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Whale Iceland
Whale Watching Reykjanes offers anglingtours and whale watching tours by boat all year from Keflavik marina. During the winter time special Northern light tours are available and during the summer there is no better way to enjoy the evenings and the midnight sun.
In cooperation with one of the local restaurant Duus Café, we offer visitors that catch a fish on the anglingtour to have the catch of the day for dinner in the evening. It does not get any fresher than that.
For visitors staying in hotels and guesthouses on the Reykjanes peninsula, we offer pick up before the tour and drop off after.
The company also offers tours by land, around the magnificent Reykjanes peninsula. Those tours are also available if a boat tour has to be cancelled due to weather.
Do not hesitate to contact for any further information or request on the tours.
Grófin, Keflavík
Travel directory for Whale Iceland
The official travel index of Iceland
Hotels
Diamond Suites
Hotels
The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon
Hostels
START Hostel
Hotels
Hótel Berg
Hotels
Hotel Greystone
Hotels
Hotel Keflavík
Hotels
Eldey Airport Hotel
Hotels
Park Inn By Radisson Reykjavik Keflavik Airport
Hotels
Silica Hotel
Guesthouses
Guesthouse Borg
Guesthouses
Guesthouse Keflavík
Hotels
Geo Hotel Grindavík
Bed & Breakfast
Núpan Deluxe
Camping
Grindavík Campsite
Hotels
Bed and Breakfast Keflavík Airport
Hotels
Hotel Vogar
Guesthouses
Guesthouse Gardur
Hotels
Hotels
Base Hotel
Camping
Hotels
Hotel Duus
Others
- Austurgötu 13
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 422-7900
- Minna Knarrarnes
- 190 Vogar
- 897-6424 , 852-0285
- Aðalgata 17
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 861-6811
- Valhallarbraut 761
- 260 Reykjanesbær
- 426-5000
- Hafnargata 37
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 420-9800
- Vallargata 6
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 421-2399
- Byggðavegur
- 245 Sandgerði
- 854-8424
- Norðurljósavegur / Northern Lights Road 1
- 240 Grindavík
- 426-8650
- Sjávargata 28
- 260 Reykjanesbær
- 7774478, 6808868
- Hafnargata 17
- 240 Grindavík
- 695-8103
- Vesturbraut 10a
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 421-1933
- Þórsvellir 2
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 897-1827
- Hafnargata 65
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 766-0700
- Aðalgata 60
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 421-2800
- Klettás 21
- 260 Reykjanesbær
- 868-4495
- Rafnkelsstaðavegur 11
- 250 Garður
- 898-8242
- Túngata 10 & 12
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 663-1269
- Blikavöllur 2
- 235 Reykjanesbær
- 595-1900
- Hringbraut 92
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 867-4434, 692-7612
- Fitjabraut 6a
- 260 Reykjanesbær
- 421-8889
- Þóroddsstaðir
- 245 Sandgerði
- 423-7748, 893-7523
- Grófin 8
- 230 Reykjanesbær
- 865-4236, 421-0088
History and Culture
Thorshofn
During the 19th century ships started frequenting this harbour again. The merchants of Keflavik often unloaded salt, timber and heavy merchandize there and loaded fish from the farmers of Midnes and Hafnir. In the beginning of the 20th century the arrivals of ships diminished, because of the opening of the Sandgerdi harbour and a new trading post there.
Copy right: www.nat.is Used by permission.
Nature
Hrafnagja
The normal fault and tension fracture, Hrafnagjá, is the longest of its kind at the Reykjanes peninsula. It is 12 km long and up to 30 m high. The set of fractures east of Vogar village forms a typical rift valley.
Location: Hrafnagjá is visible from Reykjanesbraut (road nr. 41) to Keflavík International Airport. A hikingtrail leads to the location from the parking place by the intersection of the town Vogar.
Hrafnagjá is a geosite in the Reykjanes Unesco Global Geopark.
