Gunnuhver is a powerful geothermal area on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, famous for its dramatic steam vents and boiling mud pools rather than erupting geysers. Named after a local ghost legend, the site features some of the hottest geothermal activity in the country, with thick plumes of steam rising from the earth and a strong sulfur scent in the air. Wooden walkways guide visitors safely through the area, offering an up-close look at Iceland’s intense geothermal forces and volcanic landscape.
For centuries, Iceland has been known as the Land of Fire and Ice, in no small part due to its abundance of active volcanoes. One of the best places to experience Iceland’s otherworldly volcanic landscapes is the Reykjanes Peninsula, a fascinating area within easy reach of Reykjavik, known for its lava fields, geothermal areas, and rugged coastline. Our private driving excursion showcases the best Reykjanes has to offer, taking you deep inside a lava tunnel, getting a closer look at other geothermal phenomena, and topping it all off with a relaxing dip in the mineral-rich waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.
On this full-day private tour, you will:
This full-day private driving excursion offers an in-depth exploration of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region shaped by powerful volcanic forces and located where two tectonic plates meet. With the comfort of private transport and the insight of a knowledgeable local guide, the day reveals Iceland’s dramatic geology in all its glory before concluding with one of the world’s most celebrated geothermal spa experiences.
The journey begins with a convenient pickup from your Reykjavík hotel and a visit to Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s most impressive lava tunnels. Formed more than 5,000 years ago, this vast underground passage offers a rare opportunity to walk through the heart of a volcanic eruption site. Inside, you’ll learn how molten lava once surged through the tunnel, leaving behind colourful rock formations, frozen lava flows, and striking textures that tell the story of Iceland’s ongoing volcanic activity, which has increased significantly in recent years, particularly around the Reykjanes area.
Back above ground, the tour continues across the raw landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula toward the Krýsuvík geothermal area. Here, the terrain appears almost extraterrestrial, with steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and hillsides stained in vivid hues by mineral deposits. The scene is often likened to the surface of Mars, and your guide will provide insight into the geothermal processes that give rise to this ever-changing environment. A short drive away lies Gunnuhver, one of the most powerful geothermal areas in all of Iceland, where massive steam plumes rise from the earth, mud pools churn at boiling temperatures, and fumaroles release superheated steam with remarkable force. Alongside the geological explanations, you’ll also hear about the local legend associated with the site, giving you a sense of how the land has shaped Icelandic folklore. There will also be a pause for lunch (lunch not included) to allow for a taste of Iceland’s cuisine.
The experience culminates at the world-famous Blue Lagoon. With Premium entry tickets included, you can unwind in the milky, mineral-rich waters surrounded by lava fields, grab a refreshing drink from the swim-up bar, and apply a nourishing silica mud mask known for its skin-enhancing properties. After a day spent exploring Iceland’s volcanic heart, the lagoon provides a deeply soothing contrast where you can relax and enjoy incredible views of Reykjanes.
As you return to Reykjavík, you’ll carry with you a deeper appreciation for the forces that continue to shape Iceland, having combined striking landscapes, expert local insight, and a restorative geothermal bathing experience into one unforgettable day.
Iceland is a truly fascinating corner of the world, nestled at the crossroads of two continents with dramatic landscapes that have to be seen to be believed. Reykjavik has always been an important part of Iceland’s story, with evidence of some of the very first settlements on the island dating back 1200 years, and it is well worth exploring the modern city before stepping out into the wild. Our private tour combines a comprehensive introduction to Reykjavik’s history, culture and key landmarks with an exhilarating adventure along the Reykjanes Peninsula in the company of a local expert guide who will share the most compelling stories of the Land of Ice and Fire along the way.
On this full-day private tour, you will:
This full-day private driving tour offers an immersive introduction to Reykjavík and the extraordinary volcanic landscapes that lie just beyond the city limits. The tour begins with convenient hotel pickup, where you’ll get acquainted with your local guide and set off on a journey through Reykjavík’s most important landmarks. As you explore the city, you’ll see a thoughtful selection of sites such as Hallgrímskirkja Church, the tranquil Tjörnin pond, and the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture along the waterfront. On the way, your guide brings Iceland’s story to life, tracing Reykjavík’s journey from early Norse settlement to the modern capital it is today, while sharing personal insights into daily life, traditions, and contemporary culture.
Following a relaxed stop for lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included), it’s time to leave the city behind, as the tour continues west toward the Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark located barely twenty minutes from Reykjavík’s outskirts. The scenery quickly transforms as urban streets give way to raw volcanic terrain shaped by centuries of tectonic and geothermal activity. En route, you’ll pass the picturesque Grótta lighthouse and glimpse Bessastaðir, the historic residence of Iceland’s president, set against a serene coastal backdrop.
The peninsula itself is a remarkable showcase of Iceland’s famous geology. While the exact route may vary depending on the conditions on the day, you’ll typically have time to explore the colourful geothermal fields of Krýsuvík and Seltún, where steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and mineral-stained hillsides create an otherworldly atmosphere. At Gunnuhver, you'll see powerful steam plumes rise dramatically from the ground, offering a vivid reminder of the energy beneath your feet and hear the ghost story behind its name. You'll also take in the windswept Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, perched near rugged sea cliffs at the edge of the Atlantic.
One of the day’s most memorable moments comes as you cross the so-called Bridge Between Continents, where you can stand with one foot on the North American tectonic plate and the other on the Eurasian plate, an experience found in very few places on Earth. By the time the tour comes to a close, you’ll be left with a deeper understanding of Reykjavík, a firsthand appreciation of the Reykjanes Peninsula’s dramatic landscapes, and a sense of having experienced Iceland through the eyes of a local.
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