In southwest Iceland lies the Reykjanes Peninsula, where most journeys to Iceland begin. For those travelling internationally, Keflavík International Airport will likely be where you take your first steps on the land of fire and ice. Immediately, the landscape makes an impression – the lava fields stretching out in front of you, the distant mountains, the wide Atlantic Ocean. Within seconds, you know you’re somewhere special.
The peninsula’s closeness to the capital of Reykjavík makes it a prime destination, but those who stay a while find a region of remarkable beauty. Our advice is to take your time. Because of its proximity to the airport, we often see Reykjanes treated as a detour, and whilst this fits perfectly into your itinerary, if you can carve out the time, the region rewards a slower pace to let you explore. And despite it being close to Reykjavík, hosting the Blue Lagoon and being the location of the main international airport, you will be pleasantly surprised how quiet most areas are.
What is the Reykjanes Peninsula?
Reykjanes is where you can fully observe the volcanic landscapes Iceland is known for. Shaped by centuries of eruptions and tectonic activity, these lava fields reach all the way to the coastline, where the Atlantic waves crash upon the shore. It’s an enchanting region, one of our favourites to explore.
For the purposes of this guide, we define the Reykjanes Peninsula as all the areas southwest of Reykjavík. That means we’re excluding the capital itself (covered in detail in our complete guide to Reykjavík), alongside neighbouring areas such as Hveragerði and Reykjadalur.
Best things to do in the Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjanes Peninsula specialises in the remote and the remarkable. Here, from the lighthouses at the edge of the ocean to the fissures between continents, there are spots waiting for you to explore, one we love to return to again and again, as they reveal Iceland at its most wonderfully distinctive.
Visit Reykjanesviti lighthouse & Garður lighthouse
Right at one of the furthest west spots, Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse site in Iceland, there sits an unassuming lighthouse, providing the empty lava fields with a focal point for avid photographers. The region, and lighthouse, has guided ships through the Atlantic waters since 1878 and while the current lighthouse stands in a slightly safer space than the original tower, it remains a stunning sight, surrounded by steaming geothermal fields and landscapes of flowing lava.
Garður Lighthouse, at the north-western tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this lesser visited lighthouse is well worth the detour. The isolated and striking scenery makes the space a must-stop for photographers, particularly at sunset (or when the Northern Lights are dancing above!)
Walk between two continents
The Bridge Between Continents is exactly how it sounds, a chance to cross the chasm where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart. The gap between the two mighty diverging tectonic plates that form Iceland are at their most stark here, as you walk in and out of the scarred landscape.
A simple stop, but a memorable one, as this stark separation of the earth tells the story of a country slowly being pulled apart by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Relax at the Blue Lagoon
A world-renowned haven of relaxation, Blue Lagoon’s milky blue water never stops seeming unreal. As the hot spring steam rises into the cooler air, a mist builds and briefly obscures the view of the black lava fields before passing above you. It’s a sense of stillness that is sure to foster complete relaxation. On site, you can take part in their Blue Lagoon face masks, enjoy a drink or two in their lagoon-side bar, or even enjoy an in-water massage.
For those looking for ultimate luxury, the 4-star Silica Hotel or 5-star Retreat by Blue Lagoon allow for exclusive access to a more secluded and private experience.
Take a helicopter tour and see Reykjanes from above
A private helicopter tour of this remarkable region reveals the wonderfully varied volcanic landscape from above. Crater rows and lava fields stretch beneath your feet, giving unique perspectives on volcanoes and the Atlantic Ocean lapping upon the shore. As a way to fully embrace the scale of Reykjanes, there are few more dramatic options, especially if you can time it during the next eruption.
Best things to see in the Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjanes Peninsula is full of wonders that are often overlooked, especially when compared to the busier regions of the capital and the South Coast. But with fewer travellers comes more personal journeys, as these highlights can become part of a singular and unhurried trip.
Kleifarvatn Lake
The largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula carries a deeply enchanting beauty. The deep dark waters, surrounded by rugged slopes of dazzling colour and lingering layers of steam, come together to form a storybook experience, a quiet intensity that hints at the power of the world below.
Set within the fissure zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Kleifarvatn is a place where Iceland’s tectonic forces feel close to the surface. It’s evidence of the world continually shifting and reshaping itself beneath our feet.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano
When Fagradalsfjall erupted in 2021, it was an example of the new era of volcanic activity in the region. In recent years, the Peninsula has awoken after eight centuries of dormancy, a dozen other eruptions in subsequent years, left behind some of the youngest lava fields in the country, offering a look at a landscape newly formed by the elements.
