Valahnukamol

Valahnukur is the headland where the Reykjanes peninsula ends and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge goes out to sea, a wall of layered hyaloclastite with a boulder beach of black rounded stones below it. The first Icelandic lighthouse was built on this cliff in 1878 and lasted only until earthquakes and surf undermined it; the replacement of 1908 stands inland on Baejarfell, and the ruined foundation of the first is still on the headland. Facing out to sea is a bronze great auk by the American sculptor Todd McGrain, looking towards Eldey - the stack where the last confirmed pair of the species was killed in June 1844. Surf here is heavy in any weather.

What you actually see

• Layered cliffs at the ridge's end - where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge enters the sea.
• The 1878 lighthouse foundation - the first in Iceland, undermined by surf.
• A bronze great auk - McGrain's sculpture facing Eldey.
• A black boulder beach - rounded stones worked by constant surf.

When to go

May to September for the easiest conditions; the site is open all year. One to two hours.

Honest expectations

Waves come far up the shore without warning and people have been swept off these rocks. There are no barriers on much of the cliff edge. Wind here is severe. Facilities are a car park, nothing more.

Nearby

Gunnuhver steam field is minutes away; Brimketill is along the coast east.