On the tip of a beautiful peninsula west of Reykjavik is Seltjarnarnes, a residential town and nature reserve flanked by the North Atlantic Ocean.
Seltjarnarnes’ coastal walking paths draw visitors and locals alike for long nature walks. You can enjoy amazing sunsets and ocean landscapes. In addition, the area is famous for its rich bird life and the picturesque Grotta lighthouse only accessible during low tide.
Seltjarnarnes is one of the oldest municipalities in the country. Originally, the Seltjarnarnes peninsula covered a big part of Reykjavik. However, it received its own town status in 1974.
What to see in Seltjarnarnes?
The western part of Seltjarnarnes and Grotta Island are protected nature reserves and home to more than 100 different bird species and 140 plant varieties. Consequentially, Grotta Island is off limits during nesting season (May-June).
Although an island, Grotta becomes accessible to the mainland by an isthmus during low tide. Therefore, nature and bird lovers can enjoy the area for about six hours before the tide rises and Grotta becomes an island again. The island’s charming lighthouse dates back to 1897. It received a full restoration in 1947.
Things to do in Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes provides plenty of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a nine-hole seaside golf course and the city’s only geothermal seawater swimming pool.
You can relax and experience nature on one of the seaside hiking and walking paths. In addition, you might even see seals lying out on the rocky beaches. During late summer, a stroll along the coastline provides visitors with breathtaking sunsets and sweeping views over Reykjavik city.
