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30 Fantastic Photos from Iceland to Inspire Your Next Trip

Last month, I finally visited Iceland. It wasn’t the impossible budget destination people made it out to be .

The locals were warm and welcoming, took me around , and showed me their homes. They were incredibly hospitable, and I made a lot of Icelandic friends on my trip.

And, while locals make any destination better, what blew my mind was the magnificence of the natural landscape. It’s bewitching. You find yourself in a spellbound daze as you move from place to place, your eyes overloaded by all you’re seeing.

“How could such a tiny place have such a diverse and beautiful landscape?” you think to yourself as your jaw hurts from being open too much.

Over the course of 11 days, I wanted to scream from joy everywhere I went. The land is desolate, sparsely populated, and silent. That was the one thing I noticed — just how silent Iceland is.

There are no distractions, and I think that helps you form a deep connection with nature. You begin to feel its rhythm.

Today, I want to share 30 pictures from my trip in hopes of inspiring you to visit this country. I’m not the world’s best photographer, but it’s hard to take a bad picture in Iceland.

It’s a fun city with a lively nightlife. Be sure to spend at least a couple of days here!

Best of all, it’s free to visit and there is lots of parking too. Be sure to walk along the narrow river that leads to the ocean. You can see smaller glaciers wash out to sea or end up on the beach.

While Geysir is no longer active, the spot is still popular on the famous Golden Circle tourist trail outside Reykjavik thanks to another active geyser nearby called Strokkur.

If you can, try to visit early before the crowds. Lots of tour buses visit the Golden Circle these days!

This is also one of the most popular waterfalls in the country. Try to visit before 10am to beat the crowds!

I only managed to see a fraction of Iceland during my 11-day trip, but my visit lived up to my high expectations.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Iceland!

Want to plan the perfect trip to Iceland? Check out my comprehensive guide to Iceland written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need. You’ll find suggested itineraries, tips, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, and my favorite non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Iceland: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Hlemmur Square (Reykjavik)
• Kex Hostel (Reykjavik)
• Akureyri Backpackers (Akureyri)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Iceland? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Iceland for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Most Beautiful Places in Iceland, from Ice Caves to Steaming Geysers

By Caitlin Morton

Nailing down the most beautiful places in Iceland is no easy feat—practically every square inch of the country is downright stunning. Though it once played second fiddle to Nordic neighbors Sweden and Norway , Iceland has quietly come into the spotlight to show the world what it's been missing all these years: expansive underground ice caves, towering volcanoes, thermal baths, and landscapes so convincingly lunar that astronauts once trained there. There is no shortage of beautiful vistas in the country, but these are some of the very best.

This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated with new information.

An easy stop off Route 1 (aka the Ring Road), Skógafoss is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland—and in a land of so many waterfalls, that's definitely saying something. The 197-foot cascade crashes onto black sand, and you can walk right up to the bottom if you're willing to get drenched. Worth it for the double rainbow viewings, we say.

Vatnajökull

Home to one of the largest glaciers in the world, Vatnajökull National Park is one of our favorite places to explore ice caves . But there's more than just frozen ice rivers to see at Vatnajökull, which covers much of Iceland's eastern half. It holds two of the island's most active volcanoes, herds of reindeer around Mt. Snæfell, and a number of breathtaking waterfalls, including Svartifoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss.

Only about 14 percent of visitors to Iceland ever get to this large peninsula in the northwestern part of the country, which makes it a fitting destination for those looking to escape the (relative) hustle and bustle of Reykjavik . Home to some of Iceland's most dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and charming beach towns (like Breiðavík, pictured), the Westfjords are more inaccessible than other parts of the country, but are well worth the trip.

Reynisfjara

Just a 20-minute drive from Vik, in southern Iceland, jet-black sand and spectacularly shaped basalt columns make Reynisfjara one of the most impressive sites in the country. Spend a foggy afternoon strolling along the rugged coast (just strolling—these waters are definitely not made for swimming) and photographing the moon-like rock formations, deep caves, and towering cliff faces.

Jessica Puckett

Caitlin Morton

Olivia Morelli

Blue Lagoon

Grindavík’s Blue Lagoon (about a 50-minute drive from the capital) is otherworldly in appearance—black lava rock punctuated with milky blue waters, and steam billowing like clouds. But the visual appeal is only part of the experience. A soak in the 100-degree waters (which come from the output of a nearby geothermal plant) is a spa-like experience all its own, with silica mud masks and mineral salts ensuring your skin will look and feel better than it did when you got there.

Landmannalaugar

Located in Iceland's southern Highlands, the area of Landmannalaugar has some of the most colorful landscapes in the country thanks to its high geothermal activity. It's an extremely popular hiking area during the summer months, where lucky visitors can be surrounded by a veritable kaleidoscope of greens, oranges, reds, blacks, browns, and more.

Often referred to as the “troll of northwest Iceland,” Hvítserkur rises 49 feet from from Húnaflói Bay like some sort of mythical beast. The rock—best viewed from Iceland's Arctic Coast Way —often looks like it's moving due to the birds that love to perch atop it, making the formation feel more like a living creature.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is one of Iceland’s two UNESCO sites and one of the most consistently popular tourist destinations in the country. You could spend hours hiking and horseback riding through the national park on your own, but we suggest booking a snorkeling or diving excursion to swim the Silfra fissure —a slowly widening rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss might be a bit of a drive from Reykjavik—about an hour and 45 minutes, to be exact—but it’s worth the trip to see this impressive south-coast waterfall thunder down from a 200-foot drop. The best thing about these particular falls is that you can actually walk behind them, pretending you're living in a fairy tale for a couple of minutes.

Aside from being among the most photographed places in Iceland, Kirkjufell is one of the best spots in the country to view the Northern Lights. (And before you ask: Yes, that is Arrowhead Mountain from Game of Thrones .)

Jökulsárlón

The glacial lake of Jökulsárlón and its frozen beach are considered natural wonders of Iceland, with black volcanic sands providing a stark backdrop for the chunks of ice that wash ashore. The spot earns even more visual bonus points when it's reflecting the Northern Lights.

Dynjandi Waterfall

Dynjandi is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Westfjords”, and we can easily see why. The waterfall flows nearly 330 feet from top to bottom, getting wider as it reaches the bottom like a magnificent, tiered wedding cake. Access Dynjandi via a 15-minute hike from the main road, and be prepared to feel incredibly small as you stand at the bottom of the flowing waters.

Hótel Buđir

It may seem strange to include a hotel in a list of so many natural wonders, but that's a testament to just how beautiful Hótel Buđir really is. Its magical setting on a remote peninsula two hours from Reykjavik features the sea behind it, lava fields in front of it, and a tiny black church beside it. The hotel itself is rustic-chic, and even offers wake-up calls if and when the Northern Lights make a late-night appearance.

Scientists have confirmed Víti naturally formed at the bottom of one of Askja's craters. But its name, meaning "hell," owes to lore that Iceland's large craters were gates to the underworld. And it's not just eye candy: Weather permitting, visitors can swim in the warm, mineral-rich lake.

The Haukadalur valley is a popular stop along Iceland's popular “Golden Circle” sightseeing route thanks to its abundance of impressive geysers. The most visited active geyser in the Geysir Geothermal Area (and the entire country), Strokkur erupts upwards of 65 feet, and every five to ten minutes.

Ísafjörður

Located in Iceland's gorgeous Westfjords peninsula, the tiny town of Ísafjörður (population 2,571) is nearly swallowed by the towering mountains around it. With winter temperatures dipping down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures rarely above the mid-50s, Ísafjörður is the antithesis of your trusty Italian and Greek resort towns—and therein lies its appeal for those who prefer their vacations more rugged than ritzy.

Mount Mælifell

A volcanic cone of ashes and lava rock, the 2595-foot Mælifell sits on the edge of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and covered in grimmia, a moss that changes color depending on the soil’s humidity. You can drive past the volcano during the summer months, or see it along the Laugavegur Route: the most popular multi-day hiking route in Iceland.

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25 Photos of Iceland That Make You Want to Visit Right Now!

By: Author Anne Siders

Photos of Iceland – Dreaming of the Island of Fire and Ice

Iceland is home to volcanoes, hot springs, northern lights, glaciers, waterfalls, and a population that believes in elves. Its capital city, Reykjavik , is a colorful mix of history and art surrounded by natural beauty, and black beaches, rocky coasts, and icy interior mountains beckon with adventure. Here are 25 photos of Iceland to inspire your next trip!

Photos of Iceland: Seljalandsfoss

“Foss” is the Icelandic word for waterfall, and the cascading Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous. Visitors can hike around behind the waterfall for a beautiful view (if you don’t mind getting a little damp).

Photos of Iceland: Thingvellir

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site both for its cultural importance as the site of one of the world’s oldest parliaments, the Althing (originating around 900 AD), but also for its unique geological setting astride the continental divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. If this is your first visit to Iceland, you should do the Golden Circle tour , which always includes a stop at Thingvellir.

Photos of Iceland: Glacier Hike

Iceland is home to some of the most magnificent glaciers and a very popular destination to go on a glacier hike. Please know that you should never attempt to hike a glacier on your own, as this can be a deadly mistake. If you book a guided tour, you are in good hands though. The guides are local experts, who know the glacier like the back of their hands and will keep you safe. Book your glacier hike here!

Photos of Iceland:  Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon , in southeast Iceland on the edge of Vatnajokull National Park, is Iceland’s largest lake. Large chunks (boat or house-sized or even larger) from the melting Breithamerkurjokull glacier break off and melt slowly in the lake before winding their way out to sea. Visitors can hike the glacier as well as see its melting tail. The most stunning views are at sunrise and sunset, although the ice is impressive at any time of day.

If you want a more off-the-beaten-path option, take a look at Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon . It isn’t quite as popular, but much less touristy.

Photos of Iceland: Silfras

Within Thingvellir park, guests can snorkel or scuba dive in the Silfra divide – a chasm between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. With visibility of over 100 yards, and water as cold as 2-4C, a swim in the narrow chasm is not for the faint of heart but is well worth the effort.

Photos of Iceland: Continental Rift

Even if you decide against a swim in Silfra gorge, the divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates creates stunning dry-land scenery. The ridge is spreading at a rate of 1 inch (2.5cm) per year, making Iceland a little greater every year.

Photos of Iceland: Mountains

The center of Iceland is mountainous, and difficult to access during the winter months when a 4-wheel drive is a necessity, but the views are magnificent.

Photos of Iceland: Sunrise over the Clouds

Sunrise and sunset are particularly photographic moments in Iceland, although in the summer months sunset can come as late as midnight, with sunrise following at 3 am, so eager photographers need to be night owls to catch the perfect light.

Photos of Iceland: Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis are one of Iceland’s most stunning attractions but also it’s most fickle. Clear dark skies are required, and the lights are most easily seen in winter. You can also do a Northern Lights tour , where a guide will take you to the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Iceland and give you helpful tips to capture them in your photos. If you didn’t get a chance to see them in live, you can also visit the Aurora Museum in Reykjavik .

Photos of Iceland: Stars

Even on nights when the northern lights are not visible, the stars in Iceland’s cold clear air are wondrous.

Photos of Iceland: Grass Roofs

Icelandic turf houses may be seen in historic villages, such as the Skogar Folk Museum in southern Iceland

Photos of Iceland: Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon , near Keflavik International Airport, is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, but hot springs are located throughout the country, and many small towns host public baths with hot tubs and water slides, perfect for a relaxing evening or day out with the family.

Photos of Iceland: Black Beaches of Iceland

Even for non-rock-lovers, Iceland’s unique geology is stunning in its oddity. The world-famous Reyisfjara shore, near the town Vik in southern Iceland, has a black basalt beach and impressive basalt columns. Wiggling your toes in the sand will not turn them black.

Photos of Iceland: Glacier Rock

Iceland’s landscape was shaped by glaciers and volcanoes, and the landscape is a blend of peaked mountains, colorful rock layers, and pressed valleys. Hiking is a must for any visit, but you can even tour the inside of a volcano – must for all Jules Verne   fans who want to follow Otto Lidenbrock and his nephew’s footsteps as they descend into the Icelandic volcano in  Journey To The Center Of The Earth . 

Photos of Iceland: Geyser

All of the world’s geysers are named after Geysir – the original hot water fountain, in Iceland, named from the Old Norse word meaning “to gush.” While there are geysers all over the volcanically active island, Geysir and Strokkur, the two most famous, are located in the Haukadalur valley in western Iceland.

Photos of Iceland: Reykjavik

More than half of Iceland’s population lives in the capital city Reykjavik . The colorful buildings are iconic, and the city is remarkably walkable, with beautiful paths along the bay and museums ranging from witchcraft to modern art. This view is from the top of the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church, whose landmark tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city.

Photos of Iceland: Harpa

The Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik opened in 2001 and is the cultural and artistic center of the city. The distinctive glass façade was inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland and makes the buildings one of the city’s cornerstones.

Photos of Iceland: Street Art

In addition to color buildings and modern art, Reykjavik is a city of artists, boasting everything from local handmade crafts to off-key graffiti murals. Walking through the city is the best way to get a feel for it (and, while you’re at it, eat a hot dog to feel like a local).

Photos of Iceland: Icelandic Houses

Over 90% of the Iceland population live in towns and cities, so isolated houses like this are rare, but make beautiful photo opportunities.

Photos of Iceland: Sheep

There are twice as many sheep on Iceland as people, so visitors are almost certain to come across a sheep or a flock during their stay.

Photos of Iceland: ArcticFox

Only Gimsey, a small island in the icy waters off Iceland’s north coast, actually crosses into the Arctic Circle, but visitors will still get more than a taste of Arctic weather and wildlife in Iceland , like this Arctic Fox.

Photos of Iceland: Puffin

Iceland is home to nearly half the world’s puffins. The birds dig nests in cliff sides, which can make footing at the edge particularly precarious. Breidafjordur, a bay in the West of Iceland, has numerous small islands home to puffin breeding colonies, and a short boat ride will give you an excellent view. The best way to see them is by going on a Puffin Watching tour .

Photos of Iceland: Whale

In the north of Iceland, whale watching tours routinely spot Orca, Minke, Humpback, and Blue whales. Here’s a humpback whale disappears. This tour takes you on a traditional sailboat, which minimizes the stress for the whales, as there are not motor sounds.

Photos of Iceland: Skogafoss

At just under 200feet tall, and visible from the Ring Road that circles Iceland’s coasts, Skogafoss is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland.

Unlike Seljalandsfoss, where visitors can walk behind the waterfall, at Skogafoss, visitors can easily access the top of the waterfall and a beautiful view of the fall and the surrounding countryside.

Photos of Iceland: Moss

Iceland moss is actually a lichen that looks like moss, giving the tree-bare island a remarkably green appearance. Visitors should note NOT to walk on the moss or tear it up, as this leaves scars in the landscape that take a long time to recover.

Photos of Iceland was written by Anne Siders for EuropeUpClose.com

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Travel | January 26, 2024

Get an Eyeful of Iceland in These 15 Photos That Capture Its Natural Beauty

These selections from the Smithsonian magazine photo contest will transport you to the small Scandinavian island

A church with a red roof and steeple sticks out against the sprawling landscape as the sun pokes through the hazy clouds.

Photographs selected by Jeff Campagna

Text by Tracy Scott Forson

It’s known as the Land of Fire and Ice for a reason. Sitting atop a volcanic hot spot, Iceland is a geographical contradiction. The frigid temperatures, icy landscape and glaciers coexist with some of the most active volcanoes in the world. A day of hiking up snowcapped mountains might end with a warm dip in a hot spring. Iceland also boasts one of the world’s few black sand beaches and its own equine breed. Curious yet? Satisfy that curiosity. Take a look.

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Jeff Campagna | | READ MORE

Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna .

Tracy Scott Forson | READ MORE

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

20 Best Iceland Photography Locations You Must Visit

August 6, 2022 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

Are you wondering where the best Iceland photography locations are? We get it. An epic holiday deserves the best photos as a reward. So grab a camera, wipe your lenses, and head out for all the Icelandic photography locations where you can get incredible shots.

There is something so special about Iceland. The cold and distant island is filled to the brim of jaw dropping scenery. When you visit Iceland, it will be hard to put the camera down even once. Trust us. The vast open landscapes and colorful mossy mountains make for awe-inspiring shots. Even more, the balance between power and peace in the natural landscape will be sure to inspire any photos from Iceland.

Iceland’s beauty is not hard to photograph either. Giant craggy mountains and basalt columnar joints create for the perfect rugged and moody background, just like in Game of Thrones. Epic icy shots can be taken beside large drifting icebergs at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, or nearby, on Diamond Beach where the shimmering rubble of icebergs shine like brilliant jewels. Fall in love with pictures from hot geothermal areas that have astonishingly beautiful sapphire-blue hot spring waters, such as Blue Lagoon.

Get excited, because we want to share all the tried and true Iceland photography locations with you. We have been to Iceland many, many times. From those adventures, we have found so many beautiful spots for photos in Iceland. Use this list of locations to discover instagrammable spots in Iceland and awesome spots for landscape photography in Iceland. So, mark down these spots on the Iceland itinerary for one heck of a photographic journey through Iceland, the land of fire and ice.

Blue Lagoon

Head to Blue Lagoon hot springs for one of the most instagrammable spots in Iceland. You may have heard of Blue Lagoon before. That is because Blue Lagoon is one of the best hot springs in Iceland . You will want to plan ahead and make a reservation to visit these incredible waters. Not only are the springs a totally dreamy milky-blue, but the steam that rises from the hot waters create an element of texture to any photos taken here.

The best way to get awesome photos from Blue Lagoon is to relax and enjoy the hot springs first. Yes, we are serious! Enjoy the natural mud masks and a refreshing drink from the in-water bar as you soak in deep relaxation in the mineral-rich springs. After that, capture the perfect photo to remember the visit by. Using the steam as foreground in your shot, get some awesome Iceland photos of yourself or a friend.

Mulagljufur Canyon

Make a stop at Mulagljufur Canyon for a beautiful landscape photograph in Iceland. A short, twenty minute drive from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon will bring you to this easy to trek canyon. Here, you will be met with moss covered walls keeping the secret of a beautiful slender waterfall.

Prepare for an easy-to-do three mile hike. Although the hike is not particularly hard, make sure to bring a little bit of water along with you. The hike will take about 45-minutes to reach one of the most epic canyons in Iceland . Take a moment to breathe in the vast landscapes and the chilled Icelandic air. Next, grab the wide angle lens to capture Mulafoss, the 100 meter waterfall tucked away in Mulagljufur Canyon. Finally, aim and shoot for the best Iceland photos within this hidden gem.

One of our favorite photography locations in Iceland is Dyrholaey Promontory of the south coast. Moody and romantic shots of Iceland can be taken here. Dyrholaey is the perfect spot to get a bird’s eye view photo of the coastline. You can even get a shot with distant sea stacks in the background too!

We love to visit Dyrholaey during the summer for the best Iceland photos. The incredible midnight sun casts blazing orange hues over the black sand beaches which adds a near tangible feeling of infinity to the shot. It is truly a breath-taking experience to be had. This is also a perfect time to capture an idyllic shot of the waves crashing and curling around the promontory, or, the “land that juts into the water”.

Pack the camera bag with a wide angle lens to capture the coastline, a zoom lens to capture photos of any puffins in Iceland, and a 50mm for any portraits by the lighthouse. Check out all the cool things to do nearby in Vik, Iceland while you are there.

Gorgeous landscape photography can be taken at the ”Waterfall of the Gods”, Godafoss of North Iceland. Although this unique waterfall isn’t particularly tall, but is abundant in beauty. The semi-circle waterfall has brilliantly blue cascading waters and a large pool at its base. It is no wonder that the beauty at Godafoss is searched out by many; after all, it is one of the best things to see in Iceland .

Another one of the great photo spots in Iceland is Skogafoss waterfall, which lies just off the Ring Road. Great Iceland landscape shots can be taken by using a slower shutter to create airy and soft flowing photos of the waterfall. Alternatively, if you wish to capture just how powerful Skogafoss is, use a faster shutter speed. Don’t worry though; we can fill you in on all the things to know about Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland before you even visit.

Plan for the type of shot you want before you buy the plane ticket. If you visit Skogafoss Iceland in the summer, you will get drastically different photos of the waterfall than from visiting Skogafoss in the winter. In the summer, you will be able to shoot Skogafoss surrounded by a mossy mountainside with possible rainbows floating overhead. Photos taken of Skogafoss in the winter will showcase a beautiful icy winterscape with northern lights dancing above the falls.

