Reykjanes Museum of Heritage - Stekkjarkot

Stekkjarkot is a classic example of the roughly built turf, stone and timber cottage-type houses once common on the Reykjanes peninsula and other coastal areas of Iceland, Stekkjarkot was opened to the public in 1993 by Iceland’s then-president Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, following a year of restorations. The older part of the cottage, with its open hearth, dates back to the 19th century, and is said to have been home to a maidservant with an infant daughter who slept on the earthen floor. The newer part dates from the farm’s last days of habitation, by which time floorboards covered the living room and kitchen, a coal-fired stove provided both cooking facilities and heat, and conditions for those who lived there do not seem to have been too bad.

Stekkjarkot, Icelandic turf house near Keflavik International Airport on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

The land on which the house stands was of the type known in Icelandic as purrabúð, which meant that its occupants were forbidden from keeping any kind of domestic animals, including cows and sheep. As a result, they were completely dependent on the sea for their existence. During its 37 years of habitation, Stekkjarkot was occupied by only 3 couples and their families. Built during the years 1855-1877, it was abandoned only 30 years later. Refurbished in 1917, it was abandoned again in 1927. The high point of its history as a farm probably came in 1921, when its tenants finally managed to gain permission to keep a few sheep.

Stekkjarkot, Icelandic turf house near Keflavik International Airport on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

The land on which the house stands was of the type known in Icelandic as purrabúð, which meant that its occupants were forbidden from keeping any kind of domestic animals, including cows and sheep. As a result, they were completely dependent on the sea for their existence. During its 37 years of habitation, Stekkjarkot was occupied by only 3 couples and their families. Built during the years 1855-1877, it was abandoned only 30 years later. Refurbished in 1917, it was abandoned again in 1927. The high point of its history as a farm probably came in 1921, when its tenants finally managed to gain permission to keep a few sheep.

Stekkjarkot, Icelandic turf house near Keflavik International Airport on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

The land on which the house stands was of the type known in Icelandic as purrabúð, which meant that its occupants were forbidden from keeping any kind of domestic animals, including cows and sheep. As a result, they were completely dependent on the sea for their existence. During its 37 years of habitation, Stekkjarkot was occupied by only 3 couples and their families. Built during the years 1855-1877, it was abandoned only 30 years later. Refurbished in 1917, it was abandoned again in 1927. The high point of its history as a farm probably came in 1921, when its tenants finally managed to gain permission to keep a few sheep.

Stekkjarkot, Icelandic turf house near Keflavik International Airport on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Stekkjarkot is a remake of a traditional “þurrabúð” or a seasonal workers accommodation as they were called and were common here for a while. Those who lived here were not allowed to keep animals, e.g. cow or sheep. Such cottages were always built on the land of others and workers paid for the use, for example with seafood or they rowed on the landowner’s boats. The people that lived here thus had to rely entirely on what the sea provided, and some were often cramped if the fishing season wasn’t going well. Kotabyggð was the first indicator of urban dwellings by the sea, although sources about such settlements can be found dating further back, it was not until the 19th century and especially the 20th that such urban areas managed to take root by the sea in this country.

Stekkjarkot, Icelandic turf house near Keflavik International Airport on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

The land on which the house stands was of the type known in Icelandic as purrabúð, which meant that its occupants were forbidden from keeping any kind of domestic animals, including cows and sheep. As a result, they were completely dependent on the sea for their existence. During its 37 years of habitation, Stekkjarkot was occupied by only 3 couples and their families. Built during the years 1855-1877, it was abandoned only 30 years later. Refurbished in 1917, it was abandoned again in 1927. The high point of its history as a farm probably came in 1921, when its tenants finally managed to gain permission to keep a few sheep.

Holmsberg Lighthouse, Reykjanesbær, Southern Peninsula, Iceland

The Lighthouse at Holmsberg was built in 1956. The conical tower stands 9,3 m tall with a red lantern house of 3,4 m on top. Six identical lighthouses can be found in other parts of Iceland, all designed by the engineer Axel Sveinsson.

Coastline at Holmsberg Lighthouse on the Southern Peninsula in Iceland

Coastline at Holmsberg Lighthouse near Reykjanesbær on the Southern Peninsula in Iceland

The 'new' lighthouse at Garðskagi

The 'new' lighthouse at Garðskagi on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

The old Garðskagi Lighthouse at Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland

There are two lighthouses standing side by side at the tip of the Reykjanes peninsula at Garðskagi. This one was constructed first in 1897, while the otherone was built recently in 1944.

The old Garðskagi Lighthouse on Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland

There are two lighthouses standing side by side at the tip of the Reykjanes peninsula at Garðskagi. This one was constructed first in 1897, while the otherone was built recently in 1944.

The old Garðskagi Lighthouse on Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland

There are two lighthouses standing side by side at the tip of the Reykjanes peninsula at Garðskagi. This one was constructed first in 1897, while the otherone was built recently in 1944.

Hvalsnes Church on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Hvalsnes church was built with basaltic lava stones in 1886-87. It has an oddly colorful tower.