Other attractions
Northern light inn
About the facility
Description |
Meeting room that can be enlarged into Max restaurant. Bright romm with windows facing south and blackout curtains, screen protection, lighting is with dimmer setting and the room has hardwood floors. |
Size |
95 m² Hight: 2,4 m. Lenght:10,5 m. Width: 9 m. |
Stage |
No |
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
Sitting: 136 people Standing: 150-160 people |
Staff |
Yes |
Technology
Sound system |
Depends on the size of the meeting. |
Projector |
Sony
|
Size of screen |
No info
|
Microphones |
Yes |
Wireless cursors |
Not available
|
Computer |
Lenovo |
WIFI |
Yes |
Other attractions
Berg in Hljómahöll
Company: Hljómahöll
About the facility
Description |
Named after a cliff, Holmaberg in Keflavík. Berg is ideal for concerts, lectures and meetings. Chairs are very comfortable and are designed by Valdimar Hardarson architect. |
Size |
9,3 m x 16 m Lofthæð: 6m |
Stage |
Yes, 9,3m (breidd) x 5m (dýpt) |
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
Theater: 104 people |
Staff |
Yes |
Technology
Sound system |
JBL Vertec |
Projector |
5000 lumens
|
Size of screen |
5m x 5m
|
Microphones |
Yes |
Wireless cursors |
Yes |
Computer |
H |
WIFI |
Yes |
Nature
Hafnarberg - Sea-cliffs
Hafnaberg is a long line of sheer sea lava cliffs south of the old fishing hamlet of Hafnir.
Hafnaberg is very popular among hikers and bird watchers as various marine birds nest at the cliffs. A parkingplace is located 4 km from Hafnir on road 44 and from there is a marked path from the road to the cliffs.
Hafnaberg is a geosite in Reykjanes Unesco Global Geopark.
Nature
Bridge Between Continents
Bridge between Europe and North America on Reykjanes Peninsula.
The lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world's major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. According to the continental drift theory the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great forces under the gaping rifts. As the plates diverge, linear fractures, known as fissures form due to stresses created by the tension that builds up as the plates move away from each other.
The Bridge between two continents at Sandvík is a small footbridge over a major fissure which provides clear evidence of the presence of a diverging plate margin. The bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America.
One can cross the continental divide on Leif the Lucky's Bridge and take home a personalised certificate at the Reykjanes information center and Reykjanes Geopark visitor center at Duus Cultural house.
History and Culture
Hallgrímur Pétursson
Other attractions
Officers Banquet
Ásbrú - Keflavík
Name of the facility: Andrews Banquet
About the facility
Description |
Three adjacent banquet |
Size |
2057 m² |
Stage |
|
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
450 people |
Staff |
Nature
Stampar
Two volcanic fissures lie from the sea onto land on the western side of Reykjanes and form a series of craters. These crater series have been named Stampar. The crater series are from two periods. This series lies in the SW-NE direction and follow thereby the most common fissure angle in Reykjanes.
The older formed in an eruption from a fissure that was just under 4 km long around 1,800 to 2,000 years ago.
The younger Stampar crater series formed in the Reykjanes Fires in 1210-1240. The row of craters is around 4 km, and the area of the lava field they produced is approximately 4.6 km2. The two craters closest to the road, named Stampar, are at the north end of the crater row. Further south in the crater row are other sizeable craters such as Miðahóll hill, Eldborg the deeper and Eldborg the shallower. Fishermen in earlier times used all these craters as points of reference when out at sea. Most of the craters, however, are low-lying scoria cones and not very prominent.
It may be noted that during the Reykjanes Fires in 1210-1240, there were four lava flows in the Reykjanes and Svartsengi system, as well as submarine eruptions in the seas off Reykjanes.
The Hundred Crater Trail, a signposted trail, lies partly through the Stampar lava field. The trail starts at Valahnúkur in Reykjanes. The trail also passes through the Reykjanes geothermal zone, past slag and scoria cones, the tuff mountain Sýrfell and on to the Stampar craters. From there, the path lies over rough pahoehoe lava and sand dunes, running from the west side of the crater closest to the road, along the row of craters, on to the seaward side of the Reykjanes Power Plant. The craters along the trail are numerous and fragile.
Walking up onto the crater nearest the road is permitted. It is important, however, to make sure that sensitive natural formations are not disturbed.
Location: Road 425 about 2,5 km north of Rauðhólar, short walk from there
For the Children
History and Culture
Nature
Rosmhvalanes
Flat point at the northwestern part of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
It is from glacial periods and is between Ytri-Njarðvík and Kirkjuvog.
Rosmhvalur was another name for Walrus and the story says that they used to live there.
There is a new sign that shows a good way to drive around Reykjanes.
