The Power of Volcanoes and Geothermal Energy

Excited to start this getaway? A good tip before starting this road trip is to check the general condition of Icelandic roads and if there are any specific alerts on the website SafeTravel.

This geothermal power plant is located in the Hengill area, just 40 minutes from Reykjavik, surrounded by lava and moss. It is not just another power plant, but one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Discover in its interactive exhibition suitable for all ages how green and sustainable energy is produced in Iceland thanks to natural resources such as geothermal energy. Upon arrival you will see huge puffs of "white smoke", it is not any kind of gas but water vapor at almost 100 degrees Celsius.
An audio guide is available during your visit. Book your ticket online at their official website.
Opening hours: WINTER - Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. SUMMER - Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This geothermal area is equipped with floating trails, an initiative that avoids the deterioration of this area by human action, prevents possible accidents and makes possible a safe and pleasant experience in the midst of nature.
The color and shape of these trails are adjusted to the environment and their installation is totally reversible. A responsible and sustainable experience with a barely perceptible impact.
At the access you will come across the Hotel Skíðaskálinn í Hveradölum where its owner prepares bread baked with geothermal heat. I suggest you try the butter and lamb pate.

Now you can officially say that you are in the territory of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Take the road in the direction of Keilir and a little ahead of the crossroads towards Keilir, you will find a small parking lot. From there you are only 1 kilometer from Lambafellsgja. Leave your vehicle in this free parking lot and remember to wear comfortable shoes suitable for trekking.
Important: access to this area is by F-Roads for which it is necessary and essential to have a well-equipped 4x4 vehicle.

Lambafell is an open fissure a few meters wide and about 50 meters deep located in a hill of oval hyaloclastite rock. Its origins date back to the Holocene postglacial period that began 11,7000 years ago.
To get here take the road to Höskuldarvöllur and from there drive in the direction of Trölladyngja.
This circular, low-difficulty hike takes about 1 hour. It is perfectly doable with children as well. If you have a small headlamp it will come in handy to illuminate and admire some details of the walls. In the summer months it is possible to walk it completely.
Here you can consult in detail the route of the circular route or you can go and return following the route of the fissure.
If this option is difficult for you or you travel with a regular vehicle, you can dedicate the time of this activity to access by road 420 to see other interesting points such as the strange church Kálfatjarnarkirkja and the views of this stretch of road along the west coast.

The KEF restaurant is part of the Hotel Keflavik, a select hotel where, apart from staying, it is an ideal place to eat alone, as a couple or with the family. Its chef puts the emphasis on fresh Icelandic ingredients for the assortment of dishes that make up its menu: Lobster soup, Duck wings with onion, yuzu mayonnaise, teriyaki and wasabi or Tiger prawns with coriander, garlic, parmesan, white wine, spicy chili and lemon.
As far as drinks are concerned you have a good variety of options: selection of wines, cocktails and draft beer brewed in Iceland. Important: Happy Hour from 3:30pm to 6:30pm!
If your trip coincides on Saturday or Sunday they have a Brunch Menu from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Schedule: Monday - Wednesday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm. Thursdays - Saturdays from 11:30 to 23:00 hours
The kitchen is open Monday - Thursday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 to 21:30
Official website

Before this visit, take a short walk along the Keflavik waterfront. The Duus Museum is Reykjanesbær's Cultural and Arts Center where exhibitions, concerts and activities are scheduled throughout the year. It consists of several buildings ranging from the oldest - Harbour House - from 1877 to the most modern, the Reception of 2017. 140 years of history loaded with art, music and traditions of Reykjanes.
Duus has several rooms that house the exhibitions of the Reykjanesbær Art Museum and Heritage Museum, the Maritime Center with a collection of 100 model ships , a tourist information point and the Reykjanes Geopark Visitor Center where they will inform you about the geological and natural formation of this Icelandic peninsula.
On the second day of the trip you will visit the Bridge between two continents. If you like souvenirs and remember to remember this landmark, remember that you have the option to buy a certificate here at the Reykjanes Tourist Information Center to prove that you have crossed it. You will not be able to do so afterwards.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00 hrs.

Skirting the coast towards the northernmost point of the peninsula, you will reach Garðskagaviti. Take a walk around the most modern lighthouse and feel the caress of the wind and the salty smell of the Atlantic Ocean. If the day is clear and you look north, you can see the famous Snaefellsjökull glacier from here.
This imposing cylindrical concrete lighthouse was built in 1944 to replace the previous deteriorated lighthouse, has a height of about 28 meters and has a residence dating from 1933 where the lighthouse keepers lived until 1979.

It is worth walking a few meters along the path to see the contrast between this red and white lighthouse and the previous one. The original Garður lighthouse began operations in 1897 and was decommissioned in 1944. Garður is shaped like a conical tower with four sides and is 11.4 m high.
If your adventure coincides with the aurora borealis season (September to April), in this unique environment you will be amazed by one of the most spectacular phenomena you can experience on Earth.

In the western part of the Reykjanes peninsula, the church of Hvalsnes - humble and beautiful - is one of the most revered by Icelandic Christians. Unlike other iconic Icelandic temples such as the churches of Vík or Budir, the texture of its walls, made of carved basalt stones, is striking.
The interior of Hvalsneskirkja (1886) is not accessible, but the postcard: church, cemetery crosses and yellow flowers - in season - is idyllic and very photogenic.

Fiskbarinn restaurant is part of the boutique hotel Berg, strategically located next to Keflavik marina with a wonderful view of the bay. It can serve up to 34 guests.
Its menu revolves around local vegetables, fish and seafood such as its Grilled salmon with broccolini, roasted barley and capers in white wine sauce or Roasted mushrooms with potato cake, pickled onion, broccolini and soy-glazed pumpkin seeds. Like any restaurant that practices the Slow Food philosophy, the dishes change from season to season using the freshest ingredients available.
Reserve your table online or call during opening hours at (354) 422-7922.
Hours: Daily from 6:00 p.m. onwards. Official website

Raven's Bed & Breakfast is a quaint and cozy accommodation that was formerly a stable for animals. You can see the taste and detail that Ingibjörg and Reyniren -the owners- put in the restoration of this space that is only 7 minutes from Keflavik airport, 15 from the Blue Lagoon spa and 45 from Reykjavik.
This guesthouse has 6 different themed rooms, free Wi-Fi and, mind you, a hot tub with hot water in the garden! You'll rest better than at home - good night! Well, if it's summer, good night-day.