Hidden Behind the Lava
Grindavík is a town with a history going back to the early settlers of the 800’s. Set on the wild coastline behind a field of lava, it is just out of sight of travellers going to and from the airport. Like much of Iceland, it is filled with hidden secrets to be investigated.
Only 3 km from the Blue Lagoon, Grindavík town offers an inspiring insight into a fishing community. The harbour is full of life, with ships of different sizes coming and going. It’s hard to imagine that, until about 80 years ago, fishing was almost exclusively carried out in rowing boats.
This history is vividly portrayed in the museum, located just behind the harbour. Grindavík is famous for both its stockfish and saltfish, a national dish in Mediterranean countries. You can try some in the museum’s café run by Mamma Mia restaurant.
Above it is the dramatic Magma museum, giving a very clear picture of life under the earth. The areas in Reykjanes where fire and water mix in a cauldron that bursts out on the peninsula, are especially worth checking out – along with one of the very few places on Earth where you can stand on two different continents.
Grindavík has all kinds of bars and restaurants. Accommodation is available in Guesthouse Borg or at the new campsite, a virtual paradise for families which offers 2-for-1 passes to the Blue Lagoon.
Travel options include guided tours of the peninsula with Salty Tours; driving an ATV over the lava or riding on horseback – or bicycle. There are miles of hiking trails with amazing panoramas and fascinating sights. It’s a dream for ornithologists and geologists. For those with wide-ranging interests, this is an area that would take all your time and keep you coming back for more. Sports are popular in the town, which has a large swimming pool complex with hot pots (jacuzzis), slide, children’s pool, tanning beds and sauna. An 18-hole golf course set in spectacular vistas is just 4 km from the Blue Lagoon.
Between the 19-25 June, Grindavík is holding a Nature week – with events featuring hiking, food, education, and shows. There is also a HIking festival over Verslunamannahelgin – the last weekend in July. For details of the coach connections with Reykjavik, go to www.grindavik.is/bus
It is little wonder that this seemingly-hidden area is so popular with Icelanders and a growing number of knowledgeable tourists alike. With so much to experience in such a small area, it’s a place not to miss on your itinerary.
Grindavík
Víkurbraut 62 • 240 Grindavík
+354 420 1100
[email protected]
www.visitgrindavik.is
