Home
The Landscape
Your Tour
Garðskagaviti (The Old & New Lighthouses)
Two iconic lighthouses on the northwest tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula offering stunning views and rich maritime history.
Description
Garðskagaviti (The Old One) is a lighthouse from 1897 located near the town of Garður. It is the second oldest concrete structure in Iceland and was operational until 1947, when it was decommissioned and replaced by a nearby new lighthouse — Garðskagaviti (The New One). The older lighthouse, smaller and lower in height, was once considered one of the best in Iceland due to its ability to remain visible in mist. However, it was vulnerable to surf damage and sometimes obscured during tempests. The new lighthouse, built in 1944, stands 28 meters tall — making it the highest lighthouse in Iceland. Designed by engineer Axel Sveinsson, it serves as a radar transponder and is used for weather surveillance. It remains under the supervision of the Icelandic Maritime Administration. Both lighthouses are popular visitor attractions, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and a glimpse into Iceland’s maritime legacy.
Gunnuhver
The largest mud geyser in Iceland named after a 400 year old poltergeist named Gunna that was trapped in the geyser by a priest - truly a magnificent geothermal cite.
Description
The mud pools take form where steam from boiling geothermal reservoir water emanates and condenses and mixes with surface water. Accompanying gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide make the water acid. This causes alteration of the fresh lava rock to clay. Steaming of the ground at Reykjanes increased markedly as a consequence of a pressure drawdown in the geothermal reservoir upon the start of production from the reservoir in 2006. Iceland´s largest mud pool at present prominent, highest up in the Gunnuhver group. It is 20 meters wide across a rim of mud, boiling vigorously. Two ramps are located at the Gunnuhver group, on close to Gunnuhver itself where you can look down to the spring and hear the vigorous noise, see the boiling water and feel the power bursting from the ground and the steam on your face. The other ramp is located on Kísilhól a silica hill. From there you have a good view over Gunnuhver group and surroundings.
Valahnúkur
Spectacular mountain formed in a single eruption when 1200°C hot lava rapidly cooled down in the cold sea.
Description
Valahnúkur is composed of tuff layers, pillow lava and breccia. The mountain was formed in a single eruption and shows evidence of the different phases of the eruption. The tuff forms in explosive eruption, while the pillow lava forms when the lava erupts under water. The mixture of lava rocks and hardened volcanic ash found in Valahnúkur is called tuff. Tuff forms when 1200°C hot lava rapidly cools in water. This forms glass fragments, as crystals do not have time to grow. The fragments quickly transform into tuff. Lower down in Valahnúkur is a diagonal layer of breccia. Breccia forms when slag or ash form angled slopes. Individual pillows or parts thereof roll down the slope, are covered with ash and form the breccia layer. Pillow lava is one of the most common lava types on Earth, as it is the most common lava that erupts from the oceanic crust. These strange pillows form in eruptions under water or under glaciers. Such eruptions are often where the pressure is too high to allow steam explosions to occur. They can also form when there is little or no gas in magma that rapidly pushes out from flowing lava. A glassy coating forms over the pillows as the magma cools rapidly. They are often several metres in length but only 10–30 cm in diameter. When examining a cliff wall with a cross-section of such lava, each bulbous formation looks like a ball or a pillow. The pillow lava in Valahnúkur probably formed in a sub-glacial eruption.
Karlinn
Karlinn (The Man) is a 51 meter high crater tap from the crater row Stampar that stands majestically in the ocean not far from the beach — his spouse, the Woman, for a long time stood beside him but has now departed to her watery grave.
Description
The Sturlunga Saga and several other compilations mention the winter of 1226–1227 as being the "Sand Winter" and a significant "Winter of Famine". There was an undersea eruption off the coast of Reykjanes, and the ash-fall was so great that in some places, it was pitch dark in the middle of the day. Numerous farm animals in Iceland were killed, and it was said that Snorri Sturluson lost 100 cattle that he owned in Svignaskarð in Borgarfjörður. Karlinn (the Man), a 51 m sea pillar just off the coast of Reykjanes, was formed in this eruption.
