Iceland review - 2014, Síða 78

76 ICELAND REVIEW
Your Adventure in Iceland
Starts Here
The Reykjanes peninsula might not be the first name that springs
to mind when you think of Iceland—but it should be! Not only is
it the gateway to the entire country, thanks to Keflavik International
Airport, but it is one of the most geologically important places in
the world. The Reykjanes ridge is the part of the great Mid-Atlantic
Ridge upon which all of Iceland stands. This fact becomes a lot more
interesting when you take a closer look at the Reykjanes peninsula
(after which the Ridge is named) and its uniquely fascinating volcanic
landscape. In places it looks like the moon, in others it’s a comfort-
able bed of thick moss—perfect for a nap in the sun. The peninsula
straddles the rift between the Eurasian and North American plates
and is volcanically active. This means lava fields, hot springs and lots
of geothermal energy.
The region’s towns and fishing culture are due to its excellent natu-
ral harbors—and these are directly down to geology. Iceland may be
a bridge between continents, but only on the Reykjanes peninsula
is this literally true; thanks to an actual bridge you can walk over the
fissure! No other region of Iceland offers as many diverse sights and
activities in such a compact area—and just a stone’s throw from both
Reykjavík and the airport.
There are five municipalities on the Reykjanes peninsula and six
settlements to check out, each with its own character and activities
on offer.
The former fishing village of Garður has magical views over
Faxaflói Bay and is the perfect place to end a good day, watching
the Icelandic midnight sun from the picturesque old lighthouse.
Garður is also home to a highly successful local history museum.
Grindavík is an active fishing village near the world famous
Blue Lagoon Spa—deservedly one of the North Atlantic’s big-
gest attractions and a superb place to relax on any day of the
week (but especially immediately before or after an international
flight). Don’t be fooled; Grindavík has a lot more to offer, includ-
ing several galleries and museums, quad biking and good lake
fishing. The village is known for healthy and delicious local food
and its emphasis on outdoor living.
Reykjanesbær is the biggest municipality and the de-facto
regional hub. Just five minutes from the airport, it’s the ideal
place to start your vacation, to shop for supplies, eat out, or
stay over. Here you’ll find plenty of activities and services, includ-
ing the Viking World exhibition, with its full-size Viking ship. The
town also prides itself on being the cradle of Icelandic pop and
rock music—a very welcome cultural influence from the nearby
former U.S. military base. It’s no surprise then that this is where
you find Iceland’s museum of rock & roll history.
Sandgerði is the furthest town to the west and a haven of
peace at the very edge of Europe. At the harbor you will find
Not just home to Keflavik International Airport, Reykjanes is a
geological marvel with a flourishing cultural life.
around iceland