Journey to the Center of the Earth Between Two Continents

Good morning traveler! Are you ready to explore other latitudes of this peninsula? The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the result of the collision between the world's major tectonic plates: the Eurasian and North American. The continuous movement of plates as they move away from each other forms fractures and fissures like the one you will see under this particular bridge.
This small pedestrian bridge in Sandvík is a symbol of the connection between Europe and North America. If you like souvenirs and reminisce about this landmark, remember to buy at the Reykjanes Tourist Information Center a certificate that proves you have crossed it.

Keep driving south along the western coast of the peninsula and you will see more signs that attest to the volcanic activity that this region has suffered since time immemorial.
An entertaining stop along the roadside is Stampar Gigar, two black craters in the middle of an ancient lava field. Park the car and walk to climb to the top of one of them, the panoramic view is worth it.

It is not uncommon for the ends of the Earth to have the company of these friends of sailors on a regular basis.
Iceland's first lighthouse was built in this area in 1878 but, due to several earthquakes and heavy waves in 1905, it was so badly damaged that there was a risk of it falling into the sea. So the present one was demolished and built in 1907 on Bæjarfell hill. Its light signal is visible at 69 meters above sea level although its real height is 26 meters.

Leave your vehicle in the lighthouse area and walk here. This rugged coastline of vertiginous cliffs has been sculpted by powerful storms and huge waves pounding the black rocks rising from the sea whose legend attributes personality to Trolls.
Keep your eyes peeled for seagulls and beautiful puffins. It is a good spot to take pictures of the landscape and, if visibility is good, you can see the island of Eldey, a rock 77 meters high born of an eruption 15 km off the coast in the middle of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
A curiosity: in this place Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams perform the song "Volcano Man", theme song of the Netflix comedy film "Eurovision Song Contest: The Fire Saga Story" (2020).

Very close to the lighthouse, do not overlook Gunnuhver, the largest geothermal mud pool in Iceland (20 meters wide). Legend has it that it is the eternal prison of a ghost that terrorized the Reykjanes Peninsula. Some 400 years ago, a priest set a trap for this specter and fell into the spring and became trapped.
Be mesmerized as the water boils and sounds energetically as it bubbles up from the ground and turns to steam in harmony with the clay. Gunnuhver is located in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark.

Before doing the most impressive activity of the day, you will stop for lunch at Café Bryggjan. This place is not far from the Geldingadalir volcano so it is a good idea to try their great lobster soup served with freshly baked bread at the Grindavik pier before hiking. After a nutritious bowl you will be ready to "face" the volcano.
Other standout dishes on the menu are the Baked Cod with Ratatouille and buttered fries, the Icelandic Trout with melted butter, fried almonds, raisins, fries and salad or the delicious Fisherman's Treat (smoked salmon, sweet mustard sauce, toast, herring, hard boiled eggs, black bread and butter).
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Phone: +354 4267100 Official website

This is the starting point of the trek to the popular volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The trail is well marked and will take you to the closest and safest point from which to view the glowing lava.

Because the volcano area is constantly changing due to lava flow, check the latest news on SafeTravel before starting the excursion.
You can download the App for iOS or Android. While you're at it, take the opportunity to download the Parka app (iOS / Android) with which you will have to pay in any of the parking areas next to road 427. The payment allows you to stay 24 hours and, as there is no barrier, you can leave and enter as many times as you want within those hours.
Some very important tips before starting this excursion:
- Wear hiking shoes, appropriate clothing and waterproof depending on the weather. Keep in mind that the weather in Iceland can change quickly and unexpectedly. - Carry water and some snacks in your backpack. - Remember that lava gases are toxic so keep a safe distance. - Do not leave the marked trail and avoid steep areas as there is a risk of injury. Phone coverage in the area is not good so it may be difficult to call for help in case of an accident. - An eruption site is a changing space so there is always the possibility that new cracks may open up. Do not go beyond the safety zone.
The trail is of moderate difficulty. You have three options A, B and C.
A. This trail is the most popular with two sections: a first part conditioned with flaming areas and climbs until you run into a bulldozer and another section in which you will only have as reference a series of posts that mark the route to follow. If there are many tourists just follow the "human river" you can't get lost. The first 7 kilometers will take you about an hour and a half one way and the same on the way back. Keep in mind that the road is not in very good condition. If you have trekking poles they will help you.
B. Converges with trail A but, according to our latest information, it currently seems to be closed. It starts with a stiff climb up a steep slope followed by a stony plain. Yellow posts are the only reference on the way up to the highest scenic point in about 2 hours. The landscape looks much more apocalyptic.
C. This is the shortest path that starts from a parking lot next to road 427. It reaches an embankment that was raised to try to stop a lava flow in the valley of Nátthagi. It is a flat walk where you will not be able to see the volcano but you will be able to see the large solidified lava flow from the previous eruption. Aquí tienes el mapa de esta ruta.
Iceland is one of the most active volcanic areas on the planet. The Geldingadalur volcano has not erupted in 6,000 years, yet on average there is an eruption every four years in this country. Enjoy one of nature's most amazing spectacles! And take as many photos and videos as you can.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful waters of this geothermal spa, probably the most famous and touristic in Iceland. Blue Lagoon is not only a great place to bathe in the open air, you can also try its aesthetic and dermatological treatments, massages, steam baths...
Nature in harmony with the landscape while you relax and celebrate the end of your trip with a drink while bathing. Located in the heart of Reykjanes, recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, Blue Lagoon is also an idyllic setting for a photo shoot for your social networks.
Why is this lagoon blue? The reason is simple. The thermal waters of Blue Lagoon have a high content of silica that, by reflecting visible light on this mineral in suspension, makes you perceive that beautiful blue tone.
Book online in advance as it is a very popular attraction among tourists.
Opening hours: Open every day of the week. January-May from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. June from 8:00 to 22:00 hours. July-August from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. September-October from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. November-December from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Phone: +35 44208800 Official website

First class restaurant that integrates a modern architectural space with the wild volcanic nature. It sits on the western shore of the Blue Lagoon on a lava cliff over 8 centuries old. The views from LAVA to the Blue Lagoon are breathtaking.
This spa has 3 restaurants that focus their gastronomy on freshness, tradition and modernity: Lava, Moss and Spa. LAVA has a menu divided into three courses: starters (Cauliflower Soup, Garlic marinated shrimp soup or Cured veal with black garlic and cranberries...). main courses such as Cod with broccoli, almonds, barley and seafood sauce or Fish of the day and desserts of Icelandic essence such as "Ástarpungar" with Chocolate mousse with mango, vanilla ice cream and salted caramel or Skyr and blueberries or Coconut mousse with Icelandic berries and almonds.
The chef also offers his guests the Icelandic Culinary Adventure gastronomic experience, which includes dishes in 4 courses, a journey to savor Iceland through taste.
Opening hours: Open daily from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm. Official website

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