Table of Contents
Introduction
Grindavik is situated on the South-western coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland and it is a fishing village. Iceland has many fishing harbors, and it is almost a city with a total population of about 3000 people. Although Grindavik as a town does not seem to be a place of great activity, it is situated in close proximity to some of the most distinctive features of Icelandic geography. Due to proximity to the Reykjanes Peninsula, Grindavik provides a number of opportunities for sightseeing including geothermal sites, volcanic craters, hot springs, and beautiful coastlines.
From those interested in the majestic geology of Iceland to those interested in the fishing history, or lovers of sea view, Grindavik is perfect for each traveler type.
History and Culture
Since Grindavik has been a fishing community in Iceland, the past and the future of this place were always connected with the sea. Iceland has been inhabited since the 10th century by Norse people who formed fishing settlements at the nation’s southwestern coast where Vík Ziberg lies. Over the years Grindavik developed into an important producer of saltfish and quickly became an important center of the fishing industry in Iceland. Today while there is much tourism contribution to the economy the mainstay of Grindavik is still fishing.
At Kvikan, the Saltfish Museum nestled in the town of Grindavik, visitors can feel the rough working class ethos of the people from the town. Some of the artifacts demonstrated how with preservation in salt, saltfish helped residents of the region to eat during long winters. They explained to us about the families of Grindavik and fishing days when people used small boats to hand line cod. Starting from learning about the customs of traditional fish processing, up to observing such tools and living conditions of the foregone generations, people receive the opportunity to pay respect to the historical fishing heritage of Iceland at Kvikan.
Landscapes and Nature
Located on the beautiful island of Reykjanes, Grindavik puts you right in the middle of some of the most breathtaking views that Iceland has to offer. Again the spectacular scenes are to be viewed from the time you arrive at the town from the coastal strip. If you turn your eyes toward the sea there are two offshore islets Akrafjall and Gunnuhver poking through the water.
The coast is occupied by enormous platforms of solidified lava which spreads out in every direction, containing among its irregularities and depressions many volcanos and hot springs. Grindavik has become so popular because popular sites such as the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, Lake Kleifarvatn, and Krysuvik hot springs are located adjacent to Grindavik and easy to access by car and bus.
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse which stands for Iceland’s westernmost point is one of the large and beautiful landscapes near Grindavik. Since 1878, the lighthouse has been a beacon to Icelandic fishermen who have braved rolling coastal cliffs to get through stormy waters into the Grindavík harbor. People can go up for this view of the North Atlantic Ocean, the city of Reykjavik and even Snæfellsjökull glacier in the far off horizon. At times you may be lucky to catch a sight of the glaciers of Greenland on the horizon, on a bright day.
If you’re keen on more volcanic stuff, then head to Mt. Þorbjörn with a rocky crater just on the edge of the town. A moderate, one-hour hiking trail crosses the lava field and leads to the top of the mountain. Otherworldly sights here are Stóri-Stakki – two large basalt spikes that stand as if leaning; Grænavatn, the lake, with volcanic minerals below the slopes. While coming across any trail, it is possible to meet such birds as golden plover and purple sandpiper as they nest in the area during summer.
If you have more time you can go for long walks between Þorbjörn and the famous Victorian age volcanic crater lake, Kleifarvatn geothermal area where you can see hot springs at Seltún.
Accommodations
While some are located in downtown areas, others are cottages standing alongside volcanic craters, and in Grindavik, you will find both guesthouse and cozy cottages for a couple that will make you admire your views. Many hotels are situated within walking distance to Grindavik’s harbor, where there are eateries or tour operating businesses offering tours that are done by boat too. They vary from very cheap guest houses such as Guesthouse Borg to moderately priced hotels including the Hotel Berg, which was established recently. Some of the cottages and rental apartments are also managed by the local guesthouses such as Guesthouse 100 Island, which also provides a service in organizing northern lights tours in and around the peninsula.
For a big group or extended family, there’s one of the highlighted vacation homes along the beautiful lava countryside, just outside Grindavik. There are hotels that feature spacious cottages equipped with a hot tub that allows the guest to view the volcanic terrains from the comfort of his own bathtub. Several farm-stay cottages tucked in the heart of the Icelandic countryside can also be found inside the farmlands of the peninsula.
Dining and Nightlife
Despite being a small village, it provides good quality of food concentrated on sea foods brought from the nearby harbor market and farm products. Virtually all restaurants are located near the beautiful coast where there are colored boats for fishing. There is langoustine bisque and their catch of the day that may range from haddock and grilled with lava salt Arctic char. Introducing next door, casual and informal dining as Bryggjan Café serves lobster sliders, fish kebabs, and an open-faced shrimp sandwich lunch by the sea.
Other restaurants such as Bryggjan Café are other harborfront restaurants which transform into more relaxed pubs in the evening. Icelanders are as well as tourists packed tightly together inside the small pub called Bryggjan and enjoy the music of live bands of the late hours of the weekend and longer summer nights. Menu extended to sandwiches, burgers, fish skewer and lamb BBQ to cater for late Night Business. When the guests are arriving in November through March, several restaurants also offer the Grindavík Pottasleppan – the shellfish festival of scallop, shrimp, crab and lobster soups.
