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Gríndavík is a friendly fishing town on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Surrounded by mossy lava fields and natural wonders, explore Gríndavík’s small-town charm, outdoor attractions, and delicious food. Complete your visit with a dip into the majestic waters of the famous Blue Lagoon!
Grindavík in Iceland is one of those charming little fishing towns you find on the country’s large stretch of coastline. It is located at the southern end of the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its geothermal and volcanic activity.
All around the town you will find moss-covered lava and stunning mountains which some locals use for training and general nature enjoyment. Not far from the settlement you will find Iceland’s most famous landmark, the Blue Lagoon.
Grindavík offers various restaurant options, has a local swimming pool, a colorful harbor, a lovely fishery themed museum, and their own sports team. Grindavík has over three thousand inhabitants and an active and a friendly community, where everybody knows your name.
The gifts of the ocean and the work around it have always been a unifying symbol for the people of Grindavík who from establishment until this day work hard at sea and land in the fishing industry. The people of Gríndavík are called Grindvíkingar by other neighboring towns, the closest being Keflavík and Sandgerði.
Between 2023 and 2024, the Reykjanes Peninsula experienced four volcanic eruptions due to intensified seismic activity. They all took place on the Reykjanes Peninsula, not far from Gríndavík town. It all started with an earthquake in November 2023. Safety measures were taken immediately to protect the inhabitants and the surrounding area.
Fortunately, in December 2023, the first eruption occurred in an uninhabited area north of Gríndavík. Despite the magnitude of the eruption, it didn’t pose any danger to the town. Lava flowed away from it. The situation was considered safe. However, scientists anticipated further volcanic activity. In response, authorities started constructing safety barriers around the Svartsengi power plant and Blue Lagoon.
In January 2024, the seismic activity intensified once more. This time, the inhabitants of Gríndavík were evacuated before the eruption. It was an important decision, as the new fissure opened near the Hagafell mountain, north of the town. Lava flowed towards the northernmost neighborhoods, causing some damage. However, flights to and from Iceland remained open and unaffected.
Another eruption occurred in February 2024, northeast of Gríndavík. The safety barriers around the Svartsengi power plant and Blue Lagoon softened the effect of the eruption. The volcanic eruption ended a day later.
The newest eruption occurred in March 2024, 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the town. Just like before, the Sundhnúkagígar eruption stays contained within the Reykjanes Peninsula. There is no impact on vital areas like the airport, the Ring Road, Reykjavik, or any other parts of Iceland.
What’s the current situation? Gríndavík remains evacuated, but Iceland is equipped to manage the situation with defensive barriers and expert monitoring. Though it's uncertain when the seismic unrest might end, it's safe to travel to Iceland with measures in place to ensure safety for residents and visitors.
Grindavík is located at the Southernmost point of the Reykjanes peninsula about 52 km from Reykjavík, 24,6 km away from Keflavík International Airport and 90,7 km away from Þingvellir National Park, commonly known as one of the three stops on the Golden Circle.
Some of the best-known landmarks near Grindavík are the Blue Lagoon, Gunnuhver hot springs, the bridge between the tectonic plates and Reykjanes Lighthouse.
GPS coordinates of Grindavik: 63.8442° N, 22.4384° W
As Grindavík is located so close to the capital you can both take a bus or hire a rental car to reach the town.
Driving from Reykjavík to Grindavík will take about 50 minutes and takes you through a good percentage of the capital region, the town of Kópvogur, then Garðabær and lastly Hafnarfjörður.
Onwards you will follow Reykjanesbraut (road nr. 41) out of town until you take the turn marked Grindavík and Blue Lagoon, road nr. 43. This road will take you past the Blue Lagoon and into the town. A very simple and effortless route.
2. Taste some freshly caught fish at one of the local restaurants.
3. Go to the Icelandic Saltfish Museum – The museum opened in 2002 and has since displayed the history of salt fish production and its importance for the Icelandic economy and community.
4. Hike Mt. Thorbjorn (Þorbjörn) – the hike takes about an hour, and the trial is easily noticeable in the terrain. When you reach the top you will be able to stand tall at the edge of the mountain with amazing views racing well into the capital or descend down into the mountain tops’ valley for the perfect picnic hideout!
5. Check out the cold baths of Brimketill – it is other quite breathtaking to see how mother nature can leave things and the bath of Brimketill is certainly one of these places.
6. Stop at Gunnuhver Hot Spring – widest hot spring/fumarole in Iceland, named after a female ghost who haunts the area after her tragic death there. The rising steam and the array of rhyolite colors surrounding the phenomenon also put a certain flair to the setting. Well worth the visit!
7. Walk between the two continents – The bridge that connects the Eurasian and the North-American tectonic plates is a remarkable location to visit! Walking across it is truly a magical way to get up close and personal with Iceland’s geothermal activity.
Hotels
Guesthouses, B&Bs and Farmstays
Cabins and Cottages
The camping ground at Grindavík is fantastic. It offers all the facilities one might need including toilets, hot showers, washers, dryers, cooking stations, electricity for campers and WIFI.
Nearby, you will find a playground, a swimming pool, and a golf course so there is plenty to do within a walking distance and if you are looking to take longer hikes there is no shortage of walking paths.
Open: from the 1st of March to the 30th of November
Grindavík is a fishing town so the theme of most of the restaurant is seafood. Although, in between, you will find some different cuisines. Here is a list of most ¨popular and best-rated restaurants options for Grindavík.
Grindavík can easily be visited in winter. The roads very seldom get closed due to weather and the restaurants stay open. The Blue Lagoon is open all year round and the natural sights are, maybe not surprisingly, still there no matter the season.
Grindavík is definitely a good stop to make in winter and the small fishing village is a great location to head out from on a winter night’s Northern Lights hunt.
