Discover the Best of Keflavik: Must-See Attractions
12. Take in the Views at Gardsskagi Lighthouses
At the very tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Gardsskagi Lighthouses make for a quietly spectacular stop — open coastline, wide skies, and sweeping views across Faxafloi Bay. There are two towers here: the first dates to 1897, the second was added in 1944. Together they cut a striking silhouette against the horizon, and the surrounding shoreline is well worth a slow wander with a camera in hand.
The area draws birdwatchers and sunset chasers in equal measure, especially in summer when the light hangs around until late in the evening. When the weather is kind, there’s a small café and a local heritage museum on site that covers maritime history and the day-to-day lives of the lighthouse keepers who once lived here.
Gardsskagi is one of the best free things to do near Keflavik — it’s a 15-minute drive from the town center along Route 45, passing through the village of Gardur. The road is well signed, parking is easy, and the paths are flat enough for most visitors.
11. Visit the Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll
The Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll traces the arc of Icelandic music from its earliest pop acts through to internationally recognised names like Bjork and Of Monsters and Men. It sits inside Keflavik’s Hljomaholl Cultural Center and manages to be genuinely engaging rather than the dry, glass-case-and-placard experience you might expect.
Rare recordings, vintage instruments, music videos, personal stories from artists — there’s a lot to take in. You can follow the timeline of Icelandic rock decade by decade, listen to tracks along the way, and have a go at DJing or karaoke in the sound booths. Touchscreens and audio guides run in both English and Icelandic, so nothing is lost in translation.
It’s open year-round, closed only on key holidays, and admission is free. Whether you’re a committed music fan or just curious about Iceland’s cultural life, it’s worth an hour of your time.
10. Relax and Recharge at a Keflavik Swimming Pool
Soaking in a warm outdoor pool is just part of life in Iceland, and Keflavik’s geothermally heated pool gives you an easy way to experience that for yourself. It’s open all year, rain or shine.
Sundlaug Reykjanesbaer — often called Sundmidstodin or Waterworld — sits in downtown Keflavik at Sunnubraut 31. The complex has indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and a waterslide. Locals use it to wind down after work or start a slow morning right, and it’s easy to see why once you’re in the water.
Bring your own towel and swimsuit, or hire them on site. The usual Icelandic rule applies: a thorough shower without swimwear before you get in the pool. Once you’re through the ritual and settled in the warm water, it’s hard to want to leave.
9. Watch the Northern Lights
Seeing the northern lights is high on most visitors’ lists, and from late September to April, Keflavik is a reasonable base for chasing them. Light pollution is low enough that a clear night can deliver a proper show.
Head to the harbor paths, nearby hills, or the coastal stretches just outside town for a clear view of the sky. Plenty of hotels offer wake-up calls when the lights appear — on a good night, you might not need to go far at all.
If you’re flying through Keflavik International Airport, a multi-day tour can pair aurora hunting with other highlights like the Golden Circle or ice caving. A northern lights tour combined with a Blue Lagoon visit is another popular combination that’s easy to arrange.
Dress warmly — it gets cold fast after dark — and keep your camera or phone fully charged. The best displays usually happen between 10 PM and 2 AM, so check the weather forecast and aurora predictions before you head out.
8. Stroll Around Keflavik Harbor
A walk around Keflavik Harbor costs nothing and consistently delivers. Colourful fishing boats sit on the water, seabirds work the air overhead, and the whole place has an unhurried quality that’s good for clearing your head before dinner or after a long drive.
Along the dock you’ll find local art installations, benches, and open views across the bay. Summer evenings keep the sky bright for hours; winter brings the chance of northern lights if conditions come together.
Keflavik Harbor has started welcoming small to mid-sized cruise ships during spring and summer, so the waterfront can feel lively during those months without being overwhelming.
A harbor walk combines naturally with a visit to the Duus Museum, the Giantess in the Mountain, or a coffee stop at one of the cafés nearby. The ground is flat and the routes are obvious — just follow the waterfront and see where you end up.
7. Step Inside Stekkjarkot Turf House
A short distance from Keflavik, the restored turf house Stekkjarkot offers a grounded look at what coastal life actually looked like in 19th-century Iceland. It was built between 1855 and 1857, used as a fishermen’s cottage until 1924, then carefully restored and opened to visitors in 1993.
The construction tells its own story — thick stone walls, a timber frame, and a turf-covered roof that kept out the worst of the Icelandic winters. The older section has an open hearth; the newer part has floorboards and a coal-fired stove. Small details, but they add up.
Admission is free. In winter the building itself may be closed, but the exterior is always there to see, with signs that explain the history clearly. It’s a worthwhile detour for anyone with an interest in vernacular architecture or the everyday lives of people who came before.
6. Explore Seafaring History at the Keflavik Maritime Center
Inside the Duus Museum complex, the Keflavik Maritime Center is a compact museum that punches above its size. Keflavik’s history is bound up with the sea, and this collection brings that story to life through boats, engines, and tools that trace how the local fishing industry evolved over the decades.