For individuals who are operating on a tight budget, they can have their meals prepared in one of the available accommodation facilities in Grindavik that have kitchens where the travelers can prepare their own meals. The bonus is not having to buy fresh seafood at places like causal deli Pollan or Fiskbúðin which offer another experience altogether. Choose fresh redfish, salmon, shrimp, and langoustine caught in the cold North Atlantic Ocean.
Check Out: The Complete Guide to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Activities and Tours
As to the fact, tours make exploring them efficiently easy since Grindavik is rich in natural attractions. Some companies provide informative and valuable Reykjanes Peninsula day tours visiting all the attractions. These include: driving past steam vents and bubbling mudpots in Gunnuhver, enjoying a warm bath in the geothermal warm waters of the Blue Lagoon, hiking across wetlands and reaching the crater of Mt. Þorbjörn. Almost all the tours also provide enough time for stops to take pictures of the ocean during the journey. It combines bus transport and guide services as well as brings together the most popular sites of the region.
For something a little more adventurous, cycling tours also bring exercise as well as great sights as wonderful means of seeing the destination. Such tour operators as Arctic Adventures offer mountain bikes for a do-it-yourself ride through the peninsula-topping old lava fields. Riding by the active volcanoes, crater and black sand beaches, one is free to set the pace while being given the GPS track with distances in miles for different legs of the tour. Like Arctic Adventures riders can organize a group bicycle tour and travel from Grindavik to a driving destination like Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, Kleifarvatn lake or the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon.
Yet another mode of viewing the tapes of the coastal terrains of Grindavik is the boat trip. Such companies as Elding Whale Watch take their expedition cruises along the rocky shores of Reykjanesviti in search of dolphins, whales and sea birds. Other boat tours such as those offered by Arctic Adventures get the passengers closer to the tour, inside sea caves and stop for seal viewing close to beautiful basalt features. With more hours spent at sea, fishing charters that leave the shores of Grindavik offer rods and advice on how to capture the common species found in the North Atlantic.
There is hardly any adventure in the region of Grindavík which does not involve a chase across the night skies for the magical phenomenon of Northern Lights. Since Grindvik offers location of choice under Iceland’s auroral belt to witness the Northern Lights, you stand a good chance of seeing them anytime from September to April. Guiders are available to take everyone at around 2100hrs to hunt the dancing green, purple and red lights right from the hotels in Grindavik. Informed administrators monitor space and weather conditions to ensure that spots such as Mount Þorbjörn are in the optimal position for solar observation and picture-taking.
There are multiple options no matter if the traveler chooses an organized tour or explore the surroundings of Grindavik independently, three magnificent landscapes await. With a range of experiences, nearby unspoiled landscapes, and cute and comfortable accommodation, this Icelandic fishing town is the perfect place to explore Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula.
Conclusion
From the vast volcanic terrain, to fisherman roots, to strategic location enabling visit of numerous famous spots in Iceland, the simple town of Grindavik is the perfect combination of outdoor and cozy. Sitting on the Reykjanes Peninsula close to craters, hot springs, and ocean, Grindavik puts you right where geology, history, and awe-inspiring scenery tell Iceland’s untamed story. Moreover, it is easy for travelers to access quality rooms, perfect food and good learning tours in Grindavik. Whether hiking to waterfalls around Kleifarvatn, cycling to an old lighthouse, or trying out fresh fish at a café by the harbor, action in Grindavik comes in all forms and paints pretty pictures across all forms of Icelandic tourism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can one get to Grindavik?
The majority of foreign tourists arrive through Keflavik International Airport which is located less than 10-15min drive from Grindavik. Car rental services are easily found right at Keflavik before the short drive towards Grindavik on Route 41, stretching along the entire Reykjanes Peninsula. In fact, some bus line routes such as FlyBus, popularly known as Airport Express also pass through Grindavik for passengers who do not want to drive themselves.
When is better to go to Grindavik, in winter or in the summer?
Although Grindavik has mild climate throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the summer season which is from June, July and August because the days are long enough for an adventurous experience of Iceland. But the best chance to see this beautiful phenomenon illuminating the sky over Grindavik is during the winter time from November to March. Those who are ready toFKB spend more time in colder and less light will be advantageous to do so in Grindavik in the low season, starting from September through May.
What are some different activities you can do around Grindavik?
The areas around Grindavik, such as lava fields, volcanic mountain and ocean cliffs provide numerous facilities for the adventurous tourist. Such experiences can be found: hiking in Þorbjörn and Reykjanestá for scenery, biking over lava fields and hot springs, kayaking to islands, horse riding on black sand beaches, fishing for Arctic char in Lake Kleifarvatn, and hunting waterfalls on the coast. There are a lot of tours and guides you can get locally to help with Grindavik’s top outdoor experiences.