Reynisfjara Beach

Head over to Reynisfjara black sand beaches for more moody and dramatic Iceland photography. The beach at Reynisfjara is so dreamy that it was used as one of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland . This is truly one of the best Iceland photography locations and it is easy to access.

Visit the sea cave on Reynisfjara beach with a wide angle lens for an epic shot of the Atlantic. Then, make use of the basalt columnar joints as the perfect backdrop for selfies or romantic shots of couples. Also, be sure to include an iconic capture of the Reynisdragnar sea-stacks to the shot list, which according to legend are the petrified bodies of trolls!

Seljalandsfoss

There is magic to be found when using Seljalandsfoss as a location for great Iceland photography. Not only is it one of the most instagrammable spots in Iceland, but you can actually walk behind this waterfall too! Although every shot from Seljalandsfoss is bound to be amazing, we suggest waiting until sunset for crazy rainbow colors within your shot. Because the waterfall spills over the mountain toward the west, photos taken during golden hour will be illuminated with vibrant colors of the setting sun.

Sky Lagoon is one of the best instagram spots in Iceland and is actually found a short 10-minute drive from the capital, Reykjavik. The best part about Sky Lagoon is that it is an oceanside geothermal luxury spa. That’s right; these gorgeous hot springs look just like an infinity pool on the world’s edge. A gorgeous view of the Atlantic makes for beautiful photos of Iceland. On the other side, a stone-gray rock wall closes the hot spring off from the bustling capital allowing you to reconnect with nature just outside the city. We highly recommend Sky Lagoon as one of the Iceland photography spots totally worth the effort.

Trust us when we say that you don’t want to miss out on Iceland photography at Stokksness. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Iceland with the most magical black sand beaches . We love the Stokksness Peninsula for the huge mountain range, the purple lupine flowers, and the small tufts of grass that line the beach. Days when the tide leaves behind a small film of water on the sands make for our favorite Iceland photos. Not only is the mountain reflected on the water, but it also looks as if you are walking on water.

Dynjandi is the place to get the best landscape photos of Iceland. Not only is Dynjandi one of the best Westfjords attractions of all time , the views here are endless. This monumental cascading waterfall stands 200 feet wide and 100 feet tall. Another great thing about Dynjandi is the full 360 view of the westfjords. You’ll get to capture beautiful views of Arnafjordur and Dynjandisvogur bay, the place that once inspired legends of sea monsters. There is no doubt that you will find Dynjandi to be a great place for Iceland landscape photography. Bring your favorite handheld camera though because drones are strictly illegal here as the area is a natural protected monument.

Fjallsarlon

Take a dip in Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, just 25-minutes off the Ring Road . Use your camera or phone to snap shots of the icy lagoon, playful seals, and floating icebergs. Be inspired by the peace and quiet of Fjallsarlon lagoon. If you are quiet enough, you may even be able to hear the cracking of the ice nearby. This is a great place to stop for photos even if you only have 5 days on the Iceland itinerary as it is one of the best things to do in south Iceland .

Sólheimajökulll

Another great spot for photos in Iceland is Solheimajokull Glacier . Fondly referred to as the “Home of the sun glacier”, this is a gorgeous and easy to access spot for views of a glacial outlet. Solheimajokull is the place to take photos of an icy blue and black marbled wall against beautiful mossy green mountains. Just be sure to not attempt walking on a glacier alone while you visit as it is very dangerous. Instead, book a spot with one of the many wonderful glacier tours that allow you to walk safely across the ancient ice sheet.

Visit Thorsmork in the highlands for amazing landscape photography in Iceland. Thorsmork is a beautiful nature reserve in the highlands with entrance from south coast Iceland. You’ll be stunned with the vast open landscapes, flowing rivers, and the many canyons within. Although this spot is not for the faint of heart, the reward for getting to the highlands of Iceland is truly exponential.

