Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a peninsula surrounded by the sea, where waterside paths, birdwatching, and places connected with medical history offer a variety of discoveries. If you would like to combine nature and culture on your trip, you’ll find plenty to explore here—from Bakkatjörn pond to the historic house of Nesstofa.

Walking or cycling along the coast

Seltjarnarnes has walking and cycling paths with views of nature, mountains, and the sea. One combined route leads from Norðurströnd to the car park by Grótta, then follows the coast to Bakkatjörn and around the pond. This brings the coastal stretch and the pond together in one continuous route; you can include it in your day’s plans if you enjoy spending time outdoors.

Grótta lies at the tip of the peninsula and was declared a nature reserve in 1974 because of its rich birdlife. The lighthouse there dates from 1897; another lighthouse was built nearby in 1947. Please note when visiting: Grótta lighthouse is accessible only at low tide.

Birds at Bakkatjörn

Bakkatjörn is near Grótta and is home to many bird species. It is one of the most important breeding areas for Arctic terns in the capital region. A birdwatching shelter lets visitors observe and photograph the birds at the pond. If you’re interested in observing nature, you can combine this stop with the path around the pond and focus on watching the birds.

Nesstofa and the history of pharmacy

Nesstofa is one of Iceland’s oldest concrete houses. It was built between 1761 and 1763 for Bjarni Palsson, Iceland’s first chief surgeon. Today, Nesstofa is a specialist museum of medical history, administered by the National Museum of Iceland. The Urtagarður is also located on the museum grounds, near Nesstofa. Its collection of herbs offers insight into plants used in the past and present for healing, nutrition, and promoting health.

The Lyfjafræðisafnið preserves objects, pictures, books, and documents relating to the history of pharmacy. Exhibits include important equipment used to make medicines, as well as examples of pharmacy interiors from the first decades of the 20th century. Alongside the historic house, the focus also falls on the tools and furnishings used in pharmacies.

More things to do in town

Seltjarnarneskirkja stands out for its distinctive triangular roof and is visible from afar. The church was consecrated on 19 February 1989. For a different kind of outdoor experience, there is Kvika, a geothermal footbath: the small stone basin holds warm geothermal water and was designed by artist Ólöf Nordal. The Seltjarnarnes swimming pool uses mineral-rich water drawn directly from a geothermal borehole in Seltjarnarnes.

Golf is another option: Golfklúbbur Ness operates a nine-hole, par-35 golf course in Suðurnes on Seltjarnarnes. When choosing where to stay, it therefore depends on which side of Seltjarnarnes interests you most—its paths and birdlife, pharmacy history, water, or golf.

Getting around and other destinations

Bus route 11 runs between the Mjódd bus stop and Seltjarnarnes. The nearest bus stop for Grótta is Hofgarður, 1 km away. More destinations: Hafnarfjörður, Mosfellsbær, Kópavogur, Garðabær and Reykjavik.

For the broader travel overview: Höfuðborgarsvæði.