Keflavík, Coastal town on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
Keflavík is a coastal town on the Reykjanes Peninsula along Iceland's southwestern shore, surrounded by dark lava fields and volcanic rock formations. The settlement sits just meters above sea level and spreads along a bay with rough ocean views.
The town started as a fishing village and transformed when the United States military established an air base during World War II. This military presence turned the place into a major transportation hub for the region.
The Viking World Museum displays replicas of Norse vessels and everyday items from Iceland's earliest settlers. The exhibits reveal how closely the people here were tied to the sea and their livelihood through fishing.
The town is home to Iceland's international airport, which is the main entry point for visitors to the country and sits about 50 kilometers southwest of Reykjavík. Regular bus connections link the airport to other parts of Iceland, making arrival straightforward.
Some fishermen in the area maintain traditional methods for making hákarl, a fermented shark prepared in underground pits. This ancient craft tradition is rarely seen and shows an old form of Icelandic food preservation.
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