However, we should inform you of the nitty gritty details of the challenges to reach Thorsmork. First, you can only visit Thorsmork in the summer. Then, you’ll need a 4×4 drive vehicle to traverse is F road into the highlands. If you don’t feel comfortable traversing roads which cross river streams, just get on a mountain bus or go with a tour guide. Next, trek down one of the many hiking trails within Thorsmork to capture photos of the lush green mountains. Finally, smile with deep satisfaction of the gorgeous photos of Iceland you just took.

Diamond Beach

Go to Diamond Beach across the road from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . It is another great spot to visit in the south coast for Iceland photos. This black sand beach contains the rubble remains of icebergs that had been weathered by the sea. Consequently, the amount of ‘diamonds’ on the beach are directly related to the tides.

Can you capture the magic found on Diamond Beach? We think it lies within the tiny bits of ice strewn across the sand, as they truly do sparkle like jewels. Try your hand at taking a shot of the light reflecting from the ice. We recommend using a 50mm lens, or the 1x setting on your phone.

Next, head to Kirkjufell in West Iceland for Iceland photography that features an iconic moss-covered mountain beside a waterfall. Because Kirkjufell was voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful mountains in the world, we highly recommend a visit. Visit Kirkjufell in the winter for photos featuring the northern lights dancing above the stunning 463-meter high peak. You can find Krikjufell and lodging nearby on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

While traversing North Iceland , visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall . There are two different sides to grab a shot from; However there is no bridge that makes getting to the other side easy. Instead, choose from either the east or west side to shoot epic waterfall photos.

Most travelers will choose the west side entrance to Dettifoss which shows the full length of the falls. Traveling to west Dettifoss is much easier to reach as it is a short 20-minute drive off the Ring Road. Alternatively, within a 45-minute drive you can be taking dreamy photos of east Dettifoss without large crowds of people. Our best tip is to protect yourself and your camera with waterproof gear as the spray from these falls can be a lot!

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

You may have seen photos from Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool before. That is because it is a very instagrammable photo spots in Iceland. To visit this dreamy of pool tucked away in the mountains, you will need to hike 2 miles, about 20-minutes each way. Enjoy the views as you soak in Iceland’s oldest swimming pool. Take a beautiful shot before you leave!

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Hrunalaug Hot Springs are located off Route 30, which is also known as the Golden Circle . This Iceland photography spot is super easy to get to; it is just a 5-minute drive off Route 30. Choose from among three different pools to enjoy. We suggest using the rectangular pool at Hrunalaug hot springs for the most instagram-worthy shots. Not only are there great angles to be captured from this pool, it is the hottest one too!

Aldeyjarfoss

Next, find your way to Aldeyjarfoss. This is one of the most beautiful Iceland waterfalls , although it takes a 4×4 drive vehicle to reach its remote location within the Iceland highlands . Slate gray basalt columns surround the waterfall with great symmetry. It totally sets the tone for moody Iceland photos. Brave the waters and plunge into the cold pools facing the falls for a great portrait shot. Aim to visit in the summer for the best photos from Aldeyjarfoss. While in the area, check out some of the other great things to do in the north , such as visiting the Rim of Viti Crater.

Seydisfjordurkirkja Church

Last but not least, have a blast with photos taken at Seydisfjordurkirkja Church. Walk, run, or jump down the rainbow road that leads to the powder blue church found in Seydisfjordur. While there are plenty of things to do in east Iceland , photos at the church will be some of the most fun and lively ones taken on the whole trip. Give your best pose on the rainbow road in front of one of Iceland’s prettiest churches . Ready? Set. Go.

So, there you have it. Twenty of the best places for Iceland photography and our best tips on how to get amazing photos from each place. Whether you visit the hot springs, waterfalls, or canyons, there is no going wrong with these gorgeous locations in Iceland. If you are looking to get the dancing auroras in your Iceland photos, be sure to check out our post on how to see the northern lights in Iceland .

If you need more resources for any of these places, check out our other blog posts. After many years of travels to Iceland, we aim to bring you our best tips and tricks. We will help you plan your epic road trip to Iceland , and tell you how to decide if you need a 4×4 drive vehicle or 2×2 drive too. Now, get out there and start your newest adventure!

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22 photos of Iceland that will inspire you to book a trip asap

When you hear the word ‘Iceland’, what do you think of?

