A 2-kilometer-long and 1-kilometer-wide headland in the middle of Grindavík, a small fishing town on Reykjanes Peninsula. Hópsnes is a unique and fascinating site which is a home to the remains of over 20 ships that ran aground on this small lava peninsula next to the harbour. There is a road that goes around the headland where you can explore the rusted hulls and twisted metal frames of these once great vessels, that have now fallen victim to sea spray and are slowly decaying away with rust and corrosion. On the peninsula stands a nearly 100-year-old lighthouse and some ruins from former settlers and old fishing houses. This location is also good for surfing.
Hópsnes
Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
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Climate
The weather is Reykjanes Peninsula can be described as harsh and unpredictable like the rest of the country. The region experiences strong winds, heavy rain, and occasional snowfall throughout the year. The temperature can vary greatly from day to day, with summer temperatures ranging from 10°c to 15°c and winter temperatures dropping as low as -5°c. Visitors should come prepared for any type of weather.
Data source Temperature averages
Lighting
The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source Accessibility
A good gravel road around the peninsula with small parking lots along the way for offloading.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
There is a good gravel road that goes around the peninsula. Few small lots to offload equipment. As this location is in the middle of the town, a basecamp area could be at the harbour or wherever suits the production. There are no facilities at this location.
Risk factors
The area is very rocky and covered in block lava which can be dangerous to walk in and result in twisted ankles or broken bones. The waves can get quite big, and stones are slippery when wet. If you want to surf, you need to let the harbour master know and check tides tables and the weather forecast.
Visitors
This area is popular with the locals, for running, driving and just enjoying the outdoors. You could easily get a permit to close it off and would need PAs to help you with that.
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