4 Best Sights in Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle), Iceland

Get to know some of the most notorious ghosts of Icelandic history while being guided through a 1,000-square-meter maze at the Menningarverstöðin (cultural center) in Stokkseyri. The Ghost Center can be found on the third floor, and on the first floor, you will find the Icelandic Wonders Museum, which is dedicated to elves and the northern lights. According to Icelandic legend, ghosts can appear in all shapes or forms, and some of them may still roam the halls today.

About 8 km (5 miles) east of Grindavík, just off the main road, you will see an information board about this historical site. Drive about 1 km (½ mile) along a rocky dirt road (ideally in a 4X4 vehicle), and at the end of road you will see a parking spot. From there a scenic 15-minute walk (with views of the wild ocean crashing into the black shores) takes you to the ruins of a former fishing station constructed from lava rocks. The stone is believed to date back to AD 1150, but the station was maintained from the Middle Ages until 1885.

All of Iceland's electricity comes from renewable sources and 90% of Icelandic homes use geothermal water for heat. If you are interested in seeing how this sustainable energy system works, you should visit the Geothermal Energy Exhibition at the Hellisheiði Power Plant, the largest single-site geothermal unit in the world. People of all ages can learn about geothermal utilization via interactive installations and displays. Afterward, you can check out the gift shop and take in the moonlike landscape while enjoying some treats at the on-site café.

Here you will find Íslendingur, an exact replica of the Viking Age Gokstad ship, which was a remarkable archaeological find of an almost-completely intact Viking ship. Learn about the Norse settlement and mythology while you sit at the stern and imagine the sea breeze tickling your face. For early risers, they also serve breakfast under the ship starting at 7 am; it's by appointment only, so make sure to contact them in advance.