UNESCO Global Geopark
Reykjanes
Volcanic Landscapes · Blue Lagoon · Tectonic Plates · Geothermal Areas
Did you know? The geothermal area at Gunnuhver is named after one of Iceland's most famous ghosts. According to legend, the spirit of Gunna was trapped inside the boiling earth here and is believed to remain in the steam vents today.
🧭 Guided Experiences
Tours & Day Trips in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights hunts, whale watching, glacier hikes, lava cave tours and more. Book with free cancellation — confirmed instantly.
About the Reykjanes Peninsula
A raw and otherworldly peninsula in southwest Iceland, Reykjanes is defined by vast black lava fields, constant geothermal activity, and a haunting, windswept atmosphere. Steam rises from the earth in places like Gunnuhver, while dramatic coastlines and the lonely Reykjanesviti lighthouse add to the sense of isolation.
With almost no vegetation and ever-changing weather—fog, wind, and dark skies—the landscape feels stark and cinematic, often compared to another planet. It’s a place where nature feels powerful and unpredictable, blending volcanic energy with eerie silence.
Reykjanes is also geologically unique, sitting on the boundary between tectonic plates, marked by the Bridge Between Continents. This mix of science, history, and folklore gives the area a mysterious edge—perfect for those drawn to Iceland’s darker, more atmospheric side.
🗺️ Travel Guides for Reykjanes
In-depth destination guides written by local experts
Top Attractions in Reykjanes
Volcanic wonders and geothermal marvels
⭐ FeaturedGunnuhver Geothermal Area
Gunnuhver Geothermal Area is a highly active geothermal site located on the southwestern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The area is known for its large boiling mud pools, steam vents, and sulphur-rich geothermal activity, making it one of the most dramatic geothermal landscapes in Iceland. Unlike many geothermal bathing locations, Gunnuhver is far too hot for bathing, with temperatures exceeding boiling point in some areas.
Explore →
⭐ FeaturedReykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark
UNESCO-designated volcanic peninsula with geothermal areas, lava fields, coastal cliffs and new eruptions. Shaped by volcanic activity, glacial erosion, and the forces of wind and water over millennia, this natural attraction draws visitors who come to witness landscapes found nowhere else. The area provides excellent opportunities for photography, hiking, and connecting with Iceland's pristine wilderness.
Explore →
⭐ FeaturedBrimketill
Witness the raw power of the Atlantic at Brimketill, a natural lava rock pool carved into the dark basalt coastline. Turbulent turquoise waves dramatically fill the basin, sending frothy white spray high into the air against the rugged shore.
Explore →
🎫 Bookable TourPrivate Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
⭐ FeaturedEurovision Piano Memorial
Located near Reykjanesviti lighthouse on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Eurovision Piano is a small outdoor art installation made famous by its appearance in the Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. The piano sits within Iceland’s active volcanic landscape close to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Atlantic coastline. Surrounded by lava formations, sea cliffs, and geothermal areas, the location provides a dramatic setting that reflects the unique visual style of the film.
Explore →
⭐ FeaturedReykjanesviti
Reykjanesviti is Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, located on the dramatic southwestern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula near geothermal areas and volcanic coastline.
Explore →
⭐ FeaturedGrænavatnseggjar
Grænavatnseggjar offers an unparalleled aerial perspective of Reykjanes' dramatic volcanic landscape, where dark, rugged peaks meet shimmering, jewel-toned lakes. From its summit, witness a breathtaking panorama of ancient lava fields and vibrant geothermal pools under a vast, often misty, sky.
Explore →
🎫 Bookable TourPrivate 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
Arnarsetur
Arnarsetur offers a captivating blend of panoramic vistas and geological intrigue on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Discover the entrance to a lava cave, known as Dollan, nestled amidst ancient lava fields covered in vibrant green and white lichen, as seen in the image. This viewpoint provides stunning perspectives of the surrounding volcanic landscape and its unique flora.
