By air
Keflavík (KEF), ~20 min
Europe · Iceland
Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
Lava fields, lagoons and restless volcanoes
Getting there
Best time to visit
All year
Don't miss
The Blue Lagoon
Gunnuhver hot springs
The Bridge Between Continents
Things to do
Geothermal bathing
The lava fields
The lighthouse at Reykjanestá
Where to eat
Sources: Photo: Bloody-libu · CC BY-SA 3.0
What to pack
Swimwear; check the current volcanic advisories
A quieter corner
Brimketill, a lava rock pool battered by waves
Questions travellers ask
Should I worry about the volcanoes on the Reykjanes Peninsula?
The volcanoes here are restless, so check the current volcanic advisories before you go.
When can I visit the Reykjanes Peninsula?
All year. It is only about 20 min from Keflavík (KEF).
What should I see on the Reykjanes Peninsula?
The Blue Lagoon, Gunnuhver hot springs and the Bridge Between Continents, plus the lava fields and the lighthouse at Reykjanestá. Bring swimwear for the geothermal bathing.
Is there a quieter spot on the peninsula?
Brimketill, a lava rock pool battered by waves. Afterwards, find lobster soup in the harbour towns.
About Reykjanes Peninsula
- Coastal
Where it is
The Reykjanes Peninsula is a region of south-west Iceland, a volcanic land of lava fields and geothermal areas south-west of Reykjavík, home to Keflavík International Airport and fishing towns such as Grindavík.
History
The peninsula lies where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises above the sea, on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates. Fishing villages such as Grindavík, Njarðvík and Sandgerði grew along its coast, and in 2021, after nearly 800 years without eruptions, lava broke out at Fagradalsfjall; in November 2023 a new bout of seismic activity led to the evacuation of Grindavík.
People
The peninsula's towns, including Reykjanesbær and Grindavík, live from fishing, the international airport and geothermal energy, and people speak Icelandic. Power plants here supply electricity and hot water to much of the region.
Known for
- The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
- The Bridge Between Continents
- The Gunnuhver hot springs
- Fresh lava fields from recent eruptions
- Reykjanesviti lighthouse and sea cliffs
Did you know?
The Blue Lagoon's milky-blue water is mineral-rich runoff from the neighbouring Svartsengi geothermal power station, coloured by its high silica content.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.