Sandgerdi, a little fishing village near Keflavík, is quite close to Keflavík International Airport. This could be a good alternative for individuals looking for low-cost lodging near the airport. However, the reduced price is paid by the fact that the village has fewer shops and services and there aren’t many things to do or places to visit.
However, if you stayed in Sandgerdi on your first day, you can travel to Reykjavik and deeper into Iceland to discover some of the intriguing spots on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Sandgerdi does not have many businesses or eateries to pick from. However, because Keflavík is so close to Sandgerdi, you can visit some of the businesses there (some are open 24 hours a day).
If you’re looking for a restaurant in Sandgerdi, I have the same recommendation.
Restaurants in Keflavík are only around a 15-minute drive from Sandgerdi and provide traditional Icelandic fare, Thai cuisine, kebabs, and a variety of quick meals (such as Dominos, KFC or Subway).
In terms of activities, if you merely wish to stay in Sandgerdi, we propose the local swimming pool. If you rent a car, you can visit the museums in Keflavik or go on a journey to see the hot springs at Krysuvík and Seltún, the Gunnuhver geothermal area, soak in the natural hot springs Skátalaug or Brimketill, or visit Iceland’s most famous lagoon, Blue lagoon.
Where to eat in Sandgerdi
A complete list of cafés, restaurants, and buffets. Find out where to stop to eat during your road trip along this fishing village.
Skálinn grocery store and fast food
Skálinn is now the one and only place, where you can get something to eat if you don´t want to travel to Keflavík (what we would recommend). You can buy here the basic groceries, buy and typical icelandic burger, hot dog or waffles.
For those, who are staying in Sandgerdi but have available car for travelling, we would definitely recommend to travel to Keflavík, which is around 15 mins drive. There you can choose from many more places where to eat and visit some proper restaurants.
Best burger in Keflavík
Tommy burger (Tommi’s Burger joint)
In Keflavík you can find a branch of an international chain with American burgers – Tommi’s Burger joint. There are several classic burgers, a chicken burger and a vegetarian burger. The burgers are really tasty and the prices are the same as in most Icelandic restaurants and fast food with burgers.
Best restaurant in Keflavík
Oriento – middle eastern grill
According to many satisfied customers, Oriento Restaurant is the best choice if you are looking for a place to eat in Sandgerdi or Keflavík. You will find it in the center of Keflavík, on the main road with all important shops and other restaurants.
Shopping groceries in Sandgerdi
If you’ve recently arrived in Iceland and need some basic groceries, you can stop by the mentioned supermarket and fast food Skálinn.
My advice, however, is Keflavík. Bonus, the cheapest supermarket in Iceland is just in Keflavik. It is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 and sells all of the necessary food and basic supplies for your journey to Iceland.
If you arrive in Iceland late and need to buy at least basic groceries, there are two supermarkets in Keflavik that have extended hours.
- Closer to Sandgerdi is the smaller grocery store Krambúðin.
- You will find a larger grocery store in the center of Keflavík and you will find it on the map under the name Extra 24. The food offer is larger here, but it is not a classic supermarket like Bonus or Kronan.
However, I cannot recommend any of the mentioned 24-hour shops for those who want to shop on budget in Iceland and save money.
Prices in these stores can be up to 20% higher than in supermarkets such as Bonus or Kronan, so I would buy only the essentials here and I would make a bigger purchase in Bonus, for example.
What to do in Sandgerdi
There are not many sightseeing opportunities in and around Sandgerdi. But you can choose a trip to Reykjavik with a longer route and start your trip to Iceland by exploring the typical Icelandic nature.
There are several geothermal springs and beautiful ocean views. Here is a list of the most visited places that you can see if you do not know what to do in Sandgerdi:
Hvalsneskirkja
In a picturesque meadow with a calm ambience and an old graveyard, a small stone chapel was completed in 1887.
Hafnarberg sea cliffs
It’s not easy to get there, but it’s well worth the effort. Seeing the waves crashing against the rock is a fantastic spectacle, so grab some popcorn and sit back and enjoy the show.
Bridge between continents
You may see the tectonic plates migrate apart at The Bridge Between Continents, a worldwide experience that allows you to walk across two continents. By route 425, the bridge is about 7 kilometers south of Hafnir.
Gunnuhver hot springs
Gunnuhver, a place filled of sulfur and bubbling mud that is also only a few kilometers from the international airport in Keflavk, is an amazing geothermal location with one of Iceland’s greatest fumaroles, and you should not miss it.
Reykjanesviti lighthouse
Reykjanesviti, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, serves as a landfall light for Reykjavik and Keflavik. The original structure, called Valahnkur, was built on top of the cliff in 1878, but parts of it kept sliding off, so a second one was built nearby. The current tower, which stands 31 meters (102 feet), was built in 1908.
Valahnúkamöl
Valahnkamöl is a unique sea comb with a big sea-bearing rock. Beautiful view of the ocean, famous piano for movie Eurovision, thousands of birds.
Brimketill
Is one of the most popular natural attractions in the Reykjanes region. Pool-like in shape. It is formed by the endless surf breaking on the lava rock coast.
Blue lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is almost one of Iceland’s emblems. You may visit it even if you only have a few hours or days in Iceland because of its convenient position near the airport.
Krysuvík and Seltún
Seltún is one of those places you will 99% visit when you first come to Iceland. When planning a trip through the land of ice and fire, you have certainly managed to see colorful photos from this place more than once or twice.
Kleifarvatn lake
Kleifarvatn lake is around 10 km2. It is the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula and the third largest in southern Iceland. With a depth of around 97 meters, it is one of Iceland’s deepest lakes.
The water from some hot springs on the lake’s southern shore pours into the lake.
Skátalaug
Skátalaug geothermal pool is just pure nature and with optimum temperature water in the Krysuvík geothermal area. It is not difficult to get there, however you must park your car where enormous rocks are blocking your path. Then walk a little distance till you hear the “stream,” then open your eyes and you’re done!
