Search Results

Gunnuhver hot spring in Reykjanes Penninsula In Icelandic nature everything has a name; every mountain, every valley, every tussock, every rill. And behind each name is a story. The southern tip of the restless Reykjanes Peninsula is a spectacular place to visit. A highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents boiling practically under your feet – if you dare to walk the wooden planks crisscrossing the area. Indeed, here is where you find the biggest mud pool in Iceland, Gunnuhver – or Gunna hot spring. Gunnuhver at Reykjanes Peninsula map of Iceland The hot spring derives its name from one troublesome ghost, Gunna. Gunnuhver Just before dying, the said Gunna had a brawl with the local sheriff, Wilhelm, whom she hated. When she died, their discord had not been solved. Still, Wilhelm attended her funeral. The next day he was found dead; his body bruised and blue, his bones broken. His remains were taken to the Útskálar church, where the priest, Gísli, had to fight Gunna the ghost throughout the night as she was determined to drag the sheriff to Hell. Gunna, the ghost, did not get her way and went absolutely bonkers. Wilhelm‘s widow suddenly died an unexplainable death ; people traveling the peninsula got lost, died, or went mad. Everyone knew Gunna was to blame. She refused to stay dead – and was quite visible. Life on the Reykjanes peninsula became unbearable. Gunnuhver geothermal area at Reykjanes Peninsula Until two farmers with some occult knowledge decided to get the priest at Vogósar, Erik, to bust the ghost. Knowing Eric would be reluctant, they decided to bribe him with quite a potent poteen – which he was known to like a tad too much. After listening to their plight, the priest gave the farmers a rope with a knot on one end. He told them to give the unknotted end to Gunna; the knotted end would trundle and drag her to a place where she would get stuck forever. The farmers did as they were told, and the last sighting they had of Gunna the ghost was when she tumbled into the hot spring. They declared her dead, the peninsula safe from her misdemeanors and gave the hot spring her name so everyone would know where Gunna met her end. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Hvalsneskirkja church Reykjanes Peninsula Iceland The church at Hvalsnes on the western part of the Reykjanes Peninsula is somewhat revered by Christian Icelanders. The longest-serving priest in the Hvalsnes parish was Hallgrímur Pétursson, a much-loved hymn writer whose life has become a legend. Even though he served the parish long before the present church was built, the Icelanders tend to look at the church site as a kind of holy place. Hvalsneskirkja on the map of iceland This humble, still impressive church was built from carved basaltic stones from the local area between 1886 and 1887. It was consecrated on Christmas Day, 1887. The proprietor of the Hvalsnes estate, that was also the project manager, financed the building. The wood for the interior was driftwood collected from the shores nearby. One of the church's most precious artifacts is a gravestone named Steinunn Hallgrímsdóttir, who died at the age of four in 1649. Her father, the Reverend Hallgrímur Pétursson, made it. The gravestone was lost for ages but was discovered in 1964. It had been used as part of a walkway leading to the church. Earlier, during the Catholic era in Iceland, the Hvalsnes churches were dedicated to the Holy Mother, St. King Olaf, St. Catharine, and all other saints. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Krísuvíkurberg cliffs at Reykjanes Peninsula Iceland From the road on the south shore leading to Grindavík (427) east of the large lava Ögmundarhraun that surfaced some 300 years after the years of settlement in Iceland, about 800 years ago. The landscape seems like a flat land with classical vegetation. A kind of flat morse ending by the seashore. But you will see dramatic changes if you take the turn on the rather difficult track to Krísuvíkurberg. Krísuvíkurberg is a 6-kilometer wide cliff south on the coastline of Reykjanes Peninsula. Although not particularly high, around 50 to 70 meters, it is an impressive sight as it stretches along the coastline. The cliff is home to tens of thousands of birds and is a spectacular geological phenomenon. Reykjanes Peninsula on the map of Iceland Krísuvíkurberg has interesting layers of lava molded by the ocean Krísuvíkurberg from the west side The cliff is a wall that the mighty Atlantic Ocean has molded with its enduring force for thousands of years. The cliff was originally formed by blankets of layers of lava that accumulated on top of each other thousands of years ago in many different eruptions. Contrary to the lava Ögmundarhraun these eruptions surfaced long before historical times. A process that can only be explained on a geological timeline. The layers are visible on the wall with different colors as they represent a different time and different kinds of magma and lava. There are up to 10 different layers on the east part of Krísuvíkurbjarg and around five on the west side. It is a monument of Nature's ability to form various patterns in thousands of years for us to enjoy and photograph. Krísuvíkurberg also has its part in the Icelandic folklore Krísuvíkurberg cliffs There are not many places where boats can land to access the land. But in the early 17th century, the Turks invaded Iceland and abducted hundreds of people, and sold them into slavery. One of the landing places was at Krísuvíkurberg, and the steps where they came up were called Ræningjastígur, or Bandits path. Fortunately, they only managed to kill one woman before they got into a fight between themselves with fatal consequences. According to Icelandic folklore, their disagreement was a spell from a priest who saw them approaching and thus saved his people. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

