The Reykjanes Peninsula stretches southwest of Reykjavík and is often the first or last stop for travellers, as it hosts Keflavík International Airport, Iceland’s main gateway. Despite its proximity to the capital, the peninsula is entirely different. It’s a striking region shaped by active geology, where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises above sea level. This makes it one of the few places on Earth where you can see the boundary between two tectonic plates. The landscape is defined by vast lava fields, steaming geothermal areas, and a jagged coastline battered by the North Atlantic. Volcanic activity is an ever-present force here—the most recent eruptions in the Fagradalsfjall area have created new craters and lava fields that attract hikers and geology enthusiasts worldwide.
The area also holds an important place in Icelandic history and culture. Fishing villages along the coast recall centuries of maritime tradition and survival in harsh conditions. In the 20th century, Reykjanes became a hub for international aviation and military activity, particularly during the Cold War when a large NATO base operated near Keflavík.
More recently, Reykjanes has played a role in planetary research. NASA’s VERITAS mission team used the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, especially the Fagradalsfjall area, to test radar technologies and techniques for studying Venus. The Iceland Space Agency has also supported projects testing spacesuit simulators in Reykjanes and other Icelandic terrains, helping researchers understand how equipment and humans might perform on different planets. The European Space Agency (ESA) has also conducted field campaigns in Iceland, collecting Mars-like samples to aid in the Mars Sample Return mission.
Today, Reykjanes offers visitors a blend of natural wonders, living geology, cultural sites, and modern attractions—all within easy reach of Reykjavík.
The History of Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjanes is fundamentally shaped by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This geological boundary makes volcanic and seismic activity a constant presence, with lava fields, geothermal zones, and fissures scattered across the region. Over thousands of years, eruptions have reshaped the landscape time and again. Most recently, the volcanoes at Fagradalsfjall, Litli-Hrútur, and the Sundhnúkagígar crater row erupted between 2021 and 2024, drawing scientists and visitors worldwide.
Historically, the peninsula’s settlements developed around fishing and survival in a harsh coastal environment. Villages such as Grindavík, Garður, Sandgerði, and Hafnir depended on the sea for food and trade. Hafnir, located on the southwestern tip of the peninsula, is one of the oldest inhabited areas in the region and was an important fishing and trading post during earlier centuries. Archaeological finds there suggest it may have even been one of the first places settled after Iceland’s colonisation in the 9th century.
Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, Reykjanesviti, still stands guard over these coasts, a reminder of how dangerous the North Atlantic can be. Many other lighthouses in the area reflect the region’s long maritime history, helping generations of sailors navigate the rocky shoreline.
Strategically Important Peninsula
In the 20th century, Reykjanes gained strategic importance. Keflavík became home to a major United States military base during the Cold War, serving as a key NATO location for monitoring Soviet activity in the North Atlantic. The base brought infrastructure, jobs, and international influence to the area. Though it closed in 2006, its impact is still felt in the development of nearby towns and Keflavík International Airport.
The Blue Lagoon, now one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, began unintentionally in the late 1970s. It formed from the runoff water of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. Locals started bathing in the warm, mineral-rich water, claiming it had healing properties, especially for skin conditions. Over time, it evolved into a world-class spa and became a major part of the regional economy, transforming from a local curiosity into an international destination.
Today, Reykjanes balances its deep historical roots and geological drama with modern energy production, scientific research, and tourism, making it one of Iceland’s most dynamic and accessible regions.
Museums and Cultural Sites in Reykjanes Peninsula
Viking World (Víkingaheimar)
Location: Just outside Keflavík, close to the main road between the airport and Reykjavík
What’s there:
Viking World is home to Íslendingur, a full-scale replica of a 9th-century Viking longship that sailed from Iceland to North America in 2000 to commemorate Leifur Eiríksson’s historic journey. Visitors can board the ship and explore it up close. The museum offers engaging exhibitions about Viking settlements in Iceland, Norse mythology, and the seafaring culture that shaped early Icelandic life. There’s also a small café and gift shop with Norse-inspired items. The building itself is modern and light-filled, with excellent views over Faxaflói Bay.
Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll (Rokksafn Íslands)
Location: Reykjanesbær (in the Hljómahöll music and culture centre)
What’s there:
The Icelandic Museum of Rock’n’Roll celebrates the story of Icelandic popular music from the early 20th century to the present day. Through interactive exhibits, personal stories, instruments, and music videos, visitors can explore the careers of Iceland’s most influential musicians—from early rock bands to internationally known artists like Björk, Sigur Rós, and Of Monsters and Men. There are listening stations, a karaoke booth, and even a timeline wall that puts Icelandic music into broader historical context. It’s great for music lovers and offers a different cultural angle beyond the usual nature-focused attractions.
Duushús Cultural Center
Location: Reykjanesbær, by the harbour in Keflavík
What’s there:
The Duushús complex consists of several connected houses that host a mix of local history exhibits, maritime heritage displays, and art galleries. Permanent exhibitions showcase fishing tools, boat models, and stories from the lives of Reykjanes’s early settlers and sailors. One section focuses on the development of Keflavík and the impact of the US military base. The art galleries often feature work by local and regional artists. It’s a quiet, informative stop that gives deeper insight into everyday life in the region over the centuries.
The Giganta’s Cave (Giganta í Hellinum)
Location: Gróf Marina in Reykjanesbær, right by the sea
What’s there:
A whimsical and family-friendly attraction, Giganta’s Cave is based on the character Gilitrutt, also known as Giganta, from the beloved Icelandic children’s books by Herdís Egilsdóttir. Inside a small man-made cave, visitors will find a life-size figure of Giganta relaxing in her home, complete with oversized furniture and quirky decorations. It’s designed to spark children’s imaginations and only takes 10–15 minutes to explore. Entry is free, and it’s located next to a sculpture garden and coastal path, making it a nice stop on a walk through Reykjanesbær.
Must-Visit Natural Wonders in Reykjanes Peninsula
The Bridge Between Continents (Miðlína)
What’s there:
This small footbridge symbolically connects the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, allowing visitors to literally walk between continents. Below the bridge is a shallow rift valley formed by the slow drifting apart of the plates. It’s a clear, accessible example of the geological forces shaping the entire Reykjanes Peninsula. There are also informational signs explaining the geology and a nearby viewpoint offering a wider perspective of the rift landscape.
Gunnuhver Hot Springs
What’s there:
Gunnuhver is the largest mud pool in Iceland, and it’s as dramatic as it is mysterious. Thick steam billows from the ground, and bubbling mud pots gurgle and hiss constantly. The area is named after Guðrún Önundardóttir (nicknamed Gunna), a ghost from local legend who is said to have been trapped in the hot springs by a priest centuries ago. Wooden walkways and observation platforms allow safe viewing of this impressive geothermal site. It’s an excellent spot for photographers thanks to the ever-changing patterns of steam and the sulphur-stained earth.
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse & Valahnúkamöl Cliffs
What’s there:
Reykjanesviti is Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, first built in 1878 and rebuilt in 1907 after earthquake damage. Set on a hill overlooking the ocean, it’s still in operation today. Nearby are the Valahnúkamöl cliffs, rugged basalt formations hammered by waves from the North Atlantic. The scenery here is wild and elemental—crashing waves, black volcanic rock, and often strong winds. On clear days, you can see Eldey, a seabird-covered rock island offshore.
Brimketill Lava Rock Pool
What’s there:
Brimketill is a natural lava pool carved into the shoreline, created by centuries of wave action against the solidified lava. In folklore, the pool was said to be the bathing spot of a troll named Oddný. Today, visitors can view Brimketill from a safe viewing platform, as the waves here can be powerful and unpredictable, especially in windy weather. The contrast between the dark rock and the surging sea makes this a favourite stop for dramatic coastal photography.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano Area
What’s there:
The Fagradalsfjall area became world-famous after a series of eruptions from 2021 to 2024 created new craters and vast lava fields. Depending on the current volcanic activity and safety conditions, you can hike trails that lead to viewpoints over the recent lava flows and craters. Even when no eruption is ongoing, the landscape is extraordinary—fresh black rock, colourful sulphur deposits, and steaming fissures. Trail difficulty varies, so it’s wise to check local updates before setting out.
Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
What’s there:
Located in the Krýsuvík volcanic system, this geothermal area features a vibrant landscape of steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and sulphur-crusted hills. Wooden boardwalks guide visitors safely around the most active spots. The colours—reds, yellows, greens, and whites—contrast sharply with the surrounding dark lava fields. Krýsuvík is also a great place to experience the unique smell of geothermal activity: a distinct (and memorable) sulphur scent.
Kleifarvatn Lake
What’s there:
Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula and one of the deepest in Iceland. It’s surrounded by steep, dark volcanic cliffs and has an otherworldly atmosphere, especially on calm, misty days. Folklore tells of a mythical serpent living in the lake, similar to the Loch Ness monster. Though there’s no swimming or boating here, it’s a peaceful spot for photography and nature walks. Geothermal springs beneath the lake occasionally cause minor temperature fluctuations.
Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið)
What’s there:
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters heated by the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. Bathing here is said to benefit the skin, especially conditions like psoriasis. In addition to the main lagoon, the complex includes saunas, steam rooms, a waterfall massage feature, and upscale restaurants. Advanced booking is essential, especially during peak travel seasons. Even if you don’t swim, the surrounding lava landscape and the architecture are worth seeing.
Tours and Activities in Reykjanes Peninsula
Private Bespoke Reykjanes Peninsula Tour
Discover the Reykjanes Peninsula at your own pace with a customised private tour where nature and culture blend seamlessly. This flexible journey covers key highlights and offers plenty of opportunities for unique experiences:
- Feel the geothermal power at Gunnuhver Hot Springs, where steam rises dramatically from the earth.
- Walk between continents at the Bridge Between Continents, standing where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
- Visit Grindavík, a welcoming fishing village rich in history and local charm.
- Take in the stunning Reykjanesviti Lighthouse and rugged Valahnúkamöl Cliffs.
- Relax or take photos at the world-famous Blue Lagoon (optional stop).
Possible stops include:
- Bridge Between Continents
- Reykjanesviti Lighthouse
- Eldey (viewpoint)
- Gunnuhver
- Brimketill
- Hópsnes Shipwreck
- Kleifarvatn
- Seltún Geothermal Area
Private Reykjanes Peninsula Serenity Tour with Your Friend in Reykjavik
Explore Reykjanes with local experts on this relaxing and informative private tour. In 2015, UNESCO recognised the peninsula as a Global Geopark, and it features 55 geosites that showcase Iceland’s dynamic geological history.
Highlights include:
- The dramatic Gunnuhver geothermal area.
- Crossing the tectonic plates at the Bridge Between Continents.
- Visiting Reykjanesviti Lighthouse and the Valahnúkamöl Cliffs.
- Enjoying lunch at Papa’s Pizza in Grindavík.
- A stop at the striking Seltún Geothermal Area.
- Taking in the serene beauty of Lake Kleifarvatn.
- Optional relaxation at the Blue Lagoon.
This tour combines natural wonders, folklore, and the personal stories of your friendly guide for a memorable day out.
Reykjanes Peninsula Helicopter Tour
See the volcanic landscape from a breathtaking perspective on this aerial adventure.
During the flight, you’ll soar over:
- Volcanic craters and rugged lava fields.
- The Seltún Geothermal Area and colourful sulphur springs.
- The iconic Blue Lagoon.
- Lakes Kleifarvatn and Grænavatn.
- The Eldvörp Crater Row, known for its active geothermal vents.
The tour also includes a landing at Eldvörp, where you can explore the steaming ground up close. On the way, you’ll spot the dramatic Keilir Mountain and the Geldingadalir eruption site near Fagradalsfjall, where Iceland’s most recent volcanic events took place.
