Over 40 ideas of things to do in Iceland's Southern Reykjanes Peninsula
Although at first glance, this region of Southern Iceland may seem desolate and bleak, it is worth giving yourself some extra time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The whole area can easily be reached in a day trip from Reykjavík. Although there is limited public transport, so having a car would be the easiest way to explore at your own pace.
Reykjanes Peninsula is home to Iceland’s main airport (Keflavík) as well as Iceland’s biggest tourist attraction, the world-renowned geothermal Blue Lagoon spa.
A volcanic rift zone cuts directly through the area. Evidence of this can be seen at the Gunnhuver bubbling mud pools, the Bridge between Continents where the Eurasian and North Atlantic tectonic plates are drifting apart and the site of Fagradalsfjall volcano.
Regional Tourist Board Website: www.visitreykjanes.is
For further information about each attraction and details about opening times, prices and events, click on the attraction title for the external link to visit their website ...
History & Architecture
Viking World – includes a replica Viking longship the ĺslendingur which successfully sailed across the Atlantic in 2000.
Saltfish Museum – all about the salt-fishing industry, audio guides available
Reykjanes Heritage Museum – looking back at life in the local fishing communities
Garðskagi Folk Museum – small heritage and maritime museum, local life and fishing[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]
Reykjanes Museum of Heritage-Stekkjarkot – small folk museum in a reconstructed turf farmhouse
Básendar ruins – ruins of a fishing village destroyed by a huge tidal wave in 1799
Selatangar – site of a medieval fishing village[/expander_maker]
Arts & Culture
Icelandic Museum of Rock n’ Roll – history of Icelandic pop and rock music with an interactive sound lab
Reykjanes Art Museum – variety of visual art displays, with several new art exhibitions throughout the year
Keflavík airport artwork – includes a rainbow arch of coloured glass and other flight inspired art
Reykjanes Public Library – events, workshops and children’s activities available
Great Auk Sculpture – bronze statute of the now-extinct bird, overlooking its former sea-cliff nesting area
Science, Technology & Transport
Reykjanes Maritime Museum – includes a display of over 100 hand-crafted model fishing boats
Hópsnes Lighthouse – vibrant orange lighthouse, walking area and ship wrecks abandoned on the rocks
Saltfish Exhibition – overview of the saltfish industry. Based at KVIKAN – House of Culture and Natural Resources[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]
Reykjanes Lighthouse – Iceland’s oldest lighthouse
Garðskagi headland – two lighthouses and a white beach. Also a good place to spot seabirds and wildlife[/expander_maker]
Religion & Faith
Church of Grindavík – concrete church completed in 1982
The Church in Ytri-Njarðvík – unusual building design, built in 1979
Kálfatjarnakirkja – red and white wooden 19th Century church, carvings and woodwork
Shopping areas
Duus Handverk – handmade gifts by local artists
Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll gift shop – music, rock memorabilia and souvenirs
Keflavík Airport – duty-free shopping at Iceland’s main airport
Unusual Attractions
Fagradalsfjall Volcano – volcanic eruption (started in March 2021). There are hiking trails to see the new lava fields and craters created. Check the Icelandic Safetravel website for safety information before visiting.
Bridge Between Two Continents - where the Eurasian and North Atlantic tectonic plates are drifting apart
Outdoor Activities, Sports and Walking Routes
Blue Lagoon - world-renowned geothermal spa which is Iceland’s no.1 visitor attraction
Gunnhuver Hot Springs - bubbling geothermal mud pools
Krýsuvík Geothermal Field - geothermal pools and crater pools. Boardwalks with information boards along the route[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]
Krýsuvíkurberg – rugged cliffs with nesting seabirds
Kleifarvatn Lake – one of Iceland’s deepest lakes, good for fishing
Mount Keilir – a 3km hiking trail to rugged Keilir mountain
Gardur Swimming Pool – 25m pool, including a hot tub and water slide
Brimketill – sea pool and viewing platform on the Reykjanes harsh coastline
Grindavík Golf Course – play golf in the middle of a lava field
Whale watching – a good base for whale watching tours
Diving – fresh water and sea diving tours
Hafnarberg cliff top – sea cliff walking trails along the Atlantic coast[/expander_maker]
Activities for Children
The Giantess in the Mountain – quirky cave artwork, based on a popular Icelandic children’s book
Grindavík swimming pool – outdoor pool along with a waterslide and children’s pool
Sudurnes Science and Learning Center - Icelandic nature and wildlife exhibitions. Family treasure trails available
Festivals & Events
Sunset Festival (mid-summer) – family festival, campfires and music
Sandgerðisdagar (end of August) – weekend festival for all the family
The Night of Lights Festival (September) – fireworks, lights and colour
Nearby Day Trips
Reykjavík - less than an hour’s drive away are all the attractions of Iceland’s capital city
See the Global Sightseer Reykjavík guide for over 100 ideas of things to see in Iceland's capital
South West Iceland – guide (coming soon)