The Krísuvík church Krýsuvík is one of the fascinating areas in Iceland. That is, if you are a true lover of nature. It is spectacular in the south of the Reykjanes Peninsula , in the middle of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's fissure zone . It is such an active geothermal area; one cannot help but wonder: Is it here that Iceland breathes? Krísuvík at Reykjanes on the map of Iceland The area is riddled with steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-colored hills . At Seltún and Gunnuhver, you will find solfataras, fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs, giving the soft soil its yellow, red, and green hue. Krísuvík at Reykjanes Peninsula Well-maintained boardwalks wind through the bubbling and hissing geothermal areas, with informative signage explaining all the important geological facts. A short distance away from the geothermal fields, you will discover several maars/crater lakes created by the explosions of overheated groundwater. The largest is Kleifarvatn and the second is Grænavatn (Green Lake), which glows in a deep green. It derives its color from thermal algae and crystals absorbing the Sun. A few minutes drive away from this surreal landscape is the Krýsuvík Cliffs, with its thousands of sea birds. They nest in the rugged hillside beside the crashing Atlantic surf. All you have to do is a hike along a trail to the edge of the cliffs, and you'll spot kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, and a vast number of other species as they dive into the frolicking sea. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

A great place to take kids when visiting Iceland Entrance of Labaafellsgjá fissure The Lambafell fissure is an open, narrow fissure in a small hill or a stack in the landscape named Lambafell. It is an exciting and popular hiking route and a great place to take children. The path is unforgettable, and it might be a good idea to bring a small light to light up some of the interesting walls. At the southern end of Lambafell, you will find active high-temperature steam vents. Along the entire mount is a groove, or a ledge, which leads to the deep and narrow Lambafell fissure. The fissure's width is only a few meters, but it is 50 meters deep. During the summer, you can hike along the entire fissure, and it will be worth your while. On the map of Iceland Reykjanes Peninsula The best way to hike through Lambafellsgjá fissure The narrow path between two lava walls Indeed, the best route to descend into the fissure is from the south, down a steep and rather loose graveled slope. The fissure's walls are covered with excellent outcrops of subglacially formed basaltic pillows. The fissure was most certainly formed during the Holocene, but the pillows are thought to be a lot older than the last glacial period, possibly the one preceding the last one – or even older. At the northern end, the fissure opens at the same level as its surroundings. You can either hike back through the fissure or go back over the hill and down a well-marked trail. At the northern end, the fissure opens at the same level as its surroundings. You can either hike back through the fissure or go back over the mount and down a well-marked trail. Only an hour's drive from Reykjavík Looking up through the fissure at Lambafellsgjá Driving to Lambafellsgjá can be a part of a driving tour and a hiking tour at the Reykjanes Peninsula. When you drive from Reykjavík on Reykjanesbraut Road Nr. 41. After a short drive passed the Aluminum plant, you turn south on the road to Keilir. You go a bit further than the turn to go to Keilir and find a small parking space about a one-kilometer hike from Lambafellsgja. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Reykjanesviti lighthouse at sunset at Reykjanes Peninsula The Reykjanes Lighthouse is Iceland's oldest lighthouse. It was built between 1907 and 1908 instead of the old lighthouse that had been built in 1878 but was destroyed by an earthquake eight years later. At the time, it was the most advanced and expensive structure to be built in Iceland. Reykjanes Peninsula on the map of Iceland The current Reykjanes Lighthouse was designed by the Danish architect Frederik Kjorbo and the Danish engineer Thorvald Krabbe. It is a 26.7-meter-high concrete construction with traditional looks. The lighthouse was illuminated in 1929. Its focal plane measures 73 meters above sea level. The light characteristic is "Fl(2) 30 s", i.e., a group of two flashing