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.
Meet your new travel partner
Stay connected in Southwest Iceland
Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.
Take your Iceland trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.
bookable trip
Road-Tripping the Ring Road: Natural and Cultural Wonders
8 days / 7 nights
highlights
- 1 Hiking along the volcanic craters, lava flows, and waterfall bases around Lake Mývatn
- 2 Searching for puffins and whales on a guided wildlife cruise across Iceland’s glacial lakes
- 3 Visiting the Golden Circle’s Geyser Geothermal Area, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park
from $3,150
per person
Explore more trips
Explore more trips

10 days / 9 nights
Chasing Waterfalls and Thrills in Iceland's Remote Highlands
FROM $4,150
per person
Top places to visit in Southwest Iceland
Discover the best attractions in Southwest Iceland from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.
Travel Guides
Southwest Iceland travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Things to Know
Discover haunting lava fields, wild coastline, powerful waterfalls and majestic ice caps on an elemental journey around Iceland’s Ring Road.
Read full article
Best Road Trips
Discover haunting lava fields, wild coastline, powerful waterfalls and majestic ice caps on an elemental journey around Iceland’s Ring Road.
Read full article
Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
in partnership with getyourguide









