Reykjanes Peninsula: Volcanoes, Geothermal Fields and the Blue Lagoon

Most Iceland visitors arrive at Keflavik Airport, transfer through the Reykjanes Peninsula and proceed directly to Reykjavik without stopping. This is a significant mistake. The peninsula contains some of Iceland's most accessible and dramatic volcanic landscapes, a still-active volcanic eruption zone that has been erupting periodically since 2021, the Blue Lagoon, Viking-age ruins, Europe's only easily accessible mid-ocean ridge, and geothermal fields dense enough to produce steam visible from the road.

The Reykjanes Eruptions (2021–ongoing)

In March 2021, a volcanic fissure opened on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Fagradalsfjall mountain — the first eruption on the peninsula in 800 years. The eruption attracted tens of thousands of visitors who hiked out to watch lava flowing in person. Subsequent eruptions followed in 2022, 2023, and 2024, each in roughly the same area. By 2026, the volcanic zone has become one of Iceland's most unique and accessible natural spectacles — erupting lava visible from designated safe viewpoints, new lava fields covering what were previously hiking paths, and ongoing seismic activity.

Before visiting the eruption zone, check the Iceland Met Office website (en.vedur.is) for current volcanic activity status and safety perimeters. Access roads may be closed when activity is high. The hike to the main viewing area from the Grindavik road is typically 3 to 5 kilometres each way, over new and old lava fields. Proper footwear and wind protection are essential.

Bridge Between Continents

At the very tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjanesta lighthouse, a footbridge spans a visible rift valley — the crack between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Iceland sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the Reykjanes Peninsula is one of the few places on Earth where the ridge is above sea level and accessible on foot. The bridge is a symbolic structure crossing the actual rift; a certificate confirming you have crossed between continents is available at the site. The area around the bridge also contains dramatic basalt coastal formations and a lighthouse that is the oldest in Iceland.

Gunnuhver Hot Springs

On the southwestern tip of the peninsula, Gunnuhver is Iceland's largest hot spring — a boiling, roaring, steam-belching cauldron of mud and water named after a female ghost from Icelandic folklore. Boardwalks allow safe close-up viewing of the main spring. The area surrounding it steams from dozens of smaller vents and the ground is coloured in yellows, reds and whites from sulphur and silica deposits. It is one of the most physically dramatic geothermal sites in Iceland, considerably more raw and accessible than the Blue Lagoon 10 minutes away.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon sits in the middle of a Reykjanes lava field 10 minutes from Keflavik Airport. The silica-rich geothermal water fills a constructed lagoon at 37 to 40°C year-round. It requires advance booking (minimum weeks, often months ahead in summer). Entry from GBP 78. The experience is genuinely extraordinary in winter when steam rises thickly and the contrast between hot water and cold air is most vivid. See the full Blue Lagoon guide in the hot springs article for detailed booking advice.

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