47km (29 miles) NE of Reykjavík.

From Keflavík airport, this southwestern extremity of Iceland appears to be a bleak and uniform expanse of lava rock. But however barren and austere, Reykjanes is a wondrous and geologically varied landscape. The north coast is indeed flat and contains most of the peninsula's population. The western, southern, and interior regions, on the other hand, contain striking volcanic ranges, geothermal hotspots, and sea cliffs full of nesting birds. Some parts are so remote that only a few local farmers in search of stray sheep have ever set foot in them. A trail system is well developed, but hiking routes are often unmarked, and it can be difficult to find drinking water or a soft place to pitch a tent.