Once an unassuming fishing village, Grindavík 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. Grindavík 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 Grindavík
Þorbjörn, a lone volcanic peak to the north of Grindavík, stands about 250 metres (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 Krýsuvík, 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, 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 Grindavík. Fresh fish in particular is a favourite on the menu among visitors and locals alike.
