Brimketill: The Reykjanes Peninsula’s Natural Lava Pool

The Icelandic coast is defined by the relentless battle between fire and water. Nowhere is this struggle more beautifully captured than at Brimketill. Located on the southern edge of the Reykjanes Peninsula, this natural lava rock pool looks like a man-made hot tub carved directly into the rugged shoreline. But make no mistake—this is entirely nature’s handiwork, sculpted by the pounding waves of the North Atlantic over centuries.

For travelers landing at Keflavík International Airport, Brimketill represents one of the most accessible and striking introductions to Iceland’s volcanic landscape. It offers a front-row seat to the raw power of the ocean, all within a short drive from the airport.

This guide explores everything you need to know about visiting Brimketill, from its folklore and geology to practical driving tips for your journey.

What is Brimketill?

Brimketill (pronounced Brim-khet-itl) translates roughly to "Surf Cauldron" or "Whitewater Cauldron." It is a coastal rock formation situated at the bottom of a cliff edge west of the town of Grindavík.

Geologically, it is a basin formed by coastal erosion. The relentless battering of waves against the soft lava rock has hollowed out a circular pool that fills with seawater. When the tide is high or the weather is stormy, waves crash violently over the pool’s edge, creating a frothy, churning spectacle. On calm summer days, however, the water can appear deceptively serene, shimmering with a deep turquoise hue against the black basalt.

Folklore: Oddný’s Pool

Like many unique Icelandic landscapes, Brimketill is steeped in legend. According to local folklore, the pool was once known as Oddnýjarlaug (Oddný’s Pool). It was said to be the bathing spot of a giantess named Oddný who lived in the nearby mountains. While you likely won’t encounter any trolls today, the dramatic setting makes it easy to see why such stories emerged from the misty, spray-covered cliffs.

Why Visit Brimketill on a Self-Drive Tour?

The Reykjanes Peninsula is often overlooked by travelers rushing towards Reykjavík or the Golden Circle, but it holds some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore these hidden gems at your own pace.

Convenience and Accessibility

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Brimketill is its location. It is situated just a short drive from our Keflavík airport car rental station, making it an ideal first stop after you land or a final scenic goodbye before you depart. Unlike the remote Highlands, Brimketill is easily accessible via paved roads, meaning you don’t necessarily need a 4x4 SUV to reach it.

A Photographer’s Dream

The contrast between the black lava, the white surf, and the blue ocean makes Brimketill a fantastic location for photography. Viewing platforms have been installed to allow visitors to look down into the pool safely, providing excellent angles for capturing the power of the sea without risking your safety on slippery rocks.

How to Get to Brimketill

Reaching Brimketill is straightforward for anyone embarking on a self-drive in Iceland.

From Keflavík Airport:

1. Head south on Route 41.
2. Turn right onto Route 43 towards Grindavík.
3. From Grindavík, head west on Route 425.
4. Brimketill is clearly signed on the ocean side of the road, roughly 10-15 minutes west of Grindavík.

The total drive time from the airport is approximately 20–25 minutes.

Parking and Facilities:
There is a small parking lot designated for visitors. From there, a short, man-made path and viewing platform lead you to the cliff’s edge. The platform ensures you can view the pool safely, as the surrounding lava rocks are extremely sharp and often slippery with sea spray.

Safety and Practical Tips

While Brimketill is beautiful, it is a wild environment that demands respect.

Can You Swim in Brimketill?

No. Despite looking like a natural hot tub, swimming in Brimketill is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged.

• Temperature: The water is freezing cold North Atlantic seawater, not geothermal water.
• Unpredictable Waves: "Sneaker waves" can surge over the rock wall unexpectedly, dragging people out to sea or slamming them against the sharp lava rocks.
• Currents: The currents around the peninsula are notoriously strong.

Respect the Viewing Platforms

Always stay on the designated viewing platform. The cliffs are jagged and unstable in places. Venturing off the path not only damages the delicate moss and flora but puts you at serious risk of falling.

Weather Conditions

The Reykjanes Peninsula is exposed to the elements. Wind speeds can be high here. When you pick up your vehicle from our Keflavík airport car rental office, be sure to ask about current weather warnings. Hold onto your car doors when opening them in the parking lot, as strong gusts can catch them unexpectedly.

Nearby Attractions to Combine

Since a visit to Brimketill typically takes about 30–45 minutes, it is best experienced as part of a larger exploration of Reykjanes Peninsula attractions.

Gunnuhver Geothermal Area

Just a short drive west of Brimketill, Gunnuhver is a highly active geothermal area named after a legendary ghost. You can walk amidst thick steam clouds and bubbling mud pots, witnessing the heat beneath Iceland’s surface.

Krýsuvíkurbjarg Cliffs

A short drive east from Brimketill brings you to the Krýsuvíkurbjarg Cliffs—one of the Reykjanes Peninsula’s most dramatic and wild coastal sights. These towering sea cliffs rise sharply above the Atlantic Ocean, offering sweeping views where mossy lava fields drop into crashing waves below. Krýsuvíkurbjarg is also renowned for its rich seabird colonies, especially during late spring and summer, when thousands of kittiwakes, razorbills, and guillemots nest along the rugged rock face.

The area’s untouched atmosphere sets it apart: there are no visitor centers or fences—just the raw power of nature. Adventurous travelers can enjoy peaceful moments, unspoiled scenery, and excellent photo opportunities. Visiting Krýsuvíkurbjarg Cliffs is an ideal complement to your Brimketill stop, giving you a deeper experience of Iceland’s wild coastline.

The Blue Lagoon

Perhaps the most famous of all Iceland natural wonders, the Blue Lagoon is located nearby. After a day of exploring windswept cliffs and lava fields, relaxing in the geothermal waters is the perfect way to unwind.

Why Choose Holdur for Your Journey?

To truly experience the untamed beauty of the Reykjanes Peninsula, you need a reliable vehicle. At Holdur Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles suited for Icelandic roads, from compact cars for summer coastal drives to robust 4x4s for winter adventures.

By choosing our Iceland car rental service, you can start your journey immediately upon arrival at Keflavík airport. Our team is local, knowledgeable, and ready to provide you with the latest road information and travel tips to ensure your self-drive adventure is safe and memorable.

Conclusion

Brimketill serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s force. Whether you visit during a summer sunset or witness the winter waves crashing against the cliffs, it is a sight that stays with you. It encapsulates the rugged, volcanic spirit of Iceland perfectly.

As you plan your trip, remember that the best way to see these sites is with the freedom of your own car. Book your vehicle with Holdur Car Rental today and get ready to explore the wild edge of Iceland.

 

 

Ready to hit the road?

Visit our booking page to secure your vehicle and start planning your Reykjanes Peninsula adventure today. Safe travels

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