74 Best Sights in Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle), Iceland

Those who don't want to splurge on a ticket to the Secret Lagoon may wish to check out the local swimming pool at Flúðir, which also has two nice hot tubs and a natural sauna.

The northernmost swimming pool on the peninsula is a charming little pool with a red color scheme. It contains all the necessities of an Icelandic swimming pool, including a gym, sports hall, two hot tubs, a kiddie pool, and a sauna.

All of Iceland's electricity comes from renewable sources and 90% of Icelandic homes use geothermal water for heat. If you are interested in seeing how this sustainable energy system works, you should visit the Geothermal Energy Exhibition at the Hellisheiði Power Plant, the largest single-site geothermal unit in the world. People of all ages can learn about geothermal utilization via interactive installations and displays. Afterward, you can check out the gift shop and take in the moonlike landscape while enjoying some treats at the on-site café.

The world-famous Geysir (from which all other geysers get their name) shoots boiling water and steam 100 feet in the air when it erupts every decade or so. Luckily for those looking for a show, Stokkur, which erupts many times a day, can be found just a few feet away. Still, even when dormant, Geysir’s bubbling, sky-blue waters are a mesmerizing sight unto themselves. From Þingvellir, the first stop in the Golden Circle, continue east on Route 36, turn left on Route 365, and turn left again on Route 37 at Laugarvatn. At the end of Route 37, turn left and take Route 35 northeast to Hótel Geysir, which is next to the hot springs.

This geothermal field is named for Guðrún Önundardóttir's ghost, who sought revenge after being mistreated by a lawyer. After several deaths connected to Guðrún (also called Gunna), a sorcerer was sent to put her to rest in the hot spring. The walk over the historical bridge is well worth the wet clothes and the strong smell of sulfur.

Founded in 1983, Hafnarfjörður's first art museum holds 10 to 12 exhibitions each year, focusing not only on the work of prominent Icelandic artists but also on experimental work by up-and-coming creators. In addition, they often host artist talks and other cultural events. On one side of the ground floor is a small museum shop that sells Icelandic design souvenirs, and on the other side is Krydd, a restaurant that offers some particularly spectacular pizza.

Walk or drive from the town of Grindavík to Hópsnes, and you will find old shipwrecks that washed ashore in the 20th century. At the end of the path is the lighthouse, Hópnes, which on clear days has views of the Eldey Island bird colony. The walk should take about two hours, with various stops along the way.

Go about 6 km (4 miles) south of Sandgerði on Highway 45 and you will pass this funky-looking church smiling down on you from a hill. The church at Hvalsnes was consecrated in 1887. It was built with basalt stone retrieved from the surrounding area, and the wood interior was crafted with driftwood from the nearby shores.

Once regarded as Iceland's most valuable export, saltfiskur (a dried and salted fish) has its own museum in Grindavík. Saltfisk production has a long and important history, which is told with great care in this museum.

Across the plain from Lögberg stands the church and the gabled manor house of Þingvallabærinn, where the government of Iceland often hosts visiting heads of state. Þingvallakirkja, the quaint church of Þingvellir, is nearby, and can be explored during the summer when a park ranger is present. Note that the house of Þingvallabærinn is the official summer residence of the prime minister of Iceland and can only be admired from the outside.

Until the modern era, Icelanders lived primarily in turf houses, dwellings covered with a grassy roof for insulation against extreme weather. While most have been lost to time, a few have been meticulously preserved, including this gem just outside of Selfoss. Stop by to admire the architecture and learn about the old days of the island at their tiny museum. They also occasionally offer classes and workshops on traditional Icelandic tools and handicrafts—check their Facebook page to see the latest updates.

While driving the Krýsuvíkur road (Route 42) from Hafnarfjörður to the south coast of the peninsula, you will see the mystical Kleifarvatn, the largest lake in Reykjanes and the setting of The Draining Lake, a crime novel by the famous Icelandic author Arnaldur Indriðason. Around the lake are secret caves and places where you can find complete silence.

Accessible only during summer, Landmannalaugar is a vast area of stunning natural beauty located in the remote southern highlands. It sits about 600 meters (1,970 feet) above sea level in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, between a glacial river and lava field that was formed in the 15th century. With its dazzling multicolor rhyolite mountains, a blue lake inside a red crater, and bubbling geothermal areas, it becomes a popular hangout in the summer. The spot is also the starting point for the famed Laugavegur hike, an advanced multiday trek that connects Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. From June to September, buses run daily from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar and back by Reykjavík Excursions. And don't forget to take a soak in the hot springs while here.

For families with children who want to play and be loud, or for those who would rather not splurge on the Fontana spa, the swimming pool at Laugarvatn is a great choice. Located right by the shallow lake, there is a spacious 25-meter (82-foot) pool with three hot tubs and a sauna.

In the town of Hvolsvöllur, take an educational break and learn about how this volcanic island was shaped by countless eruptions. At the LAVA Centre you are introduced to the 32 volcanic systems in Iceland. There is an interactive scene that reveals the wonders of volcanic activity, a film about local volcanoes, and a balcony that offers you a panoramic view of four dormant volcanoes.

