official tourist guide 2012

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www.visitreykjanes.is

Reykjanes peninsulaThe Official Tourist Guide

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GENERAL INFORMATION

2 GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

4 TOWNS/VILLAGES

12 COAST

22 CULTURE & ARTS

66 HISTORY

78 NATURE RESERVE

82 NATURE

96 TOURS & ACTIVITIES

108 TRANSPORTATION

110 ACCOMMODATION, DINING

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HISTORY

History 66

NATURE RESERVE

Reykjanesnaturereserve 78

NATUREKrýsuvík 82TheKatlahraunLava 85Eldey 86Gunnuhver 86The100CraterPark 88Keilir 92BridgeBetweenContinents 93Birdlife 94

GENERAL INFORMATIONTouristInformationCenters 2WelcometoReykjanes 3

MAIN TOWNS / VILLAGESReykjanesbær 5Grindavík 6Sandgerði 7Garður 8Vogar 9

COASTTheLighthouseonGarðskagi 12Þórkötlustaðanes-Hópsnes 14ReykjanesLighthouse 16Thecoastalhikingtrail 18Whales 20

CULTURE AND ARTS

Vikingworld 22TheZoologicalVikingHome 23Duushús 24ReykjanesMaritimeCenter 26ReykjanesArtMuseum 28TheReykjanesHeritageMuseum 30TheGiantess 32ReykjanesPowerStationandEarthPowerPlant 34Kvikan 36TheexhibitionSaltfishMuseum 36EarthEnergy 38NatureCenter 40TheMunicipalMuseuminGarður 42Stekkjarkot 43TheChurchinInnri-Njarðvík 46TheChurchatÚtskálar 48TheChurchatHvalsnes 50TheChurchatKálfatjörn 52TheHappySailorinGrindavík 54MidsummernighthikeinÞorbjörn 55ÞorbjörnMuseum 56Grindavíksheepround-up 57TheSunsetFestivalonGarðskagi 58FamilyDayinVogar 59SandgerðisdaysinSandgerði 60TheNightofLights 61TheRockMuseumofRúnarJúl 62ArtsandCrafts 63

INDEX

TOURS & ACTIVITIESTheBlueLagoon,geothermalspa 96SwimmingPoolsinReykjanes 98GolfCoursesinReykjanes 100All-terrainvehicles–ATV4x4 104ArcticHorses 106Saltytours 107

TRANSPORTATIONCoaches 108CarRentals 109Taxis 109

ACCOMMODATION, DININGHotelKeflavik 110IcelandairHotelFlughotel 111TheNorthernLightInn 112BlueLagoonClinic&Hotel 113TheIcelandicHealthHotel 114B&BGuesthouseKeflavikCenter 115BedandBreakfastKeflavikAirport 115OceanFrontIceland 116HótelKeilir 117HótelBerg 118HótelGarður 119Hotels,guesthouses,camping 120-121Restaurants,fastfood,cafes 122-126

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Tourist Info Centers:

Tourist Information and Free Booking ServiceLeifurEiríkssoninternationalAirport,ArrivalshallKeflavíkur-flugvelli,tel.+354570-7799/[email protected] – free booking and service number

TouristInformationBlueLagoon,240 Grindavík, +3544208800

SBKKeflavikCoachesGrófin2-4,230 Reykjanesbær,Tel:003544206000

TouristInfoHafnargata12a,240 Grindavík,Tel:003544201190,Fax:00354-4201199,[email protected]

TheNatureCenterGarðvegi1,245 Sandgerði,Tel:003544237551,Fax:003544237551,[email protected]

GarðskagiFolkMuseumSkagabraut100,250Garður,Tel:003548942135,[email protected]

TouristInformation,Bæjarskrifstofunum,Víkurbraut42,240 Grindavík,[email protected],www.grindavik.is,www.visitgrindavik.is

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Publisher:MarkaðsstofaSuðurnesjaEditor: KristjánPálsson,HelgaIngimundardóttir.Layout:IcelandToday,Tel.:+3545707777Photos: EllertGrétarsson,OlgeirAndrésson,ReynirSveinssonandothers.Printing: Oddi

Welcome to Reykjanes

TheSuðurnesregionontheReykjanespeninsulaisthehomeofsomeofIcelandsmostpopulartouristattractions.Thisofficialbrochurewillintroduceanexperiencethatwehopeeverytouristwillenjoywhilevisitingthisbeautifulandpowerfulregion.Theareasofinterestrangefrompurenatureexperiencetogolfing,deep-seafishing,abridgebetweencontinents,Gunnuhverhotspring,theVikingship„Íslendingur“,theBlueLagoonandsomuchmore.Withinthisguideyouwillfindahostofattractionsanddetailsofhowtogetthere.Theguidehascolour-codedsectionstoenableyoutofindtheareaofyourchoicequickly.Attheendoftheguideisacomprehensivelistofbus

transportservices,hotels,guesthouses,campsites,restaurants,fastfoodrestaurantsandcafés.Wewillcontinuetoupdateandimprovethisguide;yourcommentsandobservationswouldbemostwelcome.Toassistusinthismatter,wewouldbegratefultoreceiveyourcommentsbyemailtoinfo@visitreykjanes.is

Grænásbraut506,Ásbrú,Reykjanesbæ.Tel:003544213520/003548934096|www.reykjanes.is

TOWNS/VILLAGES

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Towns and Villages

Reykjanesbær. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Grindavík . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Sandgerði . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Garður . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Vogar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Reykjavík

Keflavík Airport


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Reykjanesbær

TheTownofReykjanesisayoungandvibrantrapidlygrowingtownonReykjanespeninsula.TherehasbeenasignificantincreaseinthenumberofcitizensinReykjanesbærinthepastyearsandtheynowtotal14.200.ReykjanesbærprofitsfromitsproximitytothecapitalanditisalsolocatedatIceland’sbordersatthegatetotherestoftheworld.Atthesametime,otherboundarieshavevanishedandnowÁsbrú,theformerUSnavalbase,hasbeentransformedintoaninnovativeandprogressiveeducationalcommunity.Thetownboastsofdiverserecreationalactivitiesandjust

onthetown’sdoorstepthereispristinenature.WiththenewÓsabotnaroadthepossibilityofaroundtripofReykjanespeninsulawithallofitsrecreationandspectacularsceneryopensupbeforedrivingbacktothecapitalonthefour-lanelitReykjaneshighway(41).www.reykjanesbaer.is

TOWNS/VILLAGES

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Welcome to GrindavíkThevillageofGrindavíkisoneofIceland’sspecialsurprisesfortourists.WhilebestknownforitsworldfamousBlueLagoon,Grindavíkalsooffersvisitorsavarietyofopportunitiesforrecrea-tion,leisure,andfamilyfun.Thischarmingcommunityof2,850promisesendlesspossibilitiesforexcitementandfunfortheentirefamily.Grindavikboastsmilesofhikingtrailsthroughbreathtakingpanoramas,anewmoderncampgroundandswimmingfacility,oneofIceland’sbestgolfcourses,Magma-Houseofcultureandnaturalresourcesandamultitudeofwonderfulrestaurants.TravelhistorictrailssuchasPrestastastígur,SkógfellsvegurandReykjavegur.TravelonanATV,gohorsebackridingortourbybicycle.VisittheHópsnescirclewithitsshipwrecksandrelicsandtheReykjaneslighthouseandgetaglimpseoflifenearthesea.TourthefishprocessingfacilityinStakkavík;fishintheharbor.ClimbÞorbjarnarfellMountainandenjoyaspectacularviewofGrindavikandthesurroundingarea.SeenaturalgemssuchasGunnuhver,Brimketill,Eldvörp,KleifarvatnandKrísuvíkurberg.SummerinGrindavikisfullofactivity.Sjóarinnsíkáti;oneofthebiggestfestivalsinthenation,theannualMidsummer´sNightEve


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SandgerðiSandgerðiisoneofthecountry’smajorfishingcommunities.Richfishing-groundsarefoundjustoffthecoastofSandgerði.Thereareinterestingthingstodointhetown,includingbird-watching,golfing,seeinghistoricalysignificantplaces,goingswimmingorhavingamealintherestaurant.AgreatvarietyofIcelandichandmadesouvenirsareonofferattheListatorgsouvenirshop.OnecangovisittheNatureCenter,amuseumwithinsightintoIcelandicnature.Itispossibletorentasummerhouseinthenorthernpartoftownandacampingsitewithallofthenecessaryfacilitieshasrecentlybeenbuilt.AnewlyconstructedroadoffersthetravellertotakearoundtriparoundthewholecoastpassingtheHvalsneschurch,StafnesvillageandonwardstotheHafnirvillage.www.sandgerdi.is

hike,Nature´sWeekinReykjanes,andGrindavik’severgrowinghikingfestthefirstweekinAugust(formoreinformationgotowww.grindavik.is).WelcometoGrindavik,Iceland’smostpopulartouristdestination.Enjoylife.EnjoyGrindavik;aplacewithsomethingforeverybody.

TOWNS/VILLAGES

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GarðurOutdoorenthusiastsshouldnotmissoutonthechanceofvisitingtheTownofGarðuriftheyaretravelingthroughtheReykjanespeninsula.Thehistoryofthetownisbasedonthefishingindustry.Beingveryneartogoodfishinggrounds,GarðurwasoncethemostpopulatedvillageintheSouthWestcoast,Suðurnes.OnGarðskagiyoucanfinddiversebirdlife,dolphinsorwhalesneartheshore,untouchednatureandaninterestingregionalmuseumwithanextraordinarycollectionofengines.TherestaurantFlösinisverypopularandtheviewfromitsbalconyisbeautiful.GuestscancamponGarðskagiinthemagnificentnature.Thefacilitiesonthecampsiteincludebathrooms,runningwaterandelectricityandisidealforguestswithtents,trailertentsandWinnabegos.Afterenjoyingyourselfoutinnatureyoucanvisitthehistorymuseumattheoldlighthouseguardfarm,thelocalswimmingpoolorrelaxinthehottubs.www.sv.gardur.is


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VogarIntheTownofVogaryouwillfindvariousservicesandcanen-joyawalkalongthesea,watchthebirdlifebyVogatjörnpondandvisitthemonumentÍslandsHrafnistumennbyErlingurJónsson.Themonumentisinmemoryoffishermenfromthearea.InAugustFamilyDayisheldinthetownofVogarandthenthetowncomesalivewithpeopleofallagesenjoyingthemselvestogether.AtKálfatjörnyouwillfindanexcellent9-holegolfcourse,whichisplayedaroundoneofthelargestwoodenchurchesinIceland.InthedistrictofVatnsleysus-tröndareseverallandmarks,amongthemareMountKeilir,Háibjalli,Snorrastaðatjarnir,HrafnagjáandStaðarborg.Out-doorenthusiastsshouldthereforetakealookatthedistrictofVatnsleysuströnd.www.vogar.is

TOWNS/VILLAGES

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COAST

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The Lighthouse on Garðskagi

OriginallyacairnwithanironpolewaserectedonthetipofGarðskagicoastin1847toguidethewayforseamen.Now,therearetwolighthouses,theolderandsmaller,builtin1897,wasonceregardedasoneofthebestlighthousesinIcelandbecauseitstoodlowandthereforemistwasnotaproblem,butriskybecauseofbeingdamagedbysurfandthatitwassometimesnotvisiblebecauseofstormsatsea.Becauseoflanderosionabridgewasbuilttoitandanewlighthousewasfinallybuiltin1944.At28metersitisthehighestlighthouseinIcelandandcameinsecondasthemostfavoritelighthouseinIceland.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Garðskagi

InformationattheMunicipalMuseumatGarður

Accesstotheolderlighthouse

Free

003544227220003548942135

Garðskagi

www.svgardur.is


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The Sunset Festival in Garðskagi

COAST

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Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

GrindavíkFestarfjall

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Garðskagi

Þórkötlustaðanes - Hópsnes Apeninsula,calledÞórkötlustaðanesontheeasternsideandHópsnesonthewesternside,wascreatedbyvolcaniceruptionsapprox.3000yearsagoandstandsoutsouthdividingGrindavíkintwo.ThispartofGrindavíkiscalledthevillageofÞorkötlustaðir.Thepeninsulagivessheltertothemainharbour.Animportantpartofhistoryisfoundhereandby

Hópsnes

Hópsnes lighthouse


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Festarfjall

requestlocalswillinformvisitorsaboutit.Bywalkingalongtheoldpathway,onewilllearnaboutthefishingindustryinoldtimesandhowthelocalrescuesquadhassavedmanysea-menwhenboatshavebeenstrandedthere.Shipwrecksandtheirmemorialscanbeseenalongsidethecoast.Builtin1928alighthousestandsonthetipofthepeninsulawhichcanbeseen13nauticalmilesoffshore.

