A GUIDE TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME IN SOUTH WEST ICELAND!
Within hours drive from Reykjavik, Southwest Iceland has many places to offer: waterfalls, geysers, hot baths, canyons caves… all possible as day tours from Reykjavik. Below is a guide where you will find maps with the places to see, a list of the highlights not to be missed, and some extra pictures just because it is so beautiful!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching
Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure
My favorite places to stay:
- Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
- Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
- Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal
Video – Southwest Iceland
Here is a short video (less than 5 minutes) with the beautiful landscapes of South West Iceland including waterfalls, geothermal areas, geysers and canyons. I am sorry I shake a lot when I film; I hope you will still enjoy it and it will give you an idea of what you can expect.
South West Iceland Map and locations
Below is a map to give you a general idea of the region around Reykjavik:
The complete map is available in my eBook to help you plan your Iceland road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
Highlights of Iceland’s Southwest region – The Golden Circle
One of the highlights of the region is the Golden Circle.
A detailed guide is available on the Golden Circle Iceland article.
The main attractions are:
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is a UNESCO Heritage site of historical, cultural, and geological importance with mountains, lake, waterfall & fault lines
Geysir – Haukadalur
Haukadalur geothermal area is part of the Golden Circle. It is home to several geysers, mud pools and fumeroles
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is and iconic waterfall on the Hvítá river with several steps and a very impressive drop
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Other attractions in South West Iceland
Below is the list of the top things to do and places to see in Southwest Iceland. Click to discover full articles with photos and planning information.
Blue Lagoon
Most famous place in Iceland where you can bathe in sulphuric hot water. Relaxing and supposedely good for your health
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. Near the water you find the Sun Voyager sculpture which shines many colors at sunrise
Urridafoss
Urridafoss (the warterfall of Salmon) is a less touristic 6 meter high waterfall on the river Thjorsa
Hraunfoss
Hraunfoss is made of a collection of gentle cascades emerging from between the lava rocks covered with moss
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On the roads of Southwestern Iceland
Farms
There is quite a lot of farming in South West Iceland. Sometimes it is flat and boring (but not often). Other times I like the contrast with the cliffs.
Kleifarvatn
Keifarvatn is a lake located along road 42 that takes you down to the South Coastline. There are some tracks in the vicinity to have fun with your 4WD vehicle. It is the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula. The road around the lake was being reworked, good that we had a 4WD 🙂
Road 42
Other places of interest include:
- Seltun geothermal area
- Stransarkirka
- Buri cave
- Raufarhoshellir cave
- Glymur waterfall
- Bruarfoss
- Faxifoss
Where to stay in Iceland?
My favorites:
- Reykjavik, capital city: see best rated accommodations – or my article on where to stay
- Selfoss, between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
- Vik, near waterfalls and glaciers: see best rated accommodations
- Höfn, gateway to the East fjords: see best rated accommodations
- Egilsstadir, between fjords and North Iceland: see best rated accommodations
- Reykjahlid, for the wonders of Lake Myvatn: see best rated accommodations
- Akureyri, capital of the North: see best rated accommodations
- Grundarfjordur, on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: see best rated accommodations
Want to see more of Iceland’s beauty?
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Thank you so much and really appreciated.
very informative plan
Thanks Penny
I wish you wonderful travels!