Reykjanestá (Icelandic pronunciation:[ˈreiːcaˌnɛsˌtʰauː]) is the uttermost tip of Reykjanes Peninsula (Reykjanesskagi) in Iceland. It is situated on a small peninsula called Reykjanes which in itself again is part of the big peninsula Reykjanesskagi.
Sometimes also the Stampar[ˈstam̥par̥] crater rows from eruptions during the 13th century within the Reykjanes Volcanic System are counted in as well as the high temperature area around the mud resp. hot water geysers of Gunnuhver[ˈkʏnːʏˌkʰvɛːr̥].[1] In this area a geothermal power station called Reykjanes Power Station has been installed in 2006 and produces 100 MW.[2]
Island Eldey
From the cliffs and beach at Reykjanestá, the island of Eldey can be seen. The distance to Reykjanestá is 14 km, the height of the rocky island 77m.[1]
On the other hand, the Eldey Volcanic System, which is for the most part submarine, is today mostly seen as independent from Reykjanes Volcanic System.[3] It is part of Reykjanes Ridge.
In 1878, the first Icelandic lighthouse was erected near Valahnúkur. It had become necessary as the most used shipping lane next to Iceland passed by this point and the sea can be dangerous here.[1] The 14 km broad strait between the peninsula and the island of Eldey is often used by ships and at the same time heavy currents accompany the tides in both directions so that the area had a bad reputation[4] which many shipwrecks confirm. In 1887, the hill were it stood, was eroded by earthquake action, so that the old lighthouse had to be taken down. The next lighthouse could not be constructed before 1908 and was then built up on the hill of Vatnafell [ˈvahtnaˌfɛtl̥] at about 1 km from the coast line where it stands till today [1] in 73 m msl.[5]