The Reykjanes Peninsula
Day 12, 13th August 2023
The city of Reykjavik is on the north shore of the Reykjanes Peninsula, so today we drove around this landmass with the main destination being the Blue Lagoon. First we visited a remote location on the south coast to see a Lutherian church, Strandakirkja, at Selvogur. It was built in 1945 and looks out over the sea, so is a well known landmark for ships. The church was originally built in the 12th century and is known as the Miracle Church due to perceived divine powers and the safe guidance for sailors. At one time it was the richest church in Iceland with donations from all over the country. Now it looks a little lost in the landscape, and has some strange little red houses in the graveyard.
The coastline here is rugged and provides a safe haven for seals and swans, and is a place for walkers and adventure seekers.
At the far west of the peninsula is the Gunnuhver Hot Spring area, close to more geothermal energy plants. There is still evidence of a house built on the hot rocks by an adventurous gardener wanting to make use of the free thermal energy to help his plants grow. His business was not a success, and it is easy to see why!
On the way to the hot springs we had passed lay-bys full of cars and trucks for people tracking inland to see the current eruptions on the peninsula. The eruption had been quite active a couple of weeks before, producing a huge lava flow moving towards the coastal road. Thankfully it had calmed down a bit now but we didn't fancy the four-hour hike to see it, with all the associated hazards. We made do with having seen the Lava Show in Vic!
We could have explored more at the western tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula (e.g., the bridge between two continents) but decided for a leisurely drive to the Blue Lagoon where we had bookings for the afternoon.
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular destinations in Iceland. It is huge pool filled with warm, waist high, silica-rich water, in which you wallow for hours! Your entrance fee includes a special face mask and a drink, and although your entry time is fixed, your exit time is up to you. I found it a rather strange experience because I could not ignore the fact that we were right next to a geothermal energy plant, so it all felt rather industrial. But is is well marketed with buses stopping here from Reykjavik which then take you on to the airport.
