Iceland

Iceland - Reykjanes & Reykjavík is part of this amazing Nordic island nation defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history.

Iceland is typically divided into seven different geographical regions, including the Reykjavík capital area. Each region differs slightly with respect to both culture and landscape, but all are uniquely Icelandic. These 8 regions include: Capital Region, Southern Peninsula, West, Westfjords, Northwest, Northeast, East and South.

Reykjanes Peninsula

Reykjanes peninsula is a geological wonder, where lighthouses outnumber villages. Besides hosting the Keflavík International Airport and, just a few minutes away, the spectacular Blue Lagoon, and the Fagradalsfjall volcano, the Reykjanes peninsula is a destination in its own right.

The peninsula is marked by active volcanism under its surface and large lava fields, allowing little vegetation. There are numerous hot springs in the southern half of the peninsula, around the Kleifarvatn lake and the Krýsuvík geothermal area. There is a geothermal power station at Svartsengi. Near the power station is the famous "Blue Lagoon", a luxury spa and pool area using the hot and mineralized water coming down from the power station.

A great deal of volcanic unrest was occurring in the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2020 and into 2021, after nearly 800 years of inactivity. After the eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano started on 19 March 2021, National Geographic's experts predicted that this "may mark the start of decades of volcanic activity". The eruption was small, leading to a prediction that this volcano was unlikely to threaten "any population centers".

Top Places to see on Reykjanes Peninsula

- The Church at Hvalsnes
- The Lighthouse on Gardskagi
- Brimketill
- Reykjanesfólkvangur
- Seltún
- Kleifarvatn Lake
- Grænavatn
- Reykjanes Nature Reserve
- Bridge Between Continents
- Karlinn
- Valahnúkur
- Reykjanes Lighthouse

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field near Grindavík and in front of Mount Þorbjörn on Reykjanes Peninsula, in a location favourable for geothermal power, and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. The Blue Lagoon is approximately 20 km (12 mi) from Keflavík International Airport, and is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland.

Learn more about Iceland's "Blue Lagoon".

Learn more about Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula at Visit Reykjanes

Reykjavík Capital Region

Reykjavík, Iceland's Capital City and the largest city in Iceland. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay. With a population of around 131,136 (and 233,034 in the Capital Region), it is the center of Iceland's cultural, economic, and governmental activity, and is a popular tourist destination.

Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which, according to Landnámabók, was established by Ingólfr Arnarson in 874 CE. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development in the city location. The city was officially founded in 1786 as a trading town and grew steadily over the following decades, as it transformed into a regional and later national centre of commerce, population, and governmental activities. It is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.

Whether you visit in summer or winter, there will be so much to do.

Top things to do in Reykjavik

- Sightseeing
- Museums
- Art Galleries
- Restaurants & Bars
- Concerts
- Shopping
- Soak in local swimming pools
- Whale Watching

Reykjavik Top Attractions

- Hallgrimskirkja Church
- Statue of Leif Eiriksson
- Solfarid Sun Voyager Sculpture
- Waterfront
- Harpa Concert Hall
- The Pearl or Perlan
- Whales of Iceland Museums
- Kolaportið Flea Market (Saturday-Sunday 11 am – 5 pm)
- Explore the city streets to see Street Art everywhere

Top things to do in Reykjavik Capital Region

- Mount Esja Hiking
- Mount Úlfarsfell Hiking
- Viðey Island
- Elliðaárdalur Green Area Park (Elliða river valley)
- Laugardalur Valley and Park
- Reykjavik Botanical Garden
- Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
- The Island of Grótta and Grótta Lighthouse
- Hallargarðurinn Public Park
- Hljómskála ParkAccordion tab content