Kleifarvatn Lake: A Hidden Gem in Iceland’s Volcanic Landscape

Kleifarvatn is a stunning volcanic lake located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just a short drive from Reykjavik. Nestled between rugged mountains and dramatic lava fields, it offers travelers a unique and peaceful escape into Iceland’s untamed nature. With its deep blue waters and mysterious atmosphere, Kleifarvatn is one of the largest lakes in southern Iceland, yet it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude.

Kleifarvatn is not only visually striking but also geologically fascinating. The lake sits on an active fault line, and after an earthquake in 2000, parts of the lakebed drained, significantly lowering the water level. This unusual phenomenon adds to the allure of the place, where the landscape can feel otherworldly. The surrounding area also features geothermal activity, including hot springs and steam vents, enhancing the lake’s mysterious beauty.

Krýsuvíkurkirkja: The Historic Church of the Reykjanes Peninsula

Krýsuvíkurkirkja, once a picturesque and beloved wooden church, was located in the Krýsuvík area on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. Built in 1857, this small church stood as a symbol of Iceland’s rural religious heritage, blending harmoniously with the rugged volcanic landscape around it. Although Krýsuvíkurkirkja tragically burned down in 2010, its history and the memory of its striking appearance live on as part of Iceland’s cultural and historical landscape.

Krýsuvíkurkirkja was a prime example of traditional Icelandic architecture, with its simple, whitewashed wooden exterior and red roof, typical of rural churches in Iceland. It was a place of worship and reflection for the local community for over a century, though by the 20th century, it was primarily used for special occasions due to depopulation in the area. The church was often photographed, set against the dramatic backdrop of volcanic mountains.

Brimketill Lava Rock Pool: A Natural Wonder on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Brimketill is a stunning natural lava rock pool located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, just a short drive from the town of Grindavík. This unique pool is carved out of the rugged volcanic coastline by the powerful Atlantic waves, creating a picturesque spot where visitors can marvel at the raw beauty of Iceland’s volcanic landscape. Though it resembles a natural hot spring, Brimketill is not for bathing due to the rough and often dangerous ocean currents.

Historically, Brimketill was referred to as “Oddnýjarlaug,” named after a giantess from Icelandic folklore who was said to bathe in the pool. Today, it’s a popular stop for tourists looking to experience the dramatic interaction between lava rock and ocean waves. The viewing platform allows visitors to safely observe the intense waves crashing into the pool, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s power.

The Bridge Between Two Continents: A Unique Geological Wonder in Reykjanes

The Bridge Between Two Continents, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, is a symbolic and physical representation of the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. This small footbridge spans a gap created by the diverging plates, offering visitors the unique experience of walking between two continents.

The bridge sits over a dramatic fissure in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the plates are slowly pulling apart, leaving behind a rugged landscape of black volcanic rock and shifting earth. The site provides an extraordinary glimpse into the powerful geological forces that shape Iceland, making it a popular stop for tourists interested in geology and natural history.

Visitors to the Bridge Between Two Continents can walk across the structure, symbolically “crossing” from Europe to North America, making it a fun and educational experience.

Valahnúkamöl is a striking and dramatic coastal area located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, known for its jagged cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and powerful ocean waves. This natural wonder is formed from ancient lava flows, which have been shaped by relentless erosion from the Atlantic Ocean, creating a rugged, otherworldly landscape.

Visitors to Valahnúkamöl are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, with towering cliffs and rocky outcrops that provide a dramatic backdrop. The area is particularly popular for photography, with its stark contrasts of black volcanic rock, white seafoam, and the deep blue ocean. On windy days, the waves crashing against the cliffs create a mesmerizing display of nature’s raw power, making it a must-see for nature lovers and adventurers.

Just a short distance from Valahnúkamöl is the historic Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, which adds to the area’s charm and makes for a perfect addition to any visit

Notice tickets to the Blue Lagoon are not included.

Blue Lagoon: Iceland’s Iconic Geothermal Spa

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Grindavík. This stunning geothermal spa is renowned for its milky blue, mineral-rich waters, which are naturally heated by the earth’s volcanic activity. The lagoon is a man-made pool filled with water from a nearby geothermal power plant, but it has become a world-famous destination for relaxation and wellness due to its unique environment and healing properties.

The water in the Blue Lagoon is rich in silica, algae, and minerals, which are believed to have therapeutic benefits for the skin. Visitors can bathe in the warm waters, typically around 37–39°C (98–102°F), and apply silica mud masks that leave the skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Surrounded by black lava fields, the contrast between the turquoise water and the rugged landscape creates a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere.