Exploring The Reykjanes Peninsula Part I

Europe, Iceland, Travel, , , , , , , 45 Comments

After arriving into Reykjavik at about 1am, I was able to get about 5 hours sleep before rising early to make the most of day one in Iceland. This ended up being such a big day that I am splitting it into two posts, otherwise this post would be approximately the length of a brochure length novel, like required high school reading, Of Mice and Men.

The Reykjanes Peninsula runs along the southwestern corner of Iceland and is full of geothermal wonders and absolutely stunning scenery. It’s an easy drive from Reykjavik or from the international airport Keflavik. If you are not into self driving, there are a whole bunch of day tours that start and end in Reykjavik. The peninsula often gets overlooked by visitors (except for the area of the Blue Lagoon) and as a result, if you are looking for a little bit of easily accessible solitude, this is an area of Iceland that can definitely supply it.

My first stop on my Reykjanes adventure was the Icelandic Horse Park – Fakasell. I had no intention of watching the “horse theatre”, I just wanted to meet and greet some cute Icelandic horses. However, upon arriving, I was encouraged by other patrons to see this “horse theatre”.

Long story short – I have never seen anything so utterly strange in my life and it totally did not float my boat. However, it ended up being worth it when I finally got to pat some gorgeous horses!

The next stop along the way was the absolutely out of this world Reykjanes Geothermal Springs, also known as the Krýsuvík geothermal area. This is an area of boiling and bubbling mud pits and small terracotta coloured clay hills. Upon arrival the rotten egg smell of sulphur is rather potent, but I must admit, I don’t hate the smell! I think I must associate it with my love of Iceland and tricked my brain into thinking that it is somehow a pleasant odour.

I must’ve spent at least an hour wandering around and marvelling at the gorgeous area. By the time I was done wearing down the battery on my camera I couldn’t even smell the sulphur anymore!

I next stopped at a huge geothermal hot spring. I have no idea what this spring was called, all I know is that there was such an enormous amount of billowing steam erupting from the ground that my camera almost gave up and stopped working!

Next post will feature more about the stunning Reykjanes peninsula, including the dramatic black cliffs, the bridge between continents and a small glimpse of the famous Blue Lagoon.

T H E   L O W D O W N
Getting There: The Reykjanes Peninsula is vast, but could easily be explored in 1-2 days. It is an easy drive from Reykjavik or from Keflavik area. If you are not self driving, there is plenty of information about tour operators at Visit Iceland
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M1 with 12-40mm lens and 52mm HOYA polarising filter
Budget: If you are driving, you will only need money for petrol and food. If you are joining a tour, expect to pay around 12.500ISK ($125 AUD)
Remember: Bring a waterproof jacket, the weather can become wet and wild incredibly quickly

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30-something year old Australian backpacker writing her way around the world.

45 thoughts on “Exploring The Reykjanes Peninsula Part I”

  2. Good friends visited Iceland in June. It was barely spring in Iceland then. It is a gorgeous and fascinating place.

    My oldest brother was on the northern rim at a radar base in the early 60s when in the Air Force. He had a lot of interesting things to say about the country.

    Enjoy your stay.

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      3. I’m a shocking driver so I opted not to rent a car. It’s easy to get around though via buses, hitchhiking and domestic flights 😊

      5. Public transport mostly, but if you get really stuck trying to get to a remote area you can always opt for a minibus day tour

  5. this is absolutely amazing!!! I will visit Iceland in the near future for sure!! Thanks for all the beautiful photos!!

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  8. I’m going to be glued to your posts. Going to Iceland next yr on a self-drive & can’t wait. Always on the look out for inspiration & suggestions on what not to miss.

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  10. Stunned by your photos. Thanks for sharing. I must go there. I’ve been within 12 kilometers of Iceland many times without actually visiting, because it was always a vertical 12 kilometers.

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  16. I never gave a lot of thought to Iceland as a place to visit until recently. I would probably sit through some strange “horse theater” too, if it mean I got to pet a horse the at the end!

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  19. Such wonderful photos – those hot springs look amazing. I reallly want to visit Iceland and hope to get there in the next year or two. Thanks for a great post.

    Reply

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