capital region
Seltjarnarnes — The Quiet Peninsula at the Edge of Reykjavík
About Seltjarnarnes — The Quiet Peninsula at the Edge of Reykjavík
Seltjarnarnes is a municipality separate from Reykjavík (population ~4,500) but physically part of the peninsula that forms the capital city area. It is the westernmost municipality in Iceland. The main attractions are the coastal walking path around the peninsula, the Grótta tidal island and lighthouse, the local swimming pool (Seltjarnarneslaug — one of the best-sited in Iceland, with views over the bay), and birdwatching on the rocky shore and tidal flats. The coastal path around Seltjarnarnes is about 5 km long and takes 1–1.5 hours to walk at a comfortable pace. The path is paved for most of its length. Benches and viewpoints along the route look out over Faxaflói bay, the Esja mountain, and on clear days the Snæfellsjökull glacier 120 km away.
🐉 The Place Where Reykjavík Ends and the Atlantic Begins
At Grótta lighthouse, you're standing at the far edge of Iceland's capital — and the next land to the west is Newfoundland, 3,000 km away.
📖 History of Seltjarnarnes — The Quiet Peninsula at the Edge of Reykjavík
Seltjarnarnes was one of the earliest settled areas in the Reykjavík region, with evidence of Viking-age farms. The Grótta lighthouse was first built in 1897 and has guided ships into Reykjavík harbour ever since. The area remained rural and sparsely populated until the 20th century suburban expansion of Reykjavík extended to the peninsula.
💡 Did You Know?
On a clear day from Grótta, the glacier Snæfellsjökull can be seen 120 km away across Faxaflói bay — the same glacier Jules Verne's explorers descended in 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'.
Key Facts
Westernmost municipality in Iceland
Grótta lighthouse accessible at low tide
Best Northern Lights viewpoint near Reykjavík city
Seltjarnarneslaug pool has panoramic bay views
5 km coastal walking path around the peninsula
💎 Hidden Gems
Seltjarnarneslaug Pool Views
The small local swimming pool here has arguably the best view of any pool in the Reykjavík area — looking across the bay to Esja and Snæfellsjökull on a clear day.
Arctic Tern Season (June–July)
When Arctic terns are nesting in June–July, approaching the tidal flats becomes an unexpectedly dramatic experience as the birds dive-bomb anyone who gets too close. Bring a hat.
🕐 Best Time
Low tide + sunset for the best combination
🚗 Access
Follow Eiðisgrandi road to the tip of Seltjarnarnes
⏱ Duration
2–3 hours for a full circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I walk to Grótta lighthouse?▾
At low tide only — check tide tables before you go. The tidal crossing can be dangerous in high water. Tide times are posted at the car park.
Is this good for Northern Lights viewing?▾
Yes — the open bay and dark horizon make Seltjarnarnes one of the best Northern Lights viewpoints accessible from central Reykjavík.
📍 GPS Location
Book a Tour to Seltjarnarnes — The Quiet Peninsula at the Edge of Reykjavík
Find guided tours, day trips and activities. Compare prices and book instantly with free cancellation.
🌌 See the Northern Lights
Track real-time aurora activity and plan your Northern Lights trip with AuroraVision.