Other attractions
Andrews theater
Ásbrú - Keflavík
Name of the facility: Andrews theater
About the facility
Description |
Lecture hall with a theater setting. |
Size |
922 m² |
Stage |
Já 100 m² |
Good entrance |
Yes, Ticket sale and other sale booth, stone floor and large windows. Restroom. |
Capacity |
450 people |
Staff |
History and Culture
Settlement
Nature
Snorrastaðatjarnir /Háibjalli
A popular recreational area.
Pounds, rich of vegetation and important resting place for migration birds.
Next to the pounds is Háibjalli, a 10 m high fault.
Location: Road 43 near Seltjörn and Sólbrekkuskógur.
Nature
Other attractions
Stapi
Company: Hljómahöll
About the facility
Description |
The historic community Stapi, largest room of Hljomaholl. The Hall extended with the opening of Merkines. |
Size |
350 m² |
Stage |
Yes, 12 m widht x 9 m deep |
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
Theater: 400 people Banquet: 450 people Standing: 900 people |
Staff |
Yes |
Technology
Sound system |
JBL |
Projector |
Hitachi 6000 lumens
|
Size of screen |
6m x 5m
|
Microphones |
Yes |
Wireless cursors |
Yes |
Computer |
|
WIFI |
Yes |
Other attractions
The Night of Lights - Reykjanes
of the highly popular Night of Lights, Reykjanes family and cultural festival. Now a fixed event in Iceland's cultural calendar, the event, which despite its name is now staged over four days from Thursday to Sunday, offers guests a taste of the very best in local culture,culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.An ever-growing celebration of local culture included more than 100 separate events. The Night of Light offers something for everyone, ranging
from art, theatre and music performed by groups and individuals, to a spectacular finale under a blaze of fireworks. For more information visit the festival's website www.ljosanott.is.
Nature
Mt Thorbjorn
A free standing, hyaloclastite mountain north of Grindavik.
It offers great panoramic view over most of the Reykjanes Peninsula on fine days. The northeastern part of the mountain depicts thermal activity an to its north and northeast is an extensive high temperature area. It is split by a fissure called "The Thieves´ Gap" (Thjofagja), occupied by 15 thieves according to the legend. They were eventually overwhelmed and killed by trickery.
History and Culture
The Church at Hvalsnes
Other attractions
The Happy Sailor in Grindavík
A family and port festival is held annually in Grindavík in the beginning
of june. Held on the seamens´day week end, it is an entertaining
festivity which honors earlier times which influenced the local
community since it's establishment seamanship and seagoing has
been the main source of occupation and income for the inhabitants
of Grindavík. For more information visit Grindavík's official homepage
www.grindavik.is.
Other attractions
Familyday in Vogar
Each summer in August a Family Day is held in Vogar in Vatnsleysuströnd. At this time the family is in the forefront and everyone is welcome. The program is mostly arranged by the locals and made to fit all ages of family members. Among other things for amusement are soap-soccer, fishing in the harbour, home-made car race and many other interesting and amusing things.
Also look for other events and more information about the festival on www.vogar.is
Nature
Kuagerdi
A green patch near a pond next to the old route at the southern edge of Afstapahraun which is a lava field up of Vatnsleysuvík. Reykjanesbraut (41) lies around the patch. There used to be a farmstead and a known place to rest at. Kuagerdi means "Cow Grazings". Today there as been put up a memorial cross for those who have died in traffic accidents on Reykjanesbraut.
Nature
History and Culture
Kirkjuvogur
Kirkjuvogur (Church Cove) was a mansion in Hafnir, an annexed church site of the Grindavik parish, which was long served by the reverends of Utskalar. Still earlier, Kirkjuvogur was served from Hvalsnes. The catholic churches were dedicated to the Holy Mother. During the flood storm of 1799 the church was severely damaged. Today the church belongs to municpality of Reykjanesbær. It is the the only black wooden church in the Reykjanes peninsula and is a great stop on the way to The Bridge Between Continents.