Highlights:
- Seltún Geothermal Area
- Blue Lagoon
- Kleifarvatn and Grænavatn
- Eldvörp Crater
- Geldingadalur eruption site
This is an unforgettable way to experience the Reykjanes Peninsula’s wild and dramatic landscapes.
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Reykjanes Peninsula
Keflavík / Reykjanesbær
Kaffi Duus
Located right on the harbour, Kaffi Duus combines a relaxed atmosphere with great views over the marina. The menu leans toward hearty Icelandic and international fare, with a strong focus on local seafood—especially fresh fish, langoustine, and mussels. Steaks and burgers are also popular here, making it a good all-round choice whether you’re after something fancy or just a decent bite in a cosy setting. There’s also a small bar area, and it’s a nice place to unwind after visiting the nearby museums.
📍 Duusgata 10, 230 Reykjanesbær
🌐 duus.is
Reykjanesbær Food Hall (Hljómahöll)
This small but vibrant food hall, located inside Hljómahöll—the town’s music and culture centre—is a good stop if you’re looking for quick, diverse options. It usually includes stalls offering Icelandic street food, tacos, burgers, noodles, or coffee and pastries, depending on the season and vendors. There’s indoor seating and a casual atmosphere, making it a good spot for groups with different tastes or anyone in need of a quick, satisfying meal near the town centre.
📍 Hjallavegur 2, 260 Reykjanesbær
🌐 hljomaholl.is
Fernando’s
A long-standing local favourite for Italian food, Fernando’s is known for its stone-baked pizzas, pasta dishes, and Mediterranean-inspired mains. The restaurant has a relaxed, family-friendly feel, and the service is friendly. It’s a nice choice if you want a comforting, familiar meal while still supporting a local business.
📍 Hafnargata 28, 230 Reykjanesbær
🌐 fernandos.is
Grindavík (near the Blue Lagoon)
Papa’s Pizza
Just down the road from the Blue Lagoon, Papa’s Pizza offers a casual, friendly setting with solid pizza, burgers, and other fast-food options. It’s especially popular with families and travellers looking for a quick, affordable meal. Nothing fancy—just good comfort food and quick service.
📍 Hafnargata 7a, 240 Grindavík
🌐 papas.is
Blue Lagoon Area
LAVA Restaurant
LAVA Restaurant offers a unique blend of fine dining and natural surroundings within the Blue Lagoon complex. The restaurant is partially built into the lava field, with large windows offering views over the lagoon. The menu features modern Icelandic cuisine with seasonal ingredients—think arctic char, lamb, and skyr-based desserts. You can dine in your robe and slippers if you’re coming straight from the spa, which adds to the relaxed luxury vibe. Reservations are recommended, though walk-ins are sometimes possible during quieter hours.
📍 Svartsengi, 240 Grindavík
🌐 bluelagoon.com/restaurant/lava
Moss Restaurant
Also within the Blue Lagoon complex, Moss is a Michelin-recommended fine dining restaurant offering a set tasting menu that changes seasonally. Ingredients are locally sourced, and dishes are plated with precision and creativity. This is a high-end experience, ideal for a special occasion or serious food lovers. Expect an elegant, quiet atmosphere with excellent service. Reservations are essential.
📍 Norðurljósavegur 11, 240 Grindavík
🌐 bluelagoon.com/restaurant/moss
Folktales and Legends of Reykjanes Peninsula
The Haunting at Vogar
When the late Jón Daníelsson arrived at Stóru-Vogar in Gullbringusýsla, the place was already known for being haunted. The story went that the previous farmer had once turned away a man during harsh weather—cold, and likely hungry too. Denied shelter, the man tried to make his way to Njarðvík, crossing over Vogastapi.
The next morning, he was found dead out on the Stapi near Grímshóll. His body was brought back to the very farm where he’d been refused shelter. When the farmer saw the dead man in the yard, he fainted on the spot. Some say he died then and there; others claim he briefly regained consciousness, but was never the same again and soon passed away.
