Seltjarnarnes

Orientation

Seltjarnarnes occupies the outer end of the peninsula west of Reykjavík, but it is its own municipality rather than a city district. Residential streets sit behind a broad, exposed shoreline facing Faxaflói Bay. Come for a level coastal walk, open water and the landmark at the western tip: Grótta Lighthouse.

The peninsula is compact enough to explore on foot or by bike. Its appeal is the sequence of shore, pond, low fields and neighbourhood facilities, not a concentration of formal sights.

Walk the peninsula

The signed Peninsula Circle is a 5.8 km loop from the Grótta parking area, generally taking one to two hours. It follows the south shore past Bakkatjörn pond, turns by the golf course, then returns along the northern coast.

• Surface: principally paved shared path; the longer route around the golf course includes gravel.
• Stops: Bakkatjörn for shorebirds and waders; Kvika, a small circular geothermal footbath set into the shore; and the swimming pool for a full swim rather than a foot soak.
• History: Nesstofa, an 18th-century stone house associated with Iceland’s first official doctor, is now a medical-history museum.

The paths are low and exposed. A windproof outer layer makes a major difference even in fair weather.

Grótta: tides and birds

Grótta is a protected islet at the westernmost point, linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The present white lighthouse dates from 1947. Its black shore, tidal pools and wide bay views make it the peninsula’s clearest visual destination.

Important: the causeway disappears at high tide. Cross only when the tide allows enough time for the return, and do not attempt to wait it out on the island. Access to Grótta is prohibited during the breeding season, 1 May to 15 July, to protect nesting Arctic terns and other birds. Stay on marked paths around the reserve.

Getting there and timing

From Reykjavík, follow the coastal path west on foot or by bicycle, or take bus 11 towards Seltjarnarnes; Hofgarður stop is about 1 km from Grótta. Drivers can use the parking area near Grótta.

Summer brings long daylight for the coastal circuit, although the island closure applies in early summer. In winter, the open northern horizon around Grótta is a well-used place to look for the aurora when skies are clear; the lighthouse remains visible from the mainland when the causeway is covered.