17th European Geoparks Conference 2024
When
Where
Welcome to Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark in Iceland - Geoparks Thriving Amidst Nature‘s Tests
Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark - Iceland
Reykjanes Geopark lies on major plate boundaries along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, part of the 65,000km mid-ocean ridge that encircles the earth like a seam of a baseball. Although 90% of this mountain range lies deep below the surface of the ocean, it rises above sea-level right here on the Reykjanes Peninsula, making it the optimal location to witness the undying forces of these plate boundaries. It is home to many important geological formations, some of which are utterly unique, including numerous types of volcanoes in at least four separate volcanic zones, with hundreds of open fissures and faults.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is a continuation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which rises from the sea at the very tip of the peninsula and diagonally crosses Iceland from the south-west to the north-east. You can read the area’s geological history several hundred thousand years back in time, although most of the strata are less than 100–200 thousand years old. The last series of eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula began around AD 1000 and ended 250 years later. A new volcanic era began in 2021 with a great spectacle in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruptions that captured the world’s attention.
Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark is the second geopark in Iceland and the 66th member accepted into the European Geoparks Network in September 2015. Reykjanes UGG is an autonomous, independent corporate body. Its mission and aims are co-operation among all the partners with the intention of sustainable development of the whole territory in the field of geotourism, together with the preservation of natural and cultural values. The Geopark is managed by a partnership of the four municipalities as well as six other organizations: Heklan/SSS - Regional Development Agency, Reykjanes Tourist Board, Geocamp Iceland, Sudurnes Science and Learning Center, geothermal power company HS Orka Ltd. and Blue Lagoon Ltd.
Reykjanes Geopark in Numbers
Inhabitants: 29.000
Municipalities: 4
Area: 818 km2
Geosites: 55