Iceland review - 2013, Page 112

110 ICELAND REVIEW
travel
GriNdaVík – buStliNG with life
Grindavík attracts foreign and Icelandic tourists alike with activi-
ties and services ranging from hiking, bird watching, horseback
riding, volcano excursions, Arctic char fishing and cave sightings.
You can also follow the marked pathway from the town to the
Blue Lagoon. Gems of nature in the vicinity include the extraordi-
nary Eldvörp preservation area, two-century old fishing outfits of
Selatangar, Gunnuhver hot spring, unusual lava rock formations on
the shores of Brimketill and the Reykjanesviti lighthouse. A short
drive from Grindavík lies the geothermal area Krýsuvík and Lake
Kleifarvatn, the setting for one of Arnaldur Indriðason’s crime nov-
els. visitgrindavik.is
SaNdGerði – little biG fiShiNG pOrt
Monuments and remains in the municipality of Sandgerði bid hom-
age to its long tradition of fishing and significance during World
War II. In 1868, a Viking grave was found near Sandgerði—one of
the most notable archaeological finds in Iceland. The town’s oldest
house, dating back to 1883, stands by the Sandgerði pond, home
to migratory birds, and further down the road lies Hvalneskirkja
church, built from lava rocks from the peninsula, where Hallgrímur
Pétursson, composer of the Passion Hymns, served as priest. Lo-
cated only about 5 km (8 miles) from Keflavík International Airport,
Sandgerði is a destination within reach. sandgerdi.is
Garður – liGhthOuSe COmmuNity
At an equally short distance from the airport, this small but color-
ful community has a range of leisure activities and destinations on
offer, including a golf course, thermal pool and two lighthouses.
One of these is a base for the Icelandic Marine Research Insti-
tute’s study of the breeding and behavior of whales in the area
and the other houses the local folk museum and a restaurant with
a coastal view. Take a walk along the coast, perfect for bird watch-
ing, and whales and seals can sometimes be spotted there too.
svgardur.is
reykjaNeSbær – bridGe betweeN CONtiNeNtS
Right next to the airport lies the fifth largest municipality in Ice-
land, Reykjanesbær, comprised of the towns Keflavík, Njarðvík and
Hafnir. A former U.S. military base within its borders, Reykjanes-
bær also has a literal bridge between two continents—across the
rift where the Eurasian and North American continental plates
meet. Known for its lava landscape and bubbling hot springs,
a walk in the surrounding area is quite an extraordinary experi-
ence. An art and culture center is operated in Duushús, old stores
and fish processing plants at the marina, and Víkingaheimar, a
museum facilitating a replica of a Viking ship and five exhibits, is
not to be missed either. reykjanesbaer.is
VOGar – Old-time Charm
Vogar is a charming little town with 1,100 inhabitants, situated
in-between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport. For
examples of the area’s diverse nature, visit the coast of Vatns-
leysuströnd, the grassy plains of Höskuldarvellir, the palagonite
Keilir mountain and Lambafellsgjá ravine, as well as exploring its
numerous hiking options. For alternative activities, Vogar has a
golf course and swimming pool. Accommodation includes Hotel
Vogar and a new camping ground. Once a thriving port, food
production is now the town’s main industry.
coAstAl gems
Nowhere else in the world than on reykjanes peninsula can you
view the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at sea level. Vast lunar-like landscapes,
black-sand beaches and the turquoise geothermal waters of the
Blue Lagoon are products of the region’s unique volcanic history.
Reykjanes’ rich historical heritage and remnants from World War II
also attract visitors. With Keflavík International Airport being placed
on Reykjanes, your adventure in Iceland starts and ends here.
víkingaheimar viking museum, reykjanesbær.
visitreykjanes.is