Rocky coast around Stafnesviti Lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland

Horses grazing between the rocks around Stafnesviti Lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula in South Iceland

Stafnesviti Lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

The Strafnesviti Lighthouse was built with concrete in 1925. 6 identical lighthouses, designed by engineer Axel Sveinsson, were built in other parts of iceland. Stafnes was a mansion in the past. There were many fishing outfits on the property and many people lived there during the fishing seasons. Royal fishing outfits started operating there around the middle of the 16th century and were abolished in 1769. The inhabitants of the King’s properties in the Southwest were obliged to work on the King’s boats against low pay. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Stafnes was the most populous fishing outfit on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Iceland Horses at the Stafnesviti Lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Looks like a pony, walks like a pony, has the size of a pony - and the hair style too. But for some reason Iceland Horses are not ponies. The most important reason seems to be tradition: Icelandic horses have always been referred to as such. Breeding registries all agree that the Icelandic horse should be referred to as such.

Iceland Horses at the Stafnesviti Lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

The Strafnesviti Lighthouse was built with concrete in 1925. 6 identical lighthouses, designed by engineer Axel Sveinsson, were built in other parts of iceland. Stafnes was a mansion in the past. There were many fishing outfits on the property and many people lived there during the fishing seasons. Royal fishing outfits started operating there around the middle of the 16th century and were abolished in 1769. The inhabitants of the King’s properties in the Southwest were obliged to work on the King’s boats against low pay. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Stafnes was the most populous fishing outfit on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Stafnesviti Lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Iceland Horses at the Stafnesviti Lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula, South Iceland

Mid-Atlantic Ridge near Sandvík on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Iceland represents the largest portion of the mid-Atlantic ridge exposed above sea level. Formed from volcanic eruptions on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, about 24 million years ago, it is one of the few places where you can stand on the ridge on dry land. This makes Iceland very special and a popular place for geologists and scientists.

Leif the Lucky Bridge between Continents on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland

The Bridge between Continents or Midlina is a 15 meter (50 ft) footbridge in the Reykjanes Peninsula spanning a gaping rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The lava-scarred Reykjanes Peninsula lies directly on the Mid Atlantic Ridge. These major tectonic plates drift apart by the Earth’s forces, few centimeters each year. After crossing the bridge you can pick up a personalized certificate from the Reykjanes Information Center. It verifies that you did indeed walk all the way from Europe to America. Or at least between the two tectonic plates…

Mid-Atlantic Ridge near Sandvík on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Iceland represents the largest portion of the mid-Atlantic ridge exposed above sea level. Formed from volcanic eruptions on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, about 24 million years ago, it is one of the few places where you can stand on the ridge on dry land. This makes Iceland very special and a popular place for geologists and scientists.

Cirrus clouds over Reykjanesvíti Lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland

The first lighthouse in Iceland was built on Valahnúkur in Reykjanes in the year 1878. By 1905 earthquakes and surf had damaged Valahnúkur so much that there was the risk of the lighthouse falling into the sea. A new lighthouse was therefore built in 1907-1908 on Bæjarfell hill in Reykjanes and the old one was demolished with an explosion on April 16th 1908. A survey which Rögnvaldur Guðmundsson supervised in 2007 for the Icelandic Maritime Administration led to the conclusion that Reykjanes lighthouse was the most popular lighthouse among Icelanders. The light signal height is 69 meters above sea level but the actual height of the lighthouse is 26 meters. Reykjanes lighthouse also has a radio beacon with a correction signal. There is carved rock and concrete in the lighthouse. Architect Frederik Kjørboe and engineer Thorvald Krabbe designed the lighthouse. The operation of Reykjanes Lighthouse is under the supervision of the Icelandic Maritime Administration.

Valahnúkamöl Cliffs on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

A massive boulder on the south edge of Valahnúkamöl at the base of the cliff

Reykjanesvíti Lighthouse, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

The first lighthouse in Iceland was built on Valahnúkur in Reykjanes in the year 1878. By 1905 earthquakes and surf had damaged Valahnúkur so much that there was the risk of the lighthouse falling into the sea. A new lighthouse was therefore built in 1907-1908 on Bæjarfell hill in Reykjanes and the old one was demolished with an explosion on April 16th 1908. A survey which Rögnvaldur Guðmundsson supervised in 2007 for the Icelandic Maritime Administration led to the conclusion that Reykjanes lighthouse was the most popular lighthouse among Icelanders. The light signal height is 69 meters above sea level but the actual height of the lighthouse is 26 meters. Reykjanes lighthouse also has a radio beacon with a correction signal. There is carved rock and concrete in the lighthouse. Architect Frederik Kjørboe and engineer Thorvald Krabbe designed the lighthouse. The operation of Reykjanes Lighthouse is under the supervision of the Icelandic Maritime Administration.