Festarfjall Hill

COAST

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Reykjanes Lighthouse

ThefirstlighthouseinIcelandwasbuiltonValahnúkurinReykjanesintheyear1878.By1905earthquakesandsurfhaddamagedValahnúkursomuchthattherewastheriskofthelighthousefallingintothesea.Anewlighthousewasthereforebuiltin1907-1908onBæjarfellhillinReykjanesandtheoldonewasdemolishedonApril,1908.Asurveydonein2007fortheIcelandicMaritimeAdministrationledtotheconclusionthatReykjaneslighthousewasthemostpopularlighthouseamongIcelanders.Thelightsignalheightis69metersabovesealevelbuttheactualheightofthelighthouseis26meters.Reykjaneslighthousealsohasaradiobeaconwithacorrectionsignal.Thereiscarvedrockandconcreteinthelighthouse.ArchitectFrederikKjørboeandengineerThorvaldKrabbedesignedthelighthouse.TheoperationofReykjanesLighthouseisunderthesupervisionoftheIcelandicMaritimeAdministration.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

ReykjanesLighthouse


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COAST

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Strandleið – the coastal hiking trail in Reykjanesbær.

Anew10kmlongcoastalhiking/walkingtrailliesfromtheMarinainGrófuptotheStapicliffsinInnri-Njarðvík.Thetrailgivesanopportunitytoenjoythefreshseaair,theseabirds,variouskindofcoastalvegetationandinsightintogeologyofvariousrocksandcliffs.Providinggoodphysicalrefreshment,onecanwalk,jog,bikeorrollonrollerskates.

COAST

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Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

WhalesThewaterssurroundingtheReykjanespeninsulaarehometodolphinsandvariousspeciesofwhalesinthewarmermonthsoftheyear,andinwinteraswell.CommonlyfoundinthewatersoffGarðurarewhite-beakeddolphinsandminkewhales.Inwinter,sightingsofbothdolphinsandwhalesarecommon,evenascloseasoutsidetheharbourinKeflavíkandnearby.Theareaisanimportanthabitatforthesemarinemammals,mainlyasaseasonalfeedingground,richinplankton.Thesewatersprovideexcellentconditionsforsuchfishspeciessuchassandeel,herring,capelin,haddockandcodtothrive.HumpbackwhalesarealsocommonlyseeninJulyandAugust,andoccasionallyseiwhales,finwhalesandtheenormousbluewhalesappearatthesurface.


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CULTURE & ARTS

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VikingworldVikingaheimaristhehomeoftheVikingShipÍslendingur(TheIcelander).Builtin1996,IcelanderisanexactreplicaofthefamousGokstadship,aremarkablearchaeologicalfindofanalmostcompletelyintactVikingship,excavatedinNorwayin1882.Vikingaheimarisalso

hometoaportionoftheVikingmillenniumexhibition,Vikings:TheNorthAtlanticSaga.ThisexhibitionshedslightontheNorsesettlementandexplorationsofunknownlands.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Víkingabraut1,260Reykjanesbær

Access

1.000krforadults.800kr.fordisabled,studentsandseniors.Freeforchildrenunder16

003544222000

[email protected]

Everyday11:00–17:00,


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Thesetwofineprojects,bothcelebratingIceland’scentralroleinthediscoveryofNorthAmerica1000yearsagobytheNorseVikings,havenowfoundapermanenthomeinVikingaheimar,aspectacularmodernbuildingsituatedrightbytheFaxafloibayinthetownofReykjanesandcanbeeasilyspottedfromthemainroadbetweentheinternationalairportandReykjavík.FateoftheGodsExhibitiononNorse

mythologyandmyths.VisitorsareguidedthroughthisancientideologywheretheworldoftheGodsvividlyappearsthroughvisualarts,storytellingandmusic.TheexhibitionisputtogetherbyreputableIcelandiccontemporaryartistsandexpertsinNordicstudiestoformanimpressiveandmodernworkofartaboutancientculturalheritage.

byVikingworld,230Reykjanesbær,

1.May–1.Aug.everydayfrom11:00–17:00.

+3544216700.

www.reykjanesbaer.is

Settlement ZooThezooissituatednearVikingworldandisopenduringthesummer,providingchildrenwithachancetoseelambs,goats,ducks,calves,rabbits,andhens.Admittanceisfree.

CULTURE & ARTS

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Duushús Cultural Center

TheclusterofbuildingsthatmakeupDuushúsareamongIceland’smostremarkableandhistoricman-madestructures.Busycentersofcommercethroughouttheirexistence,theirlastrolebeforetheirconversionwasasafishprocessingplant.Withtheoldesttimberbuildingcompletedin1877andtheyoungestconcretestructurefinishedin1954,togethertheyspanalmostacenturyofIcelandicarchitecturalhistory.Today,thecomplexincludesfourexhibitioncenters,whichhousetheTheReykjanesArtMuseum,TheReykjanesHeritageMuseum,TheOldCinemaandTheReykjanesMaritimeCenter.

Duusgata2-8,230Reykjanesbær

Mon.-Fr.12:00–17:00,Sat.-Sun.13:00–17:00

Access

Noadmissionfee

003544213796

[email protected]


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CULTURE & ARTS

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ReykjanesbærSandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport


Mon.-Fr.12:00–17:00,Sat.-Sun.13:00–17:00

Access

Freeadmittance

003544213796

[email protected]

Reykjanes Maritime Center

TheReykjanesMaritimeCenterwasopenedonMay11,2002andishometoacollectionof105modelboatsbuiltbyretiredlocalskipperGrímurKarlsson.Hand-craftedtoahighdegreeofperfectionandpainstakingdetail,theyofferfascinatinginsightintoIceland’smaritimehistory,beginningwiththegracefulmastedschoonersofthemid-andlate19thcentury,andendingwiththesteamanddiesel-poweredtrawlersofthe20thcentury.


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CULTURE & ARTS

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Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport


Mon.-Fr.12:00–17:00,Sat.-Sun.13:00–17:00

Access

Freeadmittance

003544213796

[email protected]/listasafn

Reykjanes Art Museum

TheReykjanesArtMuseumoffersasuperbviewofKeflavík’spicturesquemarinaandwasopenedintheyear2003afterextensiverenovations.NewartexhibitionsopenthereeverysixweeksInrecentyearstheartexhibitionsattheReykjanesArtMuseumhavebeenconsideredtobeamongthebestinIcelandregardingqualityandvariety.ThemuseumisverypopularandbenefitsbeingpartoftheCulturalCenterwhichalongwiththeArtMuseum,alsohousesacollectionofmodelboatsandthelocalhistorymuseum,alsoofferingavarietyofmusicalconcertsandculturalevents.


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CULTURE & ARTS

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Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

The Reykjanes Heritage Museum

TheReykjanesHeritageMuseumpresentstemporaryexhibitionswhichaddressspecificaspectsinlocalhistoryoftheregionandsomewhatthewholecountry.AnewexhibitionbytheReykjanesHeritageMuseum,opensinthespringof2012.Itcoversthewinterfishingseason,“Vetrarvertíðin”:ForcenturiesIcelanderstravelledonfootfromtheirhomestothefishingportsinWestandSouth-WestofIceland.TheyarrivedlateinJanuaryandstayedfor3monthsuntillearlyMaywhentheywalkedback.Thiswasthebestseasontocatchthefishasitcamenearerthecoasttospawn.Thefishwasthenhunguptodry.TheseasonalfishingwasveryimportantasdriedfishwaspartofthedailyfoodandthemostimportantexportofIcelanders.Thefoundationoftheseasidetownsandvillagesintheareaisthenearbyrichfishinggroundsasisdepictedintheexhibition.


Mon.-Fr.12:00–17:00,Sat.-Sun.13:00–17:00

Access

Freeadmittance

003544213796

[email protected]/byggdasafn


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CULTURE & ARTS

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BlackCaveatthemarinainGróf

Everyday.10:00–17:00,

Pavedpathway

Freeadmittance

003544213796/003544216700

[email protected]

The Giantess

TheGiantessinthemountainmovedtotheTownofReykjanesduringthefamilyandculturalfestivalNightofLightsin2008andisnowlocatedinBlackCaveatthemarinainGróf.TheretheGiantesshasbeensettlinginhernicecavewithitssuperbviewoverthebayofKeflavíkandFaxaflói.TheGiantessisoriginallythecreationofauthorHerdísEgilsdóttirwhohaswritten16storiesaboutthelittlegirlSiggaandherfriendtheGiantessinthemountain,thelastonedescribinghermigrationtotheTownofReykjanes.ThedesignandmakingofthecaveandtheGiantesswasinthehandsofNorðanbálartgroup.TheGiantessisfull-sizeandsitssleepinginarockingchairinthekitchen.


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CULTURE & ARTS

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Reykjanes Power Station and Power Plant EarthInmay2006electircalgenerationbeganinReykjanespowerstationandthroughconnectiontothepowerplantanexhibitioninashowroomwasassembledandnamedEarthPowerPlant.Theshowcoversvariouswaysofdevelopingenergyresoursesintheearth.TheplanetsofoursolarsystemhavebeensituatedinrightporportionallaroundtheReykjanesareabutthesunistsinthelavaoutsideofReykjanespowerstationatthemainentrancetotheshowroom.ThepowerstationislocatednearReykjaneslighthouseandGunnuhverhotspringwhicharealsopopulartouristattractions.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

PowerPlantEarth

Reykjanespowerstation

Open:May15th–Sept.15th12:30–16:30Oct.-April,openonrequest

Access

1.500ISK,childrensandgroupdiscounts

003544361000/003548643006

www.powerplantearth.is,www.hs.is


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CULTURE & ARTS

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Kvikan-HouseofcultureandnaturalresourcesinGrindavík.-TouristInformationCentre.“TheresourcesoftheGrindavíkmunicipalityincludehotandcoldwater,hotandcoldsubterraneanseawater,geothermalenergy,untouchednature,wideopenspaces,cleanair,terrestrialandmarinefauna,wind,culture,mineralsandmarineenergy/minerals.”