You’ll find carefully crafted ship models, early photographs of fishermen at work, and equipment that was once standard along the coast. Most displays are in both Icelandic and English, which helps, and the overall tone is thoughtful rather than museum-dry.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM to 5 PM, closed Mondays. Entrance is free for children under 18 and visitors with disabilities. It fits well into a relaxed afternoon walk around the town, especially if you’re pairing it with the Duus Museum next door.
5. Explore the Duus Museum
Right on the harbor, the Duus Museum is one of Keflavik’s most rewarding stops. The building itself — a set of restored waterfront warehouses — is part of the appeal, and inside you get a blend of art, local history, and maritime heritage in an airy, well-lit space with good views of the water.
Rotating exhibitions showcase local artists alongside model boats, historic photographs, and objects from the town’s fishing past. The big windows help; standing here looking out at the harbor while thinking about the industry that once ran through these walls makes the collection feel alive rather than archived.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM to 5 PM, closed Mondays. Free for children under 18 and those with disabilities. Budget around 45 minutes, then head next door to Kaffi Duus for coffee, cake, or a proper meal with a harbour view. If you need somewhere to stay, Hotel Duus is right on site.
4. Meet the Giantess in the Cave
By the harbor, tucked into a small cave-like structure, the Giantess in the Cave is one of those Keflavik stops that’s hard to categorise and easy to enjoy. It draws on children’s stories by Icelandic author Herdis Egilsdottir — specifically the tale of a good-natured giantess who comes down from the mountains to live in town.
Inside, a dimly lit room holds oversized furniture, a fireplace, and the sound of the giantess snoring quietly in her rocking chair — long braids, hairy toes, the whole thing. It’s simultaneously charming and slightly unsettling, which seems about right for Icelandic folklore.
Free to enter, open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, and it takes about ten minutes to see. It’s right behind the Duus Museum, so easy to slot into a harbour wander. Kids tend to love it; adults are usually more entertained than they expect to be.
3. Discover the Wonders of the Reykjanes Peninsula
If you have a full day to spare, the Reykjanes Peninsula earns it. The landscape here is shaped by active volcanism, shifting tectonic plates, and the Atlantic hammering the coastline — raw and elemental in a way that stays with you.
Tours of Reykjanes typically take in steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, volcanic craters, and wave-battered cliffs. Come windproofed — the coast is exposed and the weather can turn quickly. Here are the highlights worth making time for:
Gunnuhver Hot Springs
Gunnuhver is Iceland’s largest geothermal mud pool, and it makes an impression. Steam rises in thick columns, mud bubbles and churns, and the sulfur smell hits you before you get close. Wooden walkways let you approach safely and take in the scale of it.
The name comes from a ghost called Gunna, said to have been trapped here by a local priest. Whether or not you go in for the folklore, the landscape feels appropriately otherworldly. No entry fee, open year-round.
Brimketill Lava Pool
Brimketill is a natural lava rock basin right at the ocean’s edge. Waves drive into the rugged shoreline and occasionally surge into the pool itself — impressive to watch, not safe to swim in. A metal walkway leads to a viewing platform where you get the full picture without any risk.
Come at high tide or during rough weather for the best display. The site is just off Route 425 with a small car park nearby.
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse and Sea Cliffs
Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, Reykjanesviti, has been standing since 1878 on a volcanic hill above some of the peninsula’s most dramatic sea cliffs. Steam vents dot the surrounding ground, seabirds work the updrafts, and the Atlantic puts on a show against the rocks below.
Short walking trails lead to lookout points with wide views. It pairs well with a stop at Gunnuhver — they’re close to each other and offer a good contrast.
Bridge Between Continents
The Bridge Between Continents is a short footbridge over a fissure that marks the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You walk from one continent to the other in a matter of steps, which is a strange and quietly satisfying thing to do.
Signs explain the geology clearly, and the surrounding landscape — black sand, lava fragments, open fissures — speaks for itself. Easy access, good for families.
Krysuvik Geothermal Area
Further inland, Krysuvik spreads out in bands of yellow, red, and green — mineral-stained earth cut through by steaming vents and connected by wooden boardwalks. It’s less visited than some of the other geothermal sites on the peninsula, which makes it feel more like a discovery.
Set aside 30 to 45 minutes to walk the trails properly and take it in.
Lake Kleifarvatn
Near Krysuvik, Lake Kleifarvatn sits deep and still among volcanic ridges. It’s one of the largest lakes in southwest Iceland and has no visible outlet — which gives it a closed, self-contained quality that adds to its atmosphere.
The shores have black sand beaches, lava formations, and steep cliffs. It’s the kind of place that rewards just sitting quietly for a few minutes.
