Keflavík International Airport

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is Iceland's primary gateway to the world and a central driver of the nation's economic prosperity. Originally constructed by the U.S. military in 1942 during World War II, it served as a strategic NATO airbase for decades before transitioning fully to civilian use. The Leif Erikson Terminal, which opened in 1987, has undergone numerous expansions to accommodate the rapid surge in international tourism and now serves millions of passengers annually. As the main hub for carriers like Icelandair and Play, the airport links Iceland with dozens of destinations across Europe and North America. Beyond passenger travel, Keflavík is a vital node for air freight, facilitating the rapid export of fresh Icelandic seafood to global markets. Operated by the state-owned Isavia, the airport is one of the largest employers in the country. Its location on the Reykjanes Peninsula provides easy access to Reykjavík via a modern dual carriageway. Future master plans include the addition of new terminal wings and runways to significantly increase capacity by 2040.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Keflavík

Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.

Grindavík

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

More places

Garðskagaviti Lighthouse

At the tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula stand two lighthouses known as Garðskagaviti.

Svartsengi Power Station

The Svartsengi Power Station was the first in the world to produce combined electricity and hot water.