Other attractions
Brúin
Company: Ráin
Name of the facility: Brúin
About the facility
Description |
Large Banquet, the space is open and bright |
Size |
Length 3 meters |
Stage |
Yes |
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
Sitting: 250 people Standing: 500 people |
Staff |
Yes |
Technology
Sound system |
Sound master |
Projector |
Nec
|
Size of screen |
10 m²
|
Microphones |
Yes |
Wireless cursors |
Yes
|
Computer |
Hewlett-Packard |
WIFI |
Yes |
Nature
Vogastapi
Vogastapi was named "The Heifer Cove Cliff", later "The Cove Cliff" and sometimes just "The Cliff" by the inhabitants of the area. It is an 80 m. high, dolerite hillock between Coves Vogavik and Njardvik. It is precipitous towards the sea, but has a gradual gradient inland. It is mostly sparsely vegetated and somewhat barren in places. The main road to the western communities crosses it. The view from its highest point, Grimsholl, is excellent and a view dial explains the topographical names of the surroundings. Up to this date the Vogastapi Area is haunted by a ghost, which has mislead people off the brink of the cliff. During the motorized age, some of the passers by have noticed a being carrying its head under its arm and sometimes drivers travelling alone spotted it in their rear view mirrors sitting in the back seats.
Nature
Patterson
Patterson Airport was built in 1942 by the usa navy.
The airport was mainly used to maintain the aircrafts. Next to the airport can be found Subfossils shells, since 20.000-22.000 years ago. They lived shorly before the Late Glacial Maximum at about 18.000 years age. The sea level at that time was about 5-10 m. The airport was closed 1945.
Location: Road 44 at fence on Patterson. Walk north from old ammunition supplier
History and Culture
The Lighthouse on Gardskagi
On Garðskagi you can find two lighthouses, the older one and also the smaller of the two was once regarded as one of the best lighthouses in Iceland because it stood low and therefore mist was not a problem. Although there was risk of the lighthouse being damaged because of surf and it was sometimes not visible because of seastorm.
A new lighthouse was built on Garðskagi in 1944. At 28 metres it is the highest lighthouse in Iceland and was in second place in a survey which Rögnvaldur Guðmundsson supervised concerning the favorite lighthouses of the Icelandic people. Engineer Axel Sveinsson designed the lighthouse but the lighthouse is a radar transponder and used for weather surveilance. The operation of the
lighthouse is under the supervision of the Icelandic Maritime Administration.
Other attractions
Kennslustofa
Company: Keilir
About the facility
Description |
Large class room, linoleum floors with white walls and light ceiling. New and powerful ventilation. |
Size |
275 m² Height: 3m |
Stage |
No |
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
Sitting: 140 people |
Staff |
Yes |
Technology
Sound system |
Cloud CX A4/ Cloud CX163 |
Projector |
Sony (Two available)
|
Size of screen |
Two screens 3,0 width - In the front of the romm 2,0 widht - For the people in the back
|
Microphones |
Yes |
Wireless cursors |
Yes
|
Computer |
Lenovo |
WIFI |
Yes |
Other attractions
Midsummer night hike in Þorbjörn
Annually, The Blue Lagoon and the town of Grindavík sponsor a Midsummer night hike on the mountain Þorbjörn. On the top of the mountain there is entertainment which includes singing and camp fire. The walk ends at the Blue Lagoon which is open past midnight that evening. This is an entertaining recreation for the whole family. For information about the forthcoming Midsummer day hike visit the official website of Grindavík www.grindavik.is or www.bluelagoon.com.
Nature
Sandfellshæð
One of the oldest and largest lava shield on the Reykjanes peninsula. Formed in late glacial time, about 14.000 years ago, when sea level was about 30 m lower than today.
Only recommend going there on well-equipped jeeps. By foot it is possible to walk on road between Svartsengi and Reykjanes
Nature
Sundhnúksröðin
A crater row formed in eruption 2.350 years ago.
It created natural harbour condtions in the town Grindavík. Sundahnúkur was used as a landmark for the Grindavík harbour in former times.
Other attractions
The Sunset Banquet Hall
Company: Hotel Keflavík
About the facility
Description |
Meeting room, bright lighting with large windows, curtains, hard wood floors. |
Size |
40 m² |
Stage |
No |
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
Cinema: 60 people U-shaped: 25 people Meeting room: 25 people Banquet: 45-55 |
Staff |
Yes |
Technology
Sound system |
BOSE |
Projector |
Sony
|
Size of screen |
180x250
|
Microphones |
Yes |
Wireless cursors |
Yes
|
Computer |
iMac and Ipad |
WIFI |
Yes |
Nature
Gallow cliffs in Stafnes
Place of execution according to an old folk story.
