Visit Reykjanes Official Travel Guide 2016 by Reykjanes Peninsula

Reykjanes Peninsula The Official Tourist Guide

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16 20 Mt. Keilir

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Foreword With this travel guide you will find all the information on available services and geosites in Reykjanes Peninsula in order to ease your journey and make it a memorable experience. We hope that you will find it useful. We also recommend our website: www.visitreykjanes.is where you will find additional information and information about upcoming events in the area and much, much more. We wish you an enjoyable stay in Reykjanes Peninsula.

Published by: Reykjanes Marketing Office. 2016. Layout: Árnasynir. Photos: Olgeir Andrésson, Oddgeir Karlsson, Reynir Sveinsson and others. Printing: Oddi, Ecolabelled Printing Company. www.oddi.is

Garðskagaviti

Welcome to Reykjanes Peninsula Reykjanes Peninsula is for the most part the beginning of a travellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Iceland adventure. As the Reykjanes coastline draws closer and the plane prepares to land at KeflavĂk Airport, the wrinkled lava, naked hills and mountains, yawning craters, spirals of geothermal steam and virtually treeless environment are probably an exciting contrast to memories of home. Iceland is a natural paradise and Reykjanes is the first step into a wonderland, a region that beckons to be explored and enjoyed, that has its own geological drama, its own personality. The region of Reykjanes peninsula is Reykjanes Geopark and a part of the Unesco Global Geoparks family. Reykjanes is your corridor into and out of Iceland, a place where there is so much to experience. With this official brochure we want to introduce to you the variety of attractions, activities and accommodations to enhance your experience. The guide has color-coded sections to enable you to find the area of your choice quickly. We will continue to update and improve this guide; your comments and observations are most welcome. To assist us in this matter, please feel free to send us your comments by email info@visitreykjanes.is.

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GENERAL INFORMATION ............................ 8 TOWNS & REGIONS ....................................... 12 REYKJANES GEOPARK ................................. 28 MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS .................... 62 ACTIVITIES ......................................................... 84 ACCOMMODATION ......................................... 102 DINING ................................................................. 116 TRANSPORTATION ......................................... 124

The Blue Lagoon

GENERAL TOWNS &INFORMATION REGIONS Tourist information centres: Reykjanes Tourist Information Center Duusgata 2-8, 230 Reykjanesbær. Tel: +354 420 3246, info@visitreykjanes.is, www.visitreykjanes.is.

Reykjanes Geopark Visitor Centre Duusgata 2-8, 230 Reykjanesbær. Tel: +354 420 3245, info@visitreykjanes.is, www.reykjanesgeopark.is. Garðskagi Folk Museum, Skagabraut 100, 250 Garður, +354 894 2135, gardskagi@simnet.is. Kvikan – House of Culture and Natural Resources, Hafnargata 12a, 240 Grindavík, +354 420 1190 / +354 420 1100, kvikan@grindavik.is, www.grindavik.is/kvikan. Sudurnes Science and Learning Centre, Garðvegur 1, 245 Sandgerði. +354 423 7555, thekkingarsetur@thekkingarsetur.is. The Viking World, Víkingabraut 1, 260 Reykjanesbæ. +354 422 2000, info@vikingaheimar.is.

www.visitreykjanes.is www.visitreykjanes.is Booking offices: Tourist in Iceland Visit us at the Tourist in Iceland Booking and Information Center and allow our friendly staff to help you make your trip even more memorable. We have all the latest information on the area as well as information on what‘s going on, activities, restaurants, nightlife, swimming pools, hot tubs and much more. Location: Hafnargata 36, 230 Reykjanesbær All year No access Phone: +354 421 5660 E-mail: info@touristiniceland.is Website: www.touristiniceland.is Cool Travel Iceland, online booking, +354 891 9889 EnjoyIceland, Steinás 24, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 562 7090 FishIceland.com, online booking, Gaukás 27, Hafnarfjörður. +354 899 4247 Iceland Booking, web service, +354 861 4124 Iceland Image, online booking, +354 771 7771 Islandia 360, web service, +354 694 4048 Lykilferðir, booking service, Iðavellir 4a, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 780 4600 Soleil de Minuit, online booking, +354 847 6389

The Arctic Tern

Hafnir

Sandgerði 4

Grindavík

Bláa lónið

Reykjanesbær 1 Keflavík Njarðvík 5 Vogar

3 Garður

Reykjavík Garðabær Kópavogur Hafnarfjörður

TOWNS & REGIONS

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1 Reykjanesbær Reykjanesbær is a young, vibrant and rapidly growing town on the Reykjanes Peninsula. There has been a significant increase in number of citizens in Reykjanesbær in the past years and they are now a total of 15.233. Reykjanesbær profits from its proximity to the capital of Reykjavík and it is also located at Iceland’s borders, at the gate to the rest of the world, Keflavik International Airport. At the same time, other boundaries have vanished and now Ásbrú, the former US naval base, has been transformed into an innovative and progressive educational community. The town boasts of diverse recreational activities and just on the town’s doorstep there is pristine nature. With the new scenic road past Ósabotnar, the possibility of a roundtrip of Reykjanes Peninsula with all of its recreation and spectacular scenery opens up before driving back to the capital on the four-lane lit Reykjanes highway. www.reykjanesbaer.is 13

TOWNS TOWNS&&REGIONS REGIONS

YTR N Keflavíkhöfn

KEFLAVÍK Keflavík

www.visitreykjanes.is Njarðvík

Njarðvíkurhöfn

RI–NJARÐVÍK

TOWNS & REGIONS

Kópa

INNRI–NJARÐVÍK Kirkjuvík

Hákotstangar

HAFNIR

Ósar

Njarðvík

Njarðvíkurhöfn

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ÁSBRÚ

TOWNS & REGIONS

2 Grindavík The village of Grindavík is one of Iceland’s special surprises for tourists. While best known for it’s world famous Blue Lagoon, Grindavík also offers visitors a variety of opportunities for recreation, leisure and family fun. This charming community of 3.126 promises endless possibilities for excitement and fun for the entire family. Grindavik boasts miles of hiking trails through breathtaking panoramas, a new modern campground and swimming facility, one of Iceland’s best golf courses, Kvikan (e. Magma) – House of culture and natural resources and a multitude of wonderful restaurants. Travel historic trails such as Prestastígur, Skógfellsvegur and Reykjavegur. Travel on an ATV, go horseback riding or tour by bicycle. Visit the Hópsnes circle with its shipwrecks and relics and the Reykjanes lighthouse and get a glimpse of life near the sea. Tour the fish processing facility in Stakkavík and fish in the harbor. Climb Þorbjarnarfell Mountain and enjoy a spectacular view of Grindavik and the surrounding area. See natural gems such as Gunnuhver, Brimketill, Eldvörp, Kleifarvatn and Krísuvíkurberg. Summer in Grindavik is full of activity. Sjóarinn síkáti; one of the biggest festivals in the country, the annual Midsummer’s Night Eve hike, Geopark Week in Reykjanes, and Grindavik’s ever growing hiking fest the first week in August (for more information go to www.grindavik.is). Welcome to Grindavik, Iceland’s most popular tourist destination. Enjoy life. Enjoy Grindavik; a place with something for everyone. www.grindavik.is, www.visitgrindavik.is 18

Járngerðarstaðavík

Hóp

Hópnes

ATV Tours

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TOWNS & REGIONS

3 Garรฐur Outdoor enthusiasts should not miss out on the chance of visiting the town of Garรฐur if they are traveling through the Reykjanes Peninsula. The history of the town is based on the fishing industry. Being very close to good fishing grounds, Garรฐur was once the most populated village on the peninsula. Today the population of the town is 1.425. At Garรฐskagi you can find diverse birdlife, see dolphins or whales near the shore, untouched nature and an interesting regional museum with an extraordinary collection of engines. The restaurant Tveir Vitar is very popular and the view from its balcony is beautiful. Guests can camp at Garรฐskagi in the magnificent nature. The facilities on the campsite include bathrooms, running water and electricity, and is ideal for guests with tents, trailers and motorhomes. After enjoying yourself out in the nature you can visit the history museum at the old lighthouse guard farm, the local swimming pool or relax in the hot tubs. www.sv.gardur.is

Faxaflรณi

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TOWNS & REGIONS

4 Sandgerði Sandgerði (population 1.577) is one of the Iceland’s major fishing communities. Rich fishing grounds are found just off the coast of Sandgerði. There are interesting things to do in the town, including birdwatching, golfing, seeing historically significant places, going swimming or having a meal in the restaurants. A great variety of Icelandic handmade souvenirs are on offer at the Listatorg souvenir shop. One can also go visit Suðurnes Science and Learning Center. The center offers two exciting exhibitions on nature and research. It is possible to rent a summer house in the northern part of town and a camping site with all of the necessary facilities has recently been opened. A newly constructed road offers the traveller to take a round trip around the whole coast passing Hvalsnes church, Stafnes village and onwards to Hafnir village. www.sandgerdi.is

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arรฐ urg orรฐ

Sandgerรฐistjรถrn

V itatorg N

TOWNS & REGIONS

5 Vogar The landscape that shapes the municipality of Vogar is mainly lava fields from coast to mountains. However it is the largest agricultural area on the Reykjanes peninsula. The population of the area is 1.171. The town is an old fishing village in a charming environment ideal for walking. For example walk along the seaside, watch the birdlife along the coastline or by the Vogatjörn pond, take a walk by the old harbour and visit the monument Íslands Hrafnistumenn by Erlingur Jónsson. The monument is in memory of fishermen from the area. At Kálfatjörn you will find an excellent 9 hole golf course that goes around one of the largest wooden churches in Iceland. In the district of Vatnsleysuströnd are several interesting landmarks, among them are Mount Keilir, Háibjalli, Snorrastaðatjarnir, Hrafnagjá and Staðarborg. Outdoor enthusiasts should therefore take a look at the district of Vatnsleysuströnd. www.vogar.is

Vogavík

Vogatjörn

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TOWNS & REGIONS

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27 Eldey

REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND

United Nations Educational, Scientiﬁc and Cultural Organization

Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark

Reykjanes Unesco Global Geopark Reykjanes Geopark covers the Reykjanes peninsula, one of the world’s most interesting geological sites, where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises above sea level. Nowhere else in the world can you see an oceanic ridge, as well as a plate boundary, as close as in Reykjanes. That’s something you don’t see every day, unless you are in Iceland. Maybe Reykjanes looks like the moon. Maybe like something else. But it’s certain that this extraordinary landscape sets fire to the imagination. Fuelling this fire is the pillow lava, curious rock formations that step onto the stage of folklore in the shape of elves and trolls and outlaws.

What is a Unesco Global Geopark? UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area‘s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our Earth‘s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing the impact of natural disasters. By raising awareness of the importance of the area‘s geological heritage in history and society today, UNESCO Global Geoparks gives local people a sence of pride in their region and strengthen their identification with the area. The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs and high quality training courses is stimulated as new source of revenue are generated through geotourism, while the geolocical resources of the area are protected.

Geology The Reykjanes Peninsula is a very important region from a geological point. It is a young section of Iceland. It is a land-born, highly volcanic counterpart of the 28

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North Atlantic Ridge where two tectonic plates part at an average rate of 2.5 cm/ yr. The peninsula contains late Quaternary volcanic palagonite tuff and pillow lava formations as fells and mountains from the last glacial periods. Also widespread basaltic lava flows and volcanic structures from interglacial periods, especially from the last 11,500 years (the Holocene). Four elongated volcanic systems and fissure swarms line the peninsula from SW to NE. They contain open fissures, normal faults, high temperature geothermal fields and numerous volcanic fissures. These are lined with various, monogenetic craters. Many small and large lava shields are found in the area, some made of primitive mantle melt (picrite). Eruptions have occurred in the three westernmost systems during the past millennium, all in all three series, in the 10/11th centuries, in 1151-1180 and 1210-1240.

Enjoy hiking in Reykjanes Reykjanes Peninsula is a unique place. This is where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an ocean ridge stretching 15,000 km down the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, surfaces onto land. The ridge separates two tectonic plates, the Eurasian one and the North American one. Volcanic eruptions, geothermal activities, fissures, faults and earthquakes are common on plate boundaries. The plates are drifting apart from each other by an average of 2 cm a year. There are many hiking trails in this remarkable area. Hikers are expected to follow a few simple rules of conduct when hiking on the trails. •

Keep to the trail.

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Do not break any natural formations or damage them in any other manner.

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Refrain from disturbing vegetation as much as possible.

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Do not litter – throw any trash you may have into a a garbage bin.

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There are no lavatories along the paths. Use the lavatories provided at the starting point of the trail. Show due consideration if you should need to relieve yourself on the way.

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There is no water to be found along the trails. Be prepared. 29

REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND 1

Arnarsetur

A crater row created the youngest lava file of the area but a shield volcano dominates the landscape. According to written documentation, eagles nested in Arnarsetur.

Brennisteinsfjöll A minor ridge with crater rows and small shield volcanoes. An English merchant started mining almost pure sulphur under 3-4 m thick lava sheets in the mountains around 1880 but the mining activities did not last long.

Eldborgir undir Geitahlíð Two craters of lava ring type. The age is not well known, but judging from the soil cover, gravel deposits covering it and the effects of weathering on its surface, it might be 7000-8000 years old.

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Eldvรถrp

A row of scoria and spatter cones formed in the Reykjanes Fires 1210-1240 AD. The lava emitted from the crater row is one of the most voluminous Holocene lava flows on the Reykjanes Peninsula, covering ca. 20 km2.

Festarfjall An eroded subglacial volcano. A section of a small hyaloclastite hill is exposed in the coastal cliffs. A dyke named Festi (ladder), evidently the feeder for Festarfjall, passes up through the basement and the Festarfjall sequence, branching towards the base of the lavas.

Trรถlladyngja/Grรฆnadyngja Two hyaloclastite mountains. Popular for hiking since the flatness of the surrounding area makes for a fantastic view.

REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND

Grænavatn/Gestastaðavatn Two maar type explosion craters, probably over 6000 years old. The age difference between the craters is probably small. Both of the craters are lake filled today. The trend of the crater rows is the same as that of earthquake fractures of the Reykjanes Peninsula, genarally trend SW-NE.

Hafnarberg A low, sheer cliff. An interesting and a popular spot among bird watchers, teeming with bird species such as guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, razorbills etc. Sometimes seals and small whales can be spotted a short distance off the coast.

Hafnarsandur/Sandvíkur (Brú milli heimsálfa/Bridge Between Continents) The Bridge between two continents at Sandvík is a small footbridge over a major fissure which provides clear evidence of the presence of a diverging plate margin. The bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Eurasian and North America tectonic plates.

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Háleyjabunga - Lava shield with crater A small picrite lava shield, formed in early postglacial time. The main crater, sitting on top of Háleyjabunga, is circular in shape and 25 m deep.

Hrafnagjá The rift, Hrafnagjá is the longest Rift rift on the Reykjanes Peninsula, nearly 12 km. It can easily be seen from the highway connecting Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík capital area.

Hrólfsvík – Xenoliths A well known locality for xenoliths (gabbroic crystal aggregates related to the host magma). The source of the lava is not known nor is its age.

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Hrútagjá – Lava rise A crater of special interest formed 6000-7000 yrs. ago. A shallow depression sitting on top of a lava rise (horst).

Hvassahraunskatlar Interesting lava formation next to the highway connecting Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík capital area.

Katlahraun A sunken lava lake, surrounded by a 10-20 m high wall. Vertical scratches and lava coatings are seen and rare columns of former gas chimneys occur.

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Keilir/Keilisbörn A hyaloclastite mountain, created during subglacial eruptions. The view from its top on a fine day is to be remembered. On top of the mountain is a concrete table with a view direction map on a metal plate. Keilir is the most distinctive landmark of Reykjanes and a symbol of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Krýsuvíkurberg Accessible and very interesting 15 km wide and 40 m high sea cliffs which attract over 57 thousand seabird couples every year to breed.

Lambafellsgjá An open fissure in an oval hyaloclastite mount named Lambafell. The fissure is only a few metres across but about 50 metres deep. It is possible to hike along the entire fissure. In the walls of the fissure are excellent outcrops of subglacially formed basaltic pillows.

Méltunnuklif Lava pile between Grindavík and Krýsuvík. A good place to “read” the history of the peninsula.

Ósar Inlets created because of a subsidence. Important for birdlife and marine biology.

REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND

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37 SeltĂşn and Kleifarvatn

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Rosmhvalanes Flat point at the northwestern part of the Reykjanes Peninsula, from glacial periods.

Sandfellshรฆรฐ One of the oldest and largest lava shields on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Formed in late glacial time, about 14,000 years ago, when sea level was about 30 m lower than today.

Skรกlafell Earthquake fissures in a shield that built up in several eruptions in a narrow fissure system.

Sog A depression in a hyaloclastite ridge. The area is colourful due to intense high-temperature alteration and a few mud pools and solfataras.

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Stampar A well preserved 4 km crater row created in the Reykjanes Fires 1210-1240 AD. The crater row mostly composed of small barrel- and bell-shaped scoria and spatter cones.

Sundhnúksröðin A crater row formed in an eruption 2.350 years ago and created natural harbour conditions in the town of Grindavík. Sundahnúkur was used as a landmark for the Grindavík harbour in former times.

Sveifluháls A hyaloclastite ridge (395 m), popular for hiking. In its southern slopes is great geothermal activity.

Valahnúkamöl A 420 m long, 80 m wide and 10 m high boulder ridge, composed of 1-3 feet thick well rounded stones. Created by powerful storms, high waves and surf.

Ögmundarhraun A lava flow formed in an eruption in the year 1151 AD. In that year a 25 km long fissure opened obliquely across the Reykjanes Peninsula.

REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND

Sog 40

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MAINLY CULTURE 30

Básendar Ruins of a small marketing place and a fishing harbour destroyed in the worst flood in historical time for the South and West coast of Iceland on January 9th 1799.

Drykkjarsteinn A rock with three holes, shape like bowls, situated at the old route connecting Krýsuvík and Grindavík. According to an old story one is for a dog, one for a man and the third one for a horse. The story also says that travellers could always trust there would be water to drink.

Gálgaklettar Cliffs known as Gallows Cliffs or Hanging Rocks. The cliffs were used to execute thieves captured in Þorbjarnarfell according to an old folk story.

Gálgar Cliffs, two of which are quite high, with an inlet several fathoms deep between them. A tree was laid between the two cliffs and men hanged from it as punishment for serious crimes.

TOWNS & REGIONS REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES WEST ICELAND SAGALAND 34

Gunnuhver

Iceland’s largest mud pool, a geothermal area, a field of steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pools. It is 20 m across with a rim of mud, boiling vigorously. The area got its name from a ghost of a woman called Guðrún, who haunted the place.

Hafurbjarnarstaðir Nine graves from the time of settlement (870-1000 AD). The graves were found and investigated between 1828 and 1947. Some of the grave goods are amongst the most intersting ones found in Iceland.

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Skagagarðurinn A protective wall that stretched between the farms Kirkjuból and Útiskálar. The wall, which probably dated from the early days after the settlement, served to keep livestock away from the crops. The wall was broad and tall, built of turf and large rocks.

Staðarborg A sheep shelter, round in shape and constructed skillfully from lava rocks. It is about 2 m high, 8 m in diameter, and 35 m in circumference. The ground inside it is flat and covered with grass. No sources reveal its age, but it is considered to be a few centuries old.

Relics of human habitation near Eldvörp Shelters made of rock, ancient paths and stacked walls have been discoverd near Eldvörp (4), a row of scoria and spatter cones formed in the Reykjanes Fires 1210-1240 AD.

Vigdísarvellir Ruins of the old farms Bali and Vigdísarvellir. Campsite surrounded by beautiful scenery and surroundings.

REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND

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45 Mt. Keilir seen from Sveifluhรกls

TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES GEOLOGY & CULTURE 40

Brimketill A lava rock formation on the coast, shaped like a pool. It is formed by the endless surf breaking on the lava rock coast. Once it was regularly occupied by a female troll named Oddný and was called Oddnýjarlaug.

Eldey A small steep rock island situated 8 seamiles south of Reykjanes, formed of tuff stone, or eolian rocks. Eldey is the innermost ridge in a great ridge barrier which stands on a single reef 45 seamiles from the shore. Eldey is by far the the largest gannet colony in Iceland.