Eldey
Fire island is a 77 meter high rock protruding out of the sea — it is one of the biggest gannet colonies in the world and the last known residence of the great auk.
Description
It is about 15 km to the south of the southwesternmost tip of the Reykjanes peninsula. The structure of Eldey is basaltic hyaloclastites, and it is 0.3 km² in area. It is the innermost of a chain of skerries standing on a shallow, submarine ridge, which stretches 45 seamiles offshore to the southwest. The name of this chain is Fuglasker or Eldeyjar. One of those skerries was Geirfuglasker, where the last breeding colonies of the Great Auk were located. Geirfuglasker disappeared mostly from the surface during submarine eruptions in 1830. One of the biggest gannet colonies in the world is still surviving on Eldey. According to a count made in 1949, the number of gannets breeding there during the summer was 70,000.
Reykjanesviti
The Reykjanes lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Iceland, built in 1907–1908. The light signal height is 69 meters above sea level — it is the most popular lighthouse among Icelanders according to a survey by the Icelandic Maritime Administration.
Description
The first lighthouse in Iceland was built on Valahnúkur in Reykjanes in 1878. By 1905, earthquakes and surf had damaged Valahnúkur so much that there was a risk of the lighthouse falling into the sea. A new lighthouse was therefore built in 1907–1908 on Bæjarfell hill in Reykjanes, and the old one was demolished with an explosion on April 16th, 1908. A survey supervised by Rögnvaldur Guðmundsson in 2007 for the Icelandic Maritime Administration concluded that Reykjanes lighthouse was the most popular lighthouse among Icelanders. The light signal height is 69 meters above sea level, but the actual height of the lighthouse is 26 meters. Reykjanes lighthouse also has a radio beacon with a correction signal. It is built from carved rock and concrete. Architect Frederik Kjørboe and engineer Thorvald Krabbe designed the lighthouse. Its operation is under the supervision of the Icelandic Maritime Administration.
Brimketill
A magical pool carved naturally by marine erosion, frequently visited by a giantess.
Description
Brimketill is a small, naturally carved pool by marine erosion at the lava shore edge west of the town of Grindavík. Folklore relates that the pond was regularly occupied by a giantess named Oddný. The viewing platform overlooking Brimketill is just a few steps away from the parking lot, starting with a small set of stairs, making the platform inaccessible to wheelchairs. Standing on the platform, you risk the possibility of getting soaked as the waves can almost reach the parking lot. Make sure to watch your step while taking in the amazing view and the unrelenting forces of nature. Utmost caution is recommended, especially when traveling with children.
Power Plant Earth
Interactive exhibition located inside a geothermal power plant where you can learn about the uniqueness of Iceland in harnessing green energy sustainably.
Description
Power Plant Earth is an exhibition located in Reykjanesvirkjun — a geothermal power plant operated by HS Orka in the Resource Park. From the "big bang theory" of how the universe evolved from the size of a grapefruit to the harnessing of geothermal energy in the Reykjanes peninsula, the exhibition shows how humans utilize different energy sources and how we benefit from them in our everyday lives. The exhibition's most impressive showpieces are two geothermal turbines generating 100 MW of "green" electrical power — enough to keep Reykjavík City running on a good day. The plant processes environmentally safe energy from geothermal heat in front of its guests, while also revealing the importance of exploiting Earth's energy resources in a sensible, self-sufficient, and sustainable way.
Stampar
On top of the living volcano — walk inside a crater formed in the Reykjanes Fires in 1210–1240 and discover the magnificent view over the Blue Diamond tourist route.
Description
Two volcanic fissures lie from the sea onto land on the western side of Reykjanes and form a series of craters known as Stampar. These crater series are from two periods and lie in the SW–NE direction, following the most common fissure angle in Reykjanes. The older series formed in an eruption from a fissure just under 4 km long around 1,800 to 2,000 years ago. The younger Stampar crater series formed during the Reykjanes Fires in 1210–1240. The row of craters is around 4 km long, and the lava field they produced covers approximately 4.6 km². The two craters closest to the road, named Stampar, are at the north end of the crater row. Further south are other sizeable craters such as Miðahóll hill, Eldborg the deeper, and Eldborg the shallower. Fishermen in earlier times used these craters as points of reference when out at sea. Most of the craters, however, are low-lying scoria cones and not very prominent.