The exhibition Saltfish MuseumBringstolightourseafaringhistory.Theexhibitionisvery

intriguingforforeigntourists.ThepeopleofGrindavíkhavelongbeenamongthemostprolificintheproductionofdriedsaltedcod.TheexhibitionaboutIceland‘shistoryintheprocessingandsalesofdriedsaltedcodandit‘ssignificancetoIceland‘seconomyisthereforewellplacedinGrindavík.Greatcarewastakentorecreatethehistoryofdriedsaltedcodprocessing,andtheexhibithasattractedmuchattention.Theexhibitionofferslargepictures,atextdetailingthehistoryofdriedsaltedcodprocessingalongwithsomehistoricalobjectsfromcharacteristicharbortownsofold.town.OneisthefamousSaltfish museumandtheotheris

theEarth Energy exhibition,explainingtheutilizationofthegeothermalenergyinthevicinityofGrindavík.ThetouristinformationcenterinGrindavíkislocatedinthe

MagmaHouse.Magma–houseofcultureandnaturalresources,islocated

onlyafewminutesawayfromtheBlueLagoon.


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CULTURE & ARTS

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Earth EnergyExhibitionongeology,geothermalHeatandtheharnessingofenergyfromthebowelsoftheearth.InIcelandthereareuniquepossibilitiestoseeandinvestigatemostofearth’sdynamicprocesses,suchasvolcanismandgeothermalheat,whichistheresultoftheyoungageoftheisland.ItmightbesaidthatIcelandisawindowintothepastaswellasintothefuture.Byreadingthehistoryofthedifferentgeologicalstrataitispossibletoforecastgeologicaleventsthatarelikelytohappenagain.

Theexhibition‘sshowsmanyvideofilms.ItguidestheviewerfromgeneralgeologythroughthegeologyofIceland,ReykjanesandSvartsengi,explaininghowdifferentbranchesoflearningjoininpreliminaryresearchandmonitoringofhigh-temperaturegeothermalareas.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

MagmaHouse

Hafnargata12a,240Grindavík

DailyfromMay15–Sept.1510:00-17:00,Sept.16–May14,Sat.Sun.from11:00-17:00Openedforgroupsbyrequest.

Access

1.200krforadults,8€,10$,forgroups(10+)1.000kr,students500kr.600krforelderly,freeentranceforyoungerthan16yrs.esscortedbyadults.

+3544201190

www.grindavik.is/[email protected]


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At the Kvikan Centre house, guests are introduced to two contemporary and multimedia exhibitions:

CULTURE & ARTS

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Nature Center

TheNatureCenterwasestablishedin1995.Atthecenter,visitorscanlookatvariouskindsoforganismsfromIcelandicnatureandlivinganimalsinseawatertanks.Smallseacreaturesfromthebottomoftheseaorthenearbypondcanbeobservedthroughbinocularmicroscopes.ThestaffoftheNatureCenterorganizefieldworkforthepupilsinelementaryandhighschools.Amongthemostpopularisgoingtotheshoreorthepondandgatheringsamplesoflivingcreaturesandplantsandbringingthemintothecenterwheretheycanstudythemwiththehelpofteachers,staffandthegreatvarietyofbooksonthesubjectfoundthere.ThehistoryofthecommunitySandgerðiaccessibleinwrittenmaterialatthe

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

NatureCenter

Garðvegur1,245Sandgerði

Open,weekdaysfrom09:00–17:00Apr.-Sept.Sat.,Sun.13.00–17.00

ISK600adults,ISK400forelderly,ISK300for16yrsandyounger

+3544237551

www.sandgerdi.iswww.heimskautinheilla.is


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centerandstaffmemberswillprovideinformationaboutthevillageandneighbourhooduponrequest.Atthecenter,therearealsofacilitiesandaccommodationforscientistsdoingresearchinconnectionwiththeBIOICEproject,locatedinthesamebuilding.Now,theNatureCenterishousinganexhibitionabouttheresearchandlifeofthefamousFrenchexplorerandbiologistJean-BaptisteCharcot.HeandhiscrewperishedinhisshipthePourquoiPas?inagreatseastormonthecoastofIcelandin1936.Themuseumisanidealplaceforcurioustouristsandparentswithchildrenthirstingforknowledge.

CULTURE & ARTS

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The Municipal Museum in Garður

ThemuseumwasfirstopenedinNovember1995intheoldfishprocessinghousesatGarðskagi.ManyimportantitemsfromthemunicipalhistoryofGarðurarelocatedinthemuseum,itemswhichwereessentialforlivelihoodbothon

landandatsea.Abigpartofthemuseumaremaritimeartifactswhichwereusedforfishingandprocessingthefishonshore.WhatmakesthemuseumsouniqueistheenginecollectionofGuðniIngimundarson.Over60enginesofallsortsareondisplayandalmosteveryoneofthemisfunctional.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

TheMunicipalMuseum

Garðskagi

April–Oct.Alldays1:00–17:00,Nov.-Marchbyrequest.

Access

Freeofcharge

003544227220/003548942135

[email protected]


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The Fresh Winds art project TheprojectwasfirstheldinDec.2010andenrolledatotalof60foreignandlocalartists.Theyliveandworkinthetownforupto8weeksatatimeandnowwidespreadaroundthetown,onecanenjoythevariouskindsofoutdoorartpieces.ThisyeartheprojectwillbeheldfromMay25–June24

CULTURE & ARTS

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Stekkjarkot

Aclassicexampleoftheroughlybuiltturf,stoneandtimberfishermans’cottage,oncecommonontheReykjanespeninsulaandothercoastalareasofIceland,Stekkjarkotwasopenedtothepublicin1993byIceland’sformerpresidentVigdísFinnbogadóttir,followingayearofrestorations.Stekkjarkotprovidesatellinginsightintohowcottagesofthistypelookedlike.Itshistoryasadomesticdwellingispatchy,itwasfirstbuiltduringtheyears1855-1857andoccupiedfor30yearsandthenwasabandoned.In1917itwasrefurbishedbutby1924ithadbeenabandonedonceagainandthistimeforgood.Theolderpartofthecottage,withitsopenhearth,datesbacktothe19thcentury.Thenewerpartdatesfromthefarm’slastdaysofhabitation,bywhichtimefloorboardscoveredthelivingroomandkitchen,acoal-firedstoveprovidedbothcookingfacilitiesandheat,andconditionsforthosewholivedtheredonotseemtohavebeentoobad.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Stekkjarkot

Innri-Njarðvík

Jun.–Aug.Thur.–Sun.13:00–17:00.Otheropeninghoursbyrequest

Freeofcharge

[email protected]/byggdasafn


45

CULTURE & ARTS

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The Church in Innri-Njarðvík

BytheinitiativeofÁsbjörnÓlafsson,afarmerinInnri-Njarðvík,achurchwasbuiltonthelocation.Thechurchwasconsecratedin1886andismadefromcarvedrockwhichwasbroughtfromtheshorenearbyandtheheathabovetheinhabitatedarea.MagnúsMagnússon(1842-1887)organizedthecarvingoftherocks.Oneofthethreeclocksinthechurchtowerisanancientclockmadein1725.ThechurchinInnri-Njarðvíkispreserved.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Innri-Njarðvík

Byrequest

2stepsatentrance

Freeadmittance

003546168887

[email protected]


47

CULTURE & ARTS

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The Church at Útskálar

EinarJónssonfromBrúarhraun(1818-1891)builtthefoundationofthechurchwhichwasconsecratedin1863.TheinteriorofthechurchwaspaintedanddecoratedbyÁkiGränz,amasterpainter.Thechurchispreservedandhasamoderntowerdesign.Itismadefromwood.OneofthemosttragiceventsinIcelandicseahistoryisconnectedtothechurch.OnMarch8th,1685,156fishermendrownedatseainastormbyReykjanes.ManyofthemwerefromNorthIcelandstationedintheregionduringthemainfishingseason.OnMarch11th,42wereburiedinthechurchsgraveyardandthenextdayanother47bodiesdriftedashoreinGarðurandwerealsoburiedinthesamemassgrave.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Garður

Byrequest

Access

Freeadmittance

003544227044/8627044/8946535

[email protected]


49

CULTURE & ARTS

50

The Church at Hvalsnes

ThechurchatHvalsneswasconsecratedin1887.KetillKetilssonfarmerandshipowneratKotvogur,whothenownedthelandatHvalsnesfinancedthebuildingofthechurch.Thechurchispreservedandallofthewoodwascollectedfromtheshoresnearby.Extensiverepairsweremadetothechurchin1945underthesupervisionofthearchitectofthestate.OneofthemostremarkableitemsofthechurchisthegravestoneofSteinunnHallgrímsdóttirwhodiedwhenshewas4yearsoldin1649.ShewasthedaughterofHallgrímurPétursson,Iceland’smostimportantpsalmistwhoatthattimeservedasapriestattheparishinHvalsnes.Thegravestonewaslostforalongtimebutwasdiscoveredagainin1964howeverithadbeenusedasapartofawalkwayleadingtothechurch.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Hvalsnes,Sandgerði

InformationattheNatureCenter

2stepsattheentrance

Freeadmittance

003544237551/003548978007

[email protected]


51

CULTURE & ARTS

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The Church at KálfatjörnKálfatjörnisaformerfarm,parsonageandchurchsiteinthetownofVogar.Itwasaparsonageuntil1907whentheparishwasunitedwiththeGarðarparishoftheKjalarnesdeanery.DuringCatholictimes,thechurchwasdedicatedtoSt.Peter.Thepresentchurchwasbuiltin1891andisIceland´slargestruralchurch.Nowpreserved,itsinteriorhasbeenrestoredtoitsoriginalform.Thealtarpiece,areplicaoftheoneintheReykjavíkCatherdral,paintedbySigurðurGuðmundsson,isequallyoldasthechurch.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Kálfatjörn

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Kálfatjörn

Byrequest

No

Freeadmittance

003548480274

Nowebsite


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Kálfatjörn

CULTURE & ARTS

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The Happy Sailor in Grindavík

AfamilyandportfestivalisheldannuallyinGrindavíkonSeamens´DayatthebeginningofJuneor1.–3.June2012.Itisanentertainingfestivitywhichhonors.HeldontheSeamen’sDayweekend,itisanentertainingfestivitywhichhonorsearliertimeswhichinfluencedthelocalcommunity.Sinceitsestablishment,seamanshipandseagoinghavebeenthemainsourcesofemploymentandincomefortheinhabitantsofGrindavík.FormoreinformationvisitGrindavík’sofficialhomepagewww.grindavik.is or www.visitgrindavik.is


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Midsummer night hike in Þorbjörn

Annually,theBlueLagoonandtheGrindavíkmunicipalitysponsoraMidsummernighthikeonthemountainÞorbjörnonJune23.Onthetopofthemountainthereisentertainmentwhichincludessingingandacampfire.ThewalkendsattheBlueLagoonwhichisopenpastmidnightthatevening.Thisisanentertainingeventforthewholefamily.ForinformationabouttheforthcomingMidsummernighthikevisittheofficialwebsiteofGrindavíkwww.grindavik.isorwww.bluelagoon.com or www.visitgrindavik.is

Other weekend hiking toursGuidedhikingtourswillbeheldduringEasterweekendandBankers´HolidayweekendinAugust(Verslunarmannahelgi)inGrindavíkwhereparticipantscanenjoythebeautifulandunusualnatureandlistentotheinterestinghistoryofthearea.Moreinfoatwww.grindavik.is

CULTURE & ARTS

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Þorbjörn museumThefishingcompanyÞorbjörninGrindavíkisoneofthelargestinIceland.In2010thecompanyopenedamuseum’svariedexhibitionstoshowthedevelopmentofthecompanyandIcelandicfishindustryandcoastculture,in9windowsatHafnargata12.Noadmission.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Hafnargata12,240Grindavík

Everyday

Access

NoAdmission

+3544204400

[email protected]


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Grindavík sheep round-up

AnnuallysheepfarmersinGrindavíkgathertheirsheepfromtheirsummergrazingareasontheReykjanespeninsula,frommountainsandheatherlands.Theannualround-upisheldinGrindavíkinthemiddleofSeptemberandattractsmanyfamiliesontheirweek-endtripintothetown.

