Southwest Iceland

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Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

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Why visit Southwest Iceland

Black beaches stretch along the Atlantic, geysers spout from geothermal fields and waterfalls glide across escarpments while brooding volcanoes and glittering ice caps score the inland horizon. The beautiful Southwest has many of Iceland’s legendary natural wonders, so it's a relatively crowded and increasingly developed area. The Golden Circle – a tourist route comprising three famous sights: Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss – draws the largest crowds outside of Reykjavík, but visit during off-hours or venture into the wilderness and you’ll find quiet hiking routes and otherworldly scenes.

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Road-Tripping the Ring Road: Natural and Cultural Wonders

8 days / 7 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Hiking along the volcanic craters, lava flows, and waterfall bases around Lake Mývatn
  2. 2 Searching for puffins and whales on a guided wildlife cruise across Iceland’s glacial lakes
  3. 3 Visiting the Golden Circle’s Geyser Geothermal Area, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park
from $3,150

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Top places to visit in Southwest Iceland

Discover the best attractions in Southwest Iceland from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Southwest Iceland travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

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Things to Know

Discover haunting lava fields, wild coastline, powerful waterfalls and majestic ice caps on an elemental journey around Iceland’s Ring Road.


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Best Road Trips

Discover haunting lava fields, wild coastline, powerful waterfalls and majestic ice caps on an elemental journey around Iceland’s Ring Road.


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