Explore →
Búrfell og Búrfellsgjá
Eldstöðin Búrfell var friðlýst var sem náttúruvætti árið 2014. „Búrfell er eldstöð með fallegri og heillegri hrauntröð, Búrfellsgjá, sem er um 3,5 km löng. Frá Búrfelli hefur runnið mikið hraun sem þekur um 18 km2 lands í dag. Innan svæðisins eru fornminjar, svo sem Gjáarétt sem er í vesturenda Búrfellsgjár, fyrirhleðslur, Réttargerði og vatnsbólið Vatnsgjá. Náttúruvættið er kjörið til útivistar, umhverfisfræðslu og rannsókna, en Búrfell og nágrenni er vinsælt útivistarsvæði, ekki síst vegna nálægðar þess við þéttbýli höfuðborgarsvæðisins.“
Explore →
Drykkjarsteinn
Drykkjarsteinn, or 'Drinking Stone,' is a remarkable, porous rock formation found along an ancient route in Reykjanes. Its weathered, brown surface, speckled with white lichen and dark moss, hosts several natural hollows where rainwater collects. Legend says the largest of these never runs dry, offering a vital source of refreshment to travelers for centuries.
Explore →
🎫 Bookable TourGlacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
Eldey
„Þverhnípt klettaeyja (77 m.y.s) 8 sjómílur suður af Reykjanesi. Eldey er mynduð úr móbergi og er 0,03 km2. Hún er innsta skerið í skerjaklasa miklum sem stendur á einni grynningu og nær 45 sjómílur frá landi. Kallast hann Fuglasker eða Eldeyjar. Eitt þessara skerja var Geirfuglasker þar sem síðustu höfuðstöðvar geirfuglsins en það sökk að mestu í eldsumbrotum 1830. Í Eldey er mesta súlubyggð sem þekkist í heiminum og er eyjan jafnan þakin súlu. Við talningu, sem gerð var 1949 var fjöldi súlna þar talin um 70 þúsund“ (1). „Eyjuna verður þó að skoða úr fjarlægð því hún er friðlýst og þarf fyrir utan illkleif“ (2).
Explore →
🎫 Bookable TourReykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
All Attractions in this Region(195 total)
Everything documented — click to explore
Gálgahraun
Garðakirkja
Garðskagi
Gufuskálar
Hafnaberg
Hafurbjarnarstaðir
🎫 TourPrivate Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
From $7240
Kópan
Reykjanesvirkjun
Sandgerðishöfn
Sogin
Staður
Stafnes
🎫 TourPrivate 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
From $7400
Stampar
Vífilsstaðahlíð - gönguleið
Vífilsstaðir
Vigdísarvellir
Vogastapi
Milli steins og sleggju
🎫 TourGlacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
From $377.1
Keflavík & Reykjanes Art Museum
Reykjanestá
Fúlipollur
Arnarfell
Geitahlíð
Litli-Hrútur
🎫 TourReykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
From $1612.81
Landsýn
Sundhnúkur
Sundhnúkur eruption 2023
Gos við Grindavík
Kapella
Úranus
🎫 TourReykjanes Peninsula Private Day Tour - up to 9 passengers
From $20500
Fjárborg
Reykjanes awakens
Kvikan
Reykjanes Volcanic Peninsula
Grindavík & Sunken Road
Gunnuhver Mud Pools & Fumaroles
🎫 TourIceland: Diamond Beach Glacier Lagoon Black Sand Beach 冰岛冰河湖中文一日团
From $229.9
Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
Krýsuvíkurbjarg Sea Bird Cliffs
Stampar Crater
Selatangar
Geirfugl
Þráinsskjöldur
🎫 TourPrivate Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
From $7240
Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll
Holskefla
Þórshamarinn
Snúinn Eiffelturn
Stjáni blái
F-4E Phantom II
🎫 TourPrivate 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
From $7400
Hrafna-Flóki
Litli-Hrútur Eruption 2023
Minningarsteinn um Sveinbjörn Egilsson
Brennisteinsfjöll
Fagradalsfjall Volcano Trail
GarðurCampsite
🎫 TourGlacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
From $377.1
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse Trail
Sandgerði Campsite
Aragerði (skrúðgarður)
Bessastaðaskans
Gerðistangaviti
Goðahús
🎫 TourReykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
From $1612.81
Háleyjabunga
