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Southwest Iceland
Iceland
Getty Images/PhotoAlto
Overview
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.
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Road-Tripping the Ring Road: Natural and Cultural Wonders of Iceland
highlights
- 1Hiking along the volcanic craters, lava flows, and waterfall bases around Lake Mývatn
- 2Searching for puffins and whales on a guided wildlife cruise across Iceland’s glacial lakes
- 3Visiting the Golden Circle’s Geyser Geothermal Area, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park
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Must-see attractions
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