Cliffs, two of which are quite high, with an inlet several fathoms deep between them. A tree between was laied between the two cliffs and men hanged from it a punishment for serious crimes.
Location: About 1 km from Básendar, short walk from road 45
History and Culture
Magma, House of Culture and Natural Resources
Here are two very attractive and interesting exhibitions:
The Saltfish Museum:The exhibition Saltfisksetrið brings to light our seafaring history. The exhibition is very intriguing for foreign tourists, and it is interesting for local students, who can study the most important
profession of the country, and enjoyable for every Icelander passing through on a weekend trip.
The people of Grindavík have long been among the most prolific in the production of dried salted cod. The exhibition about Iceland's history in the processing and sales of dried salted cod and it's significance to Iceland's economy is therefore well placed in Grindavík.
The Saltfisksetrið exhibition opened in the year 2002. The exhibition offers large pictures, a text detailing the history of dried salted cod processing along with some historical objects from characteristic harbor towns of old.
The self-guided walking tour has a marked beginning and end, and is therefore outlined in chronological order. The floor is made of gravel, and there are stage sets of buildings from different periods on show throughout the exhibit.
Great care was taken to recreate the history of dried salted cod processing, and the exhibit has attracted much attention.
The Township of Grindavík was a leading force in the construction of this site, in collaboration with its founders and other donors from GrEarth Energy:
In Iceland there are unique possibilities to see and investigate most of earth's dynamic processes, such as volcanism and geothermal heat, which is the result of the young age of the island. It might be said that Iceland is a window into the past as well as into the future. By reading the history of the different
geological strata it is possible to forecast geological events that are likely to happen again.
The larges glaciers and the mightiest glacial rivers in Europe are here in Iceland and here are to be found the largest high- and low-temperature geothermal areas, unusually high volcanic and tectonic activity and magnificent and rough nature.
EARTH ENERGY has 18 boxes showing:
1 Ísland - a land in the shaping
2 The battle between sea and fire
3 The birth of Iceland
4 The earth can be compared to an egg
5 The boundaries of the plates on earth's crust
6 A Seismic model
7 The active volcanic belt
8 Earthquakes in Iceland
9 Volcanic eruptions are frequent on the
Reykjanes peninsula
10 Fissure eruptions are common in Iceland
11 The age of the earth
12 A glacier covers Scandinavia
13 Iceland was a subtropical paradise
14 Research and science
15 Energy from the bowles of the earth
16 Drilling for hot water
17 The power plant at Svartsengi
18 The Blue Lagoon
EARTH ENERGY - In cooperation with HS Orka
indavík.
Other attractions
Merkines
Company: Hljómahöll
Name of the facility: Merkines
About the facility
Description |
Named after birthplace of two siblings Elly and Vilhjalmur Vilhjalms. They are very well known singers in Iceland but both have passed away. The room has hardwood floors and red painted walls. The room can be enlarged into Stapi. |
Size |
15 m x 11 m |
Stage |
Yes, Movable from 1m x 2m to 5m x 2m |
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
Theater: 104 people |
Staff |
Yes |
Technology
Sound system |
Ceiling speakers Movable JBL Ion |
Projector |
Nec Lm 4000 |
Size of screen |
4m x 3m
|
Microphones |
Yes |
Wireless cursors |
Yes |
Computer |
|
WIFI |
Yes |
Other attractions
The Sunset Festival on Garðskagi
History and Culture
Hólmsbergsviti
The Lighthouse at Holmsberg was built in1956 and stands 9,3 m tall with a compartmenet for the light of 3,4 m tall. It has identical lighthouses in 6 other parts of Iceland, all designed by the engineer Axel Sveinsson.
History and Culture
The Giganta in the cave
Giganta in the mountain moved to Reykjanesbær during the family and cultural festival the Night of Lights in 2008 and is now located in Black Cave at the marina in Gróf. There Giganta has been settling in her nice cave with its superb view over the bay of Keflavík and Faxaflói.
Giganta is originally the creation of author Herdís Egilsdóttir who has written 16 stories about the little girl Sigga and her friend Giganta in the mountain. The last one describes her migration to Reykjanesbær. The Giganta is in full size and sits sleeping in a rocking chair in the kitchen.
