Once an unassuming fishing village, Grindavik is coming into its own as a tourism destination in Iceland and not just because it is home to the nation’s most popular attraction, the one-of-a-kind Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Grindavik boasts breathtaking natural beauty with a variety of hiking trails and interesting restaurants.
The surrounding nature offers you endless adventure opportunities. You can enjoy the geothermal landscapes with ATV riding, horseback riding, lava cave exploration and trout fishing. There’s also a 13-hole seaside golf course nearby. Last but not least, you can go bird watching from dramatic sea-cliffs.
Hiking around Grindavik
Þorbjorn, a lone volcanic peak to the north of Grindavik, stands about 250 meters (820 feet) tall. You can easily access it by foot. The hike up the mountain is quite rewarding – you can enjoy a view of almost the entire Reykjanes peninsula.
East of Grindavik you can visit Krysuvik, Selatangar and scenic, ever-changing lava fields. To the south, the Atlantic Ocean batters the island endlessly. Additionally, to the west you can discover the Reykjanes light house, the Gunnuhver (the “Gunna geyser”), Brimketill, Eldvörp and a multitude of other interesting natural phenomena in Reykjanes UNESCO GeoPark.
Fishing and history
The vibrant village is based on a strong local fishing industry. You can discover more about this interesting part of Iceland’s heritage at the Icelandic Saltfish Museum. The same goes for the lively family activities at the Festival of the Sea every June. Additionally, there are many charming shops and restaurants to discover throughout Grindavik. Fresh fish in particular is a favorite on the menu among visitors and locals alike.
