4 Best Sights in Grindavík, Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle)

This world-renowned therapeutic pool is now a sheltered site where man-made structures blend with natural geologic formations. A reception area includes food concessions and boutique shops where you can buy health products made from the lagoon's mineral-rich ingredients. Bathing suits are available to rent, and high-tech bracelets keep track of your locker code, any purchases, and the length of your visit. The lagoon is only 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík by car. Buses run from the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon frequently. Booking in advance is essential. For a more personalized experience, you can also book a spa treatment at the lagoon's on-site Retreat Hotel, whether or not you're staying there. This is a little-known way to have your own private lagoon experience.  The Blue Lagoon has occasionally closed over the last few years due to volcanic activity in the immediate vicinity, so be sure to verify that it's open before planning a visit.

Across a wide tension crack that opened due to the divergent movements of the North American and Eurasian plates is a narrow footbridge built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America. You can (symbolically) walk from one continent to another in seconds, marveling at the tectonic forces at work on this island; the average rifting of the plates amounts to about 2 cm (0.8 inch) per year. The bridge is just off Route 425, and there's plenty of information on-site as well as some classic photo ops (many visitors pretend to hold the bridge up).

The Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption site—which first erupted in March 2021—is a must-visit in Iceland. Where else can you stand but feet away from newly made continental crust? There are a few different paths to explore here, all varying in difficulty from easy to advanced, but hiking boots are strongly recommended no matter which path you take. Expect to spend around four to six hours round-trip actually hiking. The site itself is just an hour's drive from Reykjavík—take Highway 41 toward Keflavík and turn onto Highway 43 toward Grindavík, then follow Highway 427 until you see a plethora of parking lots. There are also numerous tour operators that offer various trips to the volcano via guided hikes, helicopter, or airplane, but don't be afraid to just go yourself and have a long picnic there. You'll want to stay for a while. Just note that if your visit coincides with an active period of the volcano, be sure to check in advance that the current hiking conditions are safe.

This mountain was formed in a single geologic event, and while exploring this magical stretch of coastline, you can see evidence of the different phases of the eruption. Tuff forms during an explosive eruption, and pillow lava forms when lava flows underwater. Out on the sea, you can see majestic black cliffs that serve as castles for birds. A bit farther out you can see the famous Eldey Island, where the great auk (a now-extinct species of bird) used to live. The auks survived the longest in Iceland, but the last great auk was killed on June 3, 1844, for a Danish natural history collector. Eldey is now a bird sanctuary. To reach Valhnúkur, take the road that leads off Route 425 through lava fields. Turn right (the turn is marked, \"Reykjanesviti\"), at the T-intersection, and then go 900 meters (2,953 feet) on an unpaved road, past the impressive Reykjanesviti lighthouse. On the way back, take the left branch at the T-intersection, and in 500 meters (1,641 feet) you'll reach Gunnuhver, Iceland's biggest mud pool.