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

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.

Located near the Keflavík marina, this artistic and cultural center of Reykjanesbær houses exhibition halls for the Art and Heritage Museums of Reykjanesbær. The museum offers diverse and exciting exhibitions, concerts, and cultural activities throughout the year.

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.

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.

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.