Guide de Voyage : Valahnukamol

Valahnukamol, spelled Valahnúkamöl in Icelandic, is a high boulder ridge on the southwestern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula composed of well-rounded stones shaped by powerful storms and the force of the ocean.

The ridge spans about 1378 feet (420 meters) in length, 262 feet (80 meters) in width, and has an impressive height of around 32.8 feet (10 meters). The rounded stones are rare geological features and reveal the dramatic natural forces in this area.

If you want to visit Valahnukamol, you can do so on a Reykjanes tour. This private five-hour guided tour of the Reykjanes peninsula with pick-up options has a flexible itinerary and can be personalized to include a visit.

You can explore this region at the beginning or end of a self-drive tour in Iceland, as you will pick up your rental car from Keflavik Airport on the Reykjanes peninsula.

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Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Joe deSousa. No edits made.

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Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Joe deSousa. No edits made.

Physical Features of Valahnukamol

The Valahnukamol are nestled within the dramatic landscape of Reykjanesta, the southwestern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula. This scenic location is home to jagged rocks and birdlife.

Adjacent to the cliff of Valahnukur, Valahnukamol is a geological marvel. The cliff of Valahnukur is a vantage point, offering sweeping views of the harsh yet beautiful landscape of the region. The boulder ridge of Valahnukamol, with its well-rounded stones and dramatic formation, adds to the rugged beauty of the surroundings.

From Valahnukamol, you can see the imposing silhouette of Eldey Island above the waves. Eldey is a small island situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Kim Bach. No edits made.

For those interested in natural history, Reykjanesta boasts a monument honoring the last great auk, an extinct bird species. This bronze sculpture crafted by American artist Todd McGrain depicts an auk. The statue is approximately five feet (150 centimeters) tall and gazes toward Eldey island where the last two confirmed auks met their demise in 1844.

Another fun thing to see in Valahnukamol is the two red keyboards bolted to the ground. The keyboards were used in the movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, which was shot in Iceland. The characters Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams portrayed played the keyboards in a music video that took place here.

How To Get To Valahnukamol

Approximately 43.5 miles (70 kilometers) southwest of Reykjavik, Valahnukamol is easily accessible by car. Take Road 41 from Reykjavik and connect to Road 425 towards the peninsula's southwestern tip.

If you arrive at Keflavik International Airport, Valahnukamol is about 19 miles (31 kilometers) away. Head southeast on Road 41, continue on Road 41 until you reach Road 425, and take a left turn. Proceed on Road 425 to reach the southwestern tip where Valahnukamol is located.

Attractions Near Valahnukamol

The Reykjanes peninsula offers plenty of things to see and do. This area in Southwest Iceland is marked by rugged terrain and significant geothermal activity. The peninsula features volcanic plains, lava fields, stark landscapes and jagged coastlines.

Gunnuhver geothermal field, about a mile (1.6 kilometers) away from Valahnukamol, is an impressive and colorful geothermal field of various mud pools and fumaroles in the southwest part of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

About five miles (8.1 kilometers) away, the Bridge Between Continents is a bridge in the Thingvellir National Park that connects the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, around 2297 feet (700 meters) away, is the oldest lighthouse in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) away, is known for its milky-blue waters, rich in minerals and said to have healing properties. Take a Blue Lagoon tour to make the most of your time here.