Eldey Island seen from the Valahnúkamöl Cliffs area

The last documented pair of Great Auks was killed on Eldey Island on Monday, June 3, 1844, seen some 15 km ((9.5 miles) in the distance. Hence the Great Auk sculpture on the right. The Great Auk was the biggest of the Auk family and flightless.

Gunnuhver Steam Vent at Gunnuhver Geothermal Area on Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland

Gunnuhver is located within the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark. It is a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents on the southwest part of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Named after an angry female ghost, Gudrun, whose spirit was trapped in the hot springs by a priest 400 years ago. The steamy area has an eerie atmosphere and an incredible sulfur vapor. A unique characteristic of the Gunnuhver hot springs is that the groundwater here is 100% seawater, unlike other geothermal areas on the island.

Gunnuhver Geothermal Area on Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland

Gunnuhver is located within the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark. It is a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents on the southwest part of the Reykjanes Peninsula. They change with time. The group partly formed after earthquakes in 1967. The name stems from a story about the vicious ghost Gunna who was lured into a vent and never seen again.

Gunnuhver Steam Vent at Gunnuhver Geothermal Area

Gunnuhver is located within the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark. It is a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents on the southwest part of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Named after an angry female ghost, Gudrun, whose spirit was trapped in the hot springs by a priest 400 years ago. The steamy area has an eerie atmosphere and an incredible sulfur vapor. A unique characteristic of the Gunnuhver hot springs is that the groundwater here is 100% seawater, unlike other geothermal areas on the island.

Brimketill View Point, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

The relentless sea pounding the coastline. The waves erode the rock by increasing air pressure in fissures and cracks. On receding, the sea takes the air with it, creating under-pressure. This process erodes the rock over time. The lava around Brimketill is extremely rough, cracked and with high, sharp edges and surfaces. The field properly formed in the Reykjanes Fires in 1210 - 1240.

Þórufoss Waterfall in West Iceland

Þórufoss is a 18 m (62 feet) high waterfall found east of Lake Þingvallavatn. The waterfall makes up part of the 25 km (16 mi) river Laxá í Kjós which is renowned for its healthy population of Atlantic salmon. The waterfall is less famous than its counterparts around the country and thus is not overly signposted. Þórufoss is known to freeze over in the winter time. The waterfall was also used as a shooting location for Game of Thrones as the home of the Children of the Forest.

Þórufoss Waterfall east of Lake Þingvallavatn

Þórufoss is a 18 m (62 feet) high waterfall found east of Lake Þingvallavatn. The waterfall makes up part of the 25 km (16 mi) river Laxá í Kjós which is renowned for its healthy population of Atlantic salmon. The waterfall is less famous than its counterparts around the country and thus is not overly signposted. Þórufoss is known to freeze over in the winter time. The waterfall was also used as a shooting location for Game of Thrones as the home of the Children of the Forest.

Gullfoss waterfall in Southern Iceland

Gullfoss is located in the heart of the famous Golden Circle in Haukadalur, South Iceland. The mighty Hvítá (White River) is a glacial river flowing southward straight from Langjökull (Long Glacier) giving Gullfoss an awesome flow rate.

Gullfoss waterfall in Southern Iceland

Gullfoss is located in the heart of the famous Golden Circle in Haukadalur, South Iceland. The mighty Hvítá (White River) is a glacial river flowing southward straight from Langjökull (Long Glacier) giving Gullfoss an awesome flow rate.

Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, in Southern Iceland

The falls are named Gullfoss, which translates to the Golden Waterfall, because on a sunny day, the water takes on a golden-brown color. This is due to the fact that the Hvítá river is glacial water and therefore carries lots of sediments that glacial ice has carved off the earth throughout the years.

At the brink of Gullfoss, the largest waterfall in Europe

Gullfoss, translated to Golden Falls, is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages. The first, shorter cascade is 11 metres (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 metres (69 feet). The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon.

Gullfoss, the Golden Falls, in Southern Iceland

Gullfoss, translated to Golden Falls, is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages. The first, shorter cascade is 11 metres (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 metres (69 feet). The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon.

Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall in Southern Iceland

Gullfoss, translated to Golden Falls, is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages. The first, shorter cascade is 11 metres (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 metres (69 feet). The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon.

Knarrarós Lighthouse near Stokkseyri at the south coast of Iceland

Knarrarósviti was the first lighthouse in Iceland to be built of reinforced concrete between 1938 and 1939. It is located on the shoreline just outside the village of Stokkseyri. Designed by the engineer Axel Sveinsson and heavily influenced by the work of the state architect Guðjón Samúelsson (who also designed the National Theatre in Reykjavik and Hallgrímskirkja), it is minimal in its design with a twist of art nouveau. It’s 26.2m height makes it the tallest building in south Iceland.

You cannot get lost in iceland

When you exit a main road, the signs tell quite the story on what to expect next.

Urriðafoss Waterfall in Southern Iceland

Urriðafoss, "sea trout waterfall", is the most voluminous waterfall in Iceland. The mighty Þjórsá River has a flow rate of 360 m3/sec, more than any other waterfall in Iceland.