good eating places, akin to Salthúsið Restaurant, Bryggjan restaurant (nice lobster soup), or Papas restaurant (attempt the lobster pizza!)
While in Grindavík, additionally cease by the Brimketill naturally carved pool within the lava on the shore edge west of city. You can take a small set of stairs from the parking zone all the way down to a viewing platform. Just beware that waves can virtually attain the parking zone so the steps can get slippery and you will get soaked.
Gunnuhver / Gudrun’s Geysir
This geothermal space options effervescent mud swimming pools and steaming fissures. The largest characteristic is the Gunnuhver mud pot. Legend has it that this was named for a ghost who attacked individuals and shook the homes, which a neighborhood reverend was capable of do away with by forcing her into the mud pot.
When I visited the primary time, this space was energetic however not practically to the extent that it’s right now. Today, Gunnuhver shoots excessive into the air and the spray blows throughout the viewing platform, so take care together with your digital camera and put on a raincoat. If you go to within the winter, additionally be careful for ice on the boardwalks due to the spray.
There are two completely different parking heaps and strolling paths to entry Gunnuhver. Expect to spend round quarter-hour taking on this space. From there, you may select to stroll over to the Reykjanes Lighthouse.
Reykjanes Lighthouse / Reykjanesviti
The first lighthouse in-built Iceland was erected right here in 1778. However, it collapsed a couple of years later because of earthquakes. The current lighthouse was constructed within the early 1900s and stands roughly 69 meters above sea degree and is 26 meters excessive. You can’t climb this lighthouse, however you may stroll up the hill to the lighthouse and benefit from the view from there.
Valahnúkamöl / Eldey
A brief drive previous the Reykjanes Lighthouse will carry you to the Valahnúkamöl. This mountain was fashioned from a volcanic eruption. This rugged, but scenic spot can also be a very good probability to be taught concerning the dividing line between the 2 continents and the way it travels from the ocean and cuts by means of Iceland.
If you’ve time, you may climb the cliffs, however it’s value no less than taking a stroll alongside this shoreline. The jagged rocks jutting from the water give proof of the realm’s turbulent formation.
In the space, you may see Edley Island. This 77-meter-high rock protrudes out of the ocean about 15 kilometers south of the Peninsula. You will want a very good lens or binoculars to see it clearly, however right now the island is residence to the most important Gannet colonies on this planet.
The Great Auk, a now-extinct hen species, had additionally made its residence on a skerry close to Eldey. The skerry sank into the ocean following volcanic exercise in 1830 and the final Great Auk was killed in 1844 for a Danish pure historical past collector – which is greater than ironic. Today you may see a sculpture of a Great Auk from artist Todd McGrain from his “Lost Bird Project” on the shore beneath Valahnúkur.
Plan on spending no less than an hour exploring the shoreline and the cliffs.
Bridge Between Two Continents
The Eurasian and North American plates are shifting aside at a couple of price of two centimeters per 12 months. On the Reykjanes Peninsula, you may stroll throughout the “Leif the Lucky” bridge, named after Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson. This Bridge between the Continents connects these two plates.
Here you may cross the 60-foot-long bridge or stroll by means of the sandy soil of the Alfagja rift valley between two continents. It isn’t so much to take a look at however the idea of standing between continents is intriguing, therefore why individuals additionally prefer to snorkel or dive between the continents in Thingvellir National Park.
Hvalsneskirkja Sandgerdi
Sandgerði is a fishing neighborhood on the northern tip of the peninsula. You will discover many vacation homes and a fairly stretch of shoreline. If you take pleasure in trying out a few of Iceland’s scenic church buildings, then you should definitely make a cease at Hvalsneskirkja (FYI – kirkja means church in Icelandic.) This black stone church was in-built 1885-1887.
Today you may go to the church and well-maintained cemetery, however the church could or might not be open to guests with out an appointment.
Gardur / Gardskagi
Gardur, which implies backyard or yard, was named after the earthen partitions that when indicated boundaries between native properties. Today it’s maybe most well-known for being the hometown of the lead singer for Of Monsters and Men.
