Iceland's most visited tourist attractions are both in south central Iceland, a region renowned for its natural phenomena and historical sites. Gullfoss is a much photographed two-tiered waterfall, and when the sun is shining (which isn't often), you're likely to see a rainbow through the ample spray that forms. The site was once slated for sale to international bidders for hydroelectric development, but has since been purchased by the government and set aside as a national monument. Nearby is Haukadalur, once one of southern Iceland's great seats of learning.

Just west of Gullfoss is Geysir, an area that contains the country's best examples of spouting hot springs. The outstanding attraction is the 'Great Geysir,' which first began erupting in the 14th century and ceased earlier this century after thousands of tourists tried to set it off by pouring in loads of rocks and dirt. Fortunately, the Great Geysir has a stand-in - the nearby Strokkur. This spring faithfully spouts and sprays up to 20m (65.5ft) every three minutes, but photographers will have to be quick as the eruptions last only a couple of seconds. Around the site are a number of other colourful hot springs, steaming vents, warm streams, psychedelic algae and mineral deposits.

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• Destination Iceland

Summary|Culture|Gullfoss & Geysir
Reykjavik| Myvatn|History