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Home the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík, and the international airport at Keflavik, southwest Iceland is the gateway to the rest of the country. Along with exploring the museums, galleries and art installations of the capital, you’ll find that this region offers some of Iceland’s headline attractions, including the steaming Blue Lagoon, the waterfalls and geysers of the Golden Circle, and the geological and historical wonders of Þingvellir National Park.
Ease of access and the abundance of attractions means that southwest Iceland is also the busiest part of the country. But, our specialists will use their first-hand knowledge and experience to help you see the main sights in innovative ways, as well introducing you to lesser-known highlights along the way. Whether you’re on a short stopover or a longer adventure, they’ll plan your trip as an individual, tailor-made itinerary to match your preferences.
Our specialists can introduce you to the wild, volcanic landscape and rugged coastline of the southwest, helping you to visit the world’s first parliament site, hear the thundering roar of Gullfoss, snorkel between tectonic plates or explore the lava fields on the Reykjanes Peninsula all in one trip.
Best time to visit
Year round — most attractions are available in the winter, and winter northern lights viewing is very good. Summer is good as daylight hours are long — meaning you can spend time at Golden Circle attractions later in the evening when the tourist coaches are gone.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Southwest Iceland by contacting one of our Iceland specialists
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Places to visit in Southwest Iceland
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Southwest Iceland, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring Southwest Iceland
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Southwest Iceland, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Southwest Iceland
- Blue Lagoon Southwest Iceland
- Golden Circle Southwest Iceland
- ¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì Southwest Iceland
- West Iceland 82 kilometers away
- Westman Islands 117 kilometers away
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula 124 kilometers away
- ³¢²¹²Ô²µÂáö°ì³Ü±ô±ô 144 kilometers away
- South Coast 149 kilometers away
- South Iceland 162 kilometers away
- Flatey 173 kilometers away
- Vatnajökull National Park 273 kilometers away
- Akureyri 291 kilometers away
- Troll Peninsula 306 kilometers away
- ´³Ã¶°ì³Ü±ô²õá°ù±ôó²Ô 306 kilometers away
- North Iceland 308 kilometers away
- Lake Mývatn 324 kilometers away
- Dettifoss 361 kilometers away
- Eastfjords 415 kilometers away
Photos of Southwest Iceland
Our expert guides to exploring Southwest Iceland
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Southwest Iceland, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Southwest Iceland at its best.
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Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls
Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls
Iceland is shaped by fire, ice and folklore. Whether you’re a summer or winter visitor, you’ll find lots to experience here, from whale watching to hiking through ice caves and even bathing in beer. Iceland specialist Katy shares her highlights.
Read this guide -
Seeing the northern lights in Iceland: a Q&A Seeing the northern lights in Iceland: a Q&A
Seeing the northern lights in Iceland: a Q&A
Located just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland has one of the best positions for northern lights viewing in the world. We share our advice on how to witness the phenomenon, from joining guided tours to staying in well-located hotels.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Southwest Iceland
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Southwest Iceland. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Hótel GrÃmsborgir
Golden Circle -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
ION Adventure Hotel
Golden Circle -
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Golden Circle -
Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel
Golden Circle -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Torfhús Retreat
Golden Circle -
Silica Hotel
Blue Lagoon -
Berjaya ¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì Marina Hótel
¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì -
Canopy by Hilton ¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì City Centre
¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì -
¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì Residence Hotel
¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì -
Centerhotel Miðgarður
¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì -
Hotel Borg
¸é±ð²â°ìÂá²¹±¹Ã°ì
Ideas for experiencing Southwest Iceland
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Southwest Iceland, and which use the best local guides.
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Inside the Volcano Inside the Volcano
Inside the Volcano
Hike across an otherworldly landscape of lava fields and volcanic craters to the ÞrÃhnúkagÃgur crater where you can descend by cable car into the heart of a dormant volcano to see the incredible chamber inside and the vibrant deposits on its walls.
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