Southwest Iceland is home to some of the islands most iconic attractions, and the perfect region for a first-time visitor. The southwest mesmerizes with its natural beauty, geographical diversity, and cultural attractions which can all be discovered on tours of Reykjavik, The Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Reykjanes Peninsula.
Explore Reykjavik, the northernmost capital city in the world, where colorful houses are arranged along linear streets and churches are crafted in the likeness of basalt columns of the coastline. The city is an intoxicating blend of ancient and modern – glass fronted concert halls and futuristic museums sit aside the Old Harbor, and on the fringes, historic houses with mountainous scenic backdrops tell intriguing stories of the island’s heritage.
The Golden Circle plays host to a trio of Iceland’s most popular natural attractions. Thingvellir National Park – home to the first Northern European parliament and one of Iceland’s first churches, is also a place that is divided by the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates forming a rift valley. Here, visitors can hike along the rift, horseback ride or even snorkel between two continents.
At Geysir Geothermal Area, observe bubbling hot springs, gushing geysers and fumaroles amidst colorful changing landscapes, or enjoy a leisurely hike to the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall – a rainbow-tinted dual cascade, shrouded in a thin veil of mist, plummeting 32 meters into a crevice below.
Iceland is brimming with natural wonders, and locals utilized the island’s geothermal benefits to curate the Blue Lagoon. Flanked by rugged volcanic, other-worldly landscapes, turquoise milky pools infused with warmth and healing minerals serve to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. A place so picture-perfect, it’s unsurprising that the Blue Lagoon was once named one of the “World’s 100 Greatest Places” by Time Magazine.
Other highlights of the southwest include the Reykjanes Peninsula. A beautiful barren, lava strewn landscape with walking trails, and the historic port town of Hafnarfjörður, enticing with Icelandic cuisine, traditional architecture, and legends of elves…
Top Iceland Travel Destinations
West Iceland / The Westfjords / North Iceland / The Highlands / East Iceland / Southeast Iceland
