Keflavík International Airport is in the heart of Reykjanes, a beautiful peninsula with varied scenery and quite a few wonderful attractions. If your flight arrives early in the day, my advice is don‘t race off to Reykjavík immediately, start your sightseeing right where you are. Pick up your hire car and head off to some Reykjanes attractions, or book yourself a scenic tour of Reykjanes to get you to the capital, instead of taking the regular bus.
With steaming hot pots, stunning lakes, cliffs, ocean and mountain landscapes to feast your eyes upon, I can promise you the sights and experiences will delight you. Your options include perusing Viking history at a fascinating museum and bathing at a classy spa set in the midst of a lava field. All of the places are within a fingertip’s reach of the airport.
If you arrive in the early hours of the morning, why not hit the ground running? Whether you self-drive, or enjoy a scenic tour of Reykjanes, you will make the most of your first day in Iceland.
The giant troll of Keflavík
If you have younger children, a short visit to see ‘Skessan’, the troll giantess, is recommended. You will find this Icelandic storybook character in her cave on the waterfront in Keflavík. She is seriously big and very funny.
Viking World Museum
Immerse yourself in the world of the Vikings right away. It is great to come straight here to enjoy the extensive breakfast buffet. As you eat in the café you can feast your eyes on the stunning harbor views. The four exhibitions have different themes: The Icelander, a replica of the real Viking ship, Gokstad; The Vikings of the North Atlantic; The Settlement of Iceland; and The Fate of the Gods. Leave with a wonderful picture of Viking life and the settlement times of Iceland. The café and museum are open from 07:00 to 18:00. More info on Viking World’s website.
Gunnuhver
Steam pouring from the scalding vents and boiling mud pools here give the beautiful vistas a feel that is as surreal as its namesake, the legendary witch, Gunna. Gunnuhver means Gunna’s spring. At the time of her death, she was involved in an angry dispute with the sheriff, Wilhelm, who died in odd circumstances the day after her burial. Her very angry ghost began to wreak destruction and mayhem around the area. The local priest gave two farmers a plan to trap the ghost of Gunna and she ended up in the hot spring. For a time the hot spring boiled with unprecedented ferocity until Gunna’s ghost was said to, finally, rest in peace. Today you can safely admire the bubbling beauty of Gunnuhver from the viewing platform and pathways, as wafts of mystical steam bring the ghost story alive.
Kleifarvatn – the largest lake on Reykjanes
The location of this lake on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge gives rise to astonishingly beautiful lava landscapes. Reached by a track, the lake, and the hiking paths around it, are enveloped by a sense of peace and remoteness that will make it hard for you to believe you are just 21.13 mi (34 km) from Reykjavík. Strangely shaped lava formations rise above the water and it is easy to feel you have landed on the moon. On a sunny day, the clear blue water glitters brightly against the black lava beaches that fringe Kleifarvatn. Golden tones and bright mossy greens add special drama in places.
There are no rivers flowing into the lake, it is filled by the water that trickles through the porous lava. At its deepest point, Kleifarvatn has a depth of 318 ft (96.92 m). Situated between Sveifluháls and Vatnshlíð, the surface area of the lake was reduced by a series of earthquakes between 2000 and 2001, but it has now refilled, once again covering 3.5 mi (9.1 km).
Grænavatn
The name of this lake means green lake, algae, and crystalline deposits give the water a wonderfully green-toned hue. The lake sits in a volcanic crater not far from Seltún. I always think Kleifarvatn has grandeur but Grænavatn, although delightfully pocket-sized, is equally beautiful. With little time at your disposal, you can walk around it and feel the atmosphere that spurred some interesting folklore. The last purported appearance of an odd being was around four hundred years ago!
Seltún / Krýsuvík
You will see mystical clouds of steam floating over the field of sulfate-rich boiling hot springs and mud pools. Drawing close, you will smell the sulfur in the air as the soft steam surrounds you. Some people describe the Seltún / Krýsuvík vistas as moon-like, but I always say they are otherworldly. For me this place is too colorful to be lunar-like, those sulfate deposits tint the ground vivid yellow, green, and even orange and red.
The Blue Lagoon
Bathing in the 37-39°C silica-rich geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon is the perfect way to rejuvenate yourself after your long flight. Bask in the milky blue water and totally relax as the mesmeric lava scenery surrounds you. Baste yourself in the pure white silica mud that is available free at the pool-side. I promise you your skin will be as smooth as silk. Enjoy a drink from the in-water bar. Standard or luxury packages and a range of bolt-on treatments can be booked.
Check our Blue Lagoon’s transfer offer.
Bridge between continents
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises its majestic head above the ocean at Reykjanes. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are moving apart, creating dramatic fissures. Standing on the Leif the Lucky´s Bridge at Sandvík, you will witness the evidence for yourself as you straddle two continents!
Valahnúkur
This small mountain with an attractive cliff-like structure was formed in a single volcanic eruption. The lava had insufficient gas content to explode, giving the surface a glassy quality in many places. An interesting breccia layer threads diagonally across the cliff. With its base touching the ocean waves, Valahnúkur is situated close to the Reykjanesviti lighthouse. Wander, admire and inhale big breaths of the incredibly fresh Icelandic sea air, as soaring seabirds circle above you.
Discover the Fiery Splendor of Reykjanes Peninsula’s Volcanic Eruptions
For adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, the recent volcanic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula presents an extraordinary opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring power of Earth’s geology. This new attraction is a must-see for anyone visiting Iceland, offering a rare glimpse into the dynamic processes that shape our planet.
Witness Nature’s Powerhouse at Work
Strap on your hiking boots and prepare your camera for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Iceland’s volcanic activity. As you trek across the rugged terrain, you’ll be greeted by the mesmerizing sight of molten lava flowing across the landscape, creating a dramatic contrast against the stark Icelandic scenery. The glow of red-hot magma erupting from the earth is not only a thrilling sight but also a unique opportunity to see geology in action.
Safe and Supervised Exploration
Safety is paramount, and the volcanic sites on the Reykjanes Peninsula are closely monitored by experts to ensure they are safe for visitors. Guided tours are available, led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the volcanic processes and ensure you experience this natural spectacle from a safe distance. This managed access allows you to enjoy the thrill of the eruptions without any concerns.