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Hópsnes A small peninsula, created 2.350 years ago with a lava flow from Sundahnúkar (26). It is possible to find some of the oldest remains of the salt fish production in Iceland there, wrecks of ships that have stranded in the bay area of Grindavík and a lighthouse built in 1928.

Húshólmi/Óbrennishólmi Ruins of a farm partly covered by lava flow, dated older than 871 AD and thus one of the oldest man-made structures in Iceland. The lava flow is historic and formed in an eruption in the year 1151 AD.

TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES 44

Kleifarvatn The largest lake of the Reykjanes Peninsula and one of the deepest lakes in the country. Its catchment area is small and it has a very limited discharge on the surface. Since the year 2000 it has diminished in size because of two major earthquakes, which probably opened up fissures at its bottom.

Patterson Subfossil shells, from 20.000-22.000 years ago next to the old Patterson airstrip. They lived shortly before the Late Glacial Maximum about 18.000 years ago. The sea level at that time was about 5-10 m.

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Reykjanes The southwest corner of the Reykjanes Peninsula where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge comes onshore. At this location it is possible to literally see the MidAtlantic Ridge rise out of the sea.

Selatangar A long-abandoned fishing station situated in a sheltered inlet between two lava flows. Extended ruins of the abodes and other houses are still very prominent in the landscape. The surroundings are grandiose, low mountains and lava fields.

TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES 48

Seltjörn A pond with good walking paths, picnic facilities and a barbecue. Next to Seltjörn is Sólbrekkuskógur, a small forest, but sheltered and lovely, as it is situated hugging small slopes, with interesting rock formations in a few places.

Seltún An important high temperature geothermal area providing a wealth of study opportunities due to the great variety of features. A boardwalk leads through the area. Seltún has many mud pots and fumaroles, and minerals deposited from geothermal solutions provide colorful sediments

Snorrastaðatjarnir/Háibjalli Ponds, rich of vegetation and an important resting place for migratory birds. Next to the ponds is Háibjalli, a 10 m high fault. A popular recreational zone.

Sogasel Ruins of a shieling (hut), used for cattles during the summer time. The shieling was located in a crater.

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Svartsengi One of five major high temperature areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula. It supplies all of the communities of the Reykjanes area with hot water for house heating and other purposes.

Tjarnir á Vatnsleysuströnd Seaweed-covered rocks which are part of the Þráinsskjöldur Lava Flow that formed about 10,000 years ago. Due to the porous rocks that form the foundation of this part of Iceland, fresh water seeps from the ground in many places.

Þorbjarnarfell A freestanding, hyaloclastite mountain. It offers great panoramic view over most of the Reykjanes Peninsula on fine days. It is split by a fissure called “The Thieves‘ Gap” (Þjófagjá), occupied by 15 thieves according to the legend. They were eventually overpowered and killed by trickery.

The coastline west of Grindavík The coastline west of Grindavík is protected because of birdlife, marine biology and rifts along the coastline.

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS

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53 Northern Gannet

TOWNS & REGIONS REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES WEST ICELAND SAGALAND Birdlife Birdwatchers wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t have to go far for good bird watching spots. Just like nature, whose best and most rare plumage can be seen in Reykjanes, rarer bird species are more often spotted here than elsewhere in the country. The peninsula serves as a perfect breeding place both for birds preferring low coastal region as well as cliff breeding.

Whales The ocean surrounding the Reykjanes Peninsula is an important habitat for marine mammals like whales and dolphins, mainly as a seasonal feeding ground, rich in plankton. These waters provide excellent conditions for such fish species such as sand eel, herring, capelin, haddock and cod to thrive.

Soil and vegetation Moss heath is the most common plant community on the Reykjanes Peninsula and covers nearly all the vegetal lava fields in the area. Rainwater easily seeps through the soil and continues further into the porous lava or bedrock below and deep into the ground. Often the plants cannot utilize the water before it runs into the ground. Today, the hills and mountains in the region are more or less bare due to soil erosion.

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Rich Fishing Tradition Reykjanes is one of the primary locations for the fishing industry in Iceland. In former times, a large part of the population would travel out to the peninsula and bring fish back to their homes. On the peninsula you will find a number of sites where local fishermen would push their boats out to sea and then drag them back ashore, full of fish. Be sure to sample the fresh seafood, which is caught in the fresh and unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic and delivered daily from the dock.

REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND The Settlement of Reykjanes The settlement of the Reykjanes Peninsula is generally believed to have begun in the second half of the 9th century, when Norse settlers migrated across the North Atlantic. Ingólfur Arnarson, the first settler, claimed all the land which is now called the Reykjanes Peninsula. He then allocated land to five men and one woman, named Steinunn the Aged. She repaid him with a knitted coat.

Vogur in Hafnir: Farmhouse or Outpost? In the village of Hafnir there is an interesting archeological excavation where archeologists found ruins of a longhouse or “skáli”. Is it possible that the ruins are not those of an ancient farmhouse? Was this instead the outpost of explorers and adventurers, like the buildings of Norsemen in Newfoundland? Items found during the excavation in Hafnir are on display in Viking World in Reykjanesbær.

The former NATO base From the Second World War, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO had facilities at the Keflavik International Airport. The base was known as Naval Air Station Keflavik or NASKEF. In September 2006, the US military evacuated the base and the Icelandic authorities were given full command over the area. Today the area houses a university and campus, and other services and industries are developing there.

www.visitreykjanes.is

Reykjanes Lighthouse The first lighthouse in Iceland was built on Valahnúkur on Reykjanes in the year 1878. By 1905 earthquakes and surf had damaged Valahnúkur so much that there was the risk of the lighthouse falling into the sea. A new lighthouse was therefore built in 1907-1908 on Bæjarfell hill in Reykjanes. Reykjanes lighthouse was the most popular lighthouse among Icelanders according to a survey done in 2007.

The Lighthouse on Garðskagi The lighthouses in Garðskagi were constructed 1897 and the second one in 1944. At Garðskagi the scenery is spectacular and you can enjoy watching the wild birds. The old lighthouse is often an inspiration in both art and photography. The lighthouse is open on request, just ask the staff of The Municipal Museum in Garður.

The Church in Innri-Njarðvík The church in Innri-Njarðvík was consecrated in 1886 and is made from carved rock which was brought from the shore nearby and the heath above the inhabited area. One of the three bells in the church tower is an ancient bell made in 1725.

REYKJANES GEOPARK - GEOSITES TOWNS & REGIONS WEST ICELAND SAGALAND The Church at Hvalsnes The church at Hvalsnes was consecrated in 1887. The building of the church was financed by a farmer and a ship owner who owned the land at Hvalsnes. The church was built with basaltic lava stones and the wood was collected from the shores nearby. Hallgrímur Pétursson, Iceland’s most important psalmist, served as a priest at the parish in Hvalsnes in the 17th century.

The Church at Kálfatjörn Kálfatjörn is a former farm, parsonage and a church site in the town of Vogar. During catholic times, the church was dedicated to St. Peter. The present church was built in 1891 and is Iceland‘s largest rural church. The altarpiece, a replica of the one in the Reykjavík Cathedral, painted by Sigurður Guðmundsson, is equally old as the church.

The Church at Útskálar The church was consecrated in 1863. The interior of the church was painted and decorated by Áki Gränz, a master painter. The church is preserved and has a modern tower design. It is made from wood.

www.wisitreykjanes.is www.visitreykjanes.is www.visitreykjanes.is www.visitreykjanes.is Network of ancient walking routes The combined length of the 25 main hiking routes on the Reykjanes Peninsula is about 242 miles. Reykjanes Peninsula is envied for its hiking trails, long and short that zigzag through the region, often ancient roads from the time before cars. The geology and nature of the area will certainly open up for you during these walks through the various lava fields, caves and colourful, outlandish formations. Ask for a hiking map at the next information centre.

The coastal hiking trail in Reykjanesbær 10 km long coastal hiking/walking trail lies from the marina in Gróf up to the Stapi cliffs in Innri-Njarðvík. The trail gives an opportunity to enjoy the fresh sea air, the seabirds, various kinds of coastal vegetation and insight into the geology of various rocks and cliffs. Providing good physical refreshment, one can walk, jog, bike or roll on roller-skates.

Grindavík – The Blue Lagoon A new walking trail lies from the town of Grindavík to the Blue Lagoon. It gives you the opportunity to experience the rich fishing heritage of Grindavík and the impressive lava flow surrounding the Blue Lagoon, walking, jogging or cycling.

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61 The Keflavik marina

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1 Duus Museum Cultural Center

The cluster of buildings that make up Duus Museum are among Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most remarkable and historic man-made structures. Busy centers of commerce throughout their existence, their last role before their conversion was as a fish processing plant. With the oldest timber building completed in 1877 and the youngest concrete structure finished in 1954, together they span almost a century of Icelandic architectural history. Today, the complex includes eight exhibition centers, which house the Reykjanes Art Museum, the Reykjanes Maritime Center, the Old Cinema, the Reykjanes Heritage Museum, the Reykjanes Geopark visitor center and the Reykjanes tourist information center.

Duusgata 2-8, 230 ReykjanesbĂŚr Open: Open every day 12:00-17:00. Summer: Open 9:00-17:00 on weekdays. Access +354 421 3796 duushus@reykjanesbaer.is www.duusmuseum.is 63

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS 2 Reykjanes Geopark Visitor Center

Reykjanes Geopark Visitor Center in Reykjanesbær is a new exhibiton about the formation and shaping of the Reykjanes Peninsula, and a tourist information. Guests can learn about the geology and nature of the area in a simple and accessible way. The new exhibiton describes graphically the formation of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the uniqueness, geology, nature, history, service and recreation.

Duusgata 2-8, 230 Reykjanesbær Open everyday from 12.00-17.00. Summer: Open from 9.00-17.00 on weekdays. Access +354 420 3246 info@reykjanesgeopark.is www.reykjanesgeopark.is

www.visitreykjanes.is 3 Giganta

Giganta in the cave moved to Reykjanesbær during the family and cultural festival Night of Lights in 2008 and is now located in the Black Cave at the marina in Gróf. There Giganta has been settling in her nice cave with its superb view over the bay of Keflavík and Faxaflói. Giganta is originally the creation of author Herdís Egilsdóttir who has written 16 stories about the little girl Sigga and her friend Giganta in the mountain, the last one describing her migration to Reykjanesbær. The design and making of the cave and Giganta was in the hands of Norðanbál art group. Giganta is fullsized and sits sleeping in a rocking chair in the kitchen.