lights every 30 seconds. An antenna for the transmission of DGPS signals in the long-wave range is mounted on the rooftop. Until 1999, there was a lighthouse keeper on location. He lived with his family in the house next to the lighthouse, along with his assistant and his family. It was not an easy life as the raging storms were often too strong for anyone venturing outdoors. The lighthouse keeper and his assistant could be stuck in the lighthouse for days on end. Which, of course, was quite inconvenient because "there was no way their women could attend to them." If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Selatangar is an old fishing station and one of the few around the coast of Iceland that is remaining, although only as ruins. Throughout the centuries, from the early 14th century until the late 19th century, fishing stations were essential for most farms and families in Iceland to sustain themselves . For many farms, it was part of their livelihood. Even though Iceland was an agricultural society, many families and farms needed to add fish to their meals to sustain because the farms did not always have the capacity to feed them, and the farms could not grow grain. Also, fish was one of two commodities Icelanders could give merchants who came to Iceland from Europe and offered interesting products otherwise unavailable. Products like corn, alcohol, coffee, and a variety of textiles , to name a few. But life at a fishing station was probably one of the most challenging ways to make a living throughout the history of the country. Selatangar at Reykjanes Peninsula The many fishing stations around the coast Sunrise at Selatangar during autumn Throughout the centuries, Icelanders built about 140 fishing stations around the coast. Early on in the Commonwealth time and the 13th and 14th centuries , most fishing stations were at Reykjanes Peninsula and the Westfjords. Fishing stations were usually built near rich fishing grounds and also required a good landing place. Since all of the fishing was done on rowing boats, so-called six-oar rowing boats, the distance to fishing grounds had to be near the shore. Not until the beginning of the 20th century did fishing posts develop into hamlets or villages. Up until that time, fishing stations were mostly provisional and “homes” to farmers and workers from the beginning of February until the beginning of May. During that period, the fishing station was the home and workplace and the place where men took their rowing boats out to the open sea to catch fish. One reason that this was not done during summer was the fact that every individual and every hand was needed at the farm to collect hay and prepare for winter. The downside was the fact that the time from February to May is the most difficult time of year in Iceland as it is the time of our worst weather and winter storms. This often made life at the fishing post a living disaster. A very difficult life at Selatangar and most other fishing stations Remains of the old fishing station are still standing Visiting Selatangar, one cannot help but be amazed at the hardship and severe circumstances people had to endure at these fishing stations. Set on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a short distance from Grindavík, Selatangar was an important fishing station for centuries until the 1880s. The cluster of shacks and huts built into the black lava, often little more than caves , is incredible. All that remains today are the foundations of the shore-side dwellings, but enough to give you a good idea of the terrifying way of life and conditions the fishermen had to withstand. Living in haphazardly structured stone cottages, by the raging Atlantic Ocean, with no electricity, limited access to water, and ruthless weather conditions. To make thanks even worse, it was mostly at a time when daylight is shorter, and the dark is longer. So it did not take a lot of imagination to give wings to stories of ghosts like Tanga-Tómas, who used to harass the fishermen at Selatangar and probably still does. It wouldn’t surprise us if the ghost has teamed up with its neighbor, Gunna, at Gunnuhver to scare people traveling at the Reykjanes Peninsula. They are both still at large, so be aware and careful when visiting Selatnagar. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Seltún Geothermal area - Natural Wonder On the road to Krýsuvík, you will pass the beautiful geothermal area at Seltún. The main area is a fascinating hot spring field to the southwest, recognizable by the mud pools and steaming ground. Through the steam, you'll notice the yellow, green and red-orange colors, as well as the white and brown colors of the sulfates. The sulfates dissolve in water and become mottled. Thus, when it rains they disappear altogether, leaving only the bright yellow, green and red colors of the sulfur. It is a mythical sight to see. Seltún is at Reykjanes on the map of Iceland A source for green power production? Through the steam, you'll notice the yellow, green and red-orange colors In the mid-20th century, there were plans to utilize the geothermal field for power production, and Seltún then became one of the main drilling targets. Old drill