Dramatic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula of Iceland (Suðurnes). This is just north of lake Kleifarvatn in the larger Grindavik area. Road 42 is clearly visible.
The Reykjanes Peninsula (aka Suðurnes) is the most southwestern part of the Icelandic mainland. For most visitors to the country, it is their starting point, as Keflavik International Airport is situated on this land outpost in the Atlantic Ocean. The peninsula is named after the smaller Reykjanes region, which is one of the most active volcanic systems of the country. In fact, less than 24 hours after my stay in Grindavik, one of the bigger towns, the whole area—including the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal swimming pool—was briefly evacuated because of yet another eruption. While life in Grindavik already was severely limited (click on the button below to read the illustrated story). Toxic volcanic clouds spread over large parts of the western part of Iceland and caused smog at low-levels in the capital of Reykjavik. It suits the peninsula and its volcanic system well, as Reykjanes literally means "smoking point" in Icelandic.
Fenced areas and warning all over Grindavik, after the 2023 and 2024 volcanic eruptions that destroyed parts of the town.
Reykjanes land's end
The western end of the Reykjanes peninsula is worth a visit for a nicely positioned lighthouse, a cool rocky cliff and for fans of The story of Fire Saga.
The Reykjanes Lighthouse.
Valahnúkamöl cliff, the very end of the Reykjanes Peninsula, sticking into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Story of Fire Saga
Arguably one of the funniest films of the past years is Eurovision Song Context—The Story of Fire Saga. Will Ferrel (co-writer of the script), Rachel McAdams, Pierce Brosnan, and others are the stars of this 2020 production. It might not have the highest ranking in the Internet Movie Database, but for Eurovision fans, and those ready for a good love, it is very much worth seeing. Also for fans of Iceland, as many of the scenes are shot in the country. Do visit Húsavík (click on button below) for instance. But one of the more legendary scenes (watch on YouTube), introducing main protagonists Lars (aka Volcano Man) and Sigrit shot at the end of the Reykjanes Peninsula. For the fans, the keyboards of (or similar to the ones used in) the scene are still there—ready to have the famous scene reenacted.
The keyboards of The story of Fire Saga.
Volcanic land
Already, when one approaches Iceland by aeroplane in clear weather and have a window seat, one cannot deny the volcanic nature of the landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The Trölladyngja hills on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Reykjanes Peninsula geothermal area and power plant.
The Keilir Mound on the Reykjanes Penisula.
The junction of road 42 and road 421 near Vogar, Reykjanes Peninsula.
The outskirts of Njarðvík, Reykjanes Peninsula.