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The Sunset Festival on Garðskagi

TheSunsetFestivalonGarðskagiistrulyafestivalforthewholefamily.ThefestivitiesareheldannuallyonGarðskagiinthemiddleofthesummernowJune21–24.Thefacilityisidealforcamperswithtents,trailertentsandWinnabegos.ThesunsetonGarðskagiisauniquevisionandthetimingofthefestivalisappropriatebecauseofthesummersolsticeandthesunsetglittersontheoceanwhilecitizensofGarðurandtheirguestssingandcelebratearoundthecampfire.Formoreinformationaboutthefestival’sdateeachyearaswellastheschedulevisitthefollowingwebsite: www.svgardur. is/ferdathonusta/solseturshatid


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Family Days in Vogar

EachsummerinAugustaFamilyDayisheldinVogarinVatnsleysuströnd.Atthistimethefamilyisintheforefrontandeveryoneiswelcome.Theprogramismostlyarrangedbythelocalsandmadetofitallagesoffamilymembers.Amongotherthingsforamusementaresoap-soccer,fishingintheharbour,home-madecarraceandmanyotherinterestingandamusingthings.Alsolookforothereventsandmoreinformationaboutthefestivalonwww.vogar.is

CULTURE & ARTS

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Sandgerðisdays in Sandgerði

OnthelastweekendinAugustanannualfamilyfestivalisheldinSandgerðiwhichemphasizestheenjoymentofpeoplecomingtogetherandentertainingeachother.ManyeventsareheldfromFridaytoSundaybecausethenallofthelocalcitizensputforththeefforttomaketheweekendasmemorableaspossible.FormoreinformationvisittheofficialwebpageofSandgerði:www.sandgerdi.is


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The Night of LightsReykjanes family and cultural festival

Asthebrightnightsofsummergivewaytotheshorterdaysofautumn,thefirstSaturdayofSeptemberseesthestagingofthehighlypopularNightofLights,theReykjanesFestivalofcultureandfamily.NowafixedeventinIceland’sculturalcalendar,theevent,whichdespiteitsnameisnowstagedoverfourdaysfromThursdaytoSunday,offersguestsatasteoftheverybestinlocalculture,culminatinginaspectacularfireworksdisplaywhichthisyearwillbestagedonSaturday,September1st.Theever-growingcelebrationoflocalculture-lastyear’s

festivalincludedmorethan100separateeventsandattractedsome60,000visitors.TheNightofLightsofferssomethingforeveryone,rangingfromart,theatreandmusicperformedbygroupsandindividuals,toaspectacularfinaleunderablazeoffireworks.Whateveryourculturalinterests,TheNightofLightshas

somethingtoofferyou.SomakeadatetocomeseeusandsamplethisuniqueeventduringthefirstweekendinSeptember.

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The Rock Museum of Rúnar Júl.

TheRockMuseumofRúnarJulisamuseumdedicatedtothememoryofIceland´smostbelovedmusicianandKeflavík´sownson.Itislocatedwherehelivedandworked.ThemuseumalsohousestherecordlabelandrecordingstudioofGeimsteinn.RúnarwasoneofIceland´smostprolificmusiciansandinspiredandhelpedothermusiciansduringhiscareer.

Reykjanesbær

Sandgerði

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Skólavegur12,Reykjanesbær

Byagreement

Access

1.000kr,groupdiscountavailable.

+3544212717,+3548612062,+3548637515

[email protected],www.runarjul.is


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Fjóla, handmade jewelry Hafnargata21,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544211011,[email protected],www.skart.is

Gallery „hans“ og Grétu, Vesturbraut8,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3548499610/8943833

Gallery Sjólist,Verbraut3,240Grindaví[email protected]

Gallery Helga Kristjánsdóttir, Vörðusundi1,240Grindavíktel.+3546948245

Gallery Anna Sigga, Þórkötlustaðirvestur,240Grindavíktel.+3548664567

Gallery Listatorg,Vitatorg,245Sandgerði,[email protected],www.listatorg.is/www.245.is

Blue Lagoon shopattheBlueLagoon

Glass workshop, Iceglass, Grófin2,230Reykjanesbæ[email protected].+3548570850

Hjördís Hafnfjörð – Haddý, glass workshop,Freyjuvellir5,230Reykjanesbærtel.+3544212405/[email protected]

Raven design, FjósiðíKoti,260Njarvík,tel.+3546616999/[email protected],www.ravendesign.is

Íslenskt handverk, GuðnýIðavellir11b,230Reykjanesbærtel.+3548971827www.icelandcraft.com

Reynir Katrínarson, HvítVíðbláinn,Gauksstaðavegi2,250Garður.tel.+3548612004

ARTS & CRAFTS

CULTURE & ARTS

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Svarta Pakkhúsið, Hafnargata4,230Reykjanesbær,[email protected],www.svartapakkhusid.com

Jöklaljós, candle-workshop, Grófin2,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544237694/[email protected],www.joklaljos.is

Innrömmun Suðurnesja, Paintings&Frames,Mardalur9,260Reykjanesbæ,tel.+3546943160

Handcraft workshop,ígamlavitavarðarhúsinu,Garðskaga,250Garðurtel.+3546926596

Gallerý átta, Hafnargötu26,230Reykjanesbæ,tel.+8922686/+8689863+8688826Hlaðan – Artist residency, Minni-Vogum,Egilsgötu8,190Vogar,www.hladan.org

Vatnsnes Art Workshop & Gallery, Vatnsnesvegi8,230ReykjanesbæStudiola design,[email protected],Reynir Katrínarson, tel.+3548612004Reykjanes-Lava,[email protected],tel.+3548625264

Stakkavík Xperience Fish,Bakkalág15b,240Grindavík.tel.+354-4208000

Utility market, culture and art, by the harbour,Víkurbraut6,230Reykjanesbær.

Skansinn –Weekend Flee-market,Rammi,Seylubraut,Innri-Njarðvík,260Reykjanesbær+3548473225

[email protected]


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STOPOVER TOURS culturalanddesigntours

StartorendyourvisittoIcelandinauniqueathmosphereatthehomeorworkshopoflocaldesignersandhandicraftpeopleinReykjanespeninsula.Theywillwelcomeus,tellusthestorybehindtheirwork,showyouaroundandintroduceyoutolocalspecialities.

Thedrivetakesabout10minfromKeflavikAirportandabout40minfromReykjavík.

The tour • Everydayoftheweek• Duration3-4hours• Englishspeakingguide.• Transportation–Pickupanddrop-off fromyourhotelorKeflavíkAirport• Taxfreerefundguidance

Location Reykjanes Peninsula Open ByrequestPrice 9.900ISKperpersonPhone+3548446544Emailinfo@reykjavikconcierge.comWebsitewww.reykjavikconcierge.com

HISTORY

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The Settlement of ReykjanesThefirstIcelandicsettlers,whocametoIcelandaround874AD,werechieflyofNordicextraction,mostlyfromthewestcoastofNorway.InIcelandtheycouldfarmjustastheyhadintheoldcountry,raisinglivestockandcrops.Therewererichfishinggroundsjustoffthecoast,andtheseaalsoproducedotherbenefitssuchasdriftwood,walruses,birdsandwhales.IngólfurArnarson,thefirstsettler,claimedallthelandwestoftheÖlfusáriver,whichisnowcalledtheReykjanespeninsula.Hethenallocatedlandtofivemenandonewoman.Steinunn

Steinunn the aged, the first permanent settler on the Reykjanes Peninsula - a painting by the local artist Áki Gränz


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theAgedwasarelativeofIngólfur;hegaveherthenorthernpartofthepeninsula,forwhichsherepaidhimwithaknittedcoat.ShegavehercloserelativeEyvindurthelandthatisnowcalledVogar.Ingólfurgavelandtotwootherrelatives,toHerjólfurBárðarsonthelandfromHafnirtothetipofReykjanes,andtoÁsbjörnÖssurarsontheareabetweenhisownlandandthatofEyvindur.Moldar-GnúpursettledinGrindavíkandÞórirhaustmyrkur(“autumndarkness”)settledtotheeastofGrindavík.

Steinunn the aged, the first permanent settler on the Reykjanes Peninsula - a painting by the local artist Áki Gränz

Hafnir archeological excavationThereisaninterestingarcheologicalexcavationtakingplaceinthesmallvillageofHafnir.AsitefromVikingageisbeingexavatedandthefindingshaveraisedmanyquestions.Themostimportantoneis;whyaretherenooutbuildingsforthefarmanimals?

Archaeologists working on site in ruins of a farm in Hafnir.

HISTORY

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Selatangar isanoldfishingstation,usedfromtheMiddleAgesuntil1884.Fromhereduringthemainfishingseasoninwinter,seamenrowedouttoseainopenboats.Roughandsmall,madefromcarvedlavarock,onecanstillseeremainsoffishermenshutsandshedswherestockfishwasstored.Theyhavebeendeclaredinviolate.ThebishopattheSkálholtepiscopalseehadafishingstationthere.Duringthelastcentury,visitorswereharrassedbyanespeciallymalevolentghostcalledTanga-Tómas.DriftwoodwasinabundanceatSelatangarinthepast,butlessnowadays.Thesurroundingsaregrandious,lowmountainsandlavafields.Atrackfor4wd-vehiclesliesdowntotheruinsandtheKetill,astrangelavaformation,onthecoastfromtheroadtoGrindavík(427).


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The “Turkish” raidIntheyear1627,piratesfromAlgiersraidedIceland.TheyfirstattackedtheWestmanIslands,thenarrivedatGrindavíkonJune20.TheAlgerianpirateswereknownas“Turks”inIceland,asAlgeriawasthenapartofthehugeOttomanEmpire.TheyseizedIcelandersandDanesandsoldthemintoslaveryinNorthAfrica.NoonewaskilledintheraidonGrindavík,buttwowereinjured.SomeoftheenslavedprisonerswerelaterransomedandeventuallyreturnedtoIceland;oneofthem,GuðríðurSímonardóttir,marriedtheRev.HallgrímurPétursson,authoroftheHymnsofthePassionandanotherisHalldór,thegrandfatherofJónÞorkelssonThorkilliustheprincipal.

The Básendar Storm and FloodBásendarisanancientfishingoutfitandatradingpostjustsouthofStafnes.ItwasoneoftheharboursoftheDanishTradeMonopolypostscomprisingHafnir,StafnesandMidnes.DuringthenightofJanuary9th1799acatastrophictidalflooddevastatedBatsendar.Itsweptmostofthehousesawayandsomeofthepeoplebarelyescaped.Onlyoneoldwomandrowned.Thiswasthemostdevastating,tidalfloodinthehistoryofthecountry.

HISTORY

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HúshólmiTheHúshólmiareaisasocalled„clearing“overwhichthelavaÖgmundarhraundidn´tflowduringaneruptionintheyear1151.ThelavacameflowingfromvulcaniccratersontheeastsideofNúpshlíðarhálshilldowntotheshore.Accordingtoarchaeologists,inthewesternpartofthe„clearing“areruinsoftheancientKrýsuvíkfarm,datedbacksincebeforetheyear900.Theruinsareapartofahomeandmostlikelyachurchandasemitary.Aninterestingsiteworthvisitingbutcanonlybemadeonfoot.

StafnesStafneswasamansioninthepast.Thereweremanyfishingoutfitsonthepropertyandmanypeoplelivedthereduringthefishingseasons.RoyalDanishfishingoutfitsstartedoperatingtherearoundthemiddleofthe16thcenturyandwereabolishedin1769.TheinhabitantsoftheKing´spropertiesintheSouthwestwereobligedtoworkontheKing´sboats


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Mynd skv lista

againstlowpay.Duringthe17thand18thcenturies,StafneswasthemostpopulousfishingoutfitontheReykjanesPeninsula.ManyvesselshaverunagroundontheStafnesSkerries.In1928thetrawlerPresidentJonranagroundthere,15ofthecrewdrowned,but10wererescued.ThisandothersimilaraccidentsledtotheestablishmentofTheLifeSavingAssociationofIceland.ConsiderablesealhuntingwaspracticedatStafnesinearliertimes.StafnesvitilighthousestandsinbetweenthetownsSandgerðiandHafniratStafnesandwasbuiltin1925.Itstands8m.tallbuiltofconcretesementandstandsonaconcretestall.Itispaintedyellow.

HISTORY

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Hallgrímur PéturssonHallgrímur(1614-74),regardedasIceland’sgreatestreligiouspoet,isbestknownforhisHymnsofthePassion.Firstpublishedin1666,theHymnsofthePassionhavebeentranslatedintomanyotherlanguages,includingLatinandChinese.ForcenturiesIcelandershavereadtheHymnsofthePassion,alongwiththeBible,forinspirationandspiritualcomfort.During

LentthehymnsarestillreadtodayinallmajorchurchesinIceland.Asayoungman,HallgrímurwenttoDenmarktotrainasablacksmithbutfollowingtheadviceoftheRev.BrynjólfurSveinsson,laterbishopofSkálholt,Hallgrímurdecidedtotrainforthepriesthoodinstead.In1637hereturnedtoIcelandafterfiveyearsofstudy,andsettledinNjarðvík,avillageonSuðurnes.HewasappointedtoHvalsnesChurchinthevillageofSandgerði,whereheservedforsevenyears.Hewasalreadyknownforhispoetry,butachievedtruefameafterhisdeath.AtHvalsnesthegravestoneofhisbeloveddaughterSteinunn,whodiedattheageoffour,wasdiscoveredduringbuildingwork.Thestone,believedtohavebeencutbyHallgrímur’sownhand,istheonlyobjectofHallgrímur’smakinginexistence.Onthedeathofhislittlegirl,HallgrímurwrotethehymnwhichisstillsungateveryfuneralinIceland.


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Jón Þorkelsson and Sveinbjörn EgilssonJónÞorkelssonThorkillius(1697-1759)andSveinbjörnEgilsson(1791-1852),bothborninInnri-Njarðvík,werecloserelatives.JónwasprincipalofthecathedralschoolatSkálholt.HewasaremarkablemanwithagreatinterestineducationandschoolsinIceland.Awealthyman,heleftallhisworldlygoodstofoundschoolsinKjalarnesdistrict,andhencehehasbeencalledthefatherofprimaryeducationinIceland.Amonumentwaserectedbesidethechurchinhismemoryin1965.Sveinbjörntoowasascholar,andthefirstprincipalofReykjavíkHighSchoolin1846.Hewasagreatpoet,translatorandagrammarianwhowroteadictionaryofIcelandicskaldiclanguage,theLexiconPoëticum.HismostfamousworksarehistranslationsofHomer.Hetooiscommemoratedbyamonumentatthechurch.

HISTORY

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The Nato baseAfterthesigningoftheIceland–U.S.DefenceAgreementin1951,aNATObasewasestablishedatKeflavíkAirport.Ahugeconstructionprogrammewaslaunchedtoupgradetheairportfacilitiesandhousethe5,000militarypersonnelonthebase.Inthe1950sconstructionworkonthebase,togetherwithincreaseddemandforvariousservicestothemilitaryprovidedahugeboosttolocalcommunities;theirpopulationrosefromabout5,000toabout9,000.Inaddition,thenumberofservicemenandtheirfamiliesincreaseduntilthebasebecamethesixth-largestcommunityinIceland.By1960,approximatelyoneofeveryfiveworkersinKeflavíkwasemployedonthebase.ThisworkaffectedKeflavíkandNjarðvíkthemost,whereasGrindavík,Hafnir,SandgerðiandGarðurremainedforthemostparttraditionalfishingvillages.BytheendoftheColdWar,theimportanceofthebasedeclined,andafter1990operationsgraduallywounddown.

OnSeptember30th,2006thebasefinallycloseddown.AllthebuildingsandotherstructureswerehandedovertotheIcelandicstate,andtodaytheareahousesauniversityandcampus,andotherservicesandindustriesaredevelopingthere.


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HISTORY

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Stapi Cliff Vogastapiwasnamed“TheHeiferCoveCliff”,later“TheCoveCliff”andsometimesjust“TheCliff”bytheinhabitantsofthearea.Itisan80m.high,doleritehillockbetweenCovesVogavikandNjardvik.Itisprecipitoustowardsthesea,buthasagradualgradientinland.Itismostlysparselyvegetatedandsomewhatbarreninplaces.ThemainroadtothewesterncommunitiesandtheinternationalairportinKeflavikcrossesit.Theviewfromitshighestpoint,Grimsholl,isexcellentandaviewdialexplainsthetopographicalnamesofthesurroundings.UptothisdatetheVogastapiAreaishauntedbyaghost,whichhasmisleadpeopleoffthebrinkofthecliff.Duringthemotorizedage,someofthepassersbyhavenoticedabeingcarryingitsheadunderitsarmandsometimesdriverstravellingalonespotteditintheirrearviewmirrorssittinginthebackseats.Tocommemoratetheearlierexistenceofthethisfigure,rockstatueshavebeenerectedtoremindtravellersacrosstheVogastapitobeaware.Otherrockstatuesnearbywereerctedtoremindusofthesecuritycarinscalled„TheTurkCairns“whichwereusedtogivesignsduringthe„Turskishraid“intheyear1627.


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Staðarborg sheep shelterStadarborgisasheepshelter,approx.30minwalksoutheastfromchurchKalfatjorninVogar.Itisroundinshapeandconstructedskilfullyfromlavarocks.Itisabouttwometreshigh,8mindiameter,and35mincircumferance.Nosourcesrevealitsage,butitisconsideredtobeafewcenturiesold.Accordingtothelegend,amannamedGudmundurbuiltitforthereverendatKalfatjorn.

Hecollectedstonesfromthesurroundingareaandplannedtoclosethesheepshelterwithaconeshapedroofofstones,butthereverendenvisionedithigherandmoreprominentthanhischurch´ssteepleandstoppedtheconstructionwork.Thestonemasonleftitexactlyasweseeittoday.Itwasdeclaredinviolatein1951

Ljósmyndari: Björgvin Hreinn Guðmundson

NATURE RESERVE

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Reykjanes nature reserve Thenaturereserveisabout300squarekilometresandisbyfarthelargestregionofitskindinIceland.ItisborderedintheeastbythedistrictsofGullbringaandÁrnessýslaandinthenorthitconnectswiththeBláfjöllnaturereserve.ThewesternbordersofthenaturereservearewestofUndirhlíðarandNúpshlíðarhálsandastraightlinetotheseaatSelatangar.Thesouthernmostbordersfollowthecoastline.TheonlybiglakeisKleifarvatnThelandisveryhilly,twoverydistinctiveridgescutthroughthelandscapeinNASVdirectionandtheyareabout300-400metresabovesealevel,NúpshlíðarhálsandSveifluháls.Brennisteinsfjöllarelocatedintheeasternmostpartofthenaturereserveandthereareafewmountainsthatare500-600metresabovesea


79

level.TheoldesteruptionsincehistoricaltimesistheBláfjöllmountainridgeeruptionwhichbeganintheyear930andlastedforabout100years.TheseconderuptionperiodisnamedafterKrýsuvík.Themaineruptionofthatperiodwasin1151whena25kilometer-longfissureopenedandlavaflowedintotheseabothonthenorthernpart(theKapelluhraunlava)andsouthernpart(theÖgmundarhraunlava)oftheReykjanespeninsula.ThethirderuptionperiodwhichiscalledReykjaneseruptionandlastedfrom1210-1240.ThiseruptionwasonthepointofthepeninsulaandpartlyintheseawhereEldeyrosefromtheoccean.Thevolcanicactivityalignsitselfontheso-callederuptionfissureswheretherearevolcanoesandopenfissures.Thereareoftenriftvalleysalongtheeruptionfissuresandthechainsofcraters.

Kleifarvatn

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NATURE

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Krýsuvík

TheKrýsuvíkgeothermalareaisapopularrecreationaldestination,withmanyinterestinghikingpaths.TheGrænavatnandGestastaðavatnlakesandthetwosmallpoolsoneachsideoftheroadfurthersouth,Augun(Eyes),areallexplosioncraterscreatedbyvolcaniceruptionsatvarioustimes.Grænavatnlakeisthelargest,some46metresdeep,withgreenwaterduetothermalalgae.LakeKleifarvatnisthelargestlakeontheReykjanespeninsula,9.1km²,andoneofthecountry’sdeepestlakes,at97metres.Itvariesinsizeovertheyear.Accordingtolegendamonsterintheshapeofaserpentasbigasamedium-sizedwhalelurksinthelake.Krýsuvíkwasonceaseparateparish,withoneofthelargestestatefarmsinthecountryandmanytenants’crofts.Itshouldbekeptinmindthatthearea’smagnificentnatureisverydelicateandmustbetreatedwithgreatcareandrespect.


Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Reykjavík

KrýsuvíkBridge Between Continents

Gunnuhver

Eldey

Keilir


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Reykjavík

Krýsuvík

Keilir

NATURE

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Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

SelatangarKatlahraun

The Katlahraun lava.ThelavawhichcreatedtheKetill(pot,kettle)flowedfromcraterscalledMoshólar(themainroadnowrunsthroughit)approx.2000yearsago.Thesurfcooledthelavaandaroundpondwasformedwiththeboilinglavainside.Thepoisonousgasesfromwithinfounditswayouttothesurfaceandalava-chimneywasformed.Thesurfaceofthelavapondhardenedbutthehotlavabeneatheventuallybrokethrough,formingtunnelsandroughedgesuntilthepondwasempty.Thehardenedsurfacefinallyfellandbrokedownshapingtheareawithlotsofbrokenflatlavarocksandthemassivelava-chimneystillstanding.Atrackfor4wd-vehiclesliesdowntotheKetillandSelatangar-ruinsonthecoastfromtheroadtoGrindavík(427).

NATURE

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Gunnuhver hot springThebiggesthotmudspringinIcelandwithacrater20metresincircumference.Thenamederivesfromafemalespectrewhoalivewasadirtpoorcrofterindeptwithherlandlord.Hetookheronlycookingpot.MadwithrageGunnacursedthe

Eldey islandEldeyisasheer77-metrehighrockprotrudingoutoftheseaabout15kmtothesouthofthesouthwesternmosttipoftheReykjanespeninsula.ThestructureofEldeyisbasaltichyaloclastitesanditis0,03m2inarea.Itistheinnermostofachainofskerriesstandingonashallow,submarineridge,whichstretches45seamilesoffshoretothesouthwest.ThenameofthischainisFuglaskerorEldeyjar.OneofthoseskerrieswasGeirfuglasker,wherethelastbreedingcoloniesoftheGreatAukwaslocated.Geirfuglaskerdisappearedmostlyfromthesurfaceduringsubmarineeruptionsin1830.OneofthebiggestgannetcoloniesoftheworldstillsurvivesonEldey.Accordingtoacountwhichwasmadein1949,thenumberofgannetsbreedingthereduringthesummerwas70.000.