Black Cave at the marina in Gróf Every day 10.00-17.00. Paved pathway +354 +354 420 3245 skessan@reykjanesbaer.is www.skessan.is

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS 4 The Icelandic Fire Brigade Museum

The museum shows the history of fire departments in Iceland from the year 1890 to present days. The exhibition was established by the Reykjanes fire fighters with good support from the community and other fire departments around Iceland. At the exhibition, visitors can learn about the work of Icelandic fire fighters and take a look at the fire trucks, pumps and other equipment that has been used throughout the years.

Seylubraut 1, 260 ReykjanesbĂŚr Sundays 13.00-18.00 or by arrangement. No Access +354 899 0557/Ingvar & +354 862 1375/Sigudur ingvar@slokkvisafn.com & sigurdur@slokkvisafn.com www.icelandicfiremuseum.net

www.visitreykjanes.is

5 The Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll

The Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll is a brand new museum about the history of pop and rock music in Iceland. Come and experience the story of music in Iceland from the early 1800’s to Björk, Sigur Rós and Of Monsters and Men.

Hjallavegur 2, 230 Reykjanesbær 11.00-18.00 Access +354 420 1030 info@rokksafn.is www.rokksafn.is

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS 6 Kvikan

House of Culture and Natural Resources in Grindavík

Located only a few minutes away from the Blue Lagoon. It houses two unique exhibitions; the Saltfish Museum and and Earth Energy. The tourist information centre in Grindavík is located in the Kvikan.

Hafnargata 12a, 240 Grindavík Daily from May 15 – Sept. 15, 10:00-17:00, Sept. 16 – May 14, Sat. & Sun. from 11:00-17:00. Opened for groups by request. Access +354 420 1190 / +354 420 1100 www.grindavik.is/kvikan kvikan@grindavik.is

www.visitreykjanes.is

7 The exhibition The Saltfish Museum

Brings to light our seafaring history. The exhibition is very intriguing for foreign tourists. The people of Grindavík have long been among the most prolific in the production of dried salted cod. An exhibition about Iceland‘s history in the processing and sales of dried salted cod and it‘s significance to Iceland‘s economy is therefore well placed in Grindavík. Great care was taken to recreate the history of dried salted cod processing, and the exhibition has attracted much attention. The exhibition offers large pictures, a text detailing the history of dried salted cod processing along with some historical objects from characteristic harbour towns. Opening hours and contact information see Kvikan.

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS

8 Earth Energy

Exhibition on geology, geothermal heat and the harnessing of energy from the bowels of the earth. In Iceland there are unique possibilities to see and investigate most of the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dynamic processes, such as volcanism and geothermal heat, which is the result of the young age of the island. It might be said that Iceland is a window into the past as well as into the future. By reading the history of the different geological strata it is possible to forecast geological events that are likely to happen again. The exhibition shows many video films. It guides the viewer from general geology through the geology of Iceland, Reykjanes and Svartsengi, explaining how different branches of learning join in preliminary research and monitoring of high-temperature geothermal areas. Opening hours and contact information see Kvikan.

www.visitreykjanes.is

9 The Heritage and Maritime Museum of Garรฐskagi

The Heritage and Maritime Museum of Garรฐskagi is located in a natural paradise, which blends the beauty of the landscape with the rich animal and bird life. The museum is both a folk and maritime museum and has an outstanding collection of machines and items that were essential for the livelihood on land and at sea in the past. It also houses a great northern lights show.

Skagabraut 100, 250 Garรฐur All year Access +354 422 7220; +354 893 8909 info@gardskagi.com www.gardskagi.com 71

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS 10 Reykjanes Art Museum

The Reykjanes Art Museum offers a superb view of Keflavík’s picturesque marina and was opened in the year 2003 after extensive renovations. New art exhibitions open there every six weeks. In recent years the art exhibitions at the Reykjanes Art Museum have been considered to be among the best in Iceland regarding quality and variety. The Reykjanes Art Museum is located in Duus Museum, the Art and Cultural Center of Reykjanesbær.

Duusgata 2-8, 230 Reykjanesbær Open everyday from 12.00 – 17.00 Access Tel +354 420 3245 duushus@reykjanesbaer.is www.reykjanesbaer.is/listasafn

www.visitreykjanes.is

11 The Reykjanes Heritage Museum

The Reykjanes Heritage Museum presents exhibitions that address the local history of the region and somewhat the whole country. A new exhibition was opened in the spring of 2014. It covers the main aspects of the history from the settlement period in the early 9th century to the middle of the 20th century. The main focus is on developement of seaside villages in the 19th and early 20th century where the nearby rich fishing grounds played the biggest role. There, one can also find an introduction to the history of turfhouses in the area and of Danish merchants.

Duusgata 2-8, 230 ReykjanesbĂŚr Open everyday from 12.00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17.00 No Access +354 420 3245 byggdasafn@reykjanesbaer.is sofn.reykjanesbaer.is/byggdasafn

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS 12 Reykjanes Maritime Center

The Reykjanes Maritime Center opened on May 11th, 2002 and is home to a collection of over 100 model boats built by retired local skipper Grímur Karlsson. Handcrafted to a high degree of perfection and painstaking detail, they offer a fascinating insight into Iceland’s maritime history, beginning with the graceful masted schooners of the mid- and late 19th century, and ending with the steam and diesel-powered trawlers of the 20th century.

Duusgata 2-8, 230 Reykjanesbær Open everyday from 12.00 – 17.00 Access +354 420 3245 duushus@reykjanesbaer.is www.duusmuseum.is

www.visitreykjanes.is

13 Settlement Zoo

The zoo is situated near Viking World and is open during the summer, providing children with a chance to see lambs, goats, ducks, calves, rabbits and hens. Admission is free.

By the Viking World, 260 ReykjanesbĂŚr Open: 1 May-1 August Daily 11.00-17.00. Access +354 421 6700 www.reykjanesbaer.is

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS 14 Stekkjarkot

A classic example of the roughly built turf, stone and timber fishermans’ cottage, once common on the Reykjanes Peninsula and other coastal areas of Iceland. Stekkjarkot was opened to the public in 1993, following a year of restorations. It provides an insight into what cottages of this type looked like. Its history as a domestic dwelling is patchy, from the time it was built in the years 1855-1857 until it was abandoned for good in 1924.

Innri Njarðvik, Víkingabraut 1, 260 Reykjanesbær June-Aug.Thur.-Sun. 13.00-17.00, other opening hours by request. +354 865 6160 byggdasafn@reykjanesbaer.is www.reykjanesbaer.is/byggdasafn

www.visitreykjanes.is

15 Sudurnes Science and Learning Center

If you are interested in Icelandic nature and wildlife, sea creatures and research related to the area, the Sudurnes Science and Learning Center is a place you must visit! The center’s three exhibitions include a nature gallery where you can look at various stuffed animals from the Icelandic wildlife and see alive sea creatures. In the historical gallery you can visit the magnificent exhibition Attraction of the Poles, on the life of the French polar scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot and in the art gallery you can learn about the magical world of the ocean and the Seaweed Fairies.

Garðvegur 1, 245 Sandgerði Summer (May 1- Sept. 30), Monday-Friday: 10.00-16.00, Saturday and Sunday: 13:00-17:00 • Winter (Oct. 1 -April 30), Monday- Friday: 10.00-14.00. Flexible opening hours for groups. +354 423 7555 & +354 423 7551 thekkingarsetur@thekkingarsetur.is www.thekkingarsetur.is

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS 16 Viking World

Víkingaheimar (Viking World) is the home of the Viking ship Íslendingur (The Icelander). Built in 1996, The Icelander is an exact replica of the famous Gokstad ship, a remarkable archaeological find of an almost completely intact Viking ship, excavated in Norway in 1882. In addition, Viking World offers 4 different exhibitions; Vikings of the North Atlantic, the Settlement of Iceland, Fate of the Gods and the Iceland Saga Trails. Viking World, the spectacular modern building can easily be spotted from the highway from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavík and is located in only a few minutes drive from the airport.

Víkingabraut 1, 260 Reykjanesbær All year Access +354 422 2000 info@vikingworld.is www.vikingworld.is

www.visitreykjanes.is

17 Life at the Base

Life on a NATO Base is an exhibition that focuses on the everyday lives of U.S. soldiers and their families during their tour of duty at Naval Air Station Keflavik (NASKEF), Iceland. For over half a century, more than 200,000 U.S. citizens lived and worked at NASKEF along with thousands of Icelandic employees. That is a high number considering that the Icelandic population is barely more than 300,000. The gates to NASKEF were closed in September 2006, marking the end of an era. The exhibition is a beginning of a conversation that looks at different cultures and how they coexisted during this time. This is a Please Touch exhibition. Share your story and memories with us and help us write history.

Grænásbraut 607, 235 Reykjanesbær By request No Access +354 862 2208 ibudkanans@gmail.com ibudkanans.tumblr.com

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS Other Exhibitions/Museums Reykjanes Power Station and Power Plant Earth, Reykjanes Power Station, +354 436 1000 & +354 864 3006. The Rock Museum of Rúnar Júl., Skólavegur 12, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 2712 & +354 861 2062. Þorbjörn Museum, Hafnargata 12, 240 Grindavík, +354 420 4400.

Events: Dec.-Jan.

