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

Two lighthouses can be found on Garðskagi, and Garðskagaviti is the smaller and older of the two. It is also known as “the lighthouse of love”: wives of fishermen would take a stone from the black-sand beaches surrounding the town, go to the top of the lighthouse, and walk in circles and pray for their husbands out at sea. Nowadays, you won't find too many women roaming the stairs, but if the northern lights forecast looks good, this beach is a great place to watch them. You also might be rewarded with some prime bird-watching—species like gull-billed tern, American bittern, and purple gallinule can be spotted here.

Iceland's most famous waterfall is a truly spectacular scene. There used to be a modest visitor center named in memory of Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who fought against a hydroelectric reservoir scheme that would have flooded the falls in the early 20th century. Today it's a tour-booking center, a small shop, and a restaurant that prides itself on a warm and filling Icelandic meat soup. The center's bathrooms are free to use.

Tucked away from the main street in Hafnarfjörður, this local park is the perfect place to get lost. There, pathways wind between lava formations, a playground is hidden by towering spruces, and a mystical pond beckons you to stop and listen to the melodious birdsong. Hellisgerði is notoriously the home of huldufólk, or “hidden people”—if you stay long enough, maybe you'll meet one. The Hidden Worlds group stops here on its tour.

Located at the northern end of Þingvallavatn—Iceland's largest lake—Þingvellir National Park is a powerful symbol of Icelandic heritage. Many national celebrations are held here, and it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. Besides its historical interest, Þingvellir holds a special appeal for naturalists: it is the geologic meeting point of two continents. At Almannagjá, on the west side of the plain, is the easternmost edge of the North American tectonic plate, otherwise submerged in the Atlantic Ocean. Over on the plain's east side, at the Heiðargjá Gorge, you are at the westernmost edge of the Eurasian plate.

A path down into Almannagjá from the top of the gorge overlooking Þingvellir leads straight to the high rock wall of Lögberg (Law Rock), where the person once chosen as guardian of the Icelandic laws would recite them from memory. At the far end of the gorge is the Öxarárfoss (Öxará Waterfall); beautiful peaceful picnic spots sit just beyond it. Behind Lögberg the river cascades down and forms the forbidding Drekkingarhylur pool.

Taking a dip in a cold, refreshing lake quickly followed by a mad dash back to a hot tub or sauna is a unique healing exercise that rewards you with a rush of endorphins. If you think it's too chilly for that, just take a soothing soak in Laugarvatn Fontana's warm geothermal tubs. While you're there, don't miss their charming geothermal bakery, where you can join a guided tour twice daily (at 11:45 am and 2:30 pm) year-around, with an extra 10:15 am tour added from June to September.

Little White and Little Grey are two of the cutest residents of Iceland. Originally from a Shanghai water park, the belugas found sanctuary in 2019 at this specially built facility, which helps the marine mammals reacclimatize to a more natural environment and also works as a puffin rehabilitation center. The sanctuary offers daily tours of their facilities, where you can learn more about the whales and get up-close-and-personal with some puffins. 

In a beautiful old white house is this biographical museum with memorabilia from the 11th World Chess Champion, Bobby Fischer. The American earned the title when he defeated the Soviet chess grandmaster and reigning World Champion Boris Spassky in Reykjavík in the summer of 1972. Taking place at the height of the Cold War, it is considered by many to be the match of the 20th century. On display are items from the event and curios related to Fischer's time in Iceland from 2005 to 2008. Fischer is buried a few hundred meters away at the Laugardælir cemetery. Visits to the museum are only via advance appointment from September to May.

Ancient crosses, wall carvings, and carved seats decorate 12 mysterious caves outside of Hella. Filled with historical remains, they have only recently begun to be excavated—and researchers already think they might predate the Vikings. Five are currently open to the public, but take note that you're only allowed to see the caves on guided tours, which are offered in English every day at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Possibly the oldest eco-village in the world, Sólheimar was established in 1930. Today, around 100 people of different backgrounds and abilities live in the sunny village. Together they sustainably run a large greenhouse, six creative art workshops, an organic café, an arboretum, a vegetable store, a guesthouse, and much more. Vala, the market and art gallery, sells exquisite woodcrafts, handmade candles, face masks, and more.

Right in the heart of Selfoss, you'll find one of the biggest swimming pools in the south of Iceland. Sundhöllin has both indoor and outdoor swimming areas, a children's pool, a sauna, ice baths, and hot tubs. They also offer indoor and outdoor changing rooms and wheelchair access. It's open late from Monday to Thursday until 9 pm, which makes it a perfect stop after dinner.

The charming little geothermal swimming pool in Hveragerði was once the biggest in Iceland. Although that's no longer the case, it still has a special characteristic: as a \"constant stream\" pool—heated with steam coming directly from the ground—the water is considered by many to have health benefits. The setting around the pool is green and lovely, and it also has a particularly beautiful sauna.

On a slow day, you might just find yourself alone at this casual little swimming pool in the center of town. The hot tubs are a great place to meet locals, so don't be afraid to say hello. 

Hafnarfjörður has three swimming pools, but Suðurbæjarlaug has a late-1980s charm and is the only one with an outdoor pool. There are indoor and outdoor changing rooms, two waterslides, a steam bath, and a nice little path that twists around the pool ideal for cooling off between dips in the numerous hot tubs.

In an old converted cowshed on the banks of the beautiful Þjórsár, you will find a peculiar gallery founded by the couple Ólafur Sigurjónsso and Bergþóra Guðbergsdóttir. Inside is an old church organ that was deemed beyond repair after the volcanic eruption in Vestmanneyjar as well as exquisite woodcraft pieces from local artist Sigga á Grund and pieces of wood turning from Ólafur. There are also compact spinning machines that Sigurjón, Ólafur's father, invented and built at the farm around 1950.

If you are traveling with small children, this is the perfect place to escape cold Icelandic winter days or to give babies a break from the strong Nordic sun in summer. Waterworld is an indoor activity pool for the youngest generation, with bucket showers, small slides, and a friendly seal. There is also an outdoor pool, four hot tubs, and steam baths for the older generation. Children up to age 10 can enter free with an adult.

Here you will find Íslendingur, an exact replica of the Viking Age Gokstad ship, which was a remarkable archaeological find of an almost-completely intact Viking ship. Learn about the Norse settlement and mythology while you sit at the stern and imagine the sea breeze tickling your face.