Sightseeing in Keflavik - what to see. Complete travel guide

Situated on the Reykjanes peninsula, Keflavik is recognized for its inimitable relaxation atmosphere, beautiful views and promising entertainments. It has the charm and spirit of a small seaside town and many entertaining and cultural events for visitors. There are even a few galleries showing and selling locally produced goods and works by Icelandic artists.

Keflavik is also famous for the fact that in the 1970s it was called the "city of musicians" or "beatel-city". And also now musicians from all over the world gather in Keflavik. It is famous for drifting icebergs, ice caves, beautiful geysers. In summer, you can take the excursions for a bunch of killer whales, humpback whales and dolphins, as well as visit the festival of lights. In this city, you discover Iceland on the new side, with its riddles and fairy tales, with trolls and elves.

It is worth visiting the Duushus museum, which has an interesting exhibition about the influence of the NATO base on the inhabitants of Keflavik. For 55 years, the NATO base defended the island from a possible Russian invasion, but at the end of the Cold War, the American contingent began to leave the base, completing this process in 2006. The exhibition shows the things that Americans left at the base, including some uniforms that were left in the laundry. There is a section of the US military food base and the layout of the officer's apartment. The exhibition is regularly visited by Icelanders to understand how America influenced their culture. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

NATO bases themselves were closed only a few years ago and are still in a very good condition. To prevent them from completely decaying, the Icelandic government began to use them and many companies opened offices in these buildings. There are plans to use the bases for a private hospital and a children's clinic.

The most famous attraction near Keflavik is the Blue Lagoon. It is a complex of thermal pools of different temperatures, the water in which has a varying composition - from quartz to blue-green algae. In addition to several reservoirs, you can relax in saunas and baths (three varieties), and also be smeared from head to foot with curative clay. The cost of admission is 16 dollars for an unlimited stay.

Another interesting place in this area is the national park with lake Kfeifarvatn, along whose shores small hydrogen sulfide geysers spit in all directions. Near the lake there is a "steam valley", where the Earth bursts steams, and boils water in colorful puddles. Petrol-heads would love the local roads winding along the ocean, then among the mountains and lava fields.

The most unusual and visited cultural center of the city is the museum with the original name “World of Vikings”. Its visitors will learn a lot of interesting things about how the Vikings lived in the North Atlantic. The main exhibit of the museum is a unique mock-up of a full sized Viking boat. Experts tried to recreate the ship exactly as it was in the 9th century.

Fans of rock will be interested in visiting the “Icelandic Rock and Roll Museum”, which offers visitors a very unusual exposition. There are several beautiful thematic installations, and collections of old records, musical instruments and even personal belongings of world famous artists can be seen. This museum is very popular among tourists with children, because it also has interactive exhibits. There is real equipment from the recording studio and everyone can learn how to work on it. The museum has an interesting souvenir shop where guests can buy T-shirts and other paraphernalia with its symbols.

The perfect place for a family visit will be the “Keflavik Maritime Center”. This is a very interesting cultural center, which presents hundreds of masterfully recreated models of ancient ships. Here you can see replicates of old fishing boats, and Viking ships. An excursion to this museum is accompanied by very informative stories. In addition to ship models, guests can see old ship equipments, as well as other questioning exhibits related to the marine theme.

There is also a small Historical Museum in Keflavik that will surprise guests with a variety of exhibits and unusual design. It is located in a beautiful wooden building, in which it was possible to completely preserve the wooden floor and walls. Here, in rooms with low wooden ceiling, there are paintings by local artists, various household items and thematic expositions, including those related to marine themes.

Keflavik guests have a huge selection of exciting excursions, during which tourists can see the local natural attractions. At certain times of the year, watching of whales and dolphins is organized for tourists. Sea walks remain the most popular option for family holidays. Independent tourists can take a boat at the port and go fishing or take a walk along the coast.