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landlord,droppeddeadandbecameaspectre.Shewasfinallyabletokillhertormentorandthenturnedtohaunthumansandanimalsalike,untilthepastorandwizardatVogsósarusingsorceryforcedherintothisbigmudspring.Thosewithsecondsightcanseeandhearherattheedgeofthecraterrunningandhowlingliketheghostsheis.SteamingofthegroundatReykjanesincreasedmarkedlyasaconsequenceofapressuredrawdowninthegeothremalreservoiruponthestartofproductionfromthereservoirin2006.TworampsarelocatedattheGunnuhvergroupofhotspringswithagoodviewoverthethearea.GunnuhveristheheartinafuturegeoparkwheretheNorthAtlanticridgeisrisingfromtheocean,youfind100differentcratersandlava,birdcliffs,highgeothermalarea,sandbeach,TheBridgeBetweenContinents,powerplant,lighthousesandexhibitionsamongstotherthings.

NATURE

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NATURE

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RUSSIA

FINLAND

AUSTRIA

ITALY

SPAIN

ICELAND

SWEDEN

NORWAY

GERMANY

FRANCE

PORTUGAL

HUNGARY

ROMANIA

BULGARIA

TURKEY

DENMARK

POLANDBELARUS

UKRAINE

U. K.

CZECH REPUBLIC

SLOVAKI

GREECE

CYPRUS

ANDORRA

NETH.

BELGIUM

IRELAND

ALBANIA

MOLDOVA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

LUX.

CROATIASLOVENIA

SWITZERLAND

MACEDONIA

Mediterranean Sea

NorthAtlanticOcean

Bay of Biscay

Gulfof

Bothnia

NorthSea

NorwegianSea

TyrrhenianSea

IonianSea

Aegean

BlackSea

English Channel

Adriatic

BalticSea

Sea

Sea

BOSNIASERBIA

MONTENEGRO

250 Km

250 Mi0

0

KOSOVO


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NATURE

92

Keilir

Keilirisahyaloclastitemountain.Itwascreatedduringsubglacialeruptionsduringtheiceage.Itsshapemakesitdistinctiveandaccordingtogeologists,itisprobablyacraterplug.Inspiteofitssteepslopes,itisnottoodifficulttoclimb,andtheviewfromitstoponafinedayistoberemembered.KeiliristhemostdistinctivelandmarkofReykjanesandasymboloftheReykjanespeninsula.Ontopofthemountainisaconcretetablewithaviewdirectionmaponametalplate.


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Bridge Between Continents

Thelava-scarredReykjanespeninsulaliesononeoftheworld’smajorplateboundaries,theMid-AtlanticRidge.Accordingtothecontinentaldrifttheory,theEurasianandNorthAmericantectonicplatesarecontinuouslydriftingapartwithgreatforcesunderthegapingrifts.Astheplatesdiverge,linearfractures,knownasfissuresformduetostressescreatedbythetensionthatbuildsupastheplatesmoveawayfromeachother.ThebridgebetweentwocontinentsatSandvíkisasmallfootbridgeoveramajorfissurewhichprovidesclearevidenceofthepresenceofadivergingplatemargin.ThebridgewasbuiltasasymbolfortheconnectionbetweenEuropeandNorthAmerica.OnecancrossthecontinentaldivideonLeiftheLucky’sBridgeandtakehomeapersonalisedcertificateatReykjanesInformationCenterasconfirmationandareminderofthisspectacularexperience.

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Birdlife

OntheKrýsuvíkurbergandHafnabergcliffs,thousandsofseabirdsnesteachsummer.Themostcommonareguillemot,razorbill,Brünnich’sguillemot,kittiwake,puffin,blackguillemot,fulmarandcormorant.Krýsuvíkurbergis50metreshigh,andabout57.000pairsofseabirdsnestonthesecliffs.ThehighestpointofHafnabergis43metres,and

itsestimatedpopulationofseabirdsis6.000pairs.FourteenkilometresoffthesouthwestofthepeninsulaisEldeyisland,hometooneofthelargestgannetcoloniesintheworld.ThegannetisthelargestseabirdintheNorthAtlanticOcean,andabout16.000pairsnesteachyearontheisland,whichisonly0.03km2inarea,andupto77metreshigh.Oftenseenbetweenthemainlandandtheislandaredolphinsorwhales.Thegreatskuaandarcticskuaarecommoninsummer,scavengerssnatchingtheirfoodfromotherseabirds.Bynaturetheskuaisnotableto


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diveforfoodlikeotherseabirds.Othercommonbirdsonthecoastaregulls,suchasthegreatandlesserblack-backed,glaucousandherringgulls.Thearcticternisamongthemostcommonbirdsinthepeninsula,mostlyfoundincoloniesonthetipofReykjanes,eastofGrindavíkandbetweenGarðurandSandgerði.WhimbrelswhichbreedintheSuðurnesareaspendthewinterin

Africa,andarcticternsmigratetotheAntarctic.Thegoldenplover,oystercatcherandsnipearemigratorybirdswhicharecommoninthearea,whilethepurplesandpiperisoneofthefewIcelandicwaderswhichdoesnotmigrate.Amongpasserines,theredwingandsnowbuntingarecommon,andthestarlingremainsinIcelandallyearround.Thelargestpasserineistheraven.TheeiderisbyfarthemostcommonspeciesofduckinIceland.IntheSuðurnesareatheeideriseconomicallyimportant,asfarmersharvestthevaluabledownfromeidernests.Thegreylaggoosenestsinthelowlands,andthewhooperswanistheonlyspeciesofswanwhichbreedsinIceland.

Reykjanesbær

Fitjar

Sandgerði Hólmsberg

Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Reykjavík

Hafnaberg

Krísuvíkurberg

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

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Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Svartsengi,Grindavík

Dailyfrom9am-9pm(1/6-31/8)andfrom10am-8pm(1/9-31/5)

Access

Admissioncharged

003544208800

[email protected]

The Blue Lagoon– Geothermal spaTheBlueLagoonisIceland’smostuniqueandpopularattraction,locatedinGrindavíkmunicipalityandonly40minutesfromReykjavíkand20minutesfromKeflavíkInternationalAirport.Guestsenjoyrelaxingingeothermalseawater,knownforitspositiveeffectsontheskin.AvisittotheBlueLagoonpromotesharmonybetweenbody,mindandspirit,andenablesyoutosoakawaythestressesofmodernlife.TheBlueLagoonisoneofthe25wondersoftheworldaccordingtoNationalGeographic,statingthattheBlueLagoonisageothermalgiftofnatureInadditiontobathingintheLagoonguestshaveaccesstoasaunawithaviewoftheLagoonandasteambathwithwhitewallsthatresemblesilicamud.Guestscanalsostandbeneathawaterfallforanenergizingmassage.TheBlueLagoonoffers

Blue Lagoon


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bothin-waterandindoorspatreatmentsandmassagesbasedonthegeothermalseawater’sactiveingredients:minerals,silicaandalgae.TheExclusiveBath&Loungeisanoptionforguestslookingformoreprivacy.Thisnoveltyfeaturesprivatechangingrooms,amodernlydesignedloungewithafireplaceandareservedindoorLagoon.LightrefreshmentsareservedandcertaindishesfromLavaRestaurantcanbeordered.LavaRestaurantoffersauniquediningexperience.Itisbuiltintothecliffsoitfeaturesanaturallavawall,addingtoitsuniqueness.BlueCaféisatthemainfloorandoffersquickandhealthychoices.WirelessInternetconnectionisonthesite.LagoonBarislocatedattheindoorandtheoutdoorbathingareaandofferslightrefreshments,whichcanbeconvenientlycreditedtotheentrancebraceletandpaidupondeparture.TheBlueLagoonshopoffersthecompleteBlueLagoonskincarelineandselectedgiftitemsandsouvenirs.

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1 WaterWorldWaterWorldinthetownofReykjanesisoneofthesplendidpoolsinIceland.Thereyoucanfinda25moutdoorpool,hottubs,steambaths,a50mindoorpoolaswellasafantasticactivitypoolfortheyoungerfamilymembers.

Sunnubraut31,230Keflavík,Tel:003544211500Open:6:45-20:00weekdays,8:00-18:00onweekends.Noadmissionfeeforchildren.

2 GarðurGarðbraut,250Garður,Tel:003544227300

Open:Mon.-Fri.07.00-21.00/Sat.-Sun.10.00-16.00

3 SandgerðiSportscenter,245Sandgerði,Tel:003544207510Open:Mon.-Fri.07.00-21.00Sat.-Sun.10.00-15.00/17.00duringsummerseason.

4 VogarHafnargata17,190VogarTel:003544406220Open:Mon.-Fri.09:00-20:00DuringsummerseasonSat.-Sun.10:00-16:00During


Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport

Blue Lagoon

Swimming Pools in Reykjanes

1

23

4

5


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summerseasonNoadmissionforchildren18yrsandyounger,elderlycitizensandthedisabled.

5 GrindavíkTheGrindavíkswimmingpoolis25mandoutdoors.Alwayswarmwithgeothermalhotwaterithasawaterslide,aplaygroundforchildrenandhotpots.Austurvegur,240Grindavík,Open:Mon.-Fri.07.00-20.00Sat.-Sun.10.00-15.00/17.00duringthesummerseason.

WaterWorld

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

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Golf Courses in Reykjanes

1 Links Leira Golf Club. 18 holes – Golfklúbbur Suðurnesja ReykjaneshasmanygreatgolfcoursesbuttheoptimumgolfcourseisHólmsvölluratLeira.ThegolfclubofSuðurnesoperatesHólmsvölluratLeirawhichwasestablishedonmarch4th1964.Itisaspectacular18-holegolfcourseinabeautifulareanexttotheseaside.Atthegolfcoursethegolferhasaccesstoalltheserviceheneedsforexamplepracticegreens,drivingrangeandagolfstorewhichisopenfrom9-22everyday.Everydayyoucanrentgolfcarts,golfbagsandgolfcars.www.golf.is/gs [email protected]: 421-4100

2 Kirkjubólsvöllur. 18 holesGolfklúbbur Sandgerðiswww.golf.is [email protected] Tel. 00 354 423 7802 / 00 354 863 7756

3 Kálfatjarnarvöllur. 9 holes

GolfklúbburVatnsleysu-strandarhreppswww.gvsgolf.is [email protected] Tel. 00 354 424 6529


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4 Húsatóftavöllur. 18 holes - Golfklúbbur GrindavíkurHusatoftavollurisa18holegolfcoursesituated4kmfromtheBlueLagoonontheReykjanespeninsula.Thefirstfiveholesstretchalongthecoastlineandtheothereightareabovethehighwaywheretheyslitherintothelavawhichsurroundsthefairwaysandgreens.Thelastfiveholesalongthecoastareplayedagaintofinishthe18holes.Thegolfcourseisrathereasytowalkeventhoughitisbeautifullybuiltintothehillylandscapewithabreathtakingview.www.gggolf.is [email protected]. Tee times: Tel 00 354 426 8720 / 00354 847 1847

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

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TOURS & ACTIVITIES

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All terrain vehicles – ATV4x4

ATV-adventuresislocatedjusta5min.drivefromtheBlueLagoonandisspecializedinreceivingsmallandlargegroupsofpeople.Justgetincontactandwewillorganizetheeventwhetheritisasurpriseevent,yourcompany’sannualevent,afamilyeventorjustsomethingyouwouldliketotry.Almostanythinggoes.Herearesomeofourscheduledtrips:

WerideonATVbetweenlavaandblacksandupbetweentwomountainsandrideupontoonewhereweexpectagoodviewovertheBlueLagoonandtheislandEldey.WeridetotheKrýsuvíknaturereserveoveronemountain

andtothelavabeachtoseeruinsoffishermenshuts,Selatangar.WeridethroughtheReykjanespeninsulawhereweseethetipofReykjanes,theReykjaneslighthouse

Tangasund1,240Grindavík

Allyear.

