Keflavik: What to See and What to Do

Keflavik is home to Iceland’s international airport, the gateway for most tourists wanting to explore the country. But contrary to what it might seem, Keflavik isn’t just a place to arrive or pass through; some of the island’s most important tourist attractions are located near this city.

Keflavik will therefore most likely be the first Icelandic destination you visit on your trip through this very special country. And whether you’re planning a longer trip over several weeks or intend to explore the country in just a few days, Keflavik absolutely must be on your itinerary. Don’t go directly to Reykjavik. Let me tell you why you should enjoy it, even if it’s just for one day.

Where is Keflavik?

Keflavik is a small town located in southwest Iceland, specifically on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 40 kilometres south of the capital, Reykjavik. Due to its location, it’s the perfect starting point from which to explore this region of Iceland, characterised by its significant geothermal activity.

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What to see in Keflavik in 1 day

Keflavik town centre itself doesn’t have much to offer, and we personally recommend prioritising the surrounding areas. However, if you’re staying there, it’s a good idea to know some places to stroll or explore before heading back to your accommodation to rest after a day of sightseeing.

Promenade, port, and sculptures by the sea in Keflavik

One of Keflavik’s most prominent sculptures is known as the “Marine Monument” or “Anchor Monument.” It’s located right on the promenade, and I encourage you to see it while strolling along the seafront. It pays tribute to those lost at sea, and the views from its location are quite beautiful.

Main streets, museums, cafes, and local atmosphere of Keflavik

One of the most interesting visits you can make in the centre of Keflavik is to its museums. For example, there’s the Rock and Roll Museum. If you’re a fan of this art form, you might be interested. Interestingly, during the 1960s and 70s, a large number of talented musicians emerged in this region, leading Keflavik to be known as the Liverpool of the North. In the museum you’ll find a lot of information about this period, as well as the artists’ instruments.

The Duus Museum is another interesting option. Its theme is completely different, making it the perfect place to learn more about Keflavik’s port life through art and history. But without a doubt, the one I recommend most is the Reykjanesbær Heritage Museum, where you can discover local history and what makes this region unique.

Just outside Keflavik there’s another museum I also recommend, this one dedicated to the Vikings. You’ll be able to learn about the history of this town and see its crown jewel: a replica of a 9th-century Viking ship that you can even climb aboard.

You’ll soon realise that the atmosphere in the streets of Keflavik is quite peaceful, especially in its cafes. Kökulist bakery is precisely one of the best places to try sweets in the city, making it the perfect spot for breakfast to start your day with energy. Finally, I recommend taking a stroll to the town’s church; It’s a peaceful journey that will allow you to discover other monuments like Stjáni Blái.

Keflavik and surroundings: nature and relaxed plans

As I’ve already revealed, the most worthwhile part of Keflavik is its surroundings, where you’ll find true Icelandic gems. That’s why I recommend staying at least a couple of days in this town. This way you can enjoy them as they deserve.

Krýsuvíkurkirkja

Possibly one of the most special churches to see in Iceland. Its location, completely isolated in the middle of nature, gives the visit a very mystical, even romantic, touch, making you feel like you’ve been transported to another era. Its name translates as the Church of Krýsuvík, and if you visit it late in the afternoon, as the sun sets, the aura is even more mysterious.

It was built in the 19th century, but burned down completely in a terrible fire in 2010. Today, what we can see is a reconstruction of the original. But that doesn’t make it any less special. It was once frequented by the local farming community, and even after the town was abandoned, it remained, and today we can enjoy visiting it. It’s just a 45-minute drive from the city.

Wellness centres and hot springs on the Reykjanes Peninsula

If there’s one thing you can’t miss near Keflavik, it’s the world-famous Blue Lagoon. It’s the most famous hot spring area in all of Iceland and is just over twenty minutes by car from the city centre. Its waters are rich in minerals, silica, and algae, having properties that are very beneficial for the skin. It’s a truly relaxing experience, where, in addition to its large pools, you can unwind in the two available saunas: the steam sauna and the dry sauna.

Due to the eruption of the Sundhnukagigar volcano in 2025, the Blue Lagoon had to be evacuated and closed to the public for a time. But it has reopened and you can continue to enjoy all its facilities as before.

• Discover the city of Kópavogur, one of the least known places in Iceland and the perfect alternative to Reykjavík: cheaper and quieter.

Is it better to spend the day in Keflavik or Reykjavik if you only have one day in Iceland?

If you only have one day in Iceland, you’ll most likely arrive by plane at Keflavik Airport, as it receives the majority of international flights. In that case, I don’t think it’s worth travelling to Reykjavik, the capital. I believe there are enough tourist attractions to explore in the area around Keflavik.

If you only have one day, I would definitely prioritise the Blue Lagoon and the Gunnuhver geothermal area (which we’ll discuss later).

How to fit Keflavik into your Iceland itinerary?