pads are still in situ near the path along the creek. During the winter of 2010, one of the boreholes started erupting intermittently with a few days between the eruptions. Another old drilling well blew up in 1999 forming a crater of approximately 30 diameters, now filled with mud except where a flow of steam keeps the boiling pits open. The explosion debris covers the surrounding slope like a carpet of yellowish mud up to about 100 meters. Access is easy by the road Walking the easy planks and steps through the area is quite an experience. Walking the easy planks and steps through the area is quite an experience. Climbing to the top platform is a must. The view from this living, breathing corner of the earth is simply stunning. To access you take a turn south from the main road between Reykjavík and The International airport at Keflavík, by the Aluminum Plant on Road Nr. 42. After about 20 kilometers you will arrive at Seltún. Seltún is also part of the one day Road Trip around the Reykjanes Peninsula we recommend if you have a day in the capital Reykjavík. By taking that road trip you can see and discover many other magnificent places. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Spákonuvatn lake is close to Geldingadalir volcano Reykjanes Peninsula is the place in Iceland where most visitors arrive; it is the home of the International Airport in Keflavík. Apart from the Blue Lagoon, many of the most popular attractions in Iceland are in other Regions. Reykjanes peninsula, on the other hand, has many exciting attractions and fascinating natural wonders. Landscape attractions are accessible by car, less than an hour's drive from Reykjavík. There are also many interesting hiking trails and mountains in Reykjanes Peninsula. Spákonuvatn lake is at Reykjanes Peninsula Spákonuvatn a small shallow lake Autumn at Spákonuvatn lake The beautiful small lake, Spákonuvatn (The Fortunetellers lake), is south of the mountain Trölladyngja, a mountain everyone who arrives via the airport in Keflavík will see when driving to Reykjavík. The small lake is surrounded by geological wonders like Sogin. Although a short distance from Reykjavík and Reykjanesbær town, it is a place few people visit, so you can expect a quiet and peaceful time visiting Spákonuvant. There are also interesting spots to visit nearby, like Lambafellsgjá fissure, Keilir mountain, and Djúpavatn lake. It is part of the backland and "wilderness" at Reykjanes Peninsula. Finding Spákonuvatn lake requires some hiking Spákonuvatn lake at Núpshlíðarháls ridge Reykjanes Peninsula The road to Trölladyngja and Spákonuvatn is midways between Keflavík and Reykjavík marked Keilir. It is a perfect place for comfortable hiking in wonderful colorful surroundings, not far away from the city. Many of these places you can visit are covered on our web page, like Lambafellsgjá and Sogin. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Vigdísarvellir is a remote small valley in Reykjanes Peninusl Vigdísarvellir has always been a popular camping site in Iceland, especially amongst the people living on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It used to be a smallholding from the Þórkötlustaðir farm in Grindavík, inhabited until 1900. Explaining why Vigdísarvellir is the only spot in the Peninsula's lava fields where you'll find large green pastures. Also, you will still find the ruins of the old crofts in situ. Vigdísarvellir valley is at Reykjanes Peninsula on the map of Iceland Vigdísarvellir, along with Lake Djúpavatn, is part of the high-temperature geothermal area on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The low and flat lands are predominantly covered by Holocene lava flows covering the older hyaloclastite formation. Vigdísarvellir is a great place for hiking and outdor activity From Vigdísarvellir, you will find hiking trails in all directions. It is a great location to camp for a few days while you inspect the hiking trails crisscrossing the Peninsula. The Reykjanes Peninsula is one of the most geologically interesting areas in Iceland; you will most certainly find palagonite, basalt, and obsidian. The lava formations are quite spectacular with their deep valleys and rugged hills, beautiful rare moss species, and delicate flora. Here is most certainly the place where you can practically merge with nature. And, after a day of robust hiking, lying down in the grass at Vigdísavellir to listen to the silence is simply ethereal. