Ljósanótt (Night of Lights)
Reykjanesbær's largest town festival on the first weekend of September, with over 100 events, concerts, the illumination of the cliff and a big fireworks display on Saturday evening.
PlizioGo
Warm up with a bowl of traditional Icelandic lamb soup at a local cafe near the main street.
Find restaurants near the marina offering dishes made from freshly caught fish.
Grab a strong coffee and a traditional pastry like kleina before heading to the airport.
If you are flying out, the airport shops offer good deals on Icelandic cosmetics and spirits.
Check out the main street in Keflavík for small shops selling Icelandic art and souvenirs.
Walk around these classic 19th-century turf-roofed cottages on the edge of town for a glimpse into the past.
Take a serene walk along the coast heading north from the town, offering unobstructed ocean views.
Water temperature…
Keflavík is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland and is now part of the municipality of Reykjanesbær. Historically, the town has been a significant fishing port and trading center since the 16th century. It gained international prominence primarily through the construction of a military airfield during World War II, which later served as a NATO base and is now the site of Keflavík International Airport, the country's main aviation hub. Decades of American military presence profoundly influenced local culture, particularly the music scene, leading Keflavík to be dubbed the "Icelandic Liverpool." Many famous Icelandic musicians launched their careers here. Today, the town features a blend of modern infrastructure and historical sites, such as the Duushús Cultural Centre. Nearby attractions include spectacular geological formations within the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and the world-renowned Blue Lagoon.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 154 | 136 | 138 | 106 | 83 | 72 | 85 | 109 | 161 | 131 | 137 | 154 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day with a musical bang at the Rock 'n' Roll Museum. In the morning, explore the spiritual heart of the town, Keflavíkurkirkja. Around midday, delve into local culture and folklore at the Duus Museum and the charming Giantess. The afternoon offers a moment of reflection at the Anchor Monument before a longer walk to the historic Stekkjarkot for a glimpse into Iceland's past.
Start the day at the Rock 'n' Roll Museum to escape the rain. At noon, the Duus Museum provides cultural warmth while the harbor shows a mystical face in the mist. In the afternoon, visit the Giantess in her dry cave. The evening ends cozily in a waterfront restaurant while the wind whistles outside.
Experience the silence of the Arctic winter. The day starts late in the warm Rock Museum. At noon, we use the rare daylight to see the snowy church and harbor. The Giantess's cave feels even more magical in winter. In the evening, we seek the warmth of local cafes while the Northern Lights might dance outside.
Start your bike adventure at Viking World. In the morning, cycle through history at Stekkjarkot and the Rock 'n' Roll Museum. At midday, Keflavíkurkirkja provides a quiet moment. In the afternoon, explore the cultural complex of Duus Museum and visit the Giantess, before a longer tour to Hólmsberg Lighthouse for a spectacular sunset.
Despite the rain, the coast offers spectacular views. Start at Viking World, where the Viking ship can be explored while dry. The bike tour leads along the coast to Stekkjarkot. At noon, warm up in the city's museums. The wind at Hólmsberg Lighthouse can be demanding, but the raw nature is unforgettable.
Winter cycling in Iceland is an adventure. Start at Viking World while it's still twilight. The path along the coast offers dramatic views of frozen waves. Use the museums for regular warming breaks. Hólmsberg Lighthouse is a lonely but impressive spot under the winter sky in the afternoon.
Your car day starts at Viking World, just outside town. Then, drive to Hólmsberg Lighthouse for dramatic coastal views. Around midday, park at the harbor and explore the first cluster on foot: the Duus Museum, the Giantess, and the Anchor Monument. In the afternoon, drive to a second parking spot to explore the final cluster, dedicated to Iceland's rich musical heritage at the Rock 'n' Roll Museum.
The car is the best choice for a rainy day in Keflavík. Visit Viking World and enjoy the view at Hólmsberg Lighthouse from the warmth of the vehicle. Park conveniently at the harbor to visit the Duus Museum and the Giantess. The day concludes at the Rock 'n' Roll Museum while the rain drums on the windows outside.
In winter, the car provides safety and warmth. Start at Viking World and admire the snowy Hólmsberg Lighthouse. In town, park close to the sights to keep cold exposure brief. The Rock 'n' Roll Museum is a warm retreat in the late afternoon before darkness descends over the lava fields.
A cultural and art museum in Keflavík hosting various exhibitions on local history and art.
