Bæjarhátíð Seltjarnarness (Town Festival)
Summer community festival in the small peninsula town with folk music concerts, family-friendly games and sports demonstrations across the weekend.
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Seltjarnarnes
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ℹ️Practical info — Seltjarnarnes
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Grótta lighthouse at low tide; always check the tide tables to ensure you don't get stranded on the island.
- The Grótta area is one of the darkest spots near Reykjavík, making it an excellent location for viewing the Northern Lights.
- Warm your feet in the Kvika footbath, a small geothermal pool offering spectacular views of the ocean and mountains.
- The local swimming pool, Seltjarnarneslaug, is unique as its water is slightly salty and rich in minerals.
🍽 Food
🍽
Seafood
Enjoy fresh fish dishes at one of the cozy bistros located on the peninsula.
🍽
Cinnamon Buns
Pick up freshly baked cinnamon buns at a local bakery for your coastal walk.
🍽
Hot Drinks to go
Bring a thermos of hot tea or coffee if you are heading out in the evening to hunt for the Northern Lights.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Local boutiques
Explore small, independent shops offering Icelandic design items and handmade crafts.
🛍
Neighborhood groceries
Use the local convenience stores for everyday items, enjoying a quieter shopping experience than in Reykjavík.
🧘
Grótta Nature Reserve
A wonderful spot for birdwatching in the summer and enjoying a peaceful moment by the sea.
🧘
Seltjarnarnes coastal path
A scenic walking trail around the edge of the peninsula, first-rate for a calm stroll overlooking Faxaflói bay.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
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Seltjarnarnes is the smallest municipality in Iceland by land area, situated on a peninsula immediately west of Reykjavík's city center. Despite its small size, it provides an exceptional quality of life and is renowned for its pristine natural areas and expansive views over Faxaflói Bay. A primary highlight is the Grótta nature reserve at the peninsula's tip, famous for its iconic lighthouse and diverse birdlife. Historically, the town is known for Nesstofa, one of Iceland's first stone buildings, which served as the residence of the country's first Surgeon General in the 18th century. Seltjarnarnes was also a pioneer in the use of geothermal energy, becoming one of the first municipalities to develop its own district heating system. It remains a sought-after residential area for families, featuring recreational facilities such as a heated outdoor pool with mineral-rich water and scenic coastal walking paths.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Skerjafjörður · Grótta lighthouse · Camp Grótta
- Nearby: Kópavogur (6 km)
- Population: ~4.726
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 169 | 152 | 154 | 119 | 93 | 83 | 99 | 121 | 181 | 147 | 149 | 172 |
Live webcam – Seltjarnarnes
See what it looks like near Seltjarnarnes right now.
Reykjavik: Harbour - Miðbakki · 2.8 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- The smallest municipality in Iceland by land area.
- The Grótta lighthouse is accessible by foot during low tide.
- Nesstofa was the original residence of Iceland's first Surgeon General.
- First municipality in Iceland to establish its own district heating in 1947.
- Renowned as a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights.
- Home to a significant nesting colony of Arctic Terns.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:577 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
Your day in Seltjarnarnes begins with culture at the Nesstofa Museum, followed by birdwatching at Bakkatjörn Pond. At midday, you'll relax in the mineral-rich waters of Seltjarnarneslaug. The afternoon is dedicated to the rugged coast. You'll warm your feet at the Kvika footbath and stroll along the coastal path to the iconic Grótta Lighthouse, a perfect end to a day of Icelandic nature experiences.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Start: Nesstofa Medical Museum
A glimpse into Iceland's medical history in a historic building.
🚶 17'0.68 km
🚶 29'1.31 km
🚶 52'2.47 km
🚶 19'0.81 km
🚶 38'1.75 km
09:00→15:3910.2 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–43 €Entries 25€ · Transport 12€
Hop on your bike and start the day with a fresh breeze at the golf course. A quick stop at the Nesstofa Museum offers cultural input before you relax in the Seltjarnarneslaug pool at noon. In the afternoon, you'll cycle along the coastal path, enjoying the breathtaking views and reaching the Grótta Lighthouse. A detour to the Kvika footbath will warm you up. The tour ends with a peaceful loop around the bird-rich Bakkatjörn Pond.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Start at Seltjarnarnes Golf Course
Enjoy the fresh sea air before you start pedaling.
🚲 9'1.01 km
📍
10:06 · 47'
Nesstofa Medical Museum
A fascinating break to learn more about Iceland's history.
🚲 15'1.98 km
📍
11:08 · 47'
Seltjarnarneslaug Pool
Well-suited for relaxing your muscles after the first bike ride.
🚲 13'1.67 km
🚲 11'1.28 km
📍
13:06 · 47'
Grótta Lighthouse & Kvika Footbath
Park your bike, walk to the lighthouse (tides!), then warm your feet.
🚲 29'4.25 km
📍
14:22 · 47'
Return ride around Bakkatjörn
A final quiet loop to watch the birds before the day ends.
09:00→14:168.8 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 20€ · Transport 2€
Your car day in Seltjarnarnes focuses on two clusters. You start by parking at Seltjarnarneslaug for a long soak in the geothermal water. A short walk takes you to the Kvika footbath and the iconic Grótta Lighthouse. In the afternoon, you drive to the second cluster. You'll park at the Nesstofa Museum for a dose of history and finish the day with some quiet birdwatching at the nearby Bakkatjörn Pond.
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🚗 3'0.04 km
🚗 11'2.43 km
📍
10:58 · 47'
Kvika Footbath & Coastal Path
A short walk from the pool to a warm footbath with a view.
🚗 6'0.98 km
📍
11:51 · 47'
Grótta Lighthouse
Check the tides before you walk across. The causeway can be flooded.
🚗 21'5.4 km
📍
12:59 · 47'
Cluster 2: Nesstofa & Bakkatjörn
Drive to the museum, park, and then explore the nearby pond.
Sights in the town Seltjarnarnes (7)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see Northern Lights?
Grótta lighthouse at the end of the peninsula is one of the best spots near Reykjavík.
Can you walk to Grótta lighthouse?
Yes, but only at low tide, as the path is submerged at high tide. Watch the tides!
Are there birdwatching spots?
Yes, Seltjarnarnes is an important nesting area for many seabirds.
What is the 'Kvika' footbath?
A small, man-made thermal pool on the shore, good for warming your feet while enjoying the view.
Is there a golf course?
Yes, Nes Golf Club provides one of the most scenic coastal courses in Iceland.
Seltjarnarnes: where is it located?
Seltjarnarnes is located in Iceland.
Seltjarnarnes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Skerjafjörður, Grótta lighthouse, Camp Grótta.
Seltjarnarnes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Seltjarnarnes: why is it worth visiting?
Seltjarnarnes is the smallest municipality in Iceland by land area, situated on a peninsula immediately west of Reykjavík's city center.
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