Open every day from 10:00 -17:00. Free Admission
Contact:
Tel.: 420-3245
Email: duushus@reykjanesbaer.is
Website: www.skessan.is
History and Culture
Stori-Holmur
Copy right: www.nat.is Used by permission.
Nature
History and Culture
The Church at Útskálar
Many of them were from North Iceland stationed in the region during the main fishing season. On the 11th March 42 were buried in the church´s graveyard and the next day another 47 bodies drifted ashore in Garður and were also buried in the same mass grave.
Nature
Stakksfjordur
This is a deep southern inlet of the big Faxi Bay between spit Keilisnes in the east and the Stakkur Peak of the Holmur Cliff in the west. The Stakkur Peak is crowned with a lighthouse. The bay was named after a freestanding rock in the sea off Cliff Holmsberg.
Copy right: www.nat.is Used by permission
History and Culture
Kalmanstjorn
Kalmanstjorn is an abandoned farm, a former mansion to the south of Lake Kalmanstjorn, where there are still some ruins reminding of the habitation, where the mansion of Kirkjuhofn stood. According to a legend the house had 50 doors. The farm Kalmanstjorn is said to have been an outlying farm from the mansion Kirkjuhofn. It was a church site and some people claim to be able to see some traces of the cemetery there. A short distance further south is Sandhofn and still further Sandhofn, which was abandoned in 1828. Those farms were all abandoned because of earthquakes and sandstorms.
Copy right: www.nat.is Used by permission.
Other attractions
Félagsbíó
Company: Hljomaholl
Name of the facility: Felagsbio
About the facility
Description |
The facility is named after a old movie theater in Keflavík. Available only morning and evenings. Ideal for small meetings and lectures. |
Size |
6 m x 10 m Hight: 2,55 |
Stage |
No |
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
Seating: 16-25 Standing: 50 |
Staff |
Yes |
Technology
Sound system |
Fohn 6,1 |
Projector |
Nec Lm 4000 |
Size of screen |
Screen 150 inches
|
Microphones |
Yes |
Wireless cursors |
Yes |
Computer |
|
WIFI |
Yes |
Nature
Tjarnir á Vatnsleysuströnd
Seaweed-coverd rocks which are part of the Þráinsskjöldur Lava Flow.
They were formed about 10,000 years ago.
Due to the pourous roks that form the foundation of this part of Iceland fresh water seeps from the ground in many places.
Located near town Vogar.
History and Culture
Stafnes
Stafnes was a mansion in the past. There were many fishing outfits on the property and many people lived there during the fishing seasons. Royal fishing outfits started operating there around the middle of the 16th century and were abolished in 1769. The inhabitants of the King´s properties in the Southwest were obliged to work on the King´s boats against low pay. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Stafnes was the most populous fishing outfit on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The former trading post Basendar is a short distance to the south. Still further south is the old harbour Thorshofn, which was not much used, because of the proximity of Basendar. Many vessels have run aground on the Stafnes Skerries. In 1928 the trawler President Jon ran aground there, 15 of the crew drowned, but 10 were rescued. This and other similar accidents led to the establishment of The Life Saving Association of Iceland. Considerable seal hunting was practiced at Stafnes in earlier times.
Stafnesviti stands in between the towns Sandgerði and Hafnir at Stafnes and was built in 1925. It stands 8 m. tall built of concrete sement and stands on a concrete stall. It is painted yellow.
Copy right: www.nat.is Used by permission.
History and Culture
Junkaragerdi
Junkaragerdi was a farm just north of the Hafnarberg Cliffs. Its name was probably derived from 12-18 foreigner, who lived there, and were called "Junkers". They were said to be heavy drinkers, strong men, and womanizers. The neighbours wanted to get rid of them, and one night they damaged the rowlocks of their boats. The Junkers went fishing in the early morning and during the day they encountered bad weather and the rowlocks broke. The Junkers then supported the oars with their knees and got back home. The next time their oars were sawn half through and the saw marks were hidden. The Junkers went fishing and never came back.
Copy right: www.nat.is Used by permission.
Nature
Háleyjabunga
Háleyjarbunga is a small, flat lava shield with a large, 20 to 25 meter deep crater.
The shield is at least 9,000 years old. It was formed during a highly effusive lava eruption. The basalt-type is a primitive deep-mantle derived picrite that contains much of the green mineral olivine.
Location: The Háleyjarbunga is close to Reykjanes lighthouse on the tip of Reykjanes. A hikingpath is marked form Gunnuhver over the lavafield to Háleyjarbunga.
