"It's like driving on the Moon!" This is the remark given, almost without exception, on the 40 km (25 mile) flat road, with alien lava formations, between Keflavík airport and Reykjavík. Yet, the area has more to offer than meets the eye.
Just by the airport lies the town Reykjanesbær, which was called "Beatles tow" during the sixties because of its many nationally popular rock-bands. On the outskirts of town is the old turf farm of Stekkjarkot, now a museum, and beside it stands Íslendingur, a fully seaworthy replica of a Viking age ship. Whale watching trips are available from the harbour.
The name of Reykjanes means Smoky Ness, and originates from the geothermal activity of the area. Reykjanes is mostly flat land, but the picturesque mountain range approaches. Pillars of steam rise up before the Mt. Thorbjörn (243 m), coming from a geothermal power plant, and a well known tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon. Behind the mountain lies the town Grindavík, with a museum dedicated to salted cod, the premium export of Iceland through the centuries.
The trip goes on through the large lava field dating from about 7000 B.C. From its center, 23 km from the airport, rises the stratovolcano Mt. Keilir (379 m). About 30 km from the airport you reach the town Hafnarfjörður with its Viking village and a large aluminum smelter on the outskirts. Drive straight and follow the signs for Reykjavík (turning for "Reykjavík A" meaning you'll end up in the east part of the city). Turn right when seeing signs with Reykjavík and Garðabær. The drive leads through the suburb towns of Gardabær and Kópavogur. When entering the capital its two striking monuments come in sight: the Pearl and Hallgrímskirkja church. You also see the city mountain Mt. Esja (914 m) gracefully adorning the setting. Welcome to Reykjavík!
Images from the Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes
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