4 Best Sights in Flúðir, Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle)

Taking a dip in a natural hot spring surrounded by green fields and a tiny geyser sounds great, but when you add in showers and cold drinks, it's almost too good to be true. Locals have left this lagoon largely untouched but have set up new facilities. It's even more magical during winter when people sit in the warm water with steam rising all around them. If you're lucky, the northern lights will put on a show across the sky while you're there.

Those who don't want to splurge on a ticket to the Secret Lagoon may wish to check out the local swimming pool at Flúðir, which also has two nice hot tubs and a natural sauna.

In the beautiful but unexciting village of Reykholt (not to be confused with the historical town in West Iceland) is a nice swimming pool for relaxing and stretching out. For those who need to blow off some steam, there is also a small gym and sports hall in the building.

The historic settlement of Skálholt is the location of one of two former episcopal seats in Iceland, and for over 700 years it was the national center of culture, politics, and education. The cathedral has been restored many times, most recently in 1963. A 1954 archaeological excavation turned up a sarcophagus that is believed to contain the bones of one of Skálholt's most powerful bishops, Páll Jónsson; it is now on display in the basement of the church along with other relics. The cathedral is still a center for music and culture, and it hosts an annual concert series over five weekends in July and August, featuring composers and musicians from all over the world.