- Keflavík International Airport is located on the peninsula and is the major point of entry for Iceland
- Volcanic unrest was occurring in the Reykjanes Peninsula from 2020 onward, after nearly 800 years of inactivity
- The Blue Lagoon uses geothermal water from the Svartsengi power station
Volcanic Landscapes and Lava Fields
The peninsula is marked by active volcanism under its surface and large lava fields, allowing little vegetation. The eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano started on 19 March 2021. Volcanic unrest was occurring from 2020 onward, after nearly 800 years of inactivity.
Large lava fields dominate the terrain. Some areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula are home to temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius at 0.5 meters deep.
In November 2023, seismic activity occurred around Grindavík. The town's evacuation prompted a declaration of a state of emergency over the threat of an imminent volcanic eruption. Check safetravel.is and road.is before visiting any areas.
The peninsula's volcanic character connects to broader Iceland volcano tour options. Fagradalsfjall volcano remains a focal point for recent eruption sites.
Reykjanes Peninsula Tours
More on GetYourGuide
Top ratedBestsellerDay trip · 9 hoursReykjavík: Volcano Eruption Site and Reykjanes Hiking Tour★ 4.7 1 207 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €121 per personSee availability →
35 minutesReykjanes: Fagradalsfjall Eruption Helicopter Tour★ 5.0 5 reviews✓ Free cancellationfrom €508 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 9 hoursFrom Reykjavík: Hiking Tour of Reykjanes' Volcano Circle✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €134 per personSee availability →The Bridge Between Continents
The Bridge Between Continents spans the Álfagjá rift valley. The valley is 60 feet (18 m) wide and 20 feet (6.1 m) deep. The Bridge Between Continents is located near Grindavík. Built in 2002, it is promoted to tourists as marking the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
The Bridge Between Continents was previously named Leif the Lucky bridge in honor of Icelandic explorer Leif Eriksson. You can walk across the footbridge.
The rift valley represents one of the few places on Earth where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises above sea level.
- Keflavík International Airport is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula
- The peninsula is marked by active volcanism and large lava fields
- There are numerous hot springs around Kleifarvatn lake and the Krýsuvík geothermal area
- The Bridge Between Continents is promoted as marking the boundary between tectonic plates
- Check tour details on GetYourGuide for itinerary options
- Large lava fields allow little vegetation on the peninsula
- Check safetravel.is before visiting as conditions change
- Weather conditions can change along coastal areas
- Check safetravel.is and road.is before visiting geothermal zones
Geothermal Areas and Hot Springs
There are numerous hot springs in the southern half of the peninsula. They are found around the Kleifarvatn lake and the Krýsuvík geothermal area. Steam vents, mud pools and fumaroles create a landscape of geothermal activity.
There is a geothermal power station at Svartsengi on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Blue Lagoon Iceland is a luxury spa and pool area near the Svartsengi power station. It uses hot and mineralized water coming down from the power station.
Gunnuhver is among the peninsula's geothermal sites. The area demonstrates the heat beneath the surface.
Compare geothermal experiences at various Iceland hot springs or consider the Sky Lagoon alternative in Reykjavík.
Getting to the Peninsula
Keflavík International Airport is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is the major point of entry for Iceland. The administrative centre of the Reykjanes Peninsula region is Keflavík.
Keflavík Airport is situated 50 km (31 mi) WSW of Reykjavík. Many visitors pass through the peninsula upon arrival or departure from Iceland.
Self-drive access follows coastal routes. Check road conditions before travelling.
For transport needs, check Reykjavík airport transfer options or broader day trips from Reykjavík.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →What to See: Sights and Attractions
The peninsula combines geological features with coastal scenery. Key sights include the Bridge Between Continents, geothermal areas, Kleifarvatn lake, and the Blue Lagoon.
Reykjanes is the southwestern tip of Reykjanesskagi, after which the peninsula was named. Rocky coastlines and bird cliffs line the shore.
Lava fields from the Fagradalsfjall eruption offer volcanic terrain. A cabin was found in Hafnir on the Reykjanes peninsula. Carbon dating indicates it was abandoned sometime between 770 and 880.
| Site | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge Between Continents | Tectonic rift | Near Grindavík |
| Gunnuhver | Geothermal | Peninsula |
| Blue Lagoon | Spa | Near Svartsengi |
| Fagradalsfjall lava fields | Volcanic | Peninsula |
| Kleifarvatn lake | Lake and hot springs | Southern peninsula |
For structured exploration, Iceland small group tours and Iceland bus tours offer guided peninsula itineraries.
Planning Your Visit
Check tour details on GetYourGuide for specific itinerary information. Combine sights according to your interests.
Allow time for weather delays and road condition checks. Check road.is before travelling.
Check Blue Lagoon tickets for booking information. Consider Blue Lagoon transfer services if not driving.
Dress in layers and bring wind-resistant outerwear. Sturdy footwear helps on paths around geothermal areas and lava fields.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Tour Options for the Peninsula
Tours are available from Reykjavík covering the peninsula's geological features. Check GetYourGuide for tour details and what is included.
Some itineraries combine the peninsula with Golden Circle Iceland highlights or south coast tours Iceland. Iceland private tours allow custom itineraries focused on specific sights.
Check road.is and safetravel.is before any visit, as volcanic and weather conditions affect accessibility.
For extended travel, Iceland multi day tours incorporate the peninsula as part of southwest Iceland routes.
The Reykjanes Peninsula offers access to Iceland's volcanic and geothermal landscapes. Volcanic unrest was occurring from 2020 onward. Check safetravel.is for current conditions before you visit.
More tours to compare
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Day trip · 4 - 6 hoursFagradalsfjall Volcano Hike: The Original Local Experience★ 4.9 740 reviews✓ Free cancellationBooked 3 times yesterdayfrom €137 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 4 - 6 hoursReykjavik: Thrihnukagigur Volcano Guided Hiking Day Trip★ 4.9 719 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €395 per personSee availability →
Guided tour · 3.5 hoursWinter Exclusive Sunrise ATV Tour in Reykjavik✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €211 per personSee availability →Frequently asked questions
What is the Reykjanes Peninsula?
The Reykjanes Peninsula is a region in southwest Iceland. It is marked by active volcanism under its surface and large lava fields, allowing little vegetation. There are numerous hot springs around Kleifarvatn lake and the Krýsuvík geothermal area. Keflavík International Airport is located on the peninsula.
Where is the Bridge Between Continents?
The Bridge Between Continents is located near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It spans the Álfagjá rift valley, which is 60 feet (18 m) wide and 20 feet (6.1 m) deep.
When did the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupt?
The eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano started on 19 March 2021. Volcanic unrest was occurring in the Reykjanes Peninsula from 2020 onward, after nearly 800 years of inactivity.
Is the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula?
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the Svartsengi geothermal power station. It uses hot and mineralized water coming down from the power station.
Are the eruption areas on the Reykjanes Peninsula accessible?
Check safetravel.is and road.is before visiting, as conditions change.
