Many travelers land at Keflavík International Airport and immediately drive straight to Reykjavík. But increasingly, visitors are realizing that some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscape are found just minutes from the airport itself.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is wild, windswept, and refreshingly unspoilt. Volcanic terrain, coastal cliffs, tectonic plates, and geothermal wonders all sit within easy driving distance. If you are renting a car at Keflavík Airport, this region is the perfect place to start or end your Iceland road trip.
Here are our picks for the top five things to see near Keflavík Airport, all easily accessible on a self-drive itinerary and ideal if you are traveling with a cheap rental car in Iceland.
1. Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Is a dormant volcano worth visiting up close? Absolutely
Fagradalsfjall volcano sits just a short drive from Keflavík Airport and has become one of Iceland’s most fascinating natural attractions. After more than 800 years of inactivity, it erupted dramatically in March 2021, lighting up the sky with lava fountains and reshaping the landscapes with rivers of molten rock.
Although the main eruptions have now paused, the area remains incredibly atmospheric. Vast fields of cooled lava stretch across the valley, broken by Sulphur-stained rock that adds flashes of yellow to the otherwise monochrome terrain. Knowing that the volcano may erupt again at some point only adds to the sense of awe.
The hike is long and can be challenging in places, but the views are unforgettable. This is one of the best examples of Iceland’s raw volcanic power, and a must-see if you are driving the Reykjanes Peninsula.
- You might also like: Everything you need to know about Iceland’s volcanic eruption
2. Íslendingur – The Viking Ship
Íslendingur isn’t a person, it’s a ship.
This impressive Viking ship replica stands as a tribute to Iceland’s seafaring history. Modelled on the famous Gokstad ship in Norway, Íslendingur was built by Gunnar Marel Eggertsson and completed in 2000. What makes it truly remarkable is that he sailed it across the Atlantic to New York, following the route taken by Leifur Eirkíksson over a thousand years earlier.
Measuring 23 meters ling with an 18-metre mast, the ship is a striking sight. You’ll find it at Vikingaheimar, beside Faxaflói Bay. Standing here, looking out to sea, it’s hard not to imagine the courage it took for Iceland’s first settlers to sail into the unknown.
This stop pairs perfectly with a short coastal drive from Keflavík Airport.
3. Bridge Between Continents
The Bridge Between Continents is one of the most unique attractions near Keflavík Airport.
At first glance, the bridge appears to cross a dry, sandy gap. In reality, it spans a rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Iceland is one of the few places on Earth where the plate boundary can be seen above ground.
Walk across the bridge and, in just a few steps, you move from Europe to North America. A plaque at the midpoint reads “Miðlína – in the footsteps of the gods”, marking the symbolic divide.
This stop helps explain why the Reykjanes Peninsula is so volcanically active and why Iceland’s landscape feels so alive and constantly changing.
Hafnaberg Sea Cliffs
At the south-western tip of Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean relentlessly shapes the land. Hafnaberg is one of the most impressive results of that process.
Part of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, these cliffs feature striking layers of smooth and jagged rock carved by centuries of wind and waves. The area is also a haven for birdlife. Guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, and razorbills nest here in large numbers, making this a favorite spot for birdwatchers.
A short, manageable walk up Valahnjúkur hill rewards you with sweeping views over the coastline. On clear days, you may even spot Eldey Island offshore, or catch sight of seals and whales passing by.
The Blue Lagoon
No list of things to see near Keflavík Airport would be complete without the Blue Lagoon
While it is best known as a luxury geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon is also visual spectacle. Named one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World, it sits in a surreal lava field, where milky blue water contrasts sharply with black volcanic rock and drifting steam.
The lagoon uses mineral-rich water from a nearby geothermal power plant, a perfect example of Icelandic sustainability and innovation. Even if you plan to bathe, take time to walk around the site first. The setting itself is just as memorable as the soak.
Its location makes it an ideal first or last stop when renting a car at Keflavík Airport.
FAQ: Visiting Near Keflavík Airport
- Is it worth exploring near Keflavík Airport instead of driving straight to Reykjavík?
Yes. The Reykjanes Peninsula offers volcanoes, cliffs, geothermal areas, and cultural sites all within a short drive. It is one of the most underrated regions in Iceland.
- Do I need a 4×4 to explore Reykjanes?
No. All attractions listed here are accessible via paved or well-maintained roads. A standard 2WD rental car is sufficient year-round, depending on weather conditions.
- How much time should I allow for Reykjanes?
Half a day is enough for highlights, but one full day allows you to explore at a relaxed pace and enjoy short hikes.
- Can I visit these places right after landing?
Yes. This is one of the best regions to explore immediately after arriving in Iceland, especially if you have an early landing or late departure.
- Is renting a cheap car in Iceland reliable?
Yes, as long as you choose a reputable local provider. Cheap rental cars are ideal for paved roads, short trips, and budget-friendly self-drive itineraries.
Why Explore Reykjanes by Rental Car?
Exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula by car gives you flexibility, freedom, and access to places tours often skip. With a cheap car rental in Iceland, you can easily visit all five of these attractions in one or two days, without rushing.
Firefly Iceland offers cheap rental cars at Keflavík Airport, making it easy to start driving as soon as you land.
