The top 5 things to do in Reykjanes in winter

Reykjanes is home to the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark

A geopark is defined as “a UNESCO designated area containing one or more sites of particular geological importance, intended to conserve the geological heritage and promote public awareness of it, typically through tourism”. Visiting the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark is highly recommended during your stay in Iceland as it will take you to some of the peninsula’s most interesting sites.

The range of geological sites that comprises the Reykjanes Geopark is diverse. For instance, you might visit the lava sea cliffs of Hafnaberg, or hike up Brennisteinsfjöll, a group of hyaloclastitic mountains (formed when lava abruptly comes into contact with cold sea water) dating from the last Ice Age.

The diversity is impressive: cliffs, black sand beaches, mountains, geothermal areas, lava fields and much more. Some sites are accessible year-round in a standard car, while others require mountain vehicles. Check before setting out to make sure you are driving something suitable in winter when some smaller roads are not serviced.

Here are our picks for the top five things to do in Reykjanes  and the Geopark in winter:


1. The Blue Lagoon

Icelanders have a long tradition of congregating at hot springs, either to do laundry or to bathe. There are now numerous luxury geothermal baths littered across Iceland but only one has the iconic status that the Blue Lagoon enjoys. It opened following the serendipitous formation of a small pool of waste water from the nearby geothermal power plant at Svartsengi.

Silica deposits made the ground surface impermeable and prevented the warm water from draining away. A solution was called for and what happened eventually turned this part of the Reykjanes peninsula into its most popular attraction. The business has evolved over time and now boasts overnight accommodation and eateries.

But the original draw – the chalky, pale blue water surrounded by rugged charcoal grey lava – remains the spa’s biggest draw. This striking setting goes a long way to understanding the Blue Lagoon’s enduring appeal. Steam rises from the water as guests enjoy a drink from the swim-up bar and a facial that will leave their skin with a fresh and rosy glow.

The basic admission ticket gets you a silica mud mask; you can upgrade to a range of other treatments. Three other masks that you can try are the algae mask, mineral mask and lava mask, which are designed to exfoliate, nourish and tone your skin. This, together with the relaxing quality of the warm water, makes the Blue Lagoon an ideal stop on the way to or from the airport.

In 2024, there has been intermittent volcanic activity close to the Blue Lagoon and occasionally it has temporarily been shut because of that. Bookings have been rearranged where possible and refunds given if not. Currently it is open and a new gravel road has been built to ensure that drivers can reach the car park. Up to date information can always be found on the Blue Lagoon’s website so you can feel confident that it is safe to visit.

2. Gunnuhver

Part of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, Gunnuhver deserves a special mention as it’s an especially atmospheric spot for winter visitors. It’s a geothermal area that boasts fumaroles – steaming vents – and mud pools, one of which measures a jaw-dropping 20 metres in diameter. You won’t be surprised to learn it’s the largest in Iceland.

There’s something else that sets Gunnuhver apart from the country’s other geothermal areas and that’s its water. Instead of freshwater that’s made its way underground from a glacier, this place is fed entirely by sea water. Underground heat created by subterranean magma ensures that the water is hot (don’t be tempted to stick your hand in – temperatures of more than 300°C (572°F) have been recorded).

The varying amount of water feeding particular locations within the Gunnuhver area determines whether you see mud pools (not so much water) or hot springs (plenty of water). The amount you see varies over time, with periods of heightened activity interspersed with lulls.

One of the reasons that Gunnuhver is such a treat to visit in winter is that the cold air increases the amount of steam and it’s this that gives the place an ethereal quality. This, coupled with the comparably low number of visitors, makes the place an enticing prospect for off-season tourists.

How long you stay at Gunnuhver will probably be determined by two things: the weather and your tolerance for the eggy smell associated with the high sulphur emissions here. You’ll also notice a yellow-coloured splatter on the ground for the same reason. Stick to the wooden boardwalk and walk up a sinter mound called Kísilhól to look out over the site – the overall impression is breathtaking.

3. The Bridge between Continents

Another highlight of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark is the Bridge between Continents. Iceland sits on the boundary between two vast tectonic plates. These huge pieces of the earth’s crust are floating on a layer of molten rock called the mantle. Convection currents mean that the molten rock is moving and at a constructive (or divergent) boundary such as this, the movement this creates pushes the plates slowly apart.

There are a few places in Iceland where you can see the tear in the landscape that results from this ongoing movement. Though, don’t expect to feel the earth moving under your feet as the rate is imperceptibly slow. The Bridge between Continents has been constructed across this chasm and you can walk onto it so that you have one foot in North America and the other in Europe.

The Bridge between Continents is easy to reach from the airport on a tarmac road, so even in winter you should have no trouble reaching it. The site itself can get a little icy, so wear boots, and throw on a thick jacket as the wind chill can be considerable here too. It’s really cool to see the bridge and the gap surrounded by a snowy landscape, making a winter visit a must.

Some visitors return after dark during the winter months as it’s also a good location for watching the aurora borealis. There’s a sizeable car park, the metal bridge gives you something to focus your camera on and the sight of the Northern Lights dancing above you at this dark spot will be remarkable if you’re lucky enough to catch it. Solar activity is relatively high at present as we enter the period of the 11 year cycle called the solar maximum so it’s well worth a try.

4. Reykjanes Lighthouses

Our final suggestion for things to do in Reykjanes in winter is to visit one of its historic lighthouses. Whether you go during the day and watch as powerful Atlantic breakers smash against the coast or travel to these coastal landmarks after dark in the hope of a stunning image of the Northern Lights above them, these lighthouses are worth seeking out.

Two of particular interest are Reykjanesviti and the old lighthouse at Garður. The former is Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1929 and standing 31 metres tall. At Garður there are a pair of lighthouses; the older one is squat and square while the newer one is taller and cylindrical, measuring 28 metres high.

Wherever you choose to visit in Reykjanes during winter, be sure to prepare thoroughly for your excursion so that you can enjoy your tour without fretting about the weather or driving conditions.


5. Brimketill

Brimketill is a natural rock formation located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. It's known for its dramatic coastal scenery, featuring a lava rock pool that is shaped like a natural bathtub and is surrounded by rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The site is popular among tourists for its stunning views and the opportunity to observe the powerful waves crashing against the rocks, making it a picturesque spot for photography and nature walks. The landscape around Brimketill also showcases the unique geological formations and natural beauty characteristic of Iceland.