Southern Peninsula

Natural wonders in Southern Peninsula

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.

Icelandic Natural Wonders — Map

McKay Savage / CC BY 2.0

A

Blue Lagoon

Geothermal spa and resort featuring mineral-rich, milky blue outdoor baths and wellness facilities.

Óðinn / CC BY-SA 2.5 ca

B

Gunnuhver

Geothermal area consisting of mud pools and steam vents.

Magdalena Kalisiak / CC-BY-SA

C

Krýsuvík

Krýsuvík is an area in Southwest Iceland at about 35 km from Reykjavík.

Michał Strzelecki / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Krýsuvíkurbjarg

Dramatic sea cliffs reaching heights of up to 40 meters, serving as a significant nesting site for thousands of seabirds, including kittiwakes and fulmars.

//www.flickr.com/photos/azuaje/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

E

Leiðarendi Cave

One of the famous lava tube caves near Reykjavik.

Boaworm / CC BY 3.0

F

Hafnaberg Sea Cliff

A popular area among birdwatchers. Also, it's possible to spot seals from up here!

Hansueli Krapf / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Grænavatn lake

A deep volcanic explosion crater filled with emerald-green water, a color resulting from a combination of minerals and algae.

Tomasz Wisła / CC-BY-SA

H

Syðristapi

Coastal cliff formation providing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding lava fields.

I

Lambafellsgjá

A narrow tectonic fissure located in the Lambafell mountain, allowing visitors to walk between high rock walls.

J

Lambafellsgjá

A narrow tectonic fissure located in the Lambafell mountain, allowing visitors to walk between high rock walls.

K

Leiðarendi

A 900-meter-long lava tube cave featuring diverse rock formations, stalactites, and ice sculptures during winter months.

L

Dollan

A lava cave formed by volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

M

Rauðhólshellir

A lava tube cave located within the Rauðhólar volcanic area.

Brad Weber / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Kleifarvatn

Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, situated in the southern part of the peninsula.

Other Lists

Southern Peninsula Unmissables Iceland's Peaks and Volcanoes Iconic Icelandic Lighthouses