Reykjanes Geopark

Jarðvangur Reykjanes

Reykjanes

The Reykjanes Peninsula is the only place on Earth where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge sits above sea level — the North American and Eurasian plates diverge here at around 2.5 centimeters per year, and the ground shows it. UNESCO designated the peninsula a Global Geopark in 2015, covering 55 geosites from boiling mud fields to sea cliffs. Since 2021 the area has experienced repeated eruptions at Fagradalsfjall and the Sundhnúkur crater row, adding new lava fields that hikers can reach on marked trails. The geopark is a collection of sites, not one place. Gunnuhver near the southwest tip is a vigorous mud pool and steam field where the largest pool spans around 20 meters. The Bridge Between Continents straddles the rift fissure on the north shore. Kleifarvatn, the peninsula's largest lake, has actually shrunk following earthquakes along the rift. Most sites are under an hour from Reykjavík and close to Keflavík airport — convenient for arrivals or departures. Always check current volcanic and gas-hazard conditions at visitreykjanes.is before hiking near active lava areas.

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