Háleyjarbunga is a geosite within Reykjanes Unesco Global Geopark.
History and Culture
The "Turkish" raid.
History and Culture
Vatnsleysustrond
The inhabited area on Vatnsleysuströnd is only on a thin strip of land by the beach and is mostly in boroughs that formed by the best land.
Nature
Mt Stapafell
History and Culture
Kalfatjorn
Kalfatjörn is a former farm, parsonage and church site in the Vatnsleysa County. It was a parsonage until 1907, when the parish was united with the Gardar parish of the Kjalarnes deanery. During catholic times, the church was dedecated to St Peter. The present church was built in 1892-93 and consecrated June 11th 1893. It was built of wood and covered with corrugated iron on stone foundations. It seats 150 persons. It now belongs to the Tjorn Parish. The altarpiece, a replica of the one in the Reykjavik Cathedral, painted by Sigurdur Guðmundsson, is equally old as the church.
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Other attractions
Sandgerðisdagar in Sandgerdi
Annually on the last weekend in august there is a family festival held in Sandgerði which emphazises on the enjoyment of people coming together and entertaining each other. Many events are available to people from Friday to Sunday because then all of the local citizens put in an effort to make the weekend as memorable as possible. For more information visit the official webpage of Sandgerði www.sandgerdi.is
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History and Culture
Stadarborg
A sheep shelter, round in shape and constructed skilfully from lava rocks.
Situated 2-3 km from the former parsonage Kalfatjorn in a direct line from there to Mt Dyngja.
It is about two metres high, 8 m in diameter, and 35 m in circumferance. The ground inside it is flat and covered with grass.
No sources reveal its age, but it is considered to be a few centuries old. According to the legend, a man named Gudmundur built it for the reverend at Kalfatjorn.
He worked elaborately at the construction, collected stones from the surrounding area to have a large selection to chose from to fit them together as perfectly as possible. He planned to close it with a cone shaped roof of stones, but the reverend envisioned it higher and more prominent than his church´s steeple and stopped the construction work. The stone mason left it exactly as we see it today. It was declared inviolate in 1951.
Highlights
Basendar
An ancient fishing outfit and a trading post just south of Stafnes.
It was one of the harbours of the Danish Trade Monopoly posts comprising Hafnir, Stafnes and Midnes. During the night of January 9th 1799 a catastrophic tidal flood devastated Batsendar. It swept most of the houses away and some of the people barely escaped. Only one old woman drowned. This was the most devastating, tidal flood in the history of the country.
How to get there: Road from Sandgerði to Stafnesi. There is a parking and walk from there until you see ruins of the place and old wall made from rocks.
History and Culture
Jón Þorkelsson og Sveinbjörn Egilsson
He was a great poet, translator and a grammarian, who wrote a dictionary of Icelandic skaldic language, the Lexicon Poëticum. His most famous works are his translations of Homer. He too is commemorated by a monument at the church.
Other attractions
Park Inn by Radison
Keflavík
About the facility
Description |
Offers three customize meeting rooms. Large meeting room on the down floor of the hotel. Two meeting rooms that can be come one. 1 and 2 has no windows that are facing outside. One glass wall facing the entrance of the hotel. Lights can be control in both rooms. Carpet floors.
Number 3 has windows facing Hafnargata the main street in Keflavík. Tiled floors and lights can be controled. |
Size |
Comming soon! |
Stage |
No |
Good entrance |
Yes |
Capacity |
Sitting: 300 people Standing: 500 people |
Staff |
Yes |
Technology
Sound system |
Apart |
Projector |
Epson
|
Size of screen |
3x2 width
|
Microphones |
Yes |
Wireless cursors |
Yes
|
Computer |
Asus |
WIFI |
Yes |
Nature
The Zoological Viking Home
The Zoological Viking Home is in operation next door to the Vikingworld. These are some calves, lambs and goats as well as chickens and rabbits in a fun environment. All the animals have in common to be of the same kind as the domestic animals brought over the Atlantic Ocean with the first permanent settlers in Iceland over 1100 years ago.
