Things to Do in Southern Peninsula Region — Iceland: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Seltún Geothermal AreaMustNordic countries4.7(1,766)

This is the peninsula’s most legible geothermal stop: a compact boardwalk landscape of steaming ground and vividly altered earth. Use it as an easy, weather-tolerant introduction to Reykjanes before continuing around the coast.

45m FreeGo early or toward evening; tour groups tend to cluster around the middle of the day.

Pairs with: Krýsuvík · Gígvatnsvatn (green lake/graenesvatn) · Kleifarvatn

#2Gunnuhver Hot SpringsMustNordic countries4.6(2,839)

Gunnuhver is the peninsula’s most dramatic geothermal encounter, with forceful steam vents and an exposed, elemental setting beside the ocean. It is especially worthwhile when paired with the nearby lighthouse and sea stacks, rather than visited as an isolated stop.

30m FreeMorning usually offers the clearest access and fewer bus tours; windproof layers make the stop far more enjoyable.

Pairs with: Reykjanes Lighthouse · Valahnúkamöl · Bridge Between Continents

#3ValahnúkamölMustNordic countries4.7(1,940)

This is the best place to absorb the Reykjanes coast’s sea stacks, black lava, and huge Atlantic exposure in one stop. It is a defining coastal landscape, particularly when combined with Gunnuhver and the lighthouse nearby.

40m FreeEarly morning is quieter; avoid lingering near exposed edges in strong wind.

Pairs with: Gunnuhver Hot Springs · Reykjanes Lighthouse · Stampar

#4KrýsuvíkMustNordic countries4.7(2,802)

Krýsuvík is the broader volcanic and geothermal district that gives context to the individual stops around Seltún, lakes, and coastal cliffs. Use it as a slow scenic drive area, stopping selectively rather than trying to treat every pullout as a separate destination.

1h FreeStart with Seltún at opening hours for daylight, then use the surrounding roads for quieter stops.

Pairs with: Seltún Geothermal Area · Gígvatnsvatn (green lake/graenesvatn) · Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs

#5Thríhnúkagígur VolcanoMustNordic countries4.8(679)

This is the rare chance to experience the interior of a dormant volcanic system rather than simply viewing lava fields from above. It is a long, guided outing with a high price point, so make it a deliberate splurge and keep the rest of that day light.

5.5h Sells out — book weeks aheadChoose the earliest available departure for a calmer experience and more flexibility around weather.

Book well ahead for the operating season, especially for preferred morning departures.

Pairs with: Seltún Geothermal Area · Krýsuvík · Blue Lagoon

#6Blue LagoonMustNordic countries

The Blue Lagoon is Reykjanes’s signature comfort experience and a highly effective way to recover after arrival, a volcanic hike, or a wind-battered coastal drive. It is heavily managed and commercial, but remains a defining first-time stop when operations permit.

3h Sells out — book weeks aheadBook the first or final timed entry for a quieter atmosphere.

Reserve a timed slot well ahead, particularly for evenings and peak travel periods; check operating status before committing to nearby plans.

Pairs with: Bláalónsvegur Road Lavafield · Geldingadalir Volcano · Viking World

#7Krýsuvíkurberg CliffsShouldNordic countries4.7(328)

These remote cliffs deliver the wilder side of Reykjanes: black rock, open ocean, seabirds in season, and no built spectacle competing for attention. Go only in calm-enough conditions and keep well back from unstable edges.

1h FreeLate afternoon can be quieter and gives better side light, but do not linger if wind, fog, or visibility deteriorates.

Pairs with: Seltún Geothermal Area · Krýsuvík · Gígvatnsvatn (green lake/graenesvatn)

#8Reykjanes LighthouseShouldNordic countries4.5(1,033)

The lighthouse is a useful visual anchor for the southwest tip of the peninsula, set amid lava, surf, and geothermal activity. It is best used as part of a compact coastal circuit rather than as a standalone visit.

20m FreeCome outside the busiest midday period, when parking and viewpoints are less congested.

Pairs with: Gunnuhver Hot Springs · Valahnúkamöl · Stampar

#9Geldingadalir VolcanoShouldNordic countries4.8(318)

Geldingadalir represents the recent volcanic story that reshaped how visitors experience Reykjanes, with broad lava landscapes and changing access conditions. Go only when official routes are open and conditions are deemed safe; this is a hike, not a guaranteed walk-up viewpoint.

3h FreeStart early, allow for changing trail conditions, and do not rely on old route descriptions.

Pairs with: Litli-Hrútur, 309m · Nátthagi Valley · Bláalónsvegur Road Lavafield

#10Brimketill lava rock poolShouldNordic countries

Brimketill is a dramatic natural lava pool at the sea edge, valued for the force of the ocean rather than for bathing. Make it a short stop on the Grindavík coast and observe from the marked viewing areas only.

30m FreeVisit in daylight with manageable wind and swell; rough seas are visually impressive but demand extra distance from the water.

Pairs with: Blue Lagoon · Bláalónsvegur Road Lavafield · Gunnuhver Hot Springs

#11KleifarvatnShouldNordic countries

Kleifarvatn adds a stark lake-and-mountain counterpoint to the peninsula’s steam vents and ocean cliffs. Use its roadside viewpoints to break up the drive through Krýsuvík, especially if the light is clear enough to reveal the surrounding slopes.

