Discover Suðurnes: Geology, Trails and Culture

Suðurnes offers many ways to explore the landscapes and stories of Reykjanes: from the visible Mid-Atlantic Ridge to geothermal sites, historic buildings and hiking trails. In Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level only here, anywhere in the world. Reykjanes Geopark also includes 55 designated geological sites associated with the ridge and the effects of tectonic plates. This geological setting is a good starting point when deciding which experiences will shape your trip—and which holiday apartment will suit your plans as a base.

Geothermal Energy and Coastal Landscapes

Gunnuhver offers a particularly tangible view of the region’s geothermal side: it is home to Iceland’s largest mud pool, which is 20 metres in diameter. At the Gunnuhver group, two ramps offer views down to the spring and across the surrounding geothermal area. Brimketill, meanwhile, is a small pool naturally formed by marine erosion at the edge of the lava coast west of Grindavík. The viewing platform is a few steps from the car park. These two sites offer different ways to see Reykjanes’ landscape: a mud pool in a geothermal area and a sea-formed pool on the lava coast.

The Blue Lagoon is also among the geothermal experiences on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It is a health and geothermal spa with warm geothermal seawater. Those looking for additional activities on the water can find kayaking, boat tours and diving in Reykjanes. Hiking and caving are also among the region’s outdoor activities.

Hiking Trails of Different Lengths

Skógfellavegur is an approximately 11-mile coast-to-coast trail between Vogar and Grindavík; the hike takes about four to six hours. A gravel path leads from the car park to the summit of the 378-metre-high volcanic plug Keilir. This hike is listed as taking two to three hours. The two routes therefore differ both in their stated length and in the time required. At Hafnarberg, a marked trail leads from a car park on Road 44 to the cliffs. If you are planning to hike during your trip, this information provides a concrete guide to weighing up suitable destinations and how much time to allow during your stay.

History, Exhibitions and Local Products

The surviving church at Hvalsnes was built from dressed stone sourced nearby. Inside is the gravestone of Steinunn Hallgrímsdóttir, who died in 1649 and whose gravestone was rediscovered in 1964. Stekkjarkot tells a different story of construction: this cottage is a classic example of the crudely built turf, stone and timber houses once common on the Reykjanes Peninsula and in other coastal areas of Iceland. The new Reykjanes lighthouse was built on Bæjarfell in 1907–1908. Duus Museum, the art and cultural centre of Reykjanesbær, hosts exhibitions and cultural activities.

The Reykjanes Geopark Visitor Centre has an exhibition about the formation of the Reykjanes Peninsula and presents geology and nature in an accessible way. At the Sudurnes Science and Learning Center, visitors can take part in a treasure hunt about animals, plants and historic sites. The centre’s nature gallery displays taxidermied animals from Iceland’s wildlife and live marine animals. When choosing what interests you on your trip, you can therefore choose between learning about geology, nature and culture without having to focus on just one.

For a taste of local produce, Urta Islandica makes handcrafted teas, syrups, salts and jams from Icelandic ingredients. Visitors can watch the production line in the shop. This offers both a look at the products and a concrete insight into how they are made.

Getting There and Other Places

Bus route 55 provides a direct connection between the airport and the capital: it runs from Keflavík Airport via Reykjanesbær to Reykjavík and the University of Iceland. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can start by deciding whether geology, hiking, culture or geothermal experiences should be the focus. The subregions of Suðurnes include Vogar, Gardur, Grindavík, Sandgerði, Kálfatjörn, Hafnir, Reykjanesbær and Njardvik.

For the broader travel overview: Iceland.