Hidden Iceland

Between Continents: Reykjanes and The Lava Tunnel

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The Reykjanes peninsula is your introduction to the incredible Icelandic landscapes, with it’s unique geology a result of the separating tectonic plates pulling Iceland apart. Kelfavík airport, just south-west of Reykjavík, is why most people head out to this peninsula, but there are plenty of amazing sights to see, with vast lava fields, geothermal hot springs and dramatic coastlines. Explore this gem of Iceland, hiding in plain sight, often only visited by locals. This Reykjanes tour takes you to the most fascinating sights in this geological hotspot, which is included in the UNESCO Global Geopark. The day is topped off by taking a guided tour through one of Iceland’s largest lava tunnels, formed thousands of years ago. The formations and colours within the scorched earth of The Lava Tunnel have to be seen to be believed.

The highlights of the Reykjanes peninsula include lava fields, geothermal hot mud springs, beautiful green lakes and extraordinary scenery. We start the day by heading out of Reykjavík and stopping by the ancient manor farm of Bessastaðir, where Iceland’s Presidents have resided since 1941. From here we head to the south-western most point of Iceland, where you can admire the cliffs teaming with birds and the oldest lighthouse in Iceland. Reykjanesviti lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake in 1905, with the new lighthouse being built in 1907-1908. We will also stop by The Bridge Between Continents, this footbridge, also known as Midlina or “Leif the Lucky Bridge”, links a fissure between the two continental plates of North America and Europe together.

Before leaving the south-western corner of Reykjanes we also visit Gunnuhver, a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents, being Iceland´s largest hot mud spring. We then head to the fishing village of Grindavík, where we stop of at one of our favourite small restaurants in the area that specialise in Lobster Soup and other Icelandic delicacies (lunch is not included in the price). After lunch we visit Lake Kleifarvatn with its black volcanic shores and its surrounding moss covered lava fields. Nearby is the Mars like landscape of Krýsuvík with its steam vents and mud-pots bubbling right to the surface.

Then comes the real highlight of the tour with a visit to The Lava Tunnel, Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as you’ll walk the same path that lava flowed during the Leitahraun eruption 5200 years ago. After the Lava Tunnel we would have you back in Reykjavik around 5pm.