Tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula

September 13, 2025 -- After visiting the Gunnuhver geothermal field, we continued hiking towards the Valahnúkur cliffs. It was a long trek for our first day in Iceland. As we walked along, we realized we could have driven to the point. Oh, well at least we saved on parking and got to smell the hot springs twice (on the way back). Good exercise, too, after spending six hours on a plane. 

The path

Edge of the water

The cliff

The Valahnúkur cliffs are significant for their unique volcanic geology. They are an example of how volcanic activity and ocean erosion have shaped the Reykjanes Peninsula, with their formations like pillow lava and tuffs resulting from rapid cooling magma. We just thought they were cool.

Valahnúkamöl cliffs

Rocky shore

Sea stacks

Cold and windy

Boulders

Near the cliff edge, you can find a sculpture of a Great Auk (Geirfuglinn). The sculpture pays tribute to the extinct bird species. The great auk was a flightless bird that lived across the North Atlantic Ocean and was a good swimmer. The species became extinct in the mid-18th century due to overhunting. 

The Great Auk

Me and the Auk

On the tip of Reykjanes Peninsula, is a lighthouse. Reykjanes lighthouse is the oldest in Iceland. It was first built in 1878. It is still operational, emitting two flashes every 30 seconds to alert ships at sea. To reach the lighthouse, you had to walk up many steps. It might have been worth the view.

Reykjanes lighthouse

The lighthouse in its entirely

Old lighthouse lanterns

From afar