Visiting today, you walk alongside still young terrain, where hardened lava fields stretch into the distance and the earth feels freshly formed. It’s a rare opportunity to witness a landscape in the making; one settling, cooling, and changing over time.
Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Although technically just beyond the Reykjanes Peninsula, Raufarhólshellir is close enough to work within a wider southwest Iceland itinerary. One of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland, the space invites you beneath the surface of the Earth, where ancient rock formations are illuminated to reveal the vivid colours left behind by flowing lava. The experience is enchanting, finding a middle ground between something otherworldly and something unmistakably Icelandic.
When is the best time to visit the Reykjanes Peninsula?
Different seasons bring different reasons to visit the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Late spring is a wonderful time for birdwatchers to visit, as migratory birds return to the peninsula’s coastal sites, cliffs, lakes, and wetlands. Golden plovers, waders, and seabirds are among the thousands bringing movement and sound back to the coastline. For those seeking a quiet observation of nature, this is the ideal time of year to escape.
In summer, the long daylight hours create space for slow, unhurried exploring. The Midnight Sun brings opportunities for evening walks across coastal landscapes, where the trails are quieter, and it feels just like you and the elements. Times like these are ideal to visit the lava fields surrounding Fagradalsfjall and the geothermal fields of Krýsuvík.
In early September, the four-day festival of Ljósanótt takes place in Reykjanesbær. The “Night of the Lights” brings over a hundred unique events of art, theatre and music, culminating in the titular Night of the Lights, a celebratory fireworks display. A wonderful cultural contrast to the wilder landscapes.
Come winter, the nights are dark and long, but those bring ideal conditions for the Northern Lights. Snow settles across the terrain, steam rises into the cold air, and the quiet builds this sense of raw and elemental beauty. It’s ideal for those to experience the extreme elements Iceland can provide, especially when paired with a stay at one of the nearby luxury spas.
Places to stay
Reykjanes Peninsula’s wide-open lava fields and geothermal landscapes set the scene for some of Iceland’s most memorable stays, primarily around the Blue Lagoon.
The Retreat
The Retreat is one of Iceland’s most luxurious stays, designed for those who want the Blue Lagoon experience at its most exclusive. Guests can float in the famous mineral-rich waters of the lagoon in the day, and in the evening retreat into the fine dining of the on-site Moss Restaurant before resting up in the beautiful suites carved into the surrounding lava fields.
Retreat Spa comes with high recommendations, including from our travel expert, Lea Kuliczkowski.
“Retreat Spa is my top choice for an ultimate afternoon of relaxation. It’s the attention of detail and excellent service which provides a luxurious setting that I never want to leave!”
Silica Hotel
The Silica Hotel provides a slightly calmer alternative to The Retreat, whilst still on the Blue Lagoon site. With modern design, a strong wellness focus, and unbeatable views of the surrounding spectacle, Silica promises understated elegance in a remote escape. Guests also have access to the private Silica Lagoon, giving the stay a quiet, restorative quality away from the busier main lagoon.
FAQ | REYKJANES PENINSULA REGION GUIDE
Yes, you can, at specific times of the year. Between late August and mid-April, the clear dark skies allow for a sight of the Northern Lights. Our advice is getting further out from Keflavík and Grindavík to areas with less light pollution like Garður lighthouse or Hafnir.
It isn’t recommended, particularly not at spas or other areas with capacity limits. Often Blue Lagoon is booked well in advance.
There are benefits to both! A self-driving tour provides freedom, whilst with our guide, you can relax and enjoy the scenery. On your self-driving tour with Hidden Iceland, you won’t be left on your own. We’ll be on hand to guide from afar, with suggestions and ideas whenever needed.
Ready to see the best of Reykjanes Peninsula?
From the atmospheric lighthouses to the chance to walk across lava fields, there are many reasons to visit the Reykjanes Peninsula. At Hidden Iceland, we can help arrange a visit that takes you beyond what you imagined, bringing you beyond the tourist stops to secluded sights and unforgettable experiences, all with our personal touch.
Get in touch today by calling us at +354-770-5733 or by emailing info@hiddeniceland.is, and we’ll begin planning your adventure.
