Day trip on Reykjanes peninsula

What's a day well spent in Iceland? And how much can you fit into a day from Reykjavík?

To investigate our big-ticket summer 2021 attrations, local photographer Ása Steinars documented the perfect day out from Reykjavík, taking in a hike to a volcanic eruption and a soak in the otherwordly waters of the Blue Lagoon, before heading back to Reykjavík in time for dinner.

Please note: Recent volcanic eruptions (in late 2023 and 2024) are not accessible to visitors. Read more on our up-to-date blog post covering volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula.

Reykjanes peninsula

Perched on Iceland’s southwestern edge, the Reykjanes peninsula serves as the welcome mat for most arrivals to the country, as it’s home to the international airport at Keflavík.

Reykjavík is just 50km (31 miles) down the road, the Blue Lagoon is just 20km (12 miles) from the airport.

A volcanic wonderland – and in fact a certified UNESCO Geopark – Reykjanes is covered in ancient lava fields, with a landscape that seems from another planet. Not to get too technical: the peninsula straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the tectonic boundary where the North American and Eurasian plates converge. It’s a geological hotbed of activity – this may well be the rugged, roiling Iceland you’ve fantasized about. An easy driving loop takes in the best of the geological gems.

Read more about the sights and sounds of Reykjanes, following the so-called Blue Diamond tourist route. 

Images supplied by Ása Steinars.