Traveling in the Keflavik Area Upon Landing in Iceland
The Keflavik area is wonderful for a day trip on the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its volcanic activity and numerous lava fields. The most famous and touristic site in Iceland is located on the peninsula, which is of course the Blue Lagoon, Bláa lónið.
♥ Recommended Accommodations in Keflavik:
Passengers wishing to stay near the airport in Keflavik can do so at the following hotels or guesthouses:
Hotels:
Hotel Keflavik
A charming and spacious 4-star hotel serving a rich and good breakfast and also offering a restaurant, café, fitness room, sauna, and more. The hotel is located about a five-minute drive from the airport. Free internet and parking.
Icelandair Hotel in Keflavik
A 4-star hotel, located a 5-minute drive from the airport.
Free internet and parking.
Guesthouses:
B&B Guesthouse - Bed and Breakfast Keflavik Centre
Located 3 km from the airport. Free shuttle to and from the airport. Free internet and parking.
Sink in the rooms, shared bathrooms.
Home Guesthouse
Located 3 km from the airport. Free internet and parking. Shared bathrooms.
Raven's BnB
Located a 5-minute drive from the airport. Balconies with a jacuzzi. Free internet and parking. Shared bathrooms.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is situated alongside Road 43, located 45 km southwest of Reykjavik and only about 10 km from Keflavik. The lagoon is a huge pool of mineral-rich seawater heated by geothermal energy. The unique light-blue color of the water is owed to the silicate mud and algae that make up the water. In the pool, you can enjoy a large waterfall and buckets of mineral mud, which you can smear on your body and indulge in the treatment. For an additional fee, you can also book special spa treatments. The Blue Lagoon is unique and highly recommended.
Please note! In the pool waters in Iceland, like in Myvatn and others, there is no chlorine or other disinfectants. Because of this, Icelanders are very strict about thorough bathing before entering the water. In the changing rooms, there are organized showers with shampoo and soap, and the Icelanders require bathing without a swimsuit and washing all "strategic" areas, such as hair, feet, armpits, and genitals. If you do not adhere to the bathing rules, a staff member will point it out to you and demand that you return to the shower.
It is also important to wash thoroughly after getting out of the pools. The sulfur in the pool water can cause skin dryness, itching, and an unpleasant feeling, so it is important to clean up and make sure to wash with soap. For those with long hair, it is recommended to make sure to condition your hair because the sulfur dries out the hair and makes it stiff.
The pool is a natural byproduct of the Svartsengi power plant, which is another site worth visiting. This is a geothermal power plant that generates water at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius.
♦ "Golden Circle" Trip - This is a popular and beloved route in Iceland, which usually departs from the capital city, Reykjavik, and returns to it. Visitors to Iceland for a short period claim that the circular trip shows the best of Iceland, making it a must-do route.
The Reykjanes Area consists of five main towns:
Reykjanesbær
A young town with a fast and surprising pace of development. Currently, 14,100 residents live in the town. The town is very close to the airport, a 5-minute drive away, on Road 41. History enthusiasts can tour the Viking Museum in town, which displays a reconstruction of a Viking ship originally built in 1882. Families with children can visit the small zoo, located right next to the museum. Admission to the complex costs 1000 krónur for an adult, with discounts available for people with disabilities, students, and seniors. Free for children under 14. Additionally, in the town, you will find other museums including a maritime museum, the Icelandic Heritage Museum, an art museum, and more.
Sandgerði
A fishing town offering many places for bird watching, swimming, golf, and more. The town is located a quarter-hour drive northwest of the airport, on Road 41 which later turns into Road 45.
Grindavík
The town is located between lava fields and the Atlantic Ocean and offers special places to explore. The town is a 20-minute drive southeast of the airport, on Road 41 which later turns into Road 43. The most interesting geothermal area on the peninsula is located in the town, which is the Krýsuvík area, where you can walk on wooden boardwalks and pass by steaming hot springs and mud pools. Another interesting natural area is the peninsula that divides the town into two parts. The peninsula was formed by a volcanic eruption about 3,000 years ago. A half-hour drive west, on Road 425, is the small town of Sandvík, where there is a bridge connecting the tectonic plates of America and Europe. The small bridge allows travelers to walk between the continents.
Garður
The history of the place is intertwined with the local fishing industry, and to this day the town serves as a convenient spot for fishing, watching dolphins and whales, and more. The northernmost town among the peninsula's towns is located a quarter-hour drive north of the airport, on Road 41 which later turns into Road 45. North of the town, in a place called Garðskagi, are two lighthouses. The newer of the two was built in 1944 and stands 28 meters tall.
Vogar
Walking along the coastline in the town is like walking inside a postcard. The landscapes, nature, and birds will provide you with peace and tranquility you only dreamed of. The town is located a quarter-hour drive east of the airport, on Road 41.
♦ Booking recommended 6-8 day guided tours in Iceland from Viator