Hleinar
Hólmsberg
Höskuldarvellir
Hraunsvík
Hvassahraun
🎫 TourReykjanes Peninsula Private Day Tour - up to 9 passengers
From $20500
Jónshellar
Reykjanes - háhiti
Síkið
Strandarkirkja Miracle Church
Fagradalsfjall Volcanic Eruption Site
Kleifarvatn
🎫 TourIceland: Diamond Beach Glacier Lagoon Black Sand Beach 冰岛冰河湖中文一日团
From $229.9
Krýsuvík
Valahnúkamöl
Vogar
Hafnir
Keilir
Hopsnes
🎫 TourPrivate Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
From $7240
Sandvík
Þorbjörn
Básendar
Flugstöð Leifs Eiríkssonar
Húshólmi
Hvalsneskirkja
🎫 TourPrivate 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
From $7400
Kálfatjarnarkirkja
Kasthúsatjörn og aðliggjandi fjara
Katlahraun
Keflavík
Keflavíkurkirkja
Keilisnes
🎫 TourGlacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
From $377.1
Kirkjuvogskirkja
Krýs og Herdís
Krýsuvíkurberg
Njarðvík (bær)
Ósar
Stóru-Vogar
🎫 TourReykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
From $1612.81
Urriðavatn
Útskálakirkja
Fagradalsfjall
Grindavík
Eldvörp Volcanic Crater Row
Gunnuhver Hot Springs — Reykjanes
🎫 TourReykjanes Peninsula Private Day Tour - up to 9 passengers
From $20500
Hafnarberg Seabird Cliffs
Selatangar — Abandoned Fishing Station
Þorbjörn Mountain — Reykjanes
Seltún
Brúin milli heimsálfa "Bridge Between Continents"
Dollan, Arnarseturshraun
🎫 TourIceland: Diamond Beach Glacier Lagoon Black Sand Beach 冰岛冰河湖中文一日团
From $229.9
Gamli Garðskagavitinn
Garðskagaviti
Höfnin í Grindavík
Hópsnesviti
Karlinn
Landnámsdýragarðurinn
🎫 TourPrivate Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
From $7240
Njarðvíkurkirkja
Skrúðgarður
Þjófagjá
Strandarkirkja (Miracle Church)
Grænavatn
Eldborg
🎫 TourPrivate 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
From $7400
Skálafell
Sandfellshæð
Vonin
Reykjanes/Svartsengi volcanic system
Minnisvarði um Jón Þorkelsson
Rainbow
🎫 TourGlacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
From $377.1
Eruption Site Sundhnúkagígar 2025
Volcano Eruption Observation Point
Bæjartröllin
Skessan í Grænuborg
Freyr
Freyja
🎫 TourReykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
From $1612.81
Seal Lookout
B-24 Hot Stuff Crash Memorial
Viking World Museum
Krýsuvíkurkirkja
Gunnuhver Geothermal Trail
Keilir Mountain Trail
🎫 TourReykjanes Peninsula Private Day Tour - up to 9 passengers
From $20500
Gálgar
Garðaholt - hringsjá
Grunnavatnsskarð - Vífilsstaðahlíð - gönguleið
Sandahlíð - gönguleið
Sjónarhólstjörn á Vatnsleysuströnd
Skagagarðurinn
🎫 TourIceland: Diamond Beach Glacier Lagoon Black Sand Beach 冰岛冰河湖中文一日团
From $229.9
Snorrastaðatjarnir
Sólbrekkur
Staðarberg
Suðurhluti Festarfjalls
Sundhnúksröðin
Þorbjörn - gönguleið
🎫 TourPrivate Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
From $7240
Miðahóll
london phone booth
Hólmabúðir
Fuglahúsið
Eruptoin crater by Fagradalsfjall
Lower Litli Hrutur Volcano Viewpoint
🎫 TourPrivate 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
From $7400
Higher Litli Hrutur Volcano Viewpoint
Merki Njarðvíkurkaupstaðar
Kaldárhöfðasverð
Háibjalli
Hjallaendi
Hlið í Bessastaðahreppi
🎫 TourGlacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
From $377.1
Hólmabúð
Hópnes - gönguleið
Lindarsandur
Méltunnuklif
Óbrennishólmi
Selin í Vogaheiði
🎫 TourReykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
From $1612.81
Siglubergsháls
Skógtjörn
Skotbakkasandur
Bakkafjara
Lambafellsgjá
Stríðsminjar á Garðaholti
🎫 TourReykjanes Peninsula Private Day Tour - up to 9 passengers
From $20500
Valahnúksmöl
Valbjargagjá
Varir, lendingar og uppsátur opinna báta
Vatnsleysuströndin
Gönguleiðir frá Garðskaga
Hafnaberg - gönguleið
🎫 TourIceland: Diamond Beach Glacier Lagoon Black Sand Beach 冰岛冰河湖中文一日团
From $229.9
Sólarvé
