Skip to contentThe Volcano
Circle
Explore the circleMapStoriesAbout
The Volcano Circle
DestinationsMapStoriesAbout
© 2026 The Volcano Circle
Perlan museum and its glass dome overlooking Reykjavík
  1. Home
  2. Stories
  3. A day from Reykjavík

A day from Reykjavík

Combine a museum introduction, geothermal landscapes and the coast in a flexible day around Reykjanes.

Begin with the story

Start at Perlan, where the exhibitions introduce Iceland’s natural landscapes. Decide how much museum time to include before choosing the outdoor stops for the rest of your day.

Perlan and its visitor car park in Reykjavík
Perlan · Along the Volcano Circle

Lake and geothermal ground

Continue to Kleifarvatn and Seltún. They bring together two very different views of the peninsula: a lake between volcanic ridges and a close look at steaming geothermal ground.

Kleifarvatn Lake at sunset, with dark volcanic ridges around the water
Kleifarvatn · Along the Volcano Circle

Choose your longer stop

If you want to explore Fagradalsfjall on foot, make that a substantial part of the itinerary and reduce the number of later stops. Alternatively, consider the Krýsuvíkurberg detour when access and weather allow. Check current site guidance before committing to either.

Colourful geothermal ground and steaming vents at Seltún
Krýsuvík & Seltún · Along the Volcano Circle

Follow the coast

Continue around the circle toward Brimketill, Gunnuhver and Reykjanes Lighthouse, choosing the stops that fit the daylight and your pace. The full Reykjavík option returns to Perlan after the western side of the peninsula.

Brimketill lava rock pool on the Atlantic coast
Brimketill · Along the Volcano Circle

Keep the day flexible

This is a suggested combination, not a timed schedule. Allow for walking, food and breaks, and check current road and site access. Open the route map or compare the half-day option.

Steam rising from Gunnuhver beneath dramatic clouds
Gunnuhver · Along the Volcano Circle
Perlan and its visitor car park in Reykjavík

Perlan · Along the Volcano Circle

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

Kleifarvatn · Along the Volcano Circle

Colourful geothermal ground and steaming vents at Seltún

Krýsuvík & Seltún · Along the Volcano Circle

Brimketill lava rock pool on the Atlantic coast

Brimketill · Along the Volcano Circle

Steam rising from Gunnuhver beneath dramatic clouds

Gunnuhver · Along the Volcano Circle

Places along this journey

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.

Discover
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.

Discover
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.

Discover
Brimketill lava rock pool on the Atlantic coast07

Brimketill

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

Discover
Steam rising from Gunnuhver beneath dramatic clouds08

Gunnuhver

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

Discover
Reykjanes Lighthouse on its hill above the coast10

Reykjanes Lighthouse

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

Discover