Reykjanes Peninsula from Hafnarfjordur

A short drive from the capital, Reykjanes is a region of lesser-explored geological wonders. The Mid-Atlantic rift cuts across the peninsula making it one of the most volcanically active parts of Iceland, with colourful geothermal areas, moon-like lava landscape, a dramatic coastline and bustling bird cliffs.

We start the tour with a drive to the deep blue Kleifarvatn Lake. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the lake is the largest in the area and fed by underground springs from the porous lava. Folklore has it that it is home to a lake monster.

A little further is the Krysuvik Seltun geothermal area, with bubbling mud pots, fumaroles and hot springs in vivid shades of red, yellow, and green.

We continue to the tip of the peninsula, where we will visit the Gunnuhver geothermal area and the Reykjanesta cliffs. Named after the ghost of Gunna, who haunted the peninsula before a local priest trapped her in the hot spring, Gunnuhver has the largest
steam vent in Iceland.

The Reykjanesta cliff faces the Eldey island rock in the Atlantic Ocean. Eldey is home to the largest gannet colony in the world and, sadly, also where the last pair of Great Auks was killed. Perched on a hill behind the cliffs, the Reykjanesviti lighthouse offers panoramic views of the
surrounding landscape.

Our last stop is the Bridge between the Continents, built across a small canyon created by the shifting tectonic plates.