Reykjanes attractions

The South-Western region of the Reykjanes Peninsula is the home of a future geothermal park where the North Atlantic ridge rises from the ocean. Here you can find 100 different craters, caves and lava fields, a variety of birdlife; astonishing cliffs, high geothermal activity, and black sand beaches. Below are a few selections of interesting geothermal hotspots and attractions located in this area.
-Reykjanesviti, is a lighthouse which was built in 1908 and the centre piece to some of the most active geothermal hotspot activities found in Iceland.
-Gunnuhver, which is the largest hot mud spring in Iceland with a crater of 20 metres in circumference. There are two ramps that offer a great view of Gunnuhver and the surrounding geo-systems of steam vents and hot springs.
-Karlinn (The Old Man) is a 50m high rock formation that has been widowed from his wife; another rock formation named, Kerlingin (The Old Woman) by weather and wind as she used to stand by his side, but has now been washed away.
-Brennisteinfjöll (The Sulphur Mountains) where you can explore numerous caves, craters and lava fields which were formed from active volcanoes upon Icelandic settlement and the 19th century.
-Brimketill, (The surf kettle) is an interesting rock formation naturally created by the ebb and flow of the ocean tides.
-Hafnaberg is a low, vertical cliff rich with a wide variety of different flora and fauna making it a very interesting place for bird enthusiasts.
-Eldey (Fire Island) is a 77m high, sheer rock reef with an area of 0.03 km2 and is the closest reef of a chain of reefs located along the underwater ridge.  Eldey is also home to one of the largest breeding colonies of gannets in the world.
 
In Reykjanes there are many other areas of interests which are only a 5-20 minutes drive from the airport. For example:
Right off the main highway is Iceland´s own pyramid named, Keilir (379m) which is an extinct volcano formed under glaciers during the Ice Age and is one of the Reykjanes regions’ most distinctive landmarks and vantage point for hikers.
In the village of Gardur is Gardskagi, which is the home of a museum with two historical lighthouses dating from 1897 and 1944.
In the small fishing village of Sandgerdi is The Sudurnes Science and learning centre which offers a microscopic look at different organisms from Icelandic nature and to observe living creatures in seawater tanks.
In Grindavik is the Kvikan House of Culture and Natural Resources, which presents The Earth Energy exhibit which is focused on the education of geothermal power and the harvesting of energy. The exhibit offers a variety of films regarding the preliminary research and monitoring of high-temperature geothermal areas.
Please see the Reykjanes Peninsula Official Tourist Guide book for more information regarding all the attractions available and for further information.