5+ Epic Spots to Visit on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula

If you’re heading to Iceland, there’s a good chance that the first place you’ll step foot is the Reykjanes Peninsula. This rugged, moon-like area is home to the Keflavik Airport, which is where most visitors land before making the 45-minute drive to Reykjavik. It’s also very likely that you’ve heard of this area if you’ve been keeping up with Iceland news over the past few years, because it’s been a literal hotspot for recent volcanic activity, including the Sundhnúkur Volcano, which has erupted 7 times since 2023.

Now, your first instinct might be to dismiss this area altogether due to its lava-covered landscape, which can definitely be dreary in places. However, this area’s geothermal activity is half the appeal if you know where to look! So before you head straight to Reykjavik, here are some epic stops you should make while you’re in the area.

Reykjanes Lighthouse

First up is the Reykjanes Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the country! It was initially built in 1878 but rebuilt in 1907 after earthquake damage. While you can’t go inside the lighthouse, there are some informational signs to teach you about the lighthouse, and it has an incredible view of the ocean from the hilltop. On a nice day, it’s an excellent stop for a little walk.

Valahnúkamöl

Next up is Valahnúkamöl! This rugged but beautiful stretch of coastline on the Reykjanes Peninsula is just down the road from the Reykjanes Lighthouse and has several cool things to check out!

First, the view. The cliffs and rock formations here have been carved out into some fascinating shapes and ridges, and the ocean waves can be very intense. The water is also a gorgeous shade of blue, and it contrasts so uniquely against the black rock. For the best view, climb up the walking path on the left side of the beach to reach the top of the cliff!

Next is the Geirfuglinn Sculpture, located on the peninsula’s tip. It depicts a Great Auk, an extinct bird species that died out in the mid-1800s due to overhunting. The statue looks out over the sea toward the Island of Eldey, where the final pair of Great Auks were killed.

Last but not least, fans of the movie Eurovision Song Contest will want to take a closer look at the pair of keyboards bolted down on the peninsula! Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams used these two keyboards during their “Volcano Man” music video at the beginning of the movie, which features this rocky peninsula. They make for a fun and quirky photo op!

Eurovision Song Contest Keyboard at VALAHNUKAMOL

Gunnuhver Hot Springs

Just a couple minutes down the road, you’ll find the Gunnuhver Hot Springs. Now, these aren’t your typical hot springs because they’re actually super-hot, bubbling mud pools, and one of the most intense geothermal areas in Iceland!

Gunnuhver Hot Springs, Reykjanes Peninsula

These mud pools put off a lot of steam, so depending on the weather, that may be about all you see. That’s fine though because the steam is just proof of how powerful these mud springs are! But if you do get a break between the steam clouds, you’ll get to see the mud pools and all the colors around them from the minerals!

Bridge Between Continents

If you’re interested in claiming that you walked from one continent to the other, be sure to swing by the Bridge Between Continents! Iceland has a big rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and you can actually check it out in more than one spot, including Thingvellir National Park. However, on the Reykjanes Peninsula, you’ll find a small footbridge that spans this gap, allowing you to literally walk from one continent to the other!

Cooled Lava Fields

Finally, if you’re interested in getting up close to some of the aftermath from Iceland’s recent volcanic action, take a drive by some of the cooled lava fields!

Much of the Reykjanes Peninsula is covered in lava rock, but you can clearly see the difference between the dark fresh rock from the Sundhnúkur Crater eruptions and the older lava that’s a lighter color and has moss growing on it.

When we visited, the lava was still steaming because it takes such a long time to cool. In fact, it can take up to 1.5 years to cool down completely! We drove past big piles of it along the road, where they’d scraped it up and pushed it aside to re-clear the roads. However, a lot of other roads were closed due to poor air quality and the fact that driving over the lava can actually melt your tires!

So, depending on when you visit, I encourage you to try to find some of these areas, but always follow signs and stay on approved roads for everyone’s safety!

Additional Stops on the Reykjanes Penisula

Because of the ongoing volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, there are some activities that you may or may not be able to check out, but you should if you have the chance!

The Blue Lagoon

One of Iceland’s most popular stops, the Blue Lagoon, is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just down the road from the town of Grindavik. Because of the Sundhnúkur Crater eruptions, it’s had to close periodically throughout the last year, including when we were there, unfortunately. But if you get the chance, be sure to check out it’s iconic geothermal waters!

If you can’t make it, I recommend trying the Sky Lagoon outside Reykjavik or the Secret Lagoon on the Golden Circle.

Fagradalsfjall Volcano

As you drive by the newest lava fields, you’ll be able to see the Fagradalsfjall Volcano off in the distance. This volcano erupted several times between 2021 and 2023, and it’s become quite popular to hike up and see it because it still has fresh lava. In fact, we could see it glowing as our bus passed in the early hours of the morning when we first arrived! If you’re interested in getting up close to the action, you can sign up for a hike or hire a helicopter.

Keilir Mountain

Last but not least, Keilir is one of the most iconic sites on the Reykjanes Penisula, due to its very recognizable shape. This is another popular hiking spot, and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the entire peninsula from the top!

Learn More about the Reykjanes Peninsula in My YouTube Video!

Closing Thoughts on the Reykjanes Peninsula

While you may have your sights set on popular stops like the South Coast or Snaefellsnes Peninsula (and you should), the Reykjanes Peninsula is also worth your time! You can visit all 5 of the main stops I mentioned in less than half a day, leaving you plenty of time for a stop by the Blue Lagoon, a hike, or a long afternoon in Reykjavik.

Some of these stops may be once in a lifetime opportunities, so be sure to hit them while you’re in the area.

Thanks for stopping by to check out this post! I hope you enjoyed it and that it helps you as you plan your Iceland vacation! If you’re looking for more Iceland resources, be sure to check out my Iceland category and check out all my other posts from our one-week trip!

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