A dynamic community

Reykjanesbær is a young and dynamic community with a diverse and rapidly expanding population. The district spreads over the Reykjanes Peninsula and it includes the UNESCO Global Geopark, which was recognised because of its geological heritage of outstanding universal value.

For centuries the sea and its rich fishing grounds have shaped a thriving community in Reykjanesbær. The district’s significance increased with the arrival of the
NATO Defence Forces at Keflavík International Airport. Today the airport is one of the largest workplaces in Iceland, and which caters for considerable numbers of
tourists every year. It is safe to say that Reykjanes or Suðurnes is often the first and last destination for those who come to Iceland from around the world.

Here, nature is breathtaking and the energy from deep underground has shaped the landscape, where you can find rows of craters, moss-grown lava, spitting hot springs, and the Blue Lagoon, which has been called one of the Modern Wonders of the World. Reykjanes has one of the largest bird colonies in Europe and is popular for bird watching, whether viewing in the rocks or beaches. The possibilities for outdoor activities are almost endless.

The coastal route of Reykjanesbær is a 10 km hiking trail that runs from Helguvík to Stapi and is popular with locals and visitors as it is offers a unique view of the sea and, if you are lucky, you could catch a glimpse of the occasional whale. The birdlife by the beach is usually quite varied.

Museums and Culture

Reykjanesbær has a rich musical culture and has been known to be referred to as the home of pop music in Iceland. You can experience this unique story in the Rock Museum of Iceland in Hljómahöll. Duus Museum, which previously housed Danish merchants selling fish, is now the town’s cultural center, where there are interesting galleries at the Art Museum and the Regional Museum. Viking World is a magnificent exhibition hall that houses a reconstruction of the Viking ship, Íslendingur, that sailed to America in 2000 to commemorate Leif Eiríksson’s voyage to the New World.

Downtown – Hafnargata

The historic downtown lies along the coastline above the historic shopping stalls of the Duus merchants, where shops date back to the 19th century. You can find a number of shops with a diverse product range. After shopping, it is easy to find places to eat as Hafnargata has a rich food culture.

 

Reykjanesbær Community Guidelines

• The port is near the center of town and the townspeople can hear sounds from ships very clearly. Please avoid using the outer deck loud speaker system, especially in the morning or late at night.

• All the hot water in Reykjanes is geothermally heated. Be sure to visit the local swimming pool.

• Take a stroll through Reykjanesbær, which is an old fishing village maturing into a vibrant town with old historic houses surrounded by nature. A 10 km hiking path by the coast, from the old marina to Viking World, gives an opportunity to see vibrant birdlife, active harbours, and outdoor artwork. Along the main shopping street, Hafnargata, you will find interesting shops, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and the Duus Culture House.

• There are many hiking trails in Reykjanes that are fun to explore, but be aware of the delicate nature (lava fields and moss) and do not hike outside marked trails.

• The northern lights season is from late August until late April. The darker and brighter the skies, the better for seeing the Aurora Borealis, though we cannot guarantee sightings! Wear something bright as we cannot see you in the dark.

• Summers are fresh and winters fairly mild. July is the warmest month and January the coolest. Dress accordingly and dress in layers.

• Icelandic cuisine is an offshoot of Nordic cuisine, known worldwide for the freshness of the food and inspired fusion of cooking styles. There are a great variety of options to tickle your palate.

• Meet the locals. Our community is very visitor friendly. Be sure to stop for a chat, but respect the boundaries of our homes.

• Put your trash in the trash bins – this way, you help us to keep our town clean and neat.