Plizio Visual Lab
Straumsvík Aluminium Smelter
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
factory
The Straumsvík Aluminum Smelter, operated by ISAL (Rio Tinto), is Iceland's oldest aluminum production facility, strategically located on the southern coast near Hafnarfjörður. Its opening in 1969 signaled the birth of large-scale industry in Iceland and played a crucial role in diversifying the national economy beyond fishing. The plant utilizes Iceland's vast and affordable hydroelectric power to process imported alumina into primary aluminum through the Hall-Héroult electrolysis process. Straumsvík features its own deep-water harbor, allowing for the efficient receipt of raw materials and the global export of finished aluminum products. Over the decades, the facility has undergone several technological upgrades to improve energy efficiency and meet modern environmental regulations. As one of the largest employers in the Greater Reykjavík area, the smelter significantly contributes to the country's GDP and export revenues. Straumsvík stands as a landmark of Iceland's industrial history and its successful integration of renewable energy with heavy industry.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Kapella · Þorbjarnarstaðir · Litli Rauðamelur
- Nearby: Hafnarfjörður (4 km)
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 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Inaugurated in the late 1960s as Iceland's very first facility of its kind, this colossal smelter pioneered the country's energy-intensive heavy industry. It remains a massive cornerstone of the national export economy, uniquely utilizing cheap geothermal and hydroelectric energy.
Visiting
Like most heavy industrial sites dealing with molten metal, random public access is absolutely forbidden due to severe safety risks. Those interested in the operation generally observe the vast, imposing exterior architecture and the extensive shipping docks from a safe distance.
Where to view it
The factory dominates the coastal horizon just outside Hafnarfjörður and can be easily seen by anyone driving along the main Reykjanesbraut highway connecting Keflavík and the capital. The towering silos and long production halls offer a stark, modern industrial contrast to the rugged lava fields.
Local products
Although the smelting plant itself does not sell anything directly to consumers, its economic impact sustains the spirited local businesses in nearby Hafnarfjörður. There, you can discover characterful local boutiques, specialized Viking-themed crafts, and excellent Nordic seafood dining.
Active season
Industrial manufacturing here operates at maximum capacity all day and night throughout the entire calendar year. For travelers passing by, the sight is particularly atmospheric during the dark winter months, when the immense facility is intensely illuminated against the night sky.
Nearby
Because it sits on the main route from the international airport, it is frequently passed by travelers beginning or ending their Icelandic adventure. It is perfectly situated for combining with a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon or an exploration of the active Reykjanes Peninsula.
Geography
Facts
- The smelter was officially inaugurated in the year 1969.
- The annual production capacity is approximately 212,000 tonnes of aluminum.
- Straumsvík was Iceland's first major industrial project involving foreign investment.
- The facility is powered 100% by renewable energy sources.
- The plant directly employs around 380 people.
- The imported alumina used for production comes primarily from Australia and Brazil.
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.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Straumsvík Aluminium Smelter (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Straumsvík aluminium smelter?
It is located right on the main road between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport.
Can you visit the factory?
Public tours are generally not available without prior arrangement.
Who owns the plant?
It is operated by Rio Tinto and was the first aluminium smelter in Iceland.
Why is this location important?
Due to its proximity to a deep-water port and affordable energy supply.
Are the emissions dangerous?
The smelter uses modern filtration systems to keep environmental impact as low as possible.
Straumsvík Aluminium Smelter: where is it located?
Straumsvík Aluminium Smelter is located in Iceland.
Straumsvík Aluminium Smelter: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kapella, Þorbjarnarstaðir, Litli Rauðamelur.
Straumsvík Aluminium Smelter: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Straumsvík Aluminium Smelter: why is it worth visiting?
The Straumsvík Aluminum Smelter, operated by ISAL (Rio Tinto), is Iceland's oldest aluminum production facility, strategically located on the southern coast near Hafnarfjörður.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
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.