Keflavik fits perfectly into any route you want to take through the country. Since it’s likely where your flight lands, it’s an excellent starting point for getting acquainted with the country.

Sleeping in Iceland, Keflavik: the first or last nights of your trip?

At Passporter, your travel planner, we recommend taking advantage of your flight landing in Keflavik to spend the first or last nights of your trip there. Spend the first few nights of your trip in the city, instead of the last few. Dedicate one, two, or three days to the city and its surroundings; then, continue exploring the other parts of the country you have planned.

• Discover the city of Hafnarfjörður in Iceland, another interesting base from which to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Golden Circle.

Ideas of what to do if you have a few free hours before your flight

It’s also highly likely that your return flight will depart from Keflavik, so I recommend heading to the city that same day, provided you’re not too far away. Another option is to return to Keflavik the day before your flight and spend your last night there as well.

In either case, if you have a few free hours before your flight, I recommend staying close and enjoying the activities I recommended earlier in the city centre.

Iceland, Keflavik with friends: adventure plans

So far, we’ve shown you the quieter, more relaxed side of Keflavik in Iceland, but the Reykjanes Peninsula, where it’s located is pure adventure. That’s why it’s a place you can’t miss if you’re travelling in a group or with friends. Furthermore, it’s perfect for travelling by car or as part of a route through Iceland by campervan. In short, it’s an area you can’t miss.

Visit to the Gunnuhver Geothermal Area, the Reykjanes Lighthouse, and Valahnúkur

These three sites are very close to each other, so it’s perfect to visit them on the same trip. First of all, I recommend visiting the Gunnuhver Geothermal Area, a place where you can discover the true power of the Icelandic lands and understand why this region of Iceland is called the “Smoky Peninsula.” Reykjanes is one of the most volcanically active areas in Iceland.

Gunnuhver is an area with significant geothermal activity, where you can see steam rising from the ground in large fumaroles. The tour involves walking on platforms located directly above the geothermal area, where the ground can reach temperatures of over 300°C. It’s truly an experience you shouldn’t miss.

After this visit, you can drive or walk to the Reykjanes Lighthouse, the oldest in Iceland. From there, you’ll have beautiful views of the surrounding area. Further along are the Valahnúkur cliffs, where this excursion ends. It’s a place that will truly impress you with its sheer size and the force of the water against the rock. A place, without a doubt, to enjoy at a leisurely pace and witness the power of nature in Iceland.

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Excursion to the Fagradalsfjall Volcano

This volcano is the most recent to erupt in Iceland (you’ve probably heard about it on television). Because of this, tourist interest has grown, and several excursions have been organized to experience it firsthand. The activity involves exploring the lava fields created by the eruption with expert guides. Would you sign up?

Tour of lake Kleifarvatn and the geothermal area of ??Seltún

The last adventure activity I suggest around Keflavik is spectacular. The first stop is at Lake Kleifarvatn, the largest on the entire peninsula. The views, both from the shore and from the surrounding viewpoints, are breathtaking. Take your time and enjoy the surroundings by leaving the car behind and walking at a leisurely pace. It’s also a very special lake because most of its water flows from and returns to the ground.

The excursion ends in another geothermal area, very similar to the previous one, but with fumaroles and a more varied and intriguing environment. There are bubbling mud pools and hot springs of different colours. I’m not exaggerating when I say it will be like walking on another planet. And the best thing is that, as it is less touristy, you can enjoy it without crowds.

As mentioned, Keflavik Airport handles the majority of international flights, so it’s likely the one you’ll encounter during your trip. Reykjavik Airport, on the other hand, primarily operates domestic flights and also flights to the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Additionally, it can also serve as an airport for international flights if weather conditions are unfavorable in Keflavik.

Disadvantages of Keflavik Airport depending on your route and type of trip through Iceland

The only drawback I see to Keflavik Airport is that if, for example, you travel to Iceland in winter and want to explore the northern part of the country, you often won’t be able to do so from the south by road because the roads may be closed. In that case, since most domestic flights depart from Reykjavik Airport, you’ll need to travel by car or bus to Reykjavik and then fly north, slightly increasing your travel time (there are no flights between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airports due to their proximity).

If this happens to you, a common solution is to book trips from Reykjavik to Akureyri Airport, the main urban centre in the north of the island. Another option, if you only want to explore the north or want to start your trip from there, is to book a flight from your city of origin to Akureyri (as it also receives international flights).

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Frequently Asked Questions about Iceland, Keflavik, and the Airport Area in Iceland

Translated into English, Keflavik means “floating wood bay.” In Icelandic, kefli translates as floating wood and vik as bay; which makes sense given its port city status. Are there direct flights from Spain to Keflavik, Iceland? Yes, you can easily find nonstop flights between the two countries. They depart from various Spanish cities such as Madrid, Alicante, and Malaga. Flights from Barcelona usually have a layover.

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