History and Culture
Kirkjubol
Kirkjubol was a farm at Gardskagi, often occupied by rich farmers and noblemen. In 1433, a group of men, escorting Bishop Jon Gerreksson of Skalholt under the command of Magnus Kaemaster, who had asked for the hand of Margret, the daughter of Governor Vigfus Holm, but suffered rejection, visited Kirkjubol. Magnus was furious and decided to set the farm afire and burn Margret alive. She was, however, the only person to escape from the fire and get away on horseback. She vowed to marry the man who would carry out her revenge. It was done by Thorvaldur Loftsson from the farm Modruvellir in the North.
In 1550, the last catholic bishop of the northern see was executed. Kristian, the envoy of the Danish Governor, was responsible for that decision. In the early part of 1551 he travelled with a large group of men to the Reykjanes Peninsula on the King´s business and spent the night at Kirkjubol. During the night a group of men from the North attacked the farm, and with the permission of the farmer they breached the roof to get in, where they killed Kristian and most of his men. Their bodies were buried north of the home fields. Immediately afterwards the dead started haunting the living and the Northlanders exhumed the bodies, severed the heads from them and put them at their buttocks to prevent any further wanderings of their souls. News of the slayings and the demeaning burying methods reached the King´s court and Danish soldiers were sent to the farm to apprehend the farmer, who was then beheaded at Farm Straumur.
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History and Culture
The Church in Innri-Njarðvík
Nature
Arnarsetur
Arnarsetur is a short monogenetic volcanic fissure with scoria and spatter craters, formed in an eruption that was an integral part of the Reykjanes Fires, a volcano-tectonic episode from 1210 to 1240. The fissure is two kilometers in length and the lava formations that originate from it cover 20 square kilometers. They are rugged and contain lava tubes and remains of human activity. The name Arnarsetur means Eagle's nest and derives from a pair of eagles that lived in the area before.
Arnarsetur is located east of the road to town Grindavík (43). The exit is about half way from Reykjanesbraut (41) to Grindavík.
History and Culture
Skagagarður, the Great Wall
A protective wall that lay from Kirkjuból to Útskálar.
The village of Garður at the north tip of the peninsula was named after the wall.
The wall or garður (cognate with English garth), which probably dated from the early days after the settlement, served to keep livestock away from the crops. The wall was broad and tall, built of turf and large rocks. Remnants of it are visible by the old road between Garður and Sandgerði. While today the only reminder of agriculture in the area is fields of grass, several hundred years after the settlement farmers were still cultivating such crops as wheat, oats and barley.
Location: From Útskálakirkja in Garður to Kirkjubólsvelli. By road 45, towards Garðskagalighthouse.
Nature
Gallow Cliffs near Hagafell
Cliffs known as Gallows Cliffs or Hanging Rocks.
The cliffs were used to execute thieves captured in Þorbjarnarfell according to an old folk story.
Location: From road 43 there is a short walk.
Nature
Keilisnes
Keilisnes is a spit of land between the coves Flekkuvik and Kalfatjorn. On the Cairn Mound near the old main road stands a cairn called Stefansvarda. This spot offers an excellend panoramic view over the Faxi Bay.
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History and Culture
Svartsengi
One of the five major high temperature areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
It supplies all of the communities of the Reykjanes Area with hot water for house heating and other purpose. The famous Blue Lagoon comes from the discharge from the power station. Area of green patches north of the hill Svartsengisfell north of the town Grindavík. On summertime the people of Grindavík celebrate there.
History and Culture
Hafurbjarnarstadir
Hafurbjarnarstadir is a farm on Gardskagi.
Next to the property is Skagagarður the great stone wall that was between Skagatá and Garðskagi and there it got the name. This place is really important for the history because a burial site was discoverd. Some bones and antiquities were found in 1868 and moved to Antiquarian Museum in Reykjavik. In 1947 9 graves were discovered and 7 or 8 bodies, bones of dogs and horses. More antiquities were discoverd like arms, jewellery and most likely remains of boat grave.
Nature
Cove Sandvik
Cove Sandvik, south of the Hafnarberg Cliffs, is a popular recreational area of the passers by travelling through the southwesternmost part of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
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History and Culture
Cove Helguvik
Helguvik is a small cove close to the freestanding rock Stakkur off Cliff Holmsberg, just north of Keflavik in the town Reykjanesbær. Nowadays this cove is a flourishing trade centre with an harbour, capelin meal factory, a processing factory for capelin, a lively cement trade and an asphalt factory. More industries are showing interest in settling in its vicinity.
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