South West Iceland   The South West is where most tourists arrive and many visitors don't even go outside this area. This region do offer some of the most famous and exciting sights such as the great Geysir-Gullfoss area and of course the northernmost capital of the World, Reykjavík. The landscape is very flat with a lot of lava fields in the west and agricultural district in the east. This is an easy area to travel in with car, bus or bike because of the good roads and the many tour-companies and car-rentals in Reykjavík. Now to some more information about some of the places in this area.
1. The Blue Lagoon To take a bath here is something everyone should try. The water is also said to be very healthy.
2. The Geysir-area The Geysir-area is of course famous for the great Geysir, from where the name geyser comes. Geysir himself is no longer as active as he once was even though he in the fall of 2000 had quite a few eruptions. Now that Geysir has retired, Strokkurhas taken over as the main geyser in Iceland. Strokkur is not as powerful as Geysir in his best years but still very impressive and it erupts every 5-10 minutes.
3. Gullfoss Right next to the Geysir-area you'll find the great waterfall Gullfoss. It may not be one of the highest (32m) but it's definitely one of the most beautiful. Often a rainbow can be seen over the falls.
4. Reykjavik Reykjavík, the northernmost capital in the World and by far the largest city in Iceland. Compared to most other capitals in the World Reykjavík is small though, with 110000 inhabitants. But the fact is that around three of every five Icelanders live in the Greater Reykjavík area. Reykjavík i s a clean city and like all over Iceland the homes here are heated with in a geothermal way. There are a few parks in the city, the larger of which being Laugardalur. Laugardalur is well worth visiting, here you will find the largest swimming pool, the campsite, the Botanical Garden, the Farmyard Animal Zoo and the Sports stadium. Hallgrimskirkja is an excellent navigation helper when walking around in Reykjavík as it is easily seen standing on a hill with it's high tower. The tower is well worth the visit because it offers a great panoaramic view over the cities colorful roofs, the lake Tjörninn and surroundings. Perlan is another interesting building. It consists of a hot water tanks and on top of them is a fancy rotating restaurant. There is also a viewing platform from where you can look out over Reykjavík and its subburbs. There are large number of Museums so everyone should find one that suits their taste. If you want to go shopping, the Kringlan Shopping Centre would be a good idea with its around 150 shops. The main shopping street, Laugarvegur, is a nicer place to stroll around if the weather is good. Reykjavík is also a metropol of nighlife and there should be one just right for you. In the weekend the Icelanders party all night long, and some clubs are open until 8.00 in the morning.
5. Þingvellir Þingvellir is the most important historical site in Iceland. This is where already, back in the year 930 the Icelanders held there first Althing. Althing being the name of the Icelandic parliament. People from all over the country came to attend these meetings in most cases travelling by horse.The parliament has now moved to Reykjavík. Þingvellir is now a National Park and there are other interesting things to see here. Allmannagjá is part of the Great Atlantic Rift that more or less divides the country in two. This is a wide ravine and there is also a nice waterfall, Öxaráfoss.