The top 7 attractions on the Reykjanes peninsula

The vast majority of visitors to Iceland arrive at Keflavik Airport on the western tip of Reykjanes but some of them miss what’s right under their noses. This wild and windswept peninsula is a delight to explore, so why not check out some of the top seven attractions on the Reykjanes peninsula before you continue your journey around Iceland?

The Blue Lagoon

Let’s start with the headliner: the Blue Lagoon has long been Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa and even in the face of new competition, shows no sign of losing its appeal. This luxurious place gets its water from the nearby power station, but the setting – in the middle of a lava field – is nothing less than spectacular. A soak here is a must; your entrance ticket also includes a silica mud mask for your face and a drink to sip while you relax in the warm water.

Fagradalsfjall volcano

Fagradalsfjall hadn’t erupted in over 800 years when it started to show signs of life in early 2021. Soon, it grabbed everyone’s attention as its lava fountains and plumes of ash rose high in the air, visible from Reykjavik and beyond. The eruption has subsided but a sightseeing flight over the site or a hike to get a closer look at the volcano is still very much worth doing. Pack a decent pair of hiking boots if you plan to explore on foot, but keep off the lava as it’s still hot below the crusty surface.

Bridge between Continents

Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are moving apart at a rate of 2.5cm every year. That’s not quick enough for the eye to observe, but if you visit the Bridge between Continents you can stand where the two plates meet and peer down into the gap below. Collect a certificate marking your visit at the Duus Cultural House in Reykjanesbær.

Gunnuhver

Geothermal landscapes are a common sight in Iceland, but what makes this one special is that it contains the country’s largest boiling mud pool, created when underground gases and superheated steam from a geothermal reservoir turns lava into liquid clay. Some locals will tell you that the place is haunted by a female ghost called Gunna, who fell into the spring four centuries ago.

Viking World

Much of the Icelandic countryside is so unspoilt you can easily imagine what it might have looked like more than a thousand years ago when the first settlers set foot on its sandy beaches and rocky shores. Visit this fascinating museum to learn more about these pioneers and clap eyes on a replica Viking ship which once sailed across the Atlantic.

Reykjanes Lighthouse

In a country so often battered by rough seas, the importance of lighthouses in keeping sailors safe can’t be underestimated. You’ll find the oldest operational lighthouse in the country in the south west of the peninsula. It was built from 1907 to 1908 and this 26 metre high structure still draws admiring looks from locals and visitors alike.