Vík's Lava Show brings Iceland's fiery volcanism to life, sans the chaos and danger, by pouring actual lava, heated to 1,100°C (2,000°F), right in front of your eyes. Feel the warmth as you delve into the science of volcanoes, tectonics, and Iceland's unique geology. Kids will particularly enjoy this performance, though it's still a treat for any age.

A path down into Almannagjá from the top of the gorge overlooking Þingvellir leads to the high rock wall of Lögberg (Law Rock). At the time of the Icelandic Commonwealth Period, from 930 until 1262, Lögberg was the hub of the annual Alþingi meeting. The Lögsögumaður (law speaker) recited a third of the existing laws, which he had memorized, to the assembled parliament each year. After that recitation, anyone could step forward at Lögberg and give a speech or relay news. When Icelanders took allegiance to the Norwegian king in 1262, the authority of Lögberg disappeared.

The petite but stunning mountain Þorbjörn is set between Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon. The mountain is only about 200 meters (656.2 feet) high, but it offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding area—including endless lava fields, mossy hills, the Atlantic Ocean, and the milky Blue Lagoon. The top of the mountain is split in two with a tight canyon in the middle called “the Thieves Gap.\" The peak is easily accessible by marked hiking trails, and near the foot of the mountain on the north side is a small forest and a wooden playground.

Reached by a footbridge, this gorge is better known these days as Peningagjá (Money Gorge) because it's customary to fling a coin into the gorge's ice-cold water and make a wish. Don't even dream about climbing down to wade here—it might look shallow, but it's more than 9 meters (30 feet) deep.

This clinic is where Icelanders come to regain their health and peace of mind. Spa treatments like deep-heat mud baths and massages are available to both visitors and prescription-bearing patients. Before and after treatments you are welcome to use the hot tub, sauna, or swimming pool. There is also an on-site restaurant that offers healthy dishes made mostly from local ingredients.

In May 2008 a massive earthquake (6.3 magnitude) struck the southern part of Iceland. The epicenter of the quake was about 2 km (1 mile) southeast of Hveragerði, so many buildings in this area suffered severe damage. This exhibition, located in the Hveragerði Information Center, relates personal accounts of the earthquake and displays photographs and surveillance camera footage. At the exhibition there is also an earthquake simulator, so visitors can experience for themselves what a powerful earthquake feels like.

In the beautiful but often overlooked village of Reykholt (not to be confused with the historical town in West Iceland) is a nice swimming pool for relaxing and stretching out. For those who need to blow off some steam, there is also a small gym and sports hall in the building.

A beautiful hiking trail leads from Hveragerði to Reykjadalur (Steam Valley). The colorful hills, waterfall, and natural hot springs make it very popular with tourists and locals alike. At the end of the trail, you can bathe in a geothermal river surrounded by green hills and the occasional roaming lambs. The hike takes about 1½ hours.

Open since 2014, the Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll honors the country's love for the rock 'n' roll music and invites visitors to walk through the history of Icelandic musicians, starting in 1930. Among photographs and texts are electric guitars and legendary outfits from various Icelandic rock stars. The experience is heightened by a karaoke booth where visitors can belt out ballads or grab drumsticks and rock out.

Njáls Saga—the most famous of the medieval Sagas of Icelanders—is told through a lively exhibition here at the Saga Centre. Set in the settlement age, you will learn the stories of war heroes, family feuds, and Icelandic politics. To satisfy your hunger after immersing yourself in these adventures, the exhibition is located within the Valhalla Restaurant; they serve beer and pub food like pulled pork, burgers, and fries. There's also axe-throwing and other games.

About 8 km (5 miles) east of Grindavík, just off the main road, you will see an information board about this historical site. Drive about 1 km (½ mile) along a rocky dirt road (ideally in a 4x4 vehicle), and at the end of road you will see a parking spot. From there a scenic 15-minute walk (with views of the wild ocean crashing into the black shores) takes you to the ruins of a former fishing station constructed from lava rocks. The stone is believed to date back to AD 1150, but the station was maintained from the Middle Ages until 1885.

Tucked away in a narrow valley beneath the notorious Eyjafjallajökull volcano lies one of Iceland's most scenic geothermal baths. Fed by hot springs flowing straight down the mountainside, the 24-meter (80-foot) pool, built in 1923, has a rugged charm. Though considered semi-abandoned and, therefore, free to use, there are still changing rooms next to the pool—though they are basic and often dirty. While the water tends to be more warm than hot, the scenic backdrop more than makes up for it.

The historic settlement of Skálholt is the location of one of two former episcopal seats in Iceland, and for over 700 years it was the national center of culture, politics, and education. The cathedral has been restored many times, most recently in 1963. A 1954 archaeological excavation turned up a sarcophagus that is believed to contain the bones of one of Skálholt's most powerful bishops, Páll Jónsson; it is now on display in the basement of the church along with other relics. The cathedral is still a center for music and culture, and it often hosts concerts during the summer featuring composers and musicians from all over the world.

At the far end of the marina in Reykjanesbær you will find the dark and mysterious cave of the notorious giantess, Skessan. An incredible art installation based on a character from the books of Herdís Egilsdóttir, the giantess is over 5 meters (16.4 feet) high and she even snores and burps, making it an especially fun visit for children.