Seewebsitefortariffanddetails

003548573001

[email protected]


Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport


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andpartsoftheMid-AtlanticRidgethatliesbetweenthecontinentsofNorthAmericaandEurope.WedrivethroughthebeachewhereClintEastwoodandcrewmadehisfilm“FlagsofOurFathers”.Stopforalightrefreshment.Thereisnoagelimitforpassengers,butadriverslicenceneedstobepresentedfortheATVdriver.Necessarygearisofferedforvisitorsonthesetripssuchas,gloves,helmetwithheadlightandwarmwaterproofoverallclothingforuseincavesandcraters.PickupfromhotelsinKeflavík,ReykjavíkandBlueLagoon

byrequest.

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

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Arctic HorsesArcticHorsesoffershorsebackridestothebestdestinationsoftheotherworldlyReykjanesPeninsulainsouthwesternIceland,andistheonlystableridingnearthegeothermalBlueLagoonSpa.Wearea5minutedrivefromtheBlueLagoon.Icelandichorsesaretheeasiesthorsestorideintheworld,andourexperiencedguideswillhappilyteachyou.

Hópsheiði16,240Grindavík

Open1.Mar.-31.Oct.


003548480143

www.arctichorses.com,[email protected]


Grindavík

Garður

Vogar

Hafnir

Keflavík Airport


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Salty toursTheReykjanespeninsulaoffersspectacularscenery.AbriefdrivefromReykjavikbringsyoutodramaticLakeKleifarvatnwherenearbyarebubblinghotsprings.GoingtothesouthshorefishingvillageofGrindavík,neartotheBlueLagoonwevisittheSaltfishMuseum.AfterlunchwegofurtherwesttothetipofReykjanes,withitsbirdcliffs,andtakeawalkacrossIceland’sBridgebetweentwocontinentstraversingtheMid-AtlanticRidge.TheonlyVikingshipinIceland,ÍslendingurinNjarðvík,Reykjanesbær,willwelcomeyouforavisitbeforethelaststoponthetour,theuniqueBlueLagoon.Onourwaywewilltakeabrieflookintoalavacave.AttheBlueLagoonyoucandecidehowlongyouwanttostayinthebathandotherfacilitiesorgodirectlytoReykjavikontheschedulebus.Optionaldropoffattheinternationalairport,Keflavík.

Grindavík

Allyear.

003548205750saltytours.is.is

Nanny´s Nature Walks Grófin2-4,230Reykjanesbær.Tel.003548938900

Reykjanes travel guidesTel.003548965598

Volcano toursVíkurbraut2,Flagghús,240Grindavík.Tel.003544268822

AT Iceland tours,245Sandgerði,003548996312

Reyktour,Faxabraut38a,230Reykjanesbær,003548643739

Kópur,sea-angling,190Vogar,003548462510

Jeppabræður,Adventure4x4,Vogagerði30,190Vogum,00354662422

Seaweed and Kelp bath,atGarðskagiinGarður,tel.003548986440

Shore and cliff-fishing,OliverKeller,

003548937194

TRANSPORTATION

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SBKwasfoundedin1930totransportpeoplebetweenKeflavíkandReykjavík,SBKisIceland’soldest,mostexperiencedcoachoperator.Withafleetof16finebuses.Thecompanyoperatesinseveralpublictransportsectors,forexamplelinebusesbetweenReykjanesbærandReykjavik,schoolbusesanscitybuses.

Grófin,230Reykjanesbær

AllYear

Access

003544206000

[email protected]

SBK Coaches


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Coaches

Hópferðir Sævars, bus4u, Grófin17,230Reykjanesbæ,245SandgerðiTel.003548401540

Kynnisferðir - Reykjavik ExcursionsVatnsmýrarvegur10,101ReykjavíkTel:[email protected]/www.re.is

Bláa Línan - Blue LineLeifurEirikssonAirTerminalTel:003544250381003544206000

Car RentalsAviscarrental,591-4000.Budgetcarrental,562-6060.Europcar/Nationalcarrental,425-0300.Hertzcarrental,522-4436.SG carrental,421-3737.Geysir carrental893-4455Dollar – Thriftycarrental,515-7110.Sixt rent a car,540-2221Hassocarrental,421-6277.

SScarrental,421-2220.Arcticcarrental,421-436611.is,carrental,777-6611Bílaþjónustan,421-1118Blue carrental,773-7070Gildocarrental,847-1784ICR Icelandcarrental,773-7415X-tra carrental,842-6615Fitcarrental,421-8889Touring Cars,562-0909Camper Iceland,567-0807.Iceland Car Rental,4152500JS Camper rentals,8492220My Car, car rental,5521700Bílaleiga Keflavíkur,KEFCAR,7776111

Reykjavík rent a car,5693300

Taxis

A-Stöðin Tel:003544201212

Hreyfill-BæjarleiðirTel:003544214141

Icelandtaxi, private-driver,8920105

ACCOMMODATION, DINING

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Hotel Keflavik

HotelKeflavikisafirstclasshotelintheheartofKeflavík,onlyfiveminutesfromtheKeflavíkInternationalAirport,20minutesfromtheBlueLagoonand40minutesfromReykjavík.ThispioneerhotelwasthefirsttoopeninthetownonMay17th1986andcelebratesits25anniversarythisyear.Wemeetyourrequirementsoffering70spaciousrooms.AllroomsareequippedwithB&Otelevision,CDplayer,mini-bar,telephone,safe,trouserpressandwirelessinternet.

Ourconfortablehotelisofferingaswellcomputerroomwithfreeinternetaccess,fitnesscenter,restaurantalacarte,conferencerooms,breakfastandairporttransfer.CaféIðnóisaglass-enclosedhotelrestaurantwhereyoufindcoffeehouse,baranddeliciousmealsalacarte.

Vatnsnesvegur12,230Reykjanesbæ

AllYear

+3544207000

Email:[email protected]


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Icelandair Hotel in Keflavík

IcelandairHotelinKeflavíkisamemberofIcelandairhotels,whicharepremiumhotelsinIceland.Locationiskeytothismodernfour-starhotel,5minutesawayfromKeflavikInternationalAirport(KEF).IcelandairHotelhassauna,massageandwhirlpool.Itisagreatmeetingpoint,with6conferenceroomsforupto12to200people.IcelandairHotelhas60rooms–39Standard,18Deluxeand3JuniorSuites–Thereisanall-dayfirstclassrestaurant,Vocal.IcelandairHotelinKeflavíkoffersfreeWiFiinallroomsandcommonareas.Itoffersrelaxinglounge/bar,whichhasafireplace.Breakfastisservedfrom05:00a.m.everyday.

IcelandairHotelinKeflavíkHafnargata57,230Reykjanesbæ

AllYear

Access

+3544215222

[email protected]


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The Northern Light Inn

TheNorthernLightInnisahomeawayfromhome,locatedintheheartofthegeothermalReykjanesPeninsula.32cozyrooms,familyhospitalityanddeliciousfoodsawaityou,only15minutesfromtheKeflavíkInternationalAirport,2minutesfromtheBlueLagoon.ComplimentaryInternationalAiportandBlueLagoontransfersareavailableanytime.WI-FIinternetaccessisfreethroughoutthehotel.Daytoursandactivitiescanbejoinedfromthehotel.

Grindavíkurbraut1,240Grindavík.

Allyear.Access

+3544268650

[email protected]


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Blue Lagoon Clinic & Hotel

BlueLagoonIcelandoffersaccommodationattheBlueLagoonClinicHotel.Apartofthebuildingisatreatmentcenterforpsoriasis.ThehotelislocatedinaquietnaturalsettinginafiveminutewalkfromtheBlueLagoonGeothermalSpa.Itsmodernlydesignedandcomfortable15roomsofferviewofthesurroundingnaturallavafield.Floortoceilingwindowsbringtheserenetyofthenaturalsurroundingintoeachroom.

Grindavíkurvegur5240Grindavík

AllYear

+3544208900

[email protected]


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Lindarbraut634,235Reykjanesbæ

AllYear

Access

+3545128040

[email protected]

The Icelandic Health Hotel / SPA Hotel Iceland

TheIcelandicHealthHotelistheidealplaceforvisitorstoimproveboththeirphysicalandmentalwell-being.Astaythatprovidesthenecessarybreakfromourdailyroutinesandtheguestsreturnrejuvenatedandenergized.TheDetoxtreatmentatthehotelwasdevelopedbytwodoktors.Itisbasedonaspecialdiet,healthyexercise,lymphaticandanti-inflammatorymassage,steambaths,BlueLagoontrips,restandrelaxation.


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Bed and Breakfast Keflavik AirportBedandBreakfastKeflavikAirportislocatednexttotheKeflavikInternationalAirport,housedinarenovatedarmybarracksonaformerAmericanmilitaryNATObase,ÁSBRÚ.Weofferspaciousroomsandafree24-hourshuttleservicefromtheairport.Alargebreakfastbuffetisavailablefrom04:30.Receptionisopen24hours.Allourroomshaveaprivatebathroom.GYMcenter.Guestscanpreparemealsincommunalkitchen.TheTVloungehasaninternetcomputerandapooltable.Reviews: ... the best about the hotel was the space in the rooms, the lovely staff and the best breakfast.

B&B Guesthouse Keflavik CenterWhenyou’relookingforacomfybedandagoodnightssleepwithineasyreachofIceland’sinternationalairport,B&BGuesthouseKeflavikCenteristheplacetogo.Itisonlya4minutesdrivefromtheairporttotheguesthouseandweofferfreepickupordropoff.“USA|Couple18-24|14thJune2010Thisisthecutest,friendliestplaceever.Thebedsaresupercomfy,thebathroomishugeandgorgeous.Ireallycan’tsayenoughgoodthings!”

Hringbraut92,230Reykjanesbær

AllYear

+3544218989

[email protected]

Valhallarbraut.761235Reykjanesbær

AllYear

+3544265000/8992570

[email protected]


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Ocean Front Iceland, Luxury ApartmentLuxuryapartmentinthisbeautifulOceanfrontVilla,Minna-KnarrarnesinVatnsleysuströnd,byroad420.Idealfor2,sleeps4.Separateentrance,kitchen,livingroom,bathroomandonebedroom.Allinclusive.WirelessInternet.Hottub/JacuzziandcableTV.Thehouse,anditsbeautifulsurroundingshavebeenusedinfilm-making.Locatedonalargeprivatepropertywithoutstandingoceanandmountainview,andwithaprivatebeach.TheBlueLagoonis15minutesaway.Reykjavikis30minutesaway,downtown.TheAirportis15minutesaway.A

perfectplacetoseetheAuroraBorealis-NorthernLights,SeptemberthroughApril,inasecludedcountrysidearea,withoutexternallighting.Atrulymagnificentplace.

Minna-Knarrarnes,Vatnsleysuströnd,190Vogum

Allyear.


+3548986760

www.oceanfronticeland.is,[email protected]


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Hafnargata37

Allyear.


