Keflavík

This town of about 13 thousand has undergone quite some positive change in recent years. It now has a more pedestrian-friendly center, more green and culture than many towns in Iceland and may now be considered one of the better ones to visit. It’s of course also in the way for almost all tourists since it’s just next to Keflavík International Airport

The town has developed nicely while still retaining a lot of the quaint charm of a fishing village. These days it’s streets have quite a lively feel and many nice and playful landmarks. There are some good café’s, some hotels and guesthouses and most services one might need. It even has a small movie theater, which as other movie theaters in Iceland shows movies in their original language. American movies also premier at around the same time in Iceland as in America (unlike mainland Europe).

In town there are also outlets from all fast food joints and Christian cults which operate in Iceland.. both not unlikely a result of American influence, since the town lived next to an American air base for 50 years. In the center of town there is a tourist information center and a library with public Internet access.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Keflavík and on the Reykjanes peninsula. Tours around Reykjanes by bus and boat tours for sea-angling and whale-watching are available both from Keflavík and Reykjavík. They have a nice museum in Keflavík which has many very nice ship models, this sea-worthy viking ship reconstruction, a local museum, a small art museum, a couple of galleries and a glass studio you can visit and see the artists at work and even take lessons. Last but not least of course is the Blue Lagoon

This praise is perhaps spoken too soon.. but I have hope this place is turning to the better.

Don’t go out on the town here. This place has pretty bad macho culture..

^{(perhaps this is because it used to be a fishing village; with guys going out to brave the sea, risking life and limb to bring home the catch and so on or maybe the US was testing some drugs on the local population ;-)}

Keflavik is best known because of the Airport. We drove around the area a little bit. It’s very nice. If you are flying to Reykjavik you can’t avoid this place.

Unfortunately my travels were only when on business. But I did manage to walk around a little. As is the case with most European cities, you’re surrounded by history and a lot of very nice people.

Was stationed at the Nato base in ‘99 – ‘00 – as you can tell from all my other postings about Iceland, I REALLY love the place and can’t wait to go back this June/July for 3 weeks. I have to eat at Kaffi Duus and Olson Olson in Keflavik!!

It has a nice view of the ocean, but there is nothing else to really see or do here.