Perhaps that is exactly why it is such an exciting discovery for most who dare explore it. Yes, there is a highway taking you to the capital in 45 minutes or less but if you venture to the other side of the peninsula, just 5 minutes away, you can discover some amazing nature and, oddly some of the most remote rural locations on the southern part of Iceland.
The Golden Circle and the South Shore adventures are definitely not to be missed but Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark is just next door to the airport so if you have 2-12 hours to spare, you could do a heck of a lot worse than drive the wild side of the Reykjanes peninsula. The UNESCO geopark certification comes from this being the only part of the world where the Mid-Atlantic ridge reaches above sea-level. What does that mean? Well, this is the only place on earth where you can actually see the effects of the Eurasian and American tectonic plates drifting apart.
One might think that's not something you can see with your own eyes but indeed, Reykjanes is full of dramatic landscapes and moody climate. Mossy lave fields abound and the ocean hitting the suffering cliffs all around is something you may just want to check out, since you're in the area and all.
There is also typical tourist fare like taking photos on an actual bridge between the two continents. But you're doing it wrong if that is the highlight of your Reykjanes visit. Check out the legend of Gunnuhver. Or Brimketill where the ocean will spray all over you. And don't miss the Reykjanesviti area, the oldest lighthouse in Iceland, with stunning views no matter the weather or season. And if weather permits, you should definitely check out Kleifarvatn. You won't find such a peaceful and lunar like area anywhere this close to a highway in Iceland.
We could go on but if your interest is not peaked by now, why bother ;)
We'll make another post about the small towns surrounding the peninsula at a later time.
