Southern Peninsula

Region ·🇮🇸 Iceland

Population 27,829

Area 877 km²

Time zone Atlantic/Reykjavik

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Explore Southern Peninsula

Southern Peninsula Unmissables

The Southern Peninsula, or Reykjanes, is a UNESCO Global Geopark defined by its position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This list features the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, the Bridge Between Continents spanning the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, and the active geothermal fields of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík. Explorers can visit the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano's interior, the Leiðarendi lava tube, and the recent eruption sites near Fagradalsfjall. Coastal highlights include the bird-nesting cliffs of Krýsuvíkurbjarg and historic lighthouses marking the rugged Atlantic coastline.

13 places

Iceland's Peaks and Volcanoes

The Reykjanes Peninsula is a geologically active region where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises above sea level. This collection features the sites of recent basaltic eruptions at Fagradalsfjall and Litli-Hrútur alongside ancient shield volcanoes and hyaloclastite peaks. Highlights include the iconic cone of Keilir, formed during a subglacial eruption, and the Stampar crater row. These landmarks showcase Iceland’s volcanic evolution, from dormant craters like Eldborg to the expansive lava fields of the Krýsuvík system.

49 places

Icelandic Natural Wonders

The Southern Peninsula, or Reykjanes, showcases Iceland's intense volcanic activity through diverse geological formations. This collection features the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon, the bubbling mud pools of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík, and the expansive Kleifarvatn lake. Visitors can explore the subterranean world of lava tube caves like Leiðarendi or observe nesting seabirds along the dramatic Krýsuvíkurbjarg and Hafnaberg sea cliffs. These sites highlight the region's unique positioning on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

14 places

Iconic Icelandic Lighthouses

Explore the maritime heritage of Iceland's Southern Peninsula through its historic coastal beacons. This collection includes Iceland's oldest lighthouse, Reykjanesviti, and the shipwreck-surrounded Hópsnesviti near Grindavík. These structures, ranging from the bright yellow tower at Stafnes to the red-capped beacon at Vatnsnes, serve as vital navigation aids for the busy shipping lanes toward Reykjavík and Keflavík, standing against the rugged volcanic landscape of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark.

5 places