5 Best Sights in Reykjanesbær, Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle)

Located near the Keflavík marina, this artistic and cultural center of Reykjanesbær houses exhibition halls for the Art and Heritage Museums of Reykjanesbær. The museum offers diverse and exciting exhibitions, concerts, and cultural activities throughout the year. One of them is the ongoing exhibition of more than 100 model boats—all built by the skipper Grímur Karlsson.

In the 1940s, the U.S. army brought rock 'n' roll to Reykjanesbær, and the town has been in love ever since. The Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll honors the town's love for the genre and invites visitors to walk through the history of Icelandic pop and rock starting in 1930. Among photographs and texts are electric guitars and legendary outfits from various Icelandic rock stars. The experience is heightened by a karaoke booth where visitors can belt out ballads or grab drum sticks and rock out.

If you are traveling with small children, this is the perfect place to escape cold Icelandic winter days or to give babies a break from the strong Nordic sun in summer. Waterworld is an indoor activity pool for the youngest generation, with bucket showers, small slides, and a friendly seal. There is also an outdoor pool, four hot tubs, and steam baths for the older generation. Children up to age 10 can enter free with an adult.

Here you will find Íslendingur, an exact replica of the Viking Age Gokstad ship, which was a remarkable archaeological find of an almost-completely intact Viking ship. Learn about the Norse settlement and mythology while you sit at the stern and imagine the sea breeze tickling your face. For early risers, they also serve breakfast under the ship starting at 7 am; it's by appointment only, so make sure to contact them in advance.