REYKJANES PENINSULA, REYKJAVIK AREA AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

REYKJANES PENINSULA

Let’s be honest — most visitors don’t explore the Reykjanes Peninsula beyond the Blue Lagoon or during the hype of recent volcanic eruptions when the area briefly stole the spotlight.

Chances are, you’ll drive straight through without stopping — but if you’ve got extra time after or before your flight, or if you’re just curious about Iceland’s raw volcanic nature, this region is worth a quick detour.

The Reykjanes Peninsula offers a stark, almost otherworldly landscape shaped by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart. Expect dramatic fissures, steaming geothermal spots, and endless moss-covered lava fields — the perfect backdrop if you want to feel like you’ve landed on another planet.

📍RECENT VOLCANO ERUPTIONS NEAR GRINDAVÍK 🌋

At the moment, there are no ongoing eruptions in Iceland, but several volcanoes remain active and closely monitored.

Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced a series of volcanic eruptions, breaking an 800-year dormancy in the region. The eruptions — including Geldingadalir (2021), Meradalir (2022), Litli-Hrútur (2023), and Sundhnúkagígar (2024-2025) — have drawn worldwide attention with glowing lava flows and accessible eruption sites.

CHECK ALL THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE AREA IN SAFETRAVEL.IS

REYKJAVIK – The World’s Northernmost Capital

Reykjavík, Iceland’s quirky and colorfull capital, is where most journeys around the island begin or end. Although small by international standards, the city offers a rich blend of culture, modernity, and history, all set against a backdrop of mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

SOON we will post all information about this city in a new post!

But if you are visiting Reykjavik, it is your opportunity to get the cutest souvenir from Iceland without extra fees or delivery.

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GOLDEN CIRCLE – Iceland’s Iconic Sightseeing Route

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, easily doable in a day from Reykjavík. It connects three of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks: Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

In addition to the Golden Circle “big three,” there are several nearby sites worth visiting, and we’ve included them on our map to help you make the most of your journey — including the volcanic crater Kerið, the picturesque Faxi waterfall, the towns of Selfoss and Hveragerði, and the hot spring valley of Reykjadalur.

These stops add diversity to the route, whether you’re into hiking, relaxing in natural hot springs, or just chasing more waterfalls.

📍 ÞINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK 🗻🌊

Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its geological and historical significance. Here, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and visit the birthplace of the world’s first parliament, founded in 930 AD.

Þingvellir was the site of the Alþingi, where chieftains gathered to make laws and settle disputes in Viking times.

• You can walk between the tectonic plates at Almannagjá gorge, visit the Lögberg (Law Rock) where the parliament convened, see Öxarárfoss waterfall or do Snorkel or dive in Silfra fissure, a crystal-clear underwater rift.
• Minim Visit Duration: 1,5 – 3 h, longer if doing snorkeling or hiking further.
• Difficulty level: Easy. Well-marked paths but some uneven terrain.
• Entry to the park is free, but there is parking with fee. Guided activities like snorkeling are extra.
• Curiosities:
  • Þingvellir is literally splitting apart by ~2 cm per year.
  • Some scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here, depicting the path to the Eyrie.

📍 GEYSIR GEOTHERMAL AREA 💨

The Geysir geothermal area is home to the world-famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 20 meters into the air. The area is a field of steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and colorful mineral deposits.

The original Great Geysir, from which all geysers worldwide take their name, was once the tallest, erupting up to 80 meters, but it’s now largely dormant. Strokkur remains the star of the show, consistently active.

• Minim Visit Duration: 30 min.
• Fumaroles, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools (not for bath).
• Difficulty level: Very easy. Flat paths suitable for all ages.
• Free entry. Parking Included.
• Curiosities: The plates here drift apart by about 2.5 cm per year.

📍 KERIÐ CRATER LAKE 🌋

Kerið is a striking, oval-shaped volcanic crater about 3,000 years old, featuring steep red and black slopes and a vivid turquoise lake at the bottom. It’s one of the few recognizable, intact volcanic calderas you can easily walk around — or even descend into.

• Kerið was once thought to be formed by a massive volcanic explosion, but scientists now believe it’s a collapsed magma chamber.
• Minim Visit Duration: 30 – 45 min
• Difficulty level: Easy-moderate. Well-maintained paths but a bit steep descending to the lake.
• Small entrance fee.
• The crater is about 55 meters deep, with the lake depth varying seasonally.

📍 REYKJADALUR HOT SPRING RIVER 🛁

Reykjadalur, meaning “Steam Valley”, is famous for its hot spring river where visitors can bathe in warm, naturally heated water in the middle of untouched nature.

• The water is warmer upstream and cooler downstream — pick your spot!
• The water temperature can vary, but averages around 38-40°C (100-104°F) in bathing spots.
• Minim Visit Duration: 3-4 hours round trip (hike + bathing time)
• Difficulty level: Moderate. The hike is about 3 km one way, with some steep and muddy parts.
• Free entrance. No facilities. No changing rooms. Small parking fee.
• Coffee Shop with facilities in the parking.