Reykjanes Peninsula: Volcanos & Blue Lagoon Self-Guided Tour

About this experience

Discover a land of black sand beaches, steaming hot springs, and volcanic history with this self-guided driving tour of Iceland’s enchanting Reykjanes Peninsula, featuring the world-renowned Blue Lagoon! Witness soaring sea cliffs and a coastline forged by volcanoes as you drive at your own pace. Visit the Gunnuhver Hot Springs and Reykjanes Lighthouse. Hear the history of pirates and Vikings. And so much more! (NOTE: Blue Lagoon requires a separate reservation to visit.)

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Itinerary

1. Tour stop

   Remember the Grindavik townsfolk who baked their bread in volcanic steam vents? Well in the 1970s, a group of scientists decided to take this idea to the next level! They began exploring the land north of Grindavik, hoping to use the area’s geothermal energy to provide heat for the town’s residents. Note: The tour is over 39.8 miles long, with more than 40 audio stories, and takes about 3-4 hours per tour to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

   Pass by without stopping
2. Tour stop

   We’re approaching the tiny village of Hafnir, which looks out over a small bay. Although only a few hundred people live here today, two of Iceland’s largest estates once dominated this area… and the owners didn’t always get along!

3. Tour stop

   The Hafnarberg Sea Cliffs are coming up next, offering another view of the stunning coastline. The easy trail to reach them is three miles in total and takes around an hour to complete.

4. Tour stop

   The Bridge Between Continents spans the gap separating the North American Plate from the Eurasian Plate. Although the bridge is only about 50 feet long, it allows you to walk all the way from North America to Europe! Now that’s something to brag about!

5. Tour stop

   Just ahead, Gunnuhver Hot Springs offer some positively volcanic views. As a high-temperature geothermal field, these hot springs sit very close to an active volcano. Off to our right, you’ll notice a gentle rise. Although this might look pretty inconspicuous, this is actually Gunnuhver Volcano, the main source of the hot springs!

6. Tour stop

   On our right, the Reykjanes Lighthouse keeps watch over the peninsula’s southernmost tip. Since 1878, a lighthouse has stood on this hill, helping sailors and fishermen safely navigate the treacherous cliffs.

7. Tour stop

   When you look at the statue, you might think to yourself: Wait, that’s a penguin! Although these stocky, flightless birds certainly looked like penguins, they’re actually an entirely different species!

8. Tour stop

   The name ‘Brimketill’ translates to “whitewater cauldron.” According to the stories, this cauldron once belonged to a giant troll named Oddný! Oddný and her husband Hróar lived in a nearby cave. At night, Oddný came down to her cauldron to cook and wash her clothing. Sounds pretty peaceful!

9. Tour stop

   The 1,200-foot Fagradalsfjall is a real trend-setter: In 2021, its eruption kicked off the recent period of volcanic activity known as the New Reykjanes Fires. Prior to the volcano’s eruption, it’d been nearly 800 years since the peninsula saw a major volcanic event! Talk about trailblazing!

10. Tour stop

    Our next optional detour is a 5-minute drive to the ruins of Selatangar, an old fishing station. Sitting about a mile from the highway, Selatangar gives us a glimpse into Icelandic life hundreds of years ago… and it wasn’t always pretty!

11. Tour stop

    In a couple of minutes, we’ll reach the turn-off for Krísuvíkurberg Cliffs. These sheer cliffs are a favorite spot for some iconic Icelandic birds: kittiwakes, guillemots, and even a few puffin families!

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Check current road closures and volcanic eruption updates before your visit.
• ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE: Access to the Blue Lagoon, Grindavík, and Svartsengi may be restricted due to volcanic activity. Follow local authority instructions and check current road conditions before visiting. Keflavík Airport remains unaffected.
• Iceland has introduced a kilometre-based road fee for vehicles. Rates currently start at 6.95 ISK per kilometre for vehicles under 3.5 tons and may vary by vehicle type. Check the latest official information before your trip.
• Days in Iceland get shorter in winter due to the country's high latitude, and there is less light during the day. Please schedule your tour accordingly and start early.
• Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
• Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
• At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
• Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
• Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
• More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
• Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
• Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
• Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
• Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
• The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.