Southern Peninsula Region, Administrative region in Reykjanes, Iceland
The Southern Peninsula Region is a part of Iceland defined by black lava fields, geothermal springs, and volcanic cliffs along the Atlantic coast. The landscape shifts between barren open expanses and coastal formations shaped by geothermal activity.
Norse settlers arrived in the ninth century and founded early communities along the coasts. These settlements grew from small fishing villages as they benefited from proximity to maritime resources.
The region's identity is rooted in its relationship with the sea, where fishing has shaped daily life for generations. Visitors notice this connection throughout the port towns and in how people move through and use the landscape.
Keflavík International Airport is the main entry point for visitors, with connections to many European and North American cities. Note that weather changes quickly here, so sturdy clothes and good footwear are essential.
The Bridge Between Continents crosses the Álfagjá valley and marks where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate. Here visitors can stand on two continents at once and see the geological rift directly.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.