You may also go to the Gardur Peninsula Historical Museum and see the Gardskagi Lighthouse. The Gardskagi Lighthouse was in-built 1944 and is the tallest lighthouse in Iceland. You can buy a ticket within the heritage and maritime museum subsequent door and climb to the highest to absorb the view from the balcony. It can also be residence to 2 exhibits concerning the Northern Lights and Icelandic Whales.
You may also go to the Old Gardskagi Lighthouse, which is now residence to a cute café and occasional store. If you make a purchase order, you may climb up the ladders to the highest of this lighthouse as properly and get a pleasant perspective of the coast and the taller lighthouse.
Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll
If you’ve a little bit extra time on the Reykjanes Peninsula earlier than catching a airplane or heading again to Reykjavik, take a look at the Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll in Keflavik close to the airport.
The museum was opened in April 2014 to cowl the story of rock and pop music in Iceland from 1930 to the current. Guests obtain a pill and headphones to be taught and listen to extra about every of the artists, together with Sigtryggur Baldursson (the drummer of Sugarcubes), Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, and Hljómar. The museum additionally has a sound lab the place guests can check out an electrical drum equipment, guitar,bass guitars, and keyboards.
Viking World Museum
If Icelandic music isn’t your jam, perhaps Vikings are. Families particularly will benefit from the Viking World Museum. Here you will discover a full-size duplicate Viking ship (that really sailed to America) and displays about Nordic mythology. Kids particularly will take pleasure in dressing up as a Viking and searching on the animals outdoors.
We loved this museum rather more than the Saga Museum in Reykjavik. I might mark it as a should do in case you are touring with youngsters or you’ve a selected curiosity in Vikings, exploration, or Nordic mythology.
Blue Lagoon
I’ve spelled out all my the explanation why I didn’t love the Blue Lagoon, however I perceive that for a lot of a visit to Iceland isn’t full with no dip within the well-known milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. It can be an effective way to finish the day of exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula. Just be ready for crowds, a hefty price ticket, and a business setting.
You can go to the Blue Lagoon and discover the Reykjanes Peninsula all in at some point since I might normally suggest budgeting two-to-three hours on the Blue Lagoon. However, it could make sense to separate them up. For instance, go to the Blue Lagoon if you arrive in Iceland and you’re drained and jet-lagged to kill time earlier than you may verify into your lodging. Then, discover extra of the Reykjanes Peninsula earlier than flying out in your departure day.
Map of Reykjanes Peninsula and Points of Interest
Map supply: Google My Maps
Reykjanes Peninsula 1-Day Itinerary
As I’ve outlined above, it’s simple to go to the Reykjanes Peninsula in a single day journey from Reykjavik. Depending in your pursuits, I would go away Reykjavik round 8 am and plan to return within the night. If you’re self-driving, it helps to have a 4 wheel drive automobile to navigate a few of smaller, gravel roads and parking heaps on Reykjanes, which can have massive potholes, however the primary roads are simply navigated, as are many of the major roads in Iceland. Following are the sights within the order they need to be visited based on this itinerary. I’ve included approximate time spent at every cease, not together with journey time between sights.
- Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel (1 hour)
- Seltun Geothermal space (half-hour)
- Geldingadalur Volcano (1 to three hours)
- Grindavik (1 hour for lunch)
- Gunnuhver geothermal space and Reykjanes lighthouse (45 minutes)
- Valahnúkamöl cliffs and coast (1 hour)
- Bridge Between Two Continents (half-hour)
- Hvalsneskirkja (church) (quarter-hour)
- Gardur Lighthouse (45 minutes)
- Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll or Viking World Museum (select 1 — 1-2 hours)
- Blue Lagoon (2-3 hours, plan on having dinner right here earlier than returning to Reykjavik)
Where to Stay on the Reykjanes Peninsula
There are quite a lot of small lodges on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in addition to quite a lot of chain lodges close to the airport. I might suggest Hotel Berg, which additionally has a rooftop sizzling tub and gives free airport transportation.
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