The Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland is just a half-hour trip from Reykjavik and is home to the Blue Lagoon and Keflavik Airport. However, because of this reason, many people neglect to spend more time in the region and don’t explore the amazing landscape that it has to offer. It is home to a number of natural wonders and should definitely be included in your travel plans. Because it’s home to Keflavik Airport, it can even be a good idea to explore this area as soon as you arrive in Iceland if you have a morning flight. We have put together a guide to Iceland Reykjanes Peninsula that helps you navigate the region and find things to do.
Visit Gunnuhver Geothermal Area
One of the most unique geothermal areas in Iceland can be found in the Reykjanes Peninsula. At the Gunnuhver geothermal area you can find bubbling mud geysers and pools that are not found all over the country. You will also find plenty of other geysers, boiling water, as well as steam, and a distinct smell of sulfur. The region is named after the legend of a ghost who was said to have caused quite a stir in the area until a priest trapped her in the pool over 400 years ago. This geothermal area is also less frequently visited than many of the others around Iceland, so you can usually have a much more personal experience.
Find the Bridge Between Continents
A location that is more than worthy of your Instagram snaps, the region features a bridge that is literally placed between two continents. This is a rarity as Iceland actually sits on the boundaries of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which is the cause for the volcanic activity in Iceland. The land can sometimes give way and large fissures end up forming on the surface. Close to the area of Sandvik, you can find a bridge over a fissure that literally joins two pieces of land between the tectonic plates. You can stand on the bridge or in the fissure but this is a great place to visit that few people know about.
Take a Trip to the Museums
If you are into museums, then the Reykjanes Peninsula is also home to two of the most popular museums in Iceland Viking World and the Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The Viking World museum is a great visit if you want to learn more about Icelandic heritage and culture.
The museum also displays a great Viking Ship, built in 1996 and sailed to New York as part of a millennial exhibition. The Icelandic Rock ‘n’ Roll museum features a history of the biggest and most popular Icelandic music and is a great place to go if you are interested in world music. It is a modern museum and features a broad history of music in Iceland.
Blue Lagoon
As mentioned at the start of the blog, the Reykjanes Peninsula is also home to one of the most famous attractions in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a group of geothermal spas and pools. It is one of the more expensive experiences you can do in Iceland, and definitely the most famous hot spring in Iceland, but is hugely popular and is something that you won’t want to miss.
The water is filled with minerals that are great for your skin and well-being and is a great relaxing experience. The Blue Lagoon is also an attraction where people generally spend around 2 hours soaking in the pools, so it makes the perfect place to end your tour around the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Grab a Bite to Eat
There are also some great restaurants in the Reykjanes Peninsula too so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re in the region. A popular café among the locals and a great stop for some lunch is Bryggjan Café in Grindarvik. They do a great lobster soup as well as some delicious slices of cake.
You can grab some of the best seafood in Iceland at Vitinn restaurant in Sandgerði. It’s not an expensive or fancy restaurant but they do serve a great variety of delicious shellfish. If you are looking for somewhere a little more upmarket then try LAVA restaurant at the Blue Lagoon. They serve Icelandic ingredients with a modern and luxurious twist.
Don't Miss the Reykjanes Peninsula
There is plenty to see and do in Reykjanes Peninsula which is why it should definitely be on your list of best places to visit in Iceland. There are loads of natural phenomena in the region too that you can take a look at on your trip. If you have children, or even if you don’t, make sure you look up The Giantess in the Cave.
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