Best Of Reykjanes Iceland 2019: Must-See Spot

Must-See Spot

Seltún

Krýsuvík, Route 42

Reykjanes is a lively, geothermally active peninsula, and there’s nowhere better to feel the heat and power of the living earth than at Seltún in the Krýsuvík valley. The iconic zig-zagging wooden walkway takes you over steaming vents, bubbling fumaroles and gurgling clay pots; the colours vary from earthy to vividly fluorescent. There’s a hiking path to get a view over the area, and more tempting trails lead you up to other hidden hot spots.

Runner-Up:

Gunnuhver & Reykjanesviti

Reykjanesbær, Route 425

Less quaint but more powerful, the allegedly haunted Gunnuhver hot spot sends a torrent of steam into the sky. Nearby, you’ll get a chance to straddle the tectonic divide. The Reykjanesviti area has a Great Auk sculpture looking out to sea, marking the spot where the last one was reportedly hunted.

Runner-Up:

Hópsnes

Grindavík

On the southern shore of Reykjanes is the thriving seaside town of Grindavík. The Hópsnes peninsula that juts out from the town is a truly curious spot: drive around the winding dirt track to the lighthouse to see lava plains studded with eerie rusting shipwrecks.