After the burial, strange disturbances began at the farm and only grew worse after the farmer’s death. Locals believed the restless spirit of the man who had perished was seeking revenge for being turned away. When Jón took over the farm, the hauntings continued, even though none of the people involved in the original incident remained. Jón’s wife, Sigríður, was especially affected. Every night, as she lay in bed above her husband, she would become restless and begin to thrash and mumble in her sleep.
At first, Jón tried waking her, but each time she drifted off, the same thing would happen again. Oddly, the spirit never bothered Jón directly—but over time, he grew tired of the nightly torment.
Confrontation with the Spirit
One evening, when he heard his wife begin to stir and mutter again, Jón leapt from the bed, grabbed a short sword, and stormed downstairs. Shouting into the room, he cursed the spirit, threatening to drive the blade into the devil himself and send him straight back to hell if he didn’t leave them alone. From that night on, the disturbances at their farm ceased.
But the haunting didn’t end entirely—it simply moved. Soon after, strange activity was reported at Tjarnarkot, another farm in the Vogahverfi area. Though the people there had no known ties to the man who had died, the ghost began to torment the farmer so severely that he lost his mind one night.
In desperation, the household sent for Jón, as locals often did when trouble struck. Jón arrived quickly. When the farmer in Tjarnarkot saw him, he was in such a frenzy he shouted that he feared no one—except “that devil Jón Daníelsson.”
Jón calmly approached him and, with stern authority, commanded the unclean spirit to leave the man’s body. The farmer instantly calmed and fell into a deep sleep. Jón left the house and walked out with the spirit, leading it to a place in Vogar now known as Tuðra. There, he banished it, commanding it to sink down to the lowest and worst depths of hell, never to cause harm again in Vogar.
From that day, the haunting ceased in Tjarnarkot and elsewhere—though, as people say, there’s still a lingering sense that not everything is quite right in Tuðra.
Reykjanes-Gunna
There was once a woman named Guðrún, commonly known as Gunna. She had a bad temper and was so disliked that no one wanted her around. She lived alone in a small turf house on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in a place called Grænutóft.
One winter, a farmer from Hafnir lent her a cooking pot. Come spring, he went to retrieve it. Gunna angrily cursed him and refused to return it, so the farmer returned home empty-handed. But since no one else would lend him a pot, he had no choice but to go back again. Before setting out, he asked his neighbours to come looking for him if he didn’t return soon—they agreed.
When he didn’t return that evening, the search party set out the following day. They arrived at Grænutóft to find Gunna dead in her bed—bloated, stiff, and dark blue in colour. They wrapped her in bedding and left her there, intending to return later. But on their way back, they found the farmer’s body not far from the road—torn apart, and next to him was the pot, shattered into pieces.
Gunna Returns
The farmer was buried, and a coffin was made for Gunna. Her body was transported from Grænutóft to Kirkjuvogur for burial. But on the way, several people claimed they saw Gunna dancing beside her own funeral procession. Though her body was buried, it didn’t bring peace—soon she was seen roaming around, “like a grey cat,” and no one felt safe in her presence.
In desperation, people turned to Eiríkur the priest at Vogsósar, known for his spiritual strength. He gave the messenger a scarf (a trefill) and told him to deliver it to Gunna with a simple instruction: tell her to wash it.
The messenger went to the spot where Gunna was said to haunt, threw the scarf at her, and shouted:
“You’re to wash this!”
Gunna asked, “Who says that?”
“Eiríkur of Vogsósar,” the man replied.
At this, Gunna turned pale and said, “I wasn’t expecting anything worse.” She immediately left and made her way to one of the hot springs on the Reykjanes Peninsula. One end of the scarf was thrown into the steaming pool, where it caught fast. Unable to pull it free, Gunna was trapped—cursed to walk endlessly around the spring, caught in a magical bind.
It’s said she has walked there so long that she’s worn herself down to the knees.
To this day, that boiling spring is called Gunna’s Spring (Gunnuhver), and the legend of her restless spirit lives on.
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