30m FreeLate-day light is often best; skip it in heavy fog, when the lake’s setting disappears.

Pairs with: Seltún Geothermal Area · Krýsuvík · Gígvatnsvatn (green lake/graenesvatn)

#12Bridge Between ContinentsIf timeNordic countries4.3(5,026)

The small footbridge is more a symbolic stop than a major sight, but it gives a clear, quick read on the peninsula’s rift landscape. Treat it as a brief photo break on a Reykjanes coast drive rather than a destination in itself.

20m FreeVisit early or late if you want the bridge without coach groups.

Pairs with: Gunnuhver Hot Springs · Reykjanes Lighthouse · Valahnúkamöl

#13Hafnarberg Sea CliffsIf timeNordic countries4.4(148)

Hafnarberg is a raw coastal walk for travelers who want lava formations and surf without the better-known Reykjanes stops. It works best as a short scenic detour for self-drivers comfortable with exposed weather and uneven ground.

45m FreeChoose a dry, low-wind stretch of the day; the appeal is the coast, not a quick roadside photograph.

Pairs with: Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs · Gunnuhver Hot Springs · Reykjanes Lighthouse

#14Gígvatnsvatn (green lake/graenesvatn)If timeNordic countries4.4(299)

This small volcanic lake is a worthwhile visual contrast to the steaming ground at nearby Seltún, especially for travelers interested in the peninsula’s mineral-colored landscapes. Keep expectations modest: it is a short scenic stop, not a full excursion.

30m FreeMorning light and calmer weather make the colors and reflections easier to appreciate.

Pairs with: Seltún Geothermal Area · Krýsuvík · Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs

#15StamparIf timeNordic countries4.5(221)

The Stampar crater row makes the tectonic and volcanic character of Reykjanes easy to see on foot. It is a good low-key addition to the southwest-coast circuit for visitors who want a short lava walk beyond the main viewpoints.

45m FreeVisit in the morning or later in the day, when the exposed path feels less busy and light is softer.

Pairs with: Reykjanes Lighthouse · Valahnúkamöl · Bridge Between Continents

#16Viking WorldIf timeNordic countries4.2(1,842)

Viking World offers a compact indoor alternative to Reykjanes’s weather-dependent natural sights, centered on a reconstructed Norse ship and accessible historical interpretation. It is most useful for families, history-minded visitors, or those based near Keflavík.

1h Walk upA midday visit works well when coastal weather is poor.

Usually practical to buy at the door, but check seasonal opening hours before making a dedicated trip.

Pairs with: Giantess Cave · Blue Lagoon

#17Litli-Hrútur, 309mIf timeNordic countries4.8(120)

Litli-Hrútur is part of the active-volcanic landscape that draws hikers to the Fagradalsfjall area, rather than a conventional fixed attraction. Include it only if current official guidance permits access and you want a substantial lava-field walk.

3h FreeBegin early and check official safety and trail notices immediately before setting out.

Pairs with: Geldingadalir Volcano · Nátthagi Valley · Bláalónsvegur Road Lavafield

#18Bláalónsvegur Road LavafieldIf timeNordic countries4.7(194)

This drive through fresh-looking black lava makes a useful visual bridge between the eruption zones and the Blue Lagoon area. It is a scenic transit experience rather than a place to stop for long, so build it into your route instead of scheduling it separately.

30m FreeDrive it in daylight and pull over only at designated safe areas; conditions and road access can change.

Pairs with: Blue Lagoon · Geldingadalir Volcano · Nátthagi Valley

#19Nátthagi ValleyIf timeNordic countries4.9(43)

Nátthagi is a useful entry point into the newer lava landscapes and makes the scale of the volcanic terrain more tangible than roadside viewing alone. Its value depends entirely on current access and safety conditions, so treat official guidance as decisive.

2h FreeSet out early, with a weather buffer and current route information rather than relying on mapping apps alone.

Pairs with: Geldingadalir Volcano · Litli-Hrútur, 309m · Bláalónsvegur Road Lavafield

#20Skála MælifellNicheNordic countries5(4)

This is a minor volcanic-landscape detour for hikers who prefer an uncrowded, self-directed stop to a formal visitor attraction. It is not essential on a first circuit of Reykjanes, but can reward travelers already exploring the inland lava terrain.

2h FreeGo only with suitable weather, navigation, and a clear understanding of current access restrictions.

Pairs with: Geldingadalir Volcano · Litli-Hrútur, 309m · Nátthagi Valley

#21Giantess CaveNicheNordic countries4.3(605)

This small harbor-side fantasy installation is an easy, playful stop in Keflavík, particularly for families or anyone with spare time before a flight. It is not a natural cave and should not displace the peninsula’s geothermal or coastal landscapes on a short first visit.

20m FreeGo outside school-holiday afternoons if visiting with children.

Pairs with: Viking World · Blue Lagoon

#22KamburNicheNordic countries4.3(21)

Kambur is a quiet landscape stop for travelers already exploring the less-developed parts of the peninsula. It has little first-timer value on its own, but offers a sense of space away from the signature geothermal sites.

30m FreeThere is rarely a crowd; prioritize clear weather and safe driving conditions instead.

Pairs with: Hafnarberg Sea Cliffs · Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs · Krýsuvík