The Fresh Winds art project in Garður

March

Suðurnes culture weekend

April

Art without boarders

May

Children‘s festival in Reykjanesbær

May

The Orignal Mountain Marathon

June

The Happy Sailor in Grindavik

June

The Geopark week

June

The Blue lagoon challenge

June

The Midsummer night hike to Þorbjörn and the Blue Lagoon

June

The Sunset Festival in Garðskagi

July

The ATP Iceland music festival

August

Family days in Vogar

August

Sandgerði’s days in Sandgerði

September The Night of Lights Reykjanes family and cultural festival in Reykjanesbær September Grindavik sheep round-up See more details and events on www.visitreykjanes.is

www.visitreykjanes.is Art and Crafts: Stop Over Tours, cultural and design tours, +354 844 6544. Blue Lagoon Shop, at the Blue Lagoon. Fjóla, handmade jewelry, Hafnargata 21, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 1011. Gallery 8, Hafnargata 21, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 892 2686 / +354 868 9863 / +354 868 8826. Gallery Anna Sigga, Þórkötlustaðir vestur, 240 Grindavík,+354 866 4567. Gallery “hans” og Grétu, Vesturbraut 8, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 849 9610 / +354 894 3833. Gallery Helga Kristjánsdóttir, Vörusundi 1, 240 Grindavík, +354 694 8245. Gallery Listatorg, Vitatorg, 245 Sandgerði, +354 840 5700. Gallery Sjólist, Verbraut 3, 240 Grindavík, +354 893 3712. Gjafakort giftshop, Iðndal 2, 190 Vogar, +354 694 3089 Glass workshop, Hjördís Hafnfjörð-Haddý, Freyjuvellir 5, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 2405 / +354 861 2405. Handcraft workshop, the Lighthouse – guardhouse, Garðskagi, 250 Garður, +354 692 6596. Innrömmun Suðurnesja, Paintings & Frames, Mardalur 9, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 694 3160. Icelandic craft, Guðný, Iðavellir 11b, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 897 1827. Jöklaljós, candle-workshop, Sandgerði, +354 423 7694 / 354 896 6866. Raven Design, Eldey, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 661 6999/+354 661 7999. Reynir Katrínarson, Hvít Viðbláinn, Gauksstaðavegur 2, 250 Garður, +354 861 2004. Sápan, Brekkustígur 41, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 571-7274 Svarta Pakkhúsið, Hafnargata 4, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 616 6670. Utility market, culture and art by the harbour, Víkurbraut 6, 230 Reykjanesbær. Vatnsnes, Art Workshop & Gallery, Vatnsnesvegur 8, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 895 6462, +354 861 9119. Reykjanes-Lava, +354 862 5264. 81

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The Keflavik marina

83 View to the Reykjanes lighthouse, ValahnĂşkur and Karlinn.

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ACTIVITIES

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85 Gunnuhver

ACTIVITIES 1 Anglers.is

Hafnargata 27a, 230 Reykjanesbær All year

Anglers.is is a company that specializes in day tours in South and West Iceland. We offer private angling tours to many of the best lakes and rivers in the area and also sightseeing and nature tours, both on the Golden Circle and Reykjanes Peninsula. We also arrange fishing licenses and guides for nearly every river and lake in Iceland.

Access +354 897 3443 info@anglers.is www.anglers.is

2 ATV Adventure in Grindavik

Tangasund 1, 240 Grindavík All year +354 857 3001 info@atv4x4.is www.atv4x4.is

Located only a five minute drive from the Blue Lagoon, ATV Adventures specialize in receiving small and large groups. We will organize the event whether it is a surprise event, your company’s annual event, a family event or just something you would like to try. Almost anything works. A ride on an ATV between lava and black sand, up the mountains or to the Blue Lagoon. There is no age limit for passengers, but a driver‘s licence needs to be presented for the ATV driver. Necessary gear is offered for visitors. Pick up from hotels in Keflavík, Reykjavík and the Blue Lagoon by request.

www.visitreykjanes.is 3 Garðskagi

Garðskagi All year +354 893 8909 info@gardskagi.com www.gardskagi.com

Garðskagi, the northernmost point of the Reykjanes Peninsula, offers great experience for visitors with its two lighthouses, beautiful beach and fantastic sunsets. It is a great place to see the northern lights and learn about them from our northern lights show, while waiting for them to appear. The new lighthouse, built in 1944 and the biggest in Iceland, has magnificent view and also houses three interesting shows. Garðskagi is a premium bird-watching location where whales can often be observed from the coast. A must see destination.

4 GeoCamp Iceland

Mánagata 1, 260 Reykjanesbær All year

GeoCamp organizes and receives international study groups focusing primarily on geology, natural sciences and renewable energy. Our location on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland offers short travel to numerous geothermal areas, unspoiled geological sites of interest and vast lava fields. This is the perfect place for geological exploration.

+354 894 6046 olijon@geocamp.is www.geocamp.is

ACTIVITIES 5 Golfing in Reykjanes

Within an hour drive you can reach three 18 holes golf courses and one 9 holes golf course in a unique and exotic environment of the Reykjanes peninsula. 1 Grindavik Golf Club Grindavik Golf Club is an 18 hole golf course, located just 7 km from the Blue Lagoon. The clubhouse has a beautiful view over the golf course which is situated on two continents. Golfers have the opportunity to tee off on the North American Plate and place their drive on to the Eurasian Plate.

Húsatóftir, 240 Grindavík Spring to fall +354 426 8720 gggolf@gggolf.is www.gggolf.is

www.visitreykjanes.is

2 Kálfatjörn Golf Course 9 holes

3 Kirkjuból Golf Course 18 holes

Vogar

+ 354 423 7802

Spring to fall

gsggolf@simnet.is

+ 354 424 6529

www.golf.is

gvsgolfskali@simnet.is www.gvsgolf.is

4 Leira Golf Course 18 holes Reykjanes has many great golf courses but the optimum golf course is Hólmsvöllur at Leira. The golf club of Suðurnes operates Hólmsvöllur at Leira which was established on March 4th 1964. It is a spectacular 18 hole golf course in a beautiful area next to the seaside. At the golf course the golfer has access to all the services he needs, for example practice greens, driving range and a golf store that is open from 9-22 every day.

Hólmsvöllur, 250 Garður +354 421 4100 gs@gs.is www.golf.is/gs

4 Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði 3

Keflavík Airport

Vogar

Hafnir

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ACTIVITIES 6 Guide to Iceland

Laugavegur 12, 101 Reykjavík All year Access +354 519 7999 info@guidetoiceland.is www.guidetoiceland.is

Guide to Iceland is travel agency based in Reykjavík that offers tours and holidays to Iceland with a best price guarantee. The Guide to Iceland network consists of more than 400 companies in Iceland that all use the Guide to Iceland website to offer and promote their services. Guide to Iceland receives around 200.000 visits every month and includes more than a 1000 travel articles and tips. It is the largest marketplace of tours and car rentals in Iceland, and specialises in ice cave tours and self drive trips. And it also connects you to local people all around Iceland. Check out their website for useful information and to plan your trip to Iceland.

7 Keflanding

Klettatröð 8, 235 Reykjanesbær All year +354 586 1310 info@keflanding.com www.keflanding.com 90

Keflanding is a travel agency and a tour operator that specializes in incoming tourism in Iceland. We offer a wide range of high quality vacation packages and travel arrangements for small and big groups visiting Iceland. Keflanding can organize a great variety of excursions, day trips, multi-day tours and activities for groups of all sizes. To get the most out of your trip Keflanding gives you suggestions for itineraries, accommodation and adventures around Iceland, tailor-made to your specifications.

www.visitreykjanes.is 8 Norðurflug Helicopter Tours

Reykjavik Domestic Airport, 101 Reykjavik All year +354 562 2500 info@heli.is www.helicopter.is

Norðurflug Helicopter Tours is the largest helicopter service in Iceland and it has a long reputation of exceptional customer service and high operational standards. The company owns and operates an elegant fleet of black luxurious helicopters, flown by the most experienced pilots in the private sector. Norðurflug offers a wide variety of tours ranging from a Reykjavik city sightseeing for $220, up to a half day tour to the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón. Testimonials on TripAdvisor confirm that Norðurflug delivers as promised, a 5 star treatment, and a trip that you will cherish!

9 Rentaboat.is

Tangasund 1, 240 Grindavík All year +354 857 3001 info@atv4x4.is

New in summer 2016. Rentaboat.is offers personal and authentic Icelandic experience out on the sea in a private boat trip around the dramatic coastline of Reykjanes Peninsula with a combination of nature, culture, sea angling and food tasting. Whether you are interested in whale watching, colorful bird and marine life, sea angling our seeing the magnificent cliffs of Krýsuvíkurberg and Eldey we promise to make our absolutely best in giving you a personal and memorable experience out on the sea.

www.atv4x4.is

ACTIVITIES 10 Reykjanes Tours

Hafnargata 37, 260 Reykjanesbær All year, 24/7 Access +354 841 1448

Reykjanes tours is your travel companion on the Reykjanes Peninsula as well as in all of Iceland. We at Reykjanes Tours specialize in Reykjanes and surroundings, although longer trips throughout Iceland are also available. We work hard to be a personal and excellent service provider, we know you have often heard this before, but we mean it. Check out what is available and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to send us an email. With hopes of a wonderful journey, Reykjanes Tours.

bjarni@reykjanestours.is www.reykjanestours.is

11 Sagatours

Bakkastígur 12, 260 Reykjanesbær All year, 9.00-17.00 +354 587 1111 sagatours@sagatours.is www.sagatours.is 92

Sagatours offers vehicles, drivers, driver guides and guides for any occasion. From 1 to 67 passengers. We offer quality service and high class vehicles. Customer enjoyment is our goal. Sagatours has a broad selection of tours and activities. Let us make your stay in Iceland as memorable as possible. With Sagatours you get the excursion of a lifetime.

www.visitreykjanes.is 12 The Blue Lagoon Iceland

Svartsengi, 240 Grindavík All year Access +354 420 8800 sales@bluelagoon.is www.bluelagoon.is

A visit to the Blue Lagoon Iceland geothermal spa is an important part of your stay in Iceland. Guests renew their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal seawater. It is no surprise that the readers of “Condé Nast Traveller” voted the Blue Lagoon as the best spa worldwide and that it was voted one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic. For ten consecutive years Blue Lagoon has been awarded the Blue Flag environmental recognition, granted to natural beaches and marinas.

ACTIVITIES 13 Swimming pools

1 Garður

Garðbraut, 250 Garður Monday-Friday 7.00-21.00 / Saturday-Sunday 10.00-16.00. +354 422 7300 2 Grindavík This family oriented swimming pool is 25 m and outdoors. Always warm with geothermal hot water. It has a water slide, a playground for children, fitness facility and hot tubs.