Bridge Between Continents
According to the continental drift theory, you can take a walk between Europe and North America in the Blue Diamond — geologically speaking.
Description
The Bridge between Europe and North America is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which lies on one of the world's major plate boundaries — the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. According to the continental drift theory, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great forces under the gaping rifts. As the plates diverge, linear fractures known as fissures form due to stresses created by the tension that builds up as the plates move away from each other. The Bridge between Two Continents at Sandvík is a small footbridge over a major fissure, providing clear evidence of a diverging plate margin. The bridge was built as a symbol of the connection between Europe and North America.
Hafnarberg
There is something mesmerizing about watching the sea beat upon the cliffs.
Description
Hafnaberg is a long line of sheer sea lava cliffs south of the old fishing hamlet of Hafnir. It is very popular among hikers and bird watchers, as various marine birds nest at the cliffs. A parking place is located 4 km from Hafnir on road 44, and from there a marked path leads to the cliffs. The area is rich with a wide variety of flora and fauna inhabiting its slopes and skies. Birds that can be seen at the cliff include guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, razorbills, and many others. Occasionally, seals and small whales can also be spotted a short distance off the coast. Hafnaberg is a geosite in the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and is conveniently accessible from the main road.
Krísuvíkurbjarg
The sea cliffs Krísuvíkurbjarg are a magnificent natural wonder, stretching several kilometers and rising vertically from the sea.
Description
One of Iceland’s most stunning bird-watching locations, Krísuvíkurbjarg is packed during the summer months with up to 60,000 bird couples of nine different species. A great hiking trail leads from the highway and is easily navigated in half an hour. On top, you’ll find a breathtaking view over the rocky beach and the wild, loud waves smashing on the shore. The sound of the ocean’s power is mesmerizing and enchanting.
Kleifarvatn
The largest lake in the Reykjanes peninsula, about 10 km² — hot water from springs runs into the lake and its volcanic surroundings are unique and beautiful. Legend says a monster in the shape of a worm and the size of a whale lives in the lake.
Description
Kleifarvatn lies between Sveifluháls and Vatnshlíð. At about 10 km², it is the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula and the third largest in southern Iceland. With a depth of approximately 97 meters, it is also one of the deepest lakes in the country. The lake has a small catchment area and very limited surface discharge. Since the year 2000, it has diminished in size due to two major earthquakes that likely opened fissures at its bottom. In the 1960s, char fries from Lake Hlíðarvatn were introduced and have since thrived. In the southernmost part, hot water from geothermal springs flows into the lake, while the rest remains very cold. A small fishing lodge is located nearby. The lake’s volcanic surroundings make it a favorite among photographers. According to local legend, a monster resembling a giant worm or medium-sized whale inhabits its depths.
Seltún
A very important high-temperature geothermal area in Iceland that easily competes with the geyser region — a walk through the land of the geothermal gods.
Description
Seltún boasts one of the most striking and surreal landscapes in Iceland. Dramatic red, green, and yellow hills frame an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs. A well-maintained boardwalk winds through the bubbling and hissing geothermal field, with informative signage explaining the area's unique geology. Adventurous hikers can climb to a massive steaming vent (solfatara) at the top of the hill for a spectacular view of the ocean, fields, and lakes. The area offers many study opportunities due to its diverse geothermal features. Seltún is home to numerous mud pots and fumaroles, and colorful mineral deposits from geothermal activity. Well-marked walking paths and parking make it easily accessible. Seltún is part of the Reykjanes Nature Reserve and is located near Kleifarvatn along Road 42.
Harpa Concert Hall
Keflavík International Airport
Orkuverið Geothermal Plant
Svartsengi Power Station
Blue Lagoon