+3544209800

Website:hotelkeilir.is,[email protected]

Hótel KeilirKeilirHotelisafamilybusinessonKeflavik‘smainstreet,withinwalkingdistanceofallthebestrestaurantsandpubsinthearea.It’stheperfectplaceinwhichtostaywhenexploringKeflavikortheReykjanesPeninsula,whichincludestheworld-famousBlueLagoon,orwhenarrivinginorleavingIceland.AminibustakespassengerstotheKeflavikInternationalairport,whichisjust5minutesaway.


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Hótel BergYouwillfindthisnew,family-runhotelinoneofthemostbeautifullocationsontheReykjanespeninsula–besidetheharbourforsmallboatsinKeflavík.Justfiveminutes’walkfromthebestrestaurantsintownandsevenminutes’drivefromKeflavíkInternationalAirportand30minutesfromReykjavik.

Bakkavegur17,230Reykjanesbær

Allyear.


+3544227922,Fax:+3544227933

www.hotelberg.is,[email protected]


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Guesthouse GarðurWhy you should visit – Garðurshouldappealtothosewhoenjoynature.– Garðskagiisauniquenaturereservewhereyoucanenjoy abeautifulsunsetinsummerandthemysteriousnorthern lightsinwinter.– Garðskagiisalsoknownforbirdwatchingwherethousands ofmigratingbirdsarrivefromGreenlandandNorthAmerica tobreed.

Our accommodations – Ourfacilitiesaregreatforfamiliesandcouples.– 7apartmentsfor4-8persons. – Ourguestshaveaccesstofullyequippedkitchenwhere theycancooktheirownmeal– Tvinallapartments– Freeparkingatthepremisesoftheguesthouse.– Freewirelessinternetconnection.– Weofferfreeairporttransport.

Skagabraut6a250Garði

AllYear

+3546607894+3546607891

[email protected]


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Airport Hotel Smári

AirportHótelSmáriisanewlybuilthotellocatedonly100metersfromKeflavikAirportTerminal,scheduledtoopenearlysummer2012.Thehotelwillbefullyequippedwith70roomson6floors.Ithasspacious(20-25m2)single,doubleandtripleroomswithprivatebathrooms,satelliteTVandaccesstowirelessinternet.AregularbustransportationwillbeavailabletoHotelSmáriintheReykjavikarea.

KeflavikAirport

Allyear.

+354595-1900

www.hotelsmari.is


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VitinnYou’vejustlandedatIceland’sinternationalairportandyourstomachisrumbling!Ashort,10-minuteridewillbringyouthequickestintroductiontotheIcelandicspecialitycuisine–andthemostdeliciousrelieftothatrumblingstomachthatyoucouldimaginethat’snonethelesseasyonthewallet!Whetheryouarealoneorwithalargegroup,Vitinn(Lighthouse)restaurantcansatisfyyourappetitewithaculinaryandvisual.Setnexttothelighthouse,rightbytheharbourwherethefishingfleetlandsitscatch,Vitinnpreparesfishthatcouldnotbefresher!

Northern Light InnNordicsoulfoodandhospitalityofadifferentkindhasmadetheNorthernLightInnaninternationallyrenownculinarydestination.ThemenuisthoughtfullypreparedfromthebestingredientsavailableinIceland;thefreshestNorthAtlanticfish,melt-in-your-mouthfree-rangemossgrazinglamb,anddeliciousvegetariansselections.Thepanoramicdiningroomisjust15minutesfromKeflavikInternationalAirport,45minutesfromReykjavik,andmomentstotheBlueLagoon.

Bláalónsvegur,240Grindavík

Allyear

Access

+3544268650

[email protected]

Vitatorg7,245Sandgerði

Allyear

Access

+3544237755

[email protected]


122

Café IðnóCaféIðnóisaglass-enclosedrestaurantconnectedtoHotelKeflavik.Thereyoufindacoffeehouse,barandaverynicerestaurantinattractivesurroundings.CaféIðnóoffersasuperbalacartemenuwithgoodselectionoffish,meatandpasta.Personalserviceandfreshingredientsisthemainconcern

Vatnsnesvegur12,230Reykjanesbæ

AllYear

+3544207000

[email protected]

Lava RestaurantBlueLagoon‘sLavarestaurantoffersabreathtakingviewoftheLagoon.FreshIcelandicseafooddeliveredfreshdailyfromfromthedockofGrindavik,BlueLagoon‘shometown,isprominentonthemenu.Headchef,ViktorÖrnAndrésson,amemberoftheIcelandicCulinaryteam,placesemphasisonusingfreshIcelandicingredientsinpreparingamenuwithaninternationalflair.Sushi,vegetariandishes,theIcelandiclambandseafoodareamongthetemptingitemsonthemenu.LightrefreshmentspreparedintheBlueLagoonkitchenareservedinBlueCafeandattheLagoonbarwherepeoplecanenjoyrefreshmentsinbetweenbathingintheBlueLagoon.

Grindavíkurvegur5240Grindavík

AllYear

+3544208900

[email protected]


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VOCAL restaurant Afirst-classrestaurantandstylishhotelbar,boastingexcellentservice.Flughotel’sfirst-classrestaurantservesimpressivedishesforgroupsandindividualsinsophisticatedsurroundings.It’smenuoffersdinersawidechoicetosuitavarietyoftastes,moodsanddiets,makingittheperfectplaceforeitherlunchordinner.Vocalrestaurantisalsoopenforbreakfastfrom05:00a.m.to10:00a.m.Inadditiontotheeateriesatthetherestaurant,thereisacomfortablebarforyoutorelaxandenjoyadrinkatyourleisure.

Flughotel,Hafnargata57,230Reykjanesbæ

AllYear

Access

+003544215222

[email protected]

RáinInits23rdyearandrecentlyrenovated,thiselegantrestauranthasthecosystyleofthe1930’s‘GoldenYears’andallthemoderntrappingsneededforconferences,celebrations,eventsorshows.Itswindowsofferarestful,panoramicviewoftheoceantothehorizon,makingitapopularvenueforlocalsandvisitorsalike.Youcouldgetsolostinyourenjoymentofthemealthat,ifyou’reonyourwayhome,youcouldmissyourflight!

Hafnargötu19,230Keflavík

AllYear

Access

+3544214601

[email protected]


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Hotels:Hótel Vogar,Stapavegur7,190Vogar,tel.+3544246735/+3548664664

Guesthouses:

Gistiheimilið Keflavík,Vatnsnesvegi9,230Reykjanesbær.Tel.+3544207000.

Guesthouse Ásabraut, Ásabraut8,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3548967888

Svítan, apartment rent,Túngata10,230Reykjanesbær+3546631269

GG gistiheimili,Sólvallagata11,230Reykjanesbæ,tel.+3545681813

Mótel Alex, Aðalgata60,230Reykjanesbæ,tel.+3544212800

Gistiheimilið Þverholt 5,Þverholt5,230Reykjanesbæ,tel.+3548639280Gistiheimilið 1x6,Vesturbraut3,230Reykjanesbæ,tel.+3544212282/

+3547776166Fiskanes,Hafnargata17-19,240Grindavík,tel.+3548976388

Gistiheimilið Borg,Borgarhraun2,240Grindavík,tel.+3548958686

Arctic B&B,Sjónarhóli,240Grindavík,tel.+3544361414/+3546961919

Gistiheimilið Driffell, Heiðarvegi4,230Reykjanesbæ,tel.+3546995529

Huts:

Þóroddsstaðir, Nátthagi,245Sandgerði,tel.+3544237748/+3548937523

Motel Alex,Aðalgata60,230Reykjanesbæ,tel.+3544212800

Youth hostel:

Fit Hostel,Fitjabraut6a,260Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544218889Camping:

Camping Sandgerði


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Grindavík Camping SiteGrindavíkopenedabrandnewstateoftheartcampgroundfacilityinthesummerof2009atAusturvegur26.Thecampgroundisapleasure-festforthefamily.Thecampgroundwasdesignedwiththecampingenthusiastinmind;itincludesthelatestinaccommodationsfortents,RV´sandcampers.Ithastwoplaygroundsforchildrenwithswings,castlesandaspider-net,family-sizedbarbeques,andaccesstoelectricity,plusaperfectplacetoemptyport-a-potties.Pavedentrancetothecampinggroundsandconvenientparkingarea.

Austurvegur26,240GrindavíkTel:[email protected]/tjaldsvaediOpenfrom15.Mayto20.September

Byggðavegur,245Sandgerði,tel.+3544237551/+3548978007www.sandgerdi.is.Openfrom1.Aprilto30.Sept.

Camping Alex,Keflavík,Aðalgata60,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544212800/[email protected],www.alex.isOpenfrom1.June–15.Sept.Camping Garður,Skagabraut,250Garður,tel.+3544227108

[email protected].

Camping Grindavík,Austurvegur26,240Grindavík,[email protected]–15.Sept.


126

RestaurantsKaffi Duus, Duusgata10,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544217080

Thai Keflavík, thai restaurant,Hafnargata39,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544218666/+3548407670

Dinnerinn, restaurant,Krossmói4,260Reykjanesb.,tel.+3544214450

Panda, chinese restaurant, Hafnargata30,230Reykjanes.,tel.+3544218060

Sjómannastofan Vör, Hafnargata9,240Grindavík,tel.+3544268570

Karma, health food,Grófin8,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544218448

Mamma mia,Hafnargata7a,240Grindavík,tel.+3544269966/+3548962710

Salthúsið,Stamphólsvegur2,240Grindavík,tel.+3544269700/+3546992665Mamma mia, Tjarnargata6,245Sandgerði,tel+3544237377/+3548247270

Vitinn, Vitatorg7,245Sandgerði,tel.+3544237755

Tveir vitar,Garðskaga,250Garður,tel.+3544227214

Langbest,byKeilisbraut,building771,Ásbrú,235Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544214777

Olsen Olsen, Hafnargata17,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544214457

Kanturinn, Hafnargata6,240Grindavík,tel.+3544269999/+3548249080

Fast food:Aðalstöðin,Hafnargata86,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544214800

Biðskýlið Njarðvík,Hólagata20,260Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544212563

Skyndibarinn,Víkurbraut21,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544215051

Dominos pizza, Hafnargata86,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3545812345


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Langbest, Hafnargata62,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544214777

Ungó,Hafnargata6,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544211544

Bitinn, Iðavellir14b,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544214000

Bitinn, Hafnargata12,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544218000

Pulsuvagninn, Tjarnargata19,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544211680

Subway, Hafnargata32andFitjum,230and260Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544217756/5177747

N1 Söluskáli, Heiðartún1,250Garður,tel.+3544227265

AðalBraut, Víkurbraut31,240Grindavík,tel.+3544267222/+3548927755

Báran, Pizza Islandia, Hafnargötu6,240Grindavík,tel.+3544269900

Shell skálinn, Strandgötu15,Sandgerði,tel.+3544237560

Jón Sterki, take away, Hafnargötu17a,190Vogum,tel.+3547717900

Cafés:

Aðalbraut, Víkurbraut31,240Gindavík,tel.+3544267222/+3548927755

Kaffi Duus, Duusgata10,230Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544217080

Kaffitár,Stapabraut7,260Reykjanesbær,tel.+3544202700

Blue Café,attheBlueLagoon,240Grindavík,tel.+3544208800

Bryggjan, attheharbourinGrindavík,240Grindavík,tel.+3544267100/+3548924587

official tourist guide 2012

Documents

tourist information

saltfi sandgeri

main towns villagesreykjanesbr

gunnuhver 86the100craterpark