Austurvegur, 240 Grindavík Monday-Friday 6.00-20.00, Saturday-Sunday 10.00-15.00 / 17.00 (summer).

www.visitreykjanes.is

3 Sandgerði

Sports center, 245 Sandgerði Monday-Friday 7.00-21.00, Saturday-Sunday 10.00-15.00 / 17.00 (summer). +354 420 7510 4 Vogar

Hafnargata 17, 190 Vogar Monday-Friday 9:00-20:00, Saturday-Sunday 10:00-16:00 (summer). +354 440 6220 No admission fee for children 18 years old and elderly citizens and the disabled. 5 Waterworld WaterWorld in the town of Reykjanes is one of the splendid pools in Iceland. There you can find a 25 m outdoor pool, hot tubs, steam baths, a 50 m indoor pool as well as a fantastic activity pool for the younger family members.

Garður

Hafnargata 17, 190 Vogar

Sandgerði

Mondays-Thursdays 6:30-20:00, Fridays 6:30-19:00, weekends 9:00 – 17:00, 10:00-16:00 (summer).

Reykjanesbær Vogar

+354 440 6220 No admission fee for children 18 years old and younger, elderly citizens and the disabled.

Grindavík

ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES 14 Thors Travel

Jakasel 9, 109 Reykjavík All year +354 894 1107

Thors Travel is a small company, a licensed tour operator. We service small groups, maximum of eight persons per tour. Our goal is to give our clients a good and interesting experience in the unique nature of Iceland, specializing in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Our driver guide can become a hiking guide on the many hiking tracks if our clients wish so. We can also service stop over passengers at Keflavík Airport who want to see a little bit of Iceland or even take a look at our capital, Reykjavík.

info@thors-travel.com www.thors-travel.com

15 Travice

Vesturbraut 12, 230 Reykjanesbær All year +354 421 4444 travice@travice.is www.travice.is

Travice would like to be a part of your visit to Iceland if you will let us assist you. We know that when traveling, information from local inhabitants can make a big difference in organizing your adventure in a new country. You will be able to experience places that are not being promoted and therefore less visited and even more unique.

www.visitreykjanes.is www.visitreykjanes.is 16 Vitinn – Aquarium Showroom

Vitatorg 7, 245 Sandgerði

The restaurant Vitinn has the past 10 years been working with the Sudurnes Science and Learning Centre in Sandgerði on research on shellfish in the Icelandic fishing grounds. Now visitors have the opportunity to see some of the species that live around the Reykjanes Peninsula and Icelanders have only recently started to utilize in cooking.

All year No access +354 423 7755 info@vitinn.is www.vitinn.is

More Activities: Advanced Travel, Brekkusel 29, 109 Reykjavík, + 354 551 9516. Adventure 4x4 Tours, Vogagerði 30, 190 Vogar, +354 662 4228. Adventure Patrol, 203 Kópavogur, +354 698 3377. Alice, +354 777 8844. Arctic Horses, Hópsheiði 16, 240 Grindavík, +354 848 0143. AT Iceland tours, Bogabraut 12, 245 Sandgerði, +354 423 7733 & +354 899 6312. ATV Tours Keflavík, Grófin 17, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 898 4670. Awol, Keilisbraut 771, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 861 2050. Auroroa Hunters, Kapellustígur 1, 113 Reykjavík, +354 453 5981. DayTourIceland.com, +354 780 7444. Discover Wild Iceland, Hvammsdalur 8, 190 Vogar, +354 897 2108. Dive4u, Reykjanesbær, +354 899 6345. Creative Tours Iceland, +354 849 95 42. Exist Travel, web service, +354 777 4440.

ACTIVITIES Experience Reykjanes, Hátún 20, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 864 1521. Flugþjónustan, Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, 101 Reykjavík, +354 522 1611. Harpayachts.is, Hraunsvegur 2, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 899 8550. Helga Ingimundardóttir, +354 421 7777. Iceland Explore Tours, Brekkustígur 39, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 7777. Iceland Events Management and Travel Advisor, +354 565 5800 Iceland Tours Iceland, Grófin 14c, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 567 0807. Iceland Unlimited, Lækjargata 12, 101 Reykjavík, +354 415 0600. Into Iceland, Web service, +354 821 0672. Jeppabræður, Adventure 4x4, Vogagerði 30, 190 Vogum, +354 662 4228. Keflavik Excursions, Blikavöllur 5, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 823 0099. Kópur, sea-angling, 190 Vogar, +354 846 2510. Lára Haraldsdóttir, Tjarnargata 6, 260 Reykjanesbæ, +354 456 3795. Localguides.is, Hraunsvegur 2, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 799 7779. Lost in Iceland, +354 786 0005. Made in Mountains, +354 868 4750. MyIceland.guide, +354 696 1196. Nanny’s Nature Walks, Grófin 2-4, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 893 8900. Natura Travel, +354 697 9515. Northluk, +354 772 8979. Olgeir Andrésson, Hraunsvegur 25, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 848 1186. OVO slf., Kirkjubraut 17, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 864 6150. P.T.K., Birkiteigur 13, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 661 8087. Rent in Iceland, web service, +354 774 6161 & +354 691 6360. Reykjanes Seakayak, Þórustaðir, 190 Vogar, +354 421 3025. Reykjanes travel guides. +354 896 5598. Saga Travel, +354 558 8888. Reyk Tour, Heiðarvegur 24, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 845 3739. Salty Tours, Borgarhraun 1, 240 Grindavik, +354 820 5750. Seaweed and Kelp bath, Garðskagi, 250 Garður, +354 898 6440. Secret North, Einidalur 14, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 823 5500. Shore and cliff-fishing, Oliver Keller. +354 893 7194. Sigluberg ehf., Laut 26, 240 Grindavík, +354 867 8192. Snjólína ehf., +354 845 9009. Stakkavík Xperience Fish, Bakkalág 15b, 240 Grindavík, +354 420 8000. Super Jeep Drive, +354 776 6404. True Adventure, Suðurvíkurvegur 5, 870 Vík, +354 698 8890. Volcano air, +354 863 0590. Volcano tours, Víkurbraut 2, Flagghús, 240 Grindavík, +354 426 8822. Waterfowl Hunters of Iceland, Furudalur 24, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 694 1259.

www.visitreykjanes.is

Pre-booking is required. Book online at bluelagoon.com

DINING

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101 From the Night of Lights

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Garður

Grindavík

Bláa lónið10

Garðabær Kópavogur Hafnarfjörður Sandgerði 12 6 Reykjanesbær 13 1 3 16Njarðvík 15 7 8 Keflavík 9 Vogar Hafnir 17 14

2 5

Reykjavík

ACCOMMODATION

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ACCOMMODATION 1 B&B Keflavík Airport

Valhallarbraut 761, 235 Reykjanesbær All year

B&B Keflavik airport is the largest guesthouse on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Located only a few minutes from the airport and only 20 minutes drive from the Blue Lagoon. We are the best option for the first and the last night in Iceland. Included in our prices are pick up and drop of at the airport.

No Access +354 426 5000 booking@bbkefairport.is www.bbkeflavik.com

2 Blue Lagoon Clinic Hotel

Svartsengi, 240 Grindavík All year Access +354 420 8800 sales@bluelagoon.is www.bluelagoon.com 104

Blue Lagoon – Psoriasis Clinic offers natural geothermal treatment of psoriasis in cooperation with the Icelandic Health Authorities. Blue Lagoon Clinic Hotel features 15 double rooms. The rooms are well designed and spacious with a private bathroom and a porch. Television and internet access is available in each room. A dining room and a living area and a fitness room equipment, with cardiovascular equipments, weight lifting stations and free weights are at the clinic.

www.visitreykjanes.is 3 GeoCamp Reykjanes GeoCamp Iceland accommodates student and teacher groups in affordable housing next to Keflavik International Airport and in the heart of Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, a stone throw away from unique geological sites, geothermal hotspots and unspoiled natural areas.

Grænásbraut 602, 235 Reykjanesbær All year No +354 894 6046 olijon@geocamp.is www.geocamp.is

4 Geo Hotel Grindavik

Víkurbraut 58, 240 Grindavík All year

Geo Hotel Grindavík is a new hotel in charming Grindavík fishing village about 20 km from Keflavik Airport and 3 km from the Blue Lagoon. The hotel has standard double rooms and family rooms, total of 36 rooms. It has a spacious open area for guests and is renowned for its hospitality. Free airport transfer to and from the hotel and also to the Blue Lagoon.

Access +354 421 4000 booking@geohotel.is www.geohotel.is 105

ACCOMMODATION 5 Guesthouse Garður

Skagabraut 62a, 250 Garður All year No Access +354 660 7894 guesthousegardur@simnet.is

Guesthouse Garður is a family-run business, 6 apartment guesthouses, located in the town of Garður, only 10 min. drive from Keflavík Airport. Garður should appeal to those who enjoy nature. Garðskagi is a unique nature reserve where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset in the summer and the mysterious northern lights in the winter. Garðskagi is also known for birdwatching where thousands of migrating birds arrive from Greenland and North America to breed.

www.guesthousegardur.is

6 Hotel Berg You will find this new, family-run hotel in one of the most beautiful locations on the Reykjanes Peninsula – beside the harbour for small boats in Keflavík. Just five minutes’ walk from the best restaurants in town and seven minutes’ drive from Keflavík International Airport and 30 minutes from Reykjavik.

Bakkavegur 17, 260 Reykjanesbær All year No Access +354 422 7922 berg@hotelberg.is www.hotelberg.is 106

www.visitreykjanes.is

7 Hotel Grásteinn

Bolafótur 11, 260 Reykjanesbær All year Access +354 421 5200 hotelgrasteinn@simnet.is

Hotel Grásteinn is a family owned hotel located only 5 minutes’ drive from Keflavik International Airport. It offers free parking and rooms with free Wi-Fi access and a flatscreen TV. A seating area, work desk and wardrobe feature in all rooms at Hotel Grásteinn. Each room has a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests can relax with a drink in the hotel bar. Other facilities include a terrace and a lounge area.

www.hotelgrasteinn.is

8 Hotel Keflavík

Vatnsnesvegur 12-14, 260 Reykjanesbær

Hotel Keflavik has been welcoming the world to Iceland since 1986. We offer newly renovated rooms, an elegant restaurant, a fully equipped fitness center with free spinning, step aerobic classes, a relaxing sauna and solarium. We are only 5 minutes from the Keflavik International Airport, 15 minutes from the famous Blue Lagoon and 40 minutes from Reykjavik.

