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Southwest Iceland (guide) – Map + Attractions + Photos

Last updated on March 14, 2023 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

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 all my photos + tips, here are my favorites to plan your Summer Iceland trip:

car rental

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: Discovercars

hotel

My favorite places to stay around Iceland:

  • Reykjavik, the capital, of course:  Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel 
  • Vik to explore the South Coast: Hotel Vik i Myrdal
  • Lake Myvatn, in the north: Hotel Laxa
  • Borgarnes, between Snaefellsnes and Silver Circle: Hotel Hamar
bus

My favorite bus tour from Reykjavik (Summer): Amazing Snaefellsnes Peninsula

boat

My favorite activity around Iceland (Summer): Whale watching from Husavik (best) or Reykjavik or Akureyri

tips key

My favorite platform to book travel-packages in Iceland: guidetoiceland

Destination travel guide - Plan your time in the South West of Iceland around Reykjavik

Table Of Contents
Video - Southwest Iceland
South West Iceland Map and locations
Highlights of Iceland's Southwest region - The Golden Circle
Other attractions in South West Iceland
On the roads of Southwestern Iceland

// In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


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:

attractions South West Iceland map

South West Iceland map

The complete map is available in my eBook to help you plan your Iceland road trip:

Plan your dream road trip in Iceland

Iceland road trip travel guide cover small
  • 8 maps to plan your itinerary easily
  • 100+ pre-selected locations 
  • Tips to make the most of your time
  • 130+ original photos to get inspired
  • GPS coordinates for easy navigation

LEARN MORE


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:

SouthWest Iceland - Golden Circle - Thingvellir

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is a UNESCO Heritage site of historical, cultural, and geological importance with mountains, lake, waterfall & fault lines

Voir l'article

SouthWest Iceland - Golden Circle - Thingvellir

Geysir - Haukadalur

Haukadalur geothermal area is part of the Golden Circle. It is home to several geysers, mud pools and fumeroles

Voir l'article

SouthWest Iceland - Golden Circle - Thingvellir

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is and iconic waterfall on the Hvítá river with several steps and a very impressive drop

Voir l'article


Need to rent a car in Iceland?

directly see the best deals on my favorite platform

How to rent a car in Iceland 2

or see my 36 practical tips to choose the best car to rent for the roads in Iceland (Summer or Winter) and find the best deals

+ read tips
See available cars + Deals

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, Iceland

Blue Lagoon

Most famous place in Iceland where you can bathe in sulphuric hot water. Relaxing and supposedely good for your health

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. Near the water you find the Sun Voyager sculpture which shines many colors at sunrise

Urridafoss, Iceland

Urridafoss

Urridafoss (the warterfall of Salmon) is a less touristic 6 meter high waterfall on the river Thjorsa

Hraunfoss, Iceland

Hraunfoss

Hraunfoss is made of a collection of gentle cascades emerging from between the lava rocks covered with moss


I don't drink coffee

But I like other drinks and foods!
Do you enjoy the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising...

Claire ZigZag
Buy me a coffee

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.

farming in Iceland

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 🙂

Kleifarvatn lake Iceland
Road work iceland

Road 42

Road 42 Iceland

Other places of interest include:

  • Seltun geothermal area
  • Stransarkirka
  • Buri cave
  • Raufarhoshellir cave
  • Glymur waterfall
  • Bruarfoss
  • Faxifoss

Where to stay in Iceland?

  • Reykjavik - capital city - see accommodations or see my article on where to stay
  • Selfoss - between Golden Circle and South Coast - see accommodations
  • Vik - near waterfalls and glaciers - see accommodations
  • Höfn - gateway to the East fjords - see accommodations
  • Egilsstadir - between fjords and North Iceland - see accommodations
  • Reykjahlid - for the wonders of Lake Myvatn - see accommodations
  • Akureyri - capital of the North - see accommodations
  • Grundarfjordur - to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula - see accommodations
Iceland Accommodations

See my selection of all the best areas to stay to enjoy the beautiful regions of Iceland...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?

PREVIOUS REGION: 

Silver Circle Iceland

NEXT REGION: 

THE GOLDEN CIRCLE ICELAND

Tourism Iceland Travel Guide

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Penny says

    March 29, 2018 at 5:54 AM

    Thank you so much and really appreciated.
    very informative plan

    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      March 29, 2018 at 9:31 AM

      Thanks Penny
      I wish you wonderful travels!

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