Things to do in Reykjanes
Welcome to Reykjanes
Jutting out into the North Atlantic Ocean, just south of Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula is known for its otherworldly volcanic and geothermal landscapes. Most visitors to Iceland touch down on the peninsula at Keflavík Airport and return to visit the famed Blue Lagoon, but Reykjanes merits a longer look. A UNESCO Global Geopark, travelers keep busy exploring volcanic craters, caves, dramatic fissures, bird-filled sea cliffs, lava fields, and black-sand beaches. Visiting the Bridge Between Continents and the Icelandic Museum of Rock ’n’ Roll are also top things to do in Reykjanes.
Top 2 attractions in Reykjanes
Blue Lagoon
Leidarendi Lava Caves
Explore Reykjanes by interest
Top activities in Reykjanes
Explore our promoted experiences
All about Reykjanes
When to visit
The most popular time to visit is in summer, when long days, the midnight sun, and (relatively) warm temperatures make it easy to enjoy the outdoors and pack multiple activities into each day. That said, because Reykjanes is home one of Iceland’s top attractions, the Blue Lagoon, it can often be crowded during peak season; if you visit in the winter, you can enjoy the geothermal water and other local sights with far smaller crowds.
Getting around
Reykjanes is located near Keflavík International Airport (the country’s largest), and there are frequent buses running between the airport and Reykjavík. Once you arrive, you’ll want to rent a vehicle to really explore all that the area has to offer. (The rental agencies are also located at the airport.) If you don’t want to drive, book a guided tour that includes transportation.
Traveler tips
The tiny, windswept fishing hamlet of Garður, located on the northwestern point of the Reykjanes peninsula, is well worth a visit. Sights include Garðskagi, a rocky point with two lighthouses (one of which has a 360-degree viewing platform), and a small folk museum. The village is also a great spot for whale and dolphin watching in the summer. It’s a charming, quiet place; if you want to stay a while, check out the campground between the lighthouses.