Located in the southern peninsula of Iceland, the town of Keflavík has a beautiful skyline, heritage culture, and dynamic food trails. It is known for its vested interest in the preservation of history and art. In nearby cities like Reykjanesbær and Reykjavik, you can find numerous museums and galleries. If you want to experience the astonishing social culture, stay at a hotel near Keflavik International Airport. The town is also popular among backpackers and nature lovers for its stunning natural wonders. One of the breathtaking sights here is the northern lights, which indeed gives a one-of-a-kind experience. You can choose from the multiple Airbnb vacation rentals in Keflavik to stay while visiting the city. When planning your next trip, continue reading from our list to explore the top things to do in Keflavik, Iceland.
1. Hike the Reykjanesbær coastal trail
Exploring the coastal route in Reykjanesbær for sightseeing provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and observe the unique wildlife of the area. This 10 km (6.21 mi) hiking trail that runs from Helguvík to Stapi will let you immerse in nature. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply enjoy leisurely walks in nature, this illuminated trail offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the awe-inspiring views and memorable moments along the way. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a remarkable adventure through the captivating landscapes of Reykjanes and a scintillating view of the sea amid the sighting of the occasional whale and bird species on the beach.
Hiking trails
Address: Reykjanesbær
Website: Hiking Trails
2. Try Polish dumplings at Polskur Matur
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Zapraszamy na kartacze 11:30 - 20:00
Posted by Polskur Matur on Sunday, January 21, 2024
If you are visiting Reykjanesbær in Keflavik, make sure you try the iconic Polish dumplings. Known for the first hamburger that was fried and the birthplace of cocktail sauce, Reykjanesbær is a vibrant fusion of international flavors, with a special highlight on Polish cuisine. As a multinational community, this town offers a diverse range of restaurants, such as FERNANDO’S offering Italian delicacies. With approximately 20% of the population being Polish, Reykjanesbær is the perfect place to indulge in authentic Polish dumplings, more commonly known as pierogi. Try Silesian kluski, which is their famous potato dumplings, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Poland. So, if you’re looking for a culinary adventure, be sure to savor the flavors of the famous Polish dumplings in restaurants such as Polskur Matur offering delectable Polish food.
Polskur Matur
Address: Hringbraut 92, 230 Keflavík, Iceland
Website: Polskur Matur
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11.30am - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 9.30 pm
3. Check out the modern visual arts at Reykjanes Art Museum
If you are thinking about what to do in Reykjanesbær, visit Reykjanes Art Museum. It is located in the Keflavik region and is very popular for its modern art exhibits with ocean views. It is a spacious and airy facility that aims at the preservation and promotion of visual arts in Iceland. They organize numerous shows throughout the year and also provide educational and guidance programs for young, talented artists. The museum is a prominent cultural center in Reykjanesbær.
Reykjanes Art Museum
Address: Duusgata, Keflavík, Iceland
Website: Reykjanes Art Museum
Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm
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4. Visit Stekkjarkot, a century-old cottage
Located in the Njarovik region, Stekkjarkot is a popular fisherman’s cottage that was built in the 19th century using turf, stones and timber. This kind of architecture is predominantly seen in the fishermen settlements of the peninsula. The original house is said to have belonged to a maidservant and her family who slept on the earthen floor. Later the cottage was upgraded with floorboards and a coal stove. Stekkjarkot is a classic example of a traditional seashore cottage in Iceland and is now open for public viewing.
Stekkjarkot
Address: Hólagata 21, Reykjanesbær, Iceland
5. Relive your childhood at Giantess Cave - Skessuhellir
According to the popular children’s story series “Sigga and the Giantess” by Icelandic writer Herdís Egilsdóttir, the 5-meter (16.4 ft) tall Giantess left the mountains and settled in a cave in Keflavik at the end of the story. The author decided to make this fictional story a reality by building a huge giantess with eyes the size of a football and a black cave for her to live in. This cave and its 100-year-old Giantess is a popular attraction among the locals, who love to see the gentle creature on her rocking chair in the kitchen. This quirky tall sculpture takes many Icelandic adults on a nostalgic trip to their childhood.
Giantess Cave - Skessuhellir
Address: Bakkavegur, Keflavík, Iceland
Website: Giantess Cave - Skessuhellir
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
6. Stand between North America and Europe
It is a geological fact that the tectonic plates of the earth are constantly moving away from each other, which led to the separation of continents and the formation of oceans. Proving this fact, a ridge was formed in the Reykjanesbaer Peninsula. As Iceland is geographically located on both North America and Europe, this ridge is seen as a point that separates the two continents, and a bridge was built in the year 2002 to connect them. Today the bridge serves as a popular tourist destination.
