The Volcano
Circle
Lava erupting at Fagradalsfjall beneath a blue sky

Stops along the Volcano Circle

Below are the main stops around Reykjanes, from geothermal areas and volcanic landscapes to coastal sights and towns. Browse the destinations and choose what fits your day.

Around the circle

Perlan and its visitor car park in Reykjavík01

Perlan

Start the circle at Perlan in Reykjavík, with exhibitions introducing Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers and natural landscapes.

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Kleifarvatn Lake at sunset, with dark volcanic ridges around the water02

Kleifarvatn

Stop beside Reykjanes’ largest lake for views of dark volcanic ridges and the changing light on the water.

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Colourful geothermal ground and steaming vents at Seltún03

Krýsuvík & Seltún

At Krýsuvík & Seltún, the geothermal activity is noticeable as soon as you step out of the car. You can see the steam, hear the bubbling mud pools, and smell the sulphur in the air. Follow the boardwalk for a closer look at the geothermal features that make this one of the most distinctive stops on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

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Rugged sea cliffs in the Krýsuvík area04

Krýsuvíkurberg

Krýsuvíkurberg brings you to the southern edge of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where long sea cliffs face the open Atlantic. The area is particularly known for its birdlife, with thousands of seabirds nesting along the cliffs during summer.

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Grindavík with a volcanic eruption in the distance06

Grindavík

Discover the fishing community at the heart of Reykjanes’ volcanic landscape. Check current access before planning a stop.

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Lava erupting at Fagradalsfjall beneath a blue sky05

Fagradalsfjall

Explore the landscape shaped by the recent Fagradalsfjall eruptions. Plan time for a hike and check current trail access.

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Brimketill lava rock pool on the Atlantic coast07

Brimketill

See a naturally formed coastal rock pool where Atlantic waves meet the lava shoreline.

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Steam rising from Gunnuhver beneath dramatic clouds08

Gunnuhver

See the steam vents and mud pools of Gunnuhver, near the southwestern tip of Reykjanes.

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Aerial view of Gunnuhver and its geothermal landscape09

Reykjanes Geothermal Area

Explore the steam, hot ground and volcanic landscape around Gunnuhver at the southwestern end of Reykjanes.

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Reykjanes Lighthouse on its hill above the coast10

Reykjanes Lighthouse

Visit the landmark lighthouse near Gunnuhver and explore the surrounding lava coast.

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Atlantic waves washing over the rocky shoreline at Valahnúkamöl11

Valahnúkamöl

See the rounded boulder shore and coastal views near Reykjanes Lighthouse.

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Bridge Between Continents spanning a lava fissure12

Bridge Between Continents

Cross a footbridge over a volcanic fissure and discover the story of Iceland’s tectonic plates.

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