Guide to the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Located just beyond Reykjavík and home to Keflavík International Airport, the Reykjanes Peninsula is one of Iceland’s most accessible volcanic landscapes. This UNESCO Global Geopark is shaped by vast lava fields, active geothermal areas, and rugged coastlines. It is also home to world-famous attractions such as the Blue Lagoon.

Many travellers pass through the peninsula on their way to better-known destinations in South Iceland. Yet Reykjanes offers a remarkable concentration of volcanic scenery, geological landmarks, and coastal attractions that reward a dedicated visit.

What Is the Reykjanes Peninsula?

Situated in Southwest Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula is the first landscape many international visitors encounter after arriving at Keflavík International Airport. Much of the peninsula is protected within the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. Here, historic fishing towns sit alongside geothermal areas, lava fields, volcanic crater rows, lakes, and sea cliffs.

Although the main attractions are relatively close together, they are best explored by car. This makes Reykjanes well suited to a half-day or full-day road trip. The peninsula offers an accessible introduction to Iceland’s volcanic geology without the need to travel into the remote interior.

Why Is the Reykjanes Peninsula Volcanically Active?

The peninsula lies along the landward continuation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates gradually move apart. This movement stretches and fractures the Earth’s crust, creating fissures, volcanic systems, and long rows of craters across the peninsula. Heat from these volcanic systems also warms underground water, producing geothermal areas with mud pools, steam vents, and hot springs. These processes are part of the wider forces responsible for the many volcanoes in Iceland.

In March 2021, an eruption began at Geldingadalir near Fagradalsfjall, marking the first eruption on the peninsula in more than 800 years. It signalled the beginning of a renewed period of volcanic activity that continues to reshape the region. 

Best Places to Visit on the Reykjanes Peninsula

The peninsula contains a remarkable concentration of geological and coastal attractions connected by a network of paved and gravel roads.

Bridge Between Continents

The Bridge Between Continents is a small footbridge spanning a deep, sandy fissure. It sits within the broad boundary zone between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The bridge does not mark an exact divide between two visible continental blocks. Instead, it offers a symbolic way to experience the plate boundary and walk between the two sides in seconds.

Reykjanes Geothermal Area

The Reykjanes geothermal area is defined by steam vents, mud pools, and mineral-stained terrain in shades of yellow, orange, and brown. Gunnuhver is the largest hot spring and mud pool of the area. Local folklore says it was named after Gunna, a troublesome ghost who was lured into the mud pool by a priest. Gunnuhver is strictly a sightseeing area, and its hot water, mud, and unstable ground make bathing extremely dangerous.

Reykjanesviti and Valahnúkamöl

Reykjanesviti stands on the site of Iceland’s oldest lighthouse and overlooks the south-western tip of the peninsula. Just below the lighthouse lies Valahnúkamöl, where powerful North Atlantic waves crash against boulder beaches and towering sea stacks. The cliffs are exposed and unstable, and cracks have been reported in the area. Visitors must remain behind barriers and stay away from visible cracks and cliff edges.

Krýsuvík, Seltún, and Kleifarvatn

The wider Krýsuvík region spans several geothermal zones, with Seltún serving as the main visitor site. Wooden boardwalks lead travellers past steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and mineral-coloured hills. A short drive away, Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Volcanic ridges, dark shores, and a stark, remote landscape frame its blue water.

Brimketill Lava Rock Pool

Brimketill is a coastal basin carved into black lava rock by centuries of marine erosion. A wooden viewing platform overlooks the rugged shoreline and powerful Atlantic surf. Despite its inviting appearance, the pool is exposed to sudden waves and is not safe for swimming. Visitors should remain on the platform and keep away from the water’s edge.

Fagradalsfjall and the New Lava Fields

Between 2021 and 2023, several fissure eruptions occurred in the valleys around Fagradalsfjall. Rather than forming a single cone-shaped volcano, magma emerged through cracks in the ground, creating craters of pumice and new lava fields. The area remains geologically active, and trail access can change at short notice. Visitors should follow all official closures, marked routes, and current safety guidance.

The Blue Lagoon and Svartsengi

The Blue Lagoon is the Reykjanes Peninsula’s best-known attraction, drawing visitors to its milky-blue geothermal waters. The spa developed beside the Svartsengi power station, which draws geothermal seawater from deep underground for energy production.

After passing through the plant, the silica-rich water is released into the surrounding lava field, where it collects in pools. These mineral-rich waters eventually formed the basis of the modern Blue Lagoon spa.

Recent Volcanic Activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula

The current period of unrest began in late 2019, followed by the first eruption near Fagradalsfjall in March 2021. In subsequent years, activity shifted towards the Svartsengi volcanic system, leading to repeated magma intrusions and fissure eruptions along the Sundhnúkur crater row. These events have significantly affected the nearby town of Grindavík and surrounding infrastructure

The volcanic system remains active, and the landscape continues to change. Eruptions and magma intrusions may occur with limited warning. Travellers should always check official updates, closures, and hazard maps before approaching recent eruption areas.

At Perlan's Volcano Show in Reykjavík, visitors can experience dramatic footage of the Reykjanes eruptions and see how magma, fissures, and lava flows continue to reshape Iceland. 

How to Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula

Main attractions are spread across a wide area on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Thus, renting a car or joining a guided tour is usually the easiest way to explore the region. Route 41 connects Reykjavík with Keflavík International Airport. Meanwhile, Routes 42, 43, and 44 provide access to geothermal areas, coastal landscapes, and towns across the peninsula.

A half-day trip is enough to visit selected highlights such as the Bridge Between Continents or the Blue Lagoon. A full day allows time for a wider loop through the geothermal valleys and rugged southern coastline. As weather can change quickly and services are limited outside main towns, travellers should check road conditions before setting off.

Best Time to Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula

The Reykjanes Peninsula can be explored throughout the year when roads and individual sites are open and safe.

• Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours and generally easier driving conditions make summer the best time for a full sightseeing loop around the peninsula.
• Winter (November–March): Short days, snow, and ice can affect minor roads. However, winter also brings dramatic low light and opportunities to see the northern lights.
• Spring and Autumn (April–May and September–October): These quieter seasons bring fewer visitors to popular viewpoints. However, the weather can change quickly and road conditions may be less predictable.

Experience Iceland’s Volcanic Southwest

The Reykjanes Peninsula is far more than a route between the capital and Keflavík International Airport. Its lava fields, geothermal areas, fissures, and active volcanic systems reveal the forces that continue to shape Iceland.

Before or after exploring the peninsula, visit Perlan in Reykjavík. Here, travellers can learn more about the geological processes transforming the Icelandic landscape.