Fagradalsfjall, Litli-Hrutur, and Sundhnukagigar Volcanoes
The three eruption sites on the Reykjanes Peninsula are part of an active volcanic zone that has been reshaping this part of Iceland in real time. Fagradalsfjall erupted in 2021 and 2022, Litli-Hrutur followed in 2023, and significant eruptions at Sundhnukagigar began in 2023 and continue into 2025.
The results — fresh craters, steaming fissures, new lava flows — draw visitors who want to see geological change happening rather than just read about it. Trails to viewpoints exist where conditions allow, but check safety information before you go. A guided tour focused on the recent eruption sites is worth considering, as is a helicopter tour if you want the full aerial perspective.
2. Step Aboard a Viking Ship Replica at the Viking World Museum
Five minutes from Keflavik International Airport, the Viking World Museum is a strong introduction to Iceland’s Norse past. The centerpiece is a full-scale replica of the 9th-century Viking ship the Islendingur, which sailed from Iceland to New York in 2000 to mark Leif Erikson’s journey to North America.
You can walk the deck, look at Viking tools and armor up close, and work through exhibits on Norse mythology — all in English and Icelandic. There’s a children’s activity area, a gift shop, and a café for a mid-visit break.
Open daily 10 AM to 4 PM in winter (October to April) and 10 AM to 6 PM in summer (May to September). Book your ticket in advance to avoid any queuing.
1. Take a Dip in the Iconic Blue Lagoon (Near Keflavik)
The Blue Lagoon is 20 minutes by car from Keflavik International Airport, which makes it an obvious first or last stop in Iceland. Many travellers take a one-way transfer or combine the journey from Keflavik to Reykjavik with a lagoon stop — it works well either way.
The milky-blue water against the dark lava fields is the image most people carry away, and it holds up in person. You can float, apply a silica mud mask, drink at the swim-up bar, use the steam rooms and sauna, or book an in-water massage. Two dining options are on site. It runs year-round, including winter, when it’s particularly atmospheric.
Book ahead — this is not a place you turn up to without a reservation. The Comfort ticket covers lagoon access, a silica mud mask, and one drink from the bar, which covers the essentials. A premium ticket adds more if you want it.
If you’re staying in the area longer, there’s a range of accommodation near the Blue Lagoon, from hotels to spa retreats. Various tours pair a lagoon visit with other stops across Iceland.
Whether you arrive jet-lagged and ready to decompress or you’re squeezing in one last experience before your flight home, the Blue Lagoon tends to deliver.
What To Know About Going to Keflavik
With a clear sense of what’s on offer, here’s the practical side — how to get there, when to go, where to sleep, and what to bring.
How To Get to Keflavik
Keflavik sits on Iceland’s southwest coast, about 10 minutes from the international airport and roughly 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Getting here is straightforward by car, taxi, or public transport.
Renting a car at the airport gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to cover the Reykjanes Peninsula at your own pace. Major rental companies are in the terminal, and Route 41 takes you directly into town. Taxis wait outside arrivals, and many hotels run their own shuttles.
If you’re watching your budget, the Straeto bus number 55 connects the airport, Keflavik, and Reykjavik. It’s reliable and you can pay by card or through the Klappid app. For the town center, get off at either the Hringbraut or Nordurtun stops.
The Best Time To Visit Keflavik
Keflavik works in any season — what changes is what you’re there for.
Summer (May to September) brings milder temperatures, long days, and events like the Ljosanott Festival (Night of Lights) in August. It’s the season for coastal walks, scenic drives, and making the most of Iceland’s midnight sun.
October to April is your window for the northern lights. Darker skies and less light pollution make Keflavik a decent base for aurora watching, and you’ll typically find fewer crowds and lower prices for flights, accommodation, and car hire. Attractions like the Blue Lagoon and Viking World Museum stay open throughout.
Late May or early September thread the needle nicely — reasonable weather without the peak-season crowds. April and October are also worth considering for good deals on flights and accommodation.
Where To Stay in Keflavik
There’s a solid range of places to stay in Keflavik, whether you’re just passing through or using the town as a proper base for the Reykjanes Peninsula. Most options are a short drive from the airport, and many include parking, early breakfast, and transfer services.
Hotel Berg is a reliable mid-range choice near the marina — comfortable rooms, a rooftop hot tub, and easy walking distance to restaurants and trails. Hotel Duus sits right by the harbour with clean rooms and decent sea views.
If your priority is being close to the terminal for an early flight, both the Courtyard by Marriott and Aurora Hotel are directly at the airport. Both offer 24-hour check-in, early breakfast, and soundproofed rooms reachable on foot or by a short shuttle ride.
For budget options, Start Hostel, Guesthouse 1×6, and Hotel Jazz all offer clean rooms, warm service, and easy access to shops and bus stops. Several have kitchen facilities and will arrange airport shuttles if you ask in advance.
Keflavik has more going on than most people expect. Whether you spend a few hours here or a few days, there’s no shortage of ways to fill the time — from volcanic landscapes and Viking history to geothermal pools and live music culture. It’s a proper destination in its own right, not just a stopover.