Volacno Man Keyboards
Stapatröllin
Sendiboðinn
Tyrkjavörðutröllin
✈️ Flights to Iceland
Find the Cheapest Flights
Compare prices from hundreds of airlines. Flexible dates, instant booking and the best deals to Keflavík Airport — powered by Kiwi.com.
Geology & Volcanic History
Reykjanes sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge — one of Earth's most active tectonic boundaries. The Eurasian and North American plates are pulling apart here, creating constant volcanic and seismic activity. You can literally stand with one foot on each continent at the Bridge Between Continents attraction near Sandvík.
In 2021, after 800 years of dormancy, the Fagradalsfjall volcano on Reykjanes began erupting. The eruption was relatively gentle — a flowing lava field rather than an explosive blast — and drew over 300,000 visitors. More eruptions followed in 2022, 2023, and 2024, with lava eventually threatening the town of Grindavík.
Geothermal energy is the backbone of Iceland's power system, and Reykjanes is its engine room. The Svartsengi power plant taps superheated water from deep geothermal reservoirs to power homes across the peninsula — and the runoff water forms the Blue Lagoon.
Tectonic Plates
Eurasian and North American plates meet here — the Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs through Reykjanes.
Fagradalsfjall Eruption
First eruption on Reykjanes in 800 years — drew 300,000+ visitors in 2021.
Geothermal Energy
Svartsengi powers the peninsula — its waste water fills the Blue Lagoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need for Reykjanes?▾
A full day or overnight is enough to see the main sights — Blue Lagoon, Gunnuhver, Reykjanesviti lighthouse, and the lava fields. Many visitors combine it with the airport.
Is Fagradalsfjall volcano still active?▾
Yes — eruptions have occurred periodically since 2021. Always check the Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) for current volcanic activity before visiting the lava fields.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth the price?▾
For many visitors, yes — the milky blue geothermal waters are unique. Book well in advance as entry sells out. The Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík is a more affordable alternative.
Do I need a 4x4 for Reykjanes?▾
No — most attractions are accessible on paved roads with a regular car. The lava field hike to Fagradalsfjall requires some walking on uneven terrain.
What is the best time to visit Reykjanes?▾
Year-round is fine. Summer for long days and volcano hikes. Winter for Northern Lights over the lava fields — a truly otherworldly sight.
Haunted Places on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjanes is one of Iceland's most supernatural landscapes. Steam vents, lava deserts and shifting tectonic plates created ghost stories that remain active in local folklore today.
Gunnuhver
The ghost Gunna haunted the peninsula until a priest trapped her spirit inside boiling geothermal vents — which still bear her name today.
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse
Sailors once believed spirits guarded the coastline near this lighthouse, protecting ships from dangerous reefs in the dark.
Bridge Between Continents
Local legends describe underground giants battling beneath the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia that meet here.
Fagradalsfjall Lava Fields
Fresh lava landscapes are traditionally believed to awaken fire spirits sleeping beneath the earth — disturbing them brings misfortune.
Explore More of Iceland
GoIceTravel
Travel Guides & Tips
In-depth guides, planning tips and local insights — everything you need for your Iceland trip.