All year Access +354 420 7000 stay@kef.is www.kef.is 107

ACCOMMODATION 9 Hotel Vogar

Stapavegur 7, 190 Vogar All year Access

Hotel Vogar is an excellent choice of accommodation for visitors who are leaving or entering the country, as well as for longer stays, because Keflavík International Airport is only a 14 min drive away, the Blue Lagoon a 12 min drive and Reykjavík about 24 min drive. Hotel Vogar offers 37 rooms and 2 family apartments, free internet, very good breakfast buffet and satellite TV.

+354 866 4664 hotelvogar@simnet.is www.hotelvogar.is

10 Northern Light Inn

Norðurljósavegur 1, 240 Grindavík All year Access +354 426 8650 info@nli.is www.nli.is 108

A wonderful place to see the aurora boralis. 32 comfortable rooms, free Wi-fi, grand fireplace, comfy living rooms, cognac lounge, honesty bar and family hospitality awaits you, as well as our Max’s Restaurant. Only 1 km from the Blue Lagoon and 20 min drive from the Keflavik International Airport with free pick up / drop off service between 05:00-21:00.

www.visitreykjanes.is 11 Mar Guesthouse

Hafnargata 7, 240 Grindavík All year Access +354 856 5792 mar@marguesthouse.is www.marguesthouse.is

Situated in the picturesque town of Grindavik, just a few minutes from the Blue Lagoon itself, Mar Guesthouse is the perfect place to stay in this wonderfully evocative region. With brand new rooms, free Wi-Fi and a wealth of amenities, as well as those magnificent views from every room, you could not ask for more from your visit. With a well-equipped large screen TV and a multitude of channels, free laundry, beautifully equipped shared kitchen and free toiletries in the private bathrooms, the Mar Guesthouse is a real home away from home. With Keflavik International Airport just 27 km away, Mar Guesthouse is easy to reach, and wonderful to stay at. Your perfect destination.

12 Núpan Deluxe

Aðalgata 10, 260 Reykjanesbær All year Access +354 568 0210

Start your trip at Núpan Deluxe. We are determined to help our guests enjoy all that Iceland has to offer. Restaurants, pubs, health centers and swimming pools are all in walking distance. Stay with us and we will make you feel like family. Núpan Deluxe will help guide you in planning excursions and making sure you see the best of Iceland and its numerous sightseeing landmarks. Your home away from home.

info@hotelnupan.com www.hotelnupan.com 109

ACCOMMODATION 13 Park Inn by Radison

Hafnargata 57, 260 Reykjanesbæ All year Access +354 421 5222 info.airport.keflavik@rezidorparkinn.com www.parkinn.com/airport-hotel-keflavik

Park inn by Radisson Keflavik Airport is great destination for exploring and experiencing the fabulous attractions and vistas available in the Reykjanes Peninsula. These include the popular Blue Lagoon and Keflavik’s Viking Museum, called Víkingaheimar, stunning landscapes, great hiking trails, the famous Reykjanesviti lighthouse, quaint fishing villages and more. In short, it’s a great place to explore and the Park Inn by Radisson Keflavik Airport offers the comfortable accommodations and amenities to make your stay a great one.

14 Raven‘s Bed and Breakfast

Sjávargata 28 (29), Njarðvík, 260 Reykjanesbær All year No Access +354 777 4478 ravensbnb@ravensbnb.is 110

www.ravensbnb.is

Quaint and Cosy Guesthouse with a Flair. Ravenʻs Bed and Breakfast is located within the GEO Park area and close to the Atlantic ocean. Free WI-Fi. Jacuzzi to relax in. Breakfast offered between 08:00 and 10:00 during summer season. Only 7 minutes from the Keflavík International Airport. A perfect place to stay on your first or last days while visiting Iceland.

www.visitreykjanes.is 15 Start Hostel

Lindarbraut 637, 235 Reykjanesbær All year No Access +354 420 6050 start@starthostel.is www.starthostel.is

Start Hostel is a new hostel in Reykjanes, only 8 minute drive from the Keflavik International Airport. Start Hostel offers relaxing environment in spacious double/twin rooms, triple, quadruple and family rooms with private bathroom, and good blinds. Dorm rooms have private lockers. All our rooms have made up beds including a towel. We also offer our guests a well equipped guest kitchen and spacious sitting room. Start Hostel is an ideal accommodation for families and we have a childrenʻs playground across the street. Free wireless internet.

16 Svítan

Túngata 10, 230 Reykjanesbær All year Access +354 663 1269 svitan@svitan.is

Svítan is located in central Keflavik only 5 minutesʻ drive from Keflavik International Airport. It offers free Wi-Fi and free private parking. The open plan includes well-equipped kitchen a dining area and a spacious seating area with sofas, a TV and iPod docking station. Guests at Svítan can enjoy a self-service breakfast with basic items. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is 22 km from the holiday house. A variety of restaurants and shops can be found in the nearby surroundings.

www.svitan.is 111

ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION 17 The Icelandic Health Hotel The Icelandic Health Hotel is a three star hotel close to the airport in Keflavik with the Blue Lagoon only 15 minutes away. The Hotel has a total of 42 rooms and offers Bed and Breakfast with personal service.

Lindarbraut 634, 235 ReykjanesbĂŚr All year Access +354 512 8040 info@heilsuhotel.is www.icelandichealthhotel.is

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At the Icelandic Health Hotel there is an infrared sauna, a hot tub and a gym. There is also professional massage available at the hotel.

www.visitreykjanes.is More Accommodations: A. Bernhard B&B, Vallargata 6, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 2399. Ace Guesthouse, Vallarás 21, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 893 4088. Airport Hotel Smári, Blikavöllur 2, 245 Sandgerði, +354 595 1900. Airport Inn, Klettatröð 10, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 456 4444. Alex Guesthouse, Aðalgata 60, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 2800. B&B Guesthouse, Hringbraut 92, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 8989. B&B Keflavik Centrum, Ásabraut 8, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 896 7888. Bergás Guesthouse/apartments, Grófin 8, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 0088. CB Bed and Breakfast, Hafnargata 56, 230 Reykjanesbær. Comfort 4U, Nónvarða 5, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 690 7840. Dísa Homestay, Lyngbraut 12, 250 Garður, +354 564 4744. Fit Hostel, Fitjabraut 6a, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 8889. G.G. guesthouse, Sólvallagata 11, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 568 1813. Geysir Guesthouse, Hafnargata 58, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 588 5758. Guesthouse 1x6, Vesturbraut 3, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 2282 & +354 777 6166. Guesthouse Borg, Borgarhraun 2, 240 Grindavík, +354 426 8685 & +354 895 8686. Guesthouse Fiskanes, Hafnargata 17-19, 240 Grindavík, +354 897 6388. Guesthouse Keflavik, Vatnsnesvegur 9, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 420 7000. Guesthouse Steinar, Steinar, 240 Grindavík, +354 421 2900 & +354 852 7522. Guesthouse Seaside, Rafnkelsstaðavegur 11, 250 Garður, +354 897 3767. Guesthouse Þverholt, Þverholt 5, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 863 9280. Home Guesthouse, Þórsvellir 2, 230 Reykjanesbær. +354 897 1827. Hotel Keilir, Hafnargata 37, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 420 9800. I-Stay, Byggðavegur, 245 Sandgerði, +354 854 8424. Kef Guesthouse, Grænásvegur 10, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 588 9999. The Little White Castle, Aðalgata 17, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 861 6811. Natalia Home guesthouse, Melás 9, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 821 5338. Nordic Guesthouse, Vesturbraut 10a, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 1933. Ocean Front Iceland, Luxury Apartments, Minna-Knarrarnes, 190 Vogar, +354 898 6760 & +354 424 6766. Rooms and Breakfast, Hraunsvegur 8, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 849 5641. Sandgerði Cottages, Nátthagi, 245 Sandgerði, +354 893 7523. Stapakot, Stapagata 20, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 615 3673. Steinar Guesthouse, Steinar, 240 Grindavík, +354 421 2900.

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ACCOMMODATION Camping sites: Grindavík Camping Site Grindavík opened a brand new state of the art campground facility in the summer of 2009. The campground is a pleasure-fest for the family. The campground was designed with the camping enthusiast in mind; it includes the latest in accommodations for tents, RVʻs and campers. It has two playgrounds for children with swings, castles and a spider net, family-sized barbeques, and access to electricity, plus a perfect place to empty porta-potties. Paved entrance to the camping grounds and convenient parking area. Camping Sandgerði, Byggðavegur, 245 Sandgerði. +354 697 6269, www.sandgerdi.is, open 1. April - 30. September.

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Austurvegur 26, 240 Grindavík From May 15th to September 20th +354 420 1100 grindavik@grindavik.is www.grindavik.is/tjaldsvaedi

Camping Garður, Skagabraut, 250 Garður. +354 422 7108, gardur@sv.gardur.is, open 1. June – 15. September.

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Keflavík Njarðvík Vogar

Garðabær Kópavogur Hafnarfjörður Reykjanesbær

Garður

Bláa lónið 3

Hafnir

Sandgerði 9

Reykjavík

DINING

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DINING 1 Duus

Duusgata 10, 230 Keflavík.

This warm restaurant is located right by Keflavik’s marina, the very heart of the town. A lovely wooden building, in the the picture-perfect location, overlooking the deep blue waters of Faxaflói Bay. Whether you’re in town during lunch or dinner you will be able to choose from a wide variety of dishes. The combination of a cosy environment and good food.

All year +354 421 7080 duus@duus.is www.duus.is

2 Röstin Restaurant and The Old Lighthouse Café

Garðskagi All year Access +354 893 8909 info@gardskagi.com www.gardskagi.com 118

Röstin Restaurant is located within the Heritage and Maritime Museum of Garðskagi and offers seafood and a fantastic view of the ocean. It is a great place to watch beautiful sunsets in the summer or the Northern Lights during winter. The Old Lighthouse Café is a unique place in the second oldest lighthouse in Iceland. It is open in the summer and by request for groups in winter.

www.visitreykjanes.is 3 Hjá Höllu Hjá Höllu is a restaurant in Grindavik (just a few minutes away from Blue Lagoon) which serves delicious, healthy, fresh, nutrient-filled food and beverages.

