Monday, May 24, 2021 - 16:43 by ce-press
The harbour of Keflavik is a gateway into Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. The park 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 on the Reykjanes Peninsula, making this one of the only places on earth where it is visible.
Keflavik is keen to attract cruiseships, having one quay of 140m in length, of which 55m has a depth between 7m and 8.5m and 110m of which is between 8.5m and 13m. In addition, there is unlimited anchorage 1.5nm from the tender pier.
Whilst there is no terminal, there are facilities for information, toilets and internet connection on the quay. The harbour area is fenced and access-controlled in accordance with the ISPS code.
Confirmation of an order from the harbour ensures that the ship in question has a private berth that day, explains Halldor Hermannsson, harbour master Port of Reykjanes/Keflavik Harbour.
The harbour serves the reception of all waste for a fee. Requests for this must be received within 24 hours before arrival and the type of waste needs to be specified.
Keflavik Harbour is five minutes from Keflavik International Airport which has worldwide flight connections offering 20-40 flights a day under normal circumstances.
The port is located in the middle of Reykjanesbaer, a community of 20,000 people. All major services and tourist attractions in the town are within walking distance.
Keflavik Harbour is part of the UNESCO Geo Park which is full of natural wonders, for example the ongoing eruption at Mt Fagradalsfjall (beginning in March 2021) which is just 30 minutes from the port.
Other attractions include The Blue Lagoon for its geothermal seawater healing qualities; cultural exhibitions and museums; outdoor activities, such as hiking and sea-angling in the Geopark; the geothermal area of Gunnuhver, the bridge between continents; and the local lighthouses.