Bridge between continents
Address: Skógarbraut 945, 235 Reykjanesbær, Iceland
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Engross yourself in the art exhibits at Duus Museum
Located in the same area as Reykjanesbaer Art Museum, Duus Museum was built on old 19th-century commercial and fish-processing houses. It has nine exhibit halls, five of which are dedicated to the art gallery and four to the regional museum. Reykjanes Geopark’s visitor center and Grímur Karlsson’s Boat Fleet are also on its premises. There are various events the whole year, making this art and cultural center a great place to know about the history of the city.
Duus Safnahús / Duus Museum
Address: Duusgata 2 - 8, 230 Keflavík, Iceland
Website: Duus Safnahús / Duus Museum
Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm (daily)
8. Enjoy the amazing views of the Atlantic from Reykjanes Lighthouse
If you wonder what you can do for free in Reykjavik, then enjoy the skyline from the lighthouse. The first lighthouse on Valahnúkur, Reykjanes, was built in the year 1878. However, during the 1905 earthquakes, the lighthouse posed a threat of collapsing. Hence, in the year 1908, it was demolished with a thunderous fall and reconstructed on Bæjarfell hill. This concrete structure, placed over a 43-meter-high (47 yards) carved hill, stands as one of the most visited lighthouses in Iceland. Its actual height is 26 meters (28.4 yards), summing up to a total height of 69 meters (75.5 yards) from sea level. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic from this stunning spot.
Reykjanes Lighthouse
Address: Islandij, Reykjanesbær, Iceland
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Relish American delicacies at Olsen Olsen
Hafnargata 62
Posted by Olsen Olsen on Sunday, 9 November 2014
Olsen Olsen is a popular diner that serves American fast food. The establishment has free WiFi and a family-friendly ambiance. They also serve some of the finest locally brewed beer and a wide range of wine and alcohol. They offer the tastiest fish and chips in the city and are known for their quick and pleasant service. Before leaving Iceland, don’t forget to grab a bite in this amazing joint.
Olsen Olsen
Address: Hafnargata 62, Keflavík, Iceland
Website: Olsen Olsen
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
10. Sip on the local brews at Paddy's Irish Pub
Paddy’s Irish Pub in the Keflavik region is a typical Irish bar—calm and pleasant until midnight, after which the party begins. Featuring a dark aesthetic and ambiance, the pub offers live music performances for its visitors. They have an extensive selection of beer and wine carefully sourced from across the globe. When it comes to alcohol, whiskey is the Irish specialty. They serve the finest scotch in the region as well as an amazing range of cocktails. There is also a beach volley court on the rear side of the pub.
Paddy's Irish Pub
Address: Hafnargata Hafnargata 57, Keflavík, Iceland
Opening hours: Mon - Thu : 6pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 4am; Sun: 2pm - 1am
11. Check out the handicrafts and paintings at Svarta Pakkhúsið Gallery
Posted by Björgum Svarta Pakkhúsinu on Sunday, 21 January 2018
The last spot on this list is Svarta Pakkhúsið Gallery, home to a wide variety of Icelandic handicrafts. It is a great place to go souvenir shopping in Iceland. The gallery has artifacts made of clay, glass and cloth, along with exhibits of paintings and other artworks in their spacious showroom. There is also a beautiful mural of ancient fishing and salt making on the entrance wall.
Svarta Pakkhúsið Gallery
Address: Hafnargata 1, Keflavík, Iceland
Opening hours: 1pm - 5pm (daily)
12. Experience an explorer's life at Viking World Museum (from USD 14.0)
Located in front of the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, Viking World Museum is a popular attraction in Reykjanesbær. Hence, you are required to book tickets in advance. The tour involves going around the museum and a magnificent Viking ship replica and learning about the history of Vikings through numerous exhibits. Viking culture is one of the important efforts that led to the discovery of North America. The ship in the museum, a model of an original Viking ship from the ninth century, was built in the year 1996 by shipbuilder Gunnar Marel Eggertsson. The site is also attached to a settlement zoo, an open classroom and a playground.
Admission Ticket to Viking World Museum
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
13. Walk through the history of Iceland's music
Learn about the history of Icelandic rock ‘n’ roll and pop music at the Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n’ Roll. Admission requires advance reservation. In this tour, you will explore exhibits on the history of Icelandic music, test your music skills at the sound lab, learn about the art and works of various music artists from Iceland and watch documentaries on the evolution of Icelandic music. The museum gift store sells rock T-shirts, books, CDs, souvenirs and documentaries of Icelandic music artists. The cafe on the premises is known for its tasty coffee.
Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Be a part of two continents at the same time!
One of the best things about being in Iceland is that you get to be on two continents of the earth at the same time. Also, the city of Reykjanesbaer is filled with numerous spots with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The city glorifies its art and history. It is a secluded and serene place to spend a peaceful holiday. When in Reykjanesbaer, don’t forget to check out all of the above must-try activities.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Keflavik
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