Víkurbraut 62, 240 Grindavík. All year Access +354 421 7080 duus@duus.is

Open from 08:00 (mon-fri) and 10:00 (sat, sun) and we strive to offer friendly and engaging service to make your stay as best as possible. Make sure to try our fish, which is fresh and local, and/or our juices and boosts.

www.duus.is

4 LAVA Restaurant

Svartsengi, 240 Grindavík All year Access

LAVA Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon offers a unique dining experience. It is built into the cliff so it features a natural lava wall and the view overlooks the lagoon, adding to its uniqueness. The chefs take pride in using fresh Icelandic ingredients and the lunch and evening menus range from light dishes to gourmet meals. Try the catch of the day, which is the freshest fish available from the near fishing village, Grindavík.

+354 420 8800 sales@bluelagoon.is www.bluelagoon.com 119

DINING 5 Max’s Restaurant

Norðurljósavegur 1, 240 Grindavík All year

Max’s Restaurant is located at Northern Light Inn, only 1 km from the Blue Lagoon and 20 min drive from the international airport. Max’s Restaurant serves Icelandic foods the way locals like it, with natural and tasty ingredients from the fjords and fields of Iceland. We serve the best of the arctic ocean fresh fish, free range lamb, home baked bread and cakes.

Access +354 426 8650 info@nli.is www.nli.is

6 Olsen Olsen Diner Olsen Olsen is a family run American style diner and has been operating in Keflavik for 20 years. Our focus is to provide you with a good meal from good quality products with good service and a friendly atmosphere. All our products are fresh, hand picked and specifically ordered by our chefs.

Hafnargata 62, 230 Reykjanesbær All year Access +354 421 4457 www.olsenolsendiner.com olsen-olsen@simnet.is 120

www.visitreykjanes.is 7 Papa‘s restaurant

Hafnargata 7a, 240 Grindavík All year Access +354 426 9955

Friendly family restaurant in Grindavík, that also offers takeaway and home delivery. We specialise in fishʻn chips and pizza. The restaurant is located in the center of the town right across from Kvikan, culture centre and the Saltfish museum. It only takes a minute to walk to the harbour where you can sit down and relax and enjoy our local beer and food. We offer free Wi-fi and you can watch football and other sports in the bar area.

thormaro@gmail.com www.papas.is

8 Salthúsið

Stamphólsvegur 2, 240 Grindavík All year

Enjoy Icelandic cuisine in a warm and inviting log house. You can call it bacalao, salted cod or morue, the cod fish was once so important to Iceland’s economy that it featured prominently on the Icelandic Coat of Arms. Salthúsið (The House of Bacalao) Restaurant in Grindavík is the first restaurant in Iceland specializing in cod.

Access +354 426 9700 & 699 2665 salthusid@salthusid.is www.salthusid.is 121

DINING 9 Vitinn

Vitatorg 7, 245 SandgerĂ°i All year No +354 423 7755 info@vitinn.is www.vitinn.is

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Vitinn is a seafood restaurant. Itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; specialty is the rock crab, a delicacy found only in this part of Iceland and on the US East coast. This is one of the few, if not the only, restaurant in Europe that offers this treat fresh from the sea. The menu and the presentation of each course show off Icelandic cuisine at its best.

www.visitreykjanes.is www.visitreykjanes.is More Options for dining out: Restaurants: Café Iðnó, Vatnsnesvegur 12, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 420 7000. Kanturinn, Hafnargata 6, 240 Grindavík, +354 426 9999/+354 824 9080. Karma, health food, Grófin 8, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 8448. Langbest, by Keilisbraut, building 771, Ásbrú, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 4777. Mamma mia, Tjarnargata 6, 245 Sandgerði, +354 423 7377 & +354 824 7270. Malai-Thai, Krossmói 4, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 4450. Panda, Chinese restaurant, Hafnargata 9, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 8060. Ráin restaurant, Hafnargata 19a, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 4601. Sjómannsstofan Vör, Hafnargata 9, 240 Grindavík, +354 426 8570. Thai Keflavík, Hafnargata 39, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 8666 & +354 662 1957. Vocal restaurant, Hafnargata 57, 230 Reykjanesbær, +421 5222. Fast food: Aðalbraut, Víkurbraut 31, 240 Grindavík, +354 426 7222/ +354 892 7755. Aðalstöðin, Hafnargata 86, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 4800. Biðskýlið Njarðvík, Hólagata 20, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 2563. Bitinn, Iðavellir 14b, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 4000. Bitinn, Hafnargata 12, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 8000. Dominos pizza, Hafnargata 86, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 581 2345. Jón Sterki, take away, Hafnargata 17a, 190 Vogar, +354 771 7900. Langbest, Hafnargata 62, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 4777. N1, Heiðartún 1, 250 Garður, +354 422 7265. Pulsuvagninn, Tjarnargata 19, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 1680. Shell skálinn, Strandgata 15, 245 Sandgerði, +354 423 7560. Skyndibarinn, Víkurbraut 21, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 5051. Subway, Hafnargata 32 and Fitjar, 230 and 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 7756/+354 517 7747. Ungó, Hafnargata 6, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 1544.

Cafés: Aðalbraut, Víkurbraut 31, 240 Grindavík, +354 426 7222/ +354 892 7755. Blue Café, Blue Lagoon, 240 Grindavík, +354 420 8800. Bryggjan, Grindavík Harbour, 240 Grindavík, +354 426 7100/+354 892 4587. Café Stefnumót, Hafnargata 28, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 1999. Kaffibar.is, Hafnargata 21, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 1818. Kaffitár, Stapabraut 7, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 420 2700. Viking World, Víkingabraut 1, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 422 2000.

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TRANSPORTATION How to get to and around the Reykjanes Peninsula The Reykjanes Peninsula is very accessible all year round. It is located close to the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, and the distances are short between natural sites and services. The Keflavik International Airport is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula and that gives you the opportunity to start your adventure in Iceland as soon as you arrive.

By air: Multiple airlines fly to and from Iceland.

Keflavik International airport

235 Keflavíkurflugvollur. All year Access +354 425 6000 info@bus4u.is www.kefairport.is

Keflavik International Airport is the primary gateway to Iceland and has numerous times been awarded for service excellence. The airport was chosen the best airport in Europe in 2010 and for service quality in 2014. The airport features comfortable and modern passenger and commercial facilities with extensive capacity on the North Atlantic and polar routes linking Europe and Asia with North America. In 2015 we welcomed 4,8 million passengers that travelled via the airport. Coaches:

Bus4u

Vesturbraut 12, 230 Reykjanesbær All year Access +354 421 4444 info@bus4u.is 124

www.bus4u.is

Bus4u carries a name which really says all there needs to be said. We can handle all your ground transportation needs, ranging from 1-400 passengers or more. Our motto is „Big enough to handle – small enough to care“. Our location is conveniently close to the Keflavik International Airport and within reach of the big little city of Reykjavik. All our drivers are friendly, English speaking and bearing your convenience and safety in mind.

www.visitreykjanes.is Car rentals:

Camping Cars

Njarðarbraut 1, 260 Reykjanesbær All year

Think about your vacation. What better way to travel? You can stop and make camp whenever and wherever you want, so your good night’s rest is waiting for you at the end of your day. You are the schedule maker, and your vacation now revolves around what you want to do, not what time to check out of a hotel. Reserve your camping car NOW!

Access +354 422 7770 info@campingcars.is www.campingcars.is

IceCar Rental

Njarðarbraut 11d, 260 Reykjanesbær All year No Access +354 421 1118 info@icecarrental.is

Personal service, reliable cars and full customer support 24/7. We have cars that fit your needs. 4x4 jeeps for seeing Icelandic nature up close as well as economy and standard sized family cars. Service to fit your amazing vacation in Iceland. We are a small local business that strives to give excellent service for demanding adventurers. We won’t charge you for minor stone scratches and stone chips, after all you are in Iceland. We at IceCar Rental are looking forward to being a part of your truly great Icelandic experience.

www.icecarrental.is 125

TRANSPORTATION More Options for Transportation: 11.is Car Rental, Kirkjuvogur 37, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 777 6611. Airport Taxi, Hafnargata 12b, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 1118. Arctic Car Rental, Vesturbraut 12, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 4444. Avis Car Rental, Keflavik International Airport, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 591 4000. Blue Car Rental, Fitjabakki 1e, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 773 7070. Blue Line – Bláa línan, Keflavík Air Terminal, +354 425 0381/+354 420 6000. Budget, Keflavik International Airport, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 562 6060. Campeasy, Aðalgata 60, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 860 1330. Camper Iceland, Grófin 14c, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 567 0807. Dollar Car Rental – Thrifty, Blikavellir 3, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 515 7110. Door2Door Shuttle, airport shuttle, +354 852 9509. Europcar/National, Keflavík International Airport, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 425 0300. FairCar Iceland, Hólmbergsbraut 1, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 571 7222. Geysir Car Rental, Blikavellir 5, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 893 4455. Gildo Car Rental, Fitjabraut 30, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 847 1784. Glacier Car Rental, Suðurhella 6, 221 Hafnarfjörður, +354 571 2240 & +354 662 2240. Hasso, Iðavellir 8, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 421 6277. Hertz Car Rental, Keflavík International Airport, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 522 4430. Iceland Car Rental, Blikavöllur 3, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 415 2500. Icelandtaxi, private-driver, Stekkjargata 79, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 892 0501. ICR Iceland Car Rental, Breiðgata 3003, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 773 7415. JS Camper Rental, Klettatröð 6, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 849 2220. MyCar, car rental, Klettatröð 6, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 552 1700. KEFCAR, Iðavellir 1, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 777 6111. Reykjavík Excursions, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík. +354 562 1011. Reykjavík Rent a Car, Blikavöllur 3, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 569 3300. RED Car Rental, Keflavik International Airport, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 519 9300. SBK Coaches, Grófin 2-4, 230 Reykjanesbær, +354 420 6000. Sixt Rent a Car Iceland, Keflavik International Airport, 235 Reykjanesbær, +354 540 2221. Touring Cars Iceland, Bolafótur 1, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 562 0909. Xtra Car Rental, Njarðarbraut 19, 260 Reykjanesbær, +354 842 6615.

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www.visitreykjanes.is

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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