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Almannagjá fissure at Þingvellir National Park Few places have a higher place in the hearts and minds of Icelanders than Almannagjá at Þingvellir in the South Region of Iceland. It is a place everyone should visit when traveling in Iceland. It is not only a geological wonder and place of historical importance but also a sacred place. It is the place where our first settlers choose for their national assembly eleven hundred years ago to make laws and settle disputes. It is where a final decision was made to revert to Christianity and abolish paganism. It is the place where Icelanders celebrate their sovereignty and independence. It is probably one of the most important parts of Iceland. Southern Region on the Map Of Iceland Geologically a part of the North Atlantic Rift System Almannagjá is at the heart of Iceland history Geologically Almannagjá is a part of the North Atlantic rift system that stretches to the south pole in the Atlantic ocean. The length of the Almannagjá gorge is eight kilometers, and one of the interesting places where you can see tectonic plates drift apart. But you would, unfortunately, have to stay there for a few hundred years to see the movement. The cliffs that tower over the walking path tell a long, complex, and fascinating geological story. A beautiful place with a dark history Drekkingarhylur in the river Öxará in Almannagjá is a sad part of our history Almannagjá also has a darker history. In the 16th and 17th centurie, the beautiful calm, deep place by the bridge over the river Öxará was part of the Icelandic judicial system. Here women who were mainly convicted of adultery were drowned, and the deep pool carries the name Drowning Deep Pool, Drekkingarhylur. Men were hanged, and women drowned by putting them in a sack and holding them under the water with a stick until they stopped moving. So when you walk past that part, you should bow your head in respect to honor their memory, as most of them were not criminals but innocent victims of rape, incest, violence, and ignorance. Fortunately, only eighteen women were drowned here, which is eighteen too many. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Dyrhólaey arch from the west side Admission to Dyrhólaey is free Admission to Dyrhólaey, both the upper level and lower level, is free. On the lower level is a toilet with a fee if you need to go to a restroom. Dyrhólaey is a naturally formed arch on the shoreline west of the tiny village of Vík on the south coast in Iceland. It is one of the main attractions on the South Shore and one of the most impressive stops when driving the Ring Road in Iceland. The 120 m high basalt rock is a former volcanic island, formed in an eruption some one hundred thousand years ago. The raging Atlantic Ocean has shaped the cliffs since the Ice Age. The hole in the middle was carved out by the ocean digging out the weaker remaining rocks over a long period. In addition to the arch, interesting stacks are standing tall just south of the Dyrhólaey cliffs. All have names like Kvistdrangur, Mávadrangur, Kambur, and Háidrangur (56 meters high). When you look at Háidrangur, you can picture when it was first climed in 1893 by a famous daredevil named Eldeyjar-Hjalti. His task was to put nails into the cliff to make it easier for others to climb and collect eggs. Dyrhólaey is on the south part of Iceland on the map A rare natural wonder it is Dyrhólaey is a great place to see puffins The whole formation, the island, the black beach and rocky shoreline around the island, the stacks and the arch is a spectacular natural phenomenon. Officially there are two ways to view Dyrhólaey: From the top by the parking area by the old lighthouse that was built in 1910 and renovated in 1927, and on the east side of the arch by the new service center and parking lot. Both offer great views, and if you have taken the time to visit Dyrhólaey you should stop by both of them. From the lower level, you also have an excellent view to the famous Reynisfjara black beach east of Dyrhólaey. Dyrhólaey is a nature reserve Dyrhólaey is a great place for photography Consequently, in addition to being a great natural wonder, Dyrhólaey is a beautiful location for birdwatching. Needless to say, there are of course infinitive photo opportunities by Dyrhólaey. Not only from the top but also from both viewing panels. In 1978 Dyrhólaey became a nature reserve as nature and birdlife during spring, and early summer is quite sensitive and requires monitoring. Keep in mind that the Dyrhólaey area is sometimes closed in May and early June. During late summer, autumn and winter the site is a spectacular place to observe the huge and aggressive ocean waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The waves that are continually molding the south coast of Iceland. But during storms and high tides, extreme caution is needed. Caution is needed if you choose to walk the black beach Dyrhólaey and the Black Beach Some years ago, the black beach surrounding Dyrhólaey was accessible by walking down to Kirkjufjara beach by the lower parking lot. Although a marvelous place when the tide is low, and winds are still it is a hazardous place in different situations, and even life-threatening. After some horrifying accidents, the beach was closed, and access is not allowed. We can only emphasize that you should stay on marked trails and keep in mind that the waves are extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Dyrhólaey is easily accessible from the Ring Road. The dangerous forces of the Ocean at Dyrhólaey When you are driving on Suðurlandsvegur or the southern part of the Ring Road, you take a turn to the south on the road Dyrhólavegur nr. 218. The drive to the top of the Dyrhólaey island by the Lighthouse is approximately six kilometers. And between the parking lots, you only drive about 500 meters. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.