We’re going to take a wild guess that geysers and glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls, and all other manners of dramatic landscapes come to mind.

Spot on. The Nordic island nation is everything you’ve seen on Instagram, and more. And although there are all manners of ways you can see its delights (*cough* Intrepid’s Iceland tours *cough*), there’s one 5-day trip that might appeal to the time-poor adventurers among you: Iceland Express .

To highlight just how much you can see in this time period – from the famous Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle, to hauntingly beautiful black-sand beaches and glacier lagoons – we sent pro photographer Ryan Bolton on the trip. Here’s what he came back with:

The iconic Blue Lagoon

Reykjavik, from above

Street art in the capital

HERE’S WHERE YOU SHOULD EAT AND DRINK IN REYKJAVIK

The Golden Circle’s Thingvellir National Park

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall once again

Capturing a geyser

Exploring the Golden Circle with friends

Intrepid local leader, Paul

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

The road to Kirkjufell

The glacier lagoon of Jokulsarlon

Boat tour time!

Memories to last a lifetime

READY TO PLAN THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME? VISIT ICELAND WITH INTREPID

Getting ready for a glacier hike

Vatnajokull is Europe’s biggest ice cap

Adventure time!

There are 30 glaciers flowing out from the ice cap

READ MORE: WHY ICELAND IS THE DREAM DESTINATION FOR SOLO TRAVEL

Can you imagine anything cuter?

Moody skies, beautiful landscapes

Ready to plan your trip? Read these blogs:

• What to pack for a trip to Iceland
• 6 hot springs in Iceland even better than the Blue Lagoon
• How to travel Iceland on a budget
• 6 local dishes to try in Iceland
• Why planting trees might be the highlight of your Icelandic adventure
• 8 must-visit spots on Iceland’s South Coast
• Summer vs winter: the best time to visit the Golden Circle
• 7 waterfalls you should visit in Iceland

Ready to visit this dazzling destination for yourself? Check out Intrepid’s range of small group tours in Iceland.

(All images taken by Ryan Bolton on Intrepid’s 5-day Iceland Express trip.)

Feeling inspired?

Bex Shapiro

Born in London and based in Toronto, Bex is happiest anywhere she can connect with interesting people over good food. She's passionate about sustainable travel and powerful storytelling, and her favourite cities are New York and Shanghai. She's also the Senior Editorial Manager at Intrepid. Follow her adventures on Twitter and Insta @BexShapiro.

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• PHOTO GALLERY

20 photos of Iceland’s majestic landscapes

From glacial lagoons to volcanic caves, fill out your Iceland bucket list with these stunning destinations.

An island of mystery, history, and mesmerizing landscapes, Iceland is often described as an “otherworldly” place to experience the power of nature. Photographers are drawn to the Nordic nation’s stunning waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, and volcanic mountains. Adventurers arrive for hiking, climbing, camping, and kayaking in fjord-cut coastlines. And visitors find that even the experience of driving in Iceland can elicit wonder: Imagine traveling for hours over moss-covered ranges of volcanic rock or endless fields of purple lupine. ( See 31 stunning photos of adventures in Iceland. )

In recent years, a financial crisis and volcanic eruptions have thrust the small nation (it’s nearly the size of Kentucky) into the international spotlight. Travelers have come in droves; now more than two million visitors arrive annually, greatly outnumbering a population of about 340,000 people. ( Learn how to avoid overtourism. )

Despite this popularity, Iceland retains its mystique as a place where natural wonders inspire photogenic journeys and more than a few eerie folktales .

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Where to Get the Best Pictures in Iceland (+ Photography Tips!)

Home » Blog » Europe » Iceland » Where to Get the Best Pictures in Iceland (+ Photography Tips!)

Wondering where to get the best pictures in Iceland? Scroll through our personal Iceland photography collection to see where got all the shots at some of the best photo spots in Iceland.

Over the past decade or so Iceland has gained popularity among travelers from all over the world. For a while there, it felt like everywhere we looked we were reminded of the beauty of this small island nation. Just take a scroll through Instagram and you’re sure to see jaw-dropping pictures of Iceland that look like something out of a fairytale. 

This pocket-sized country is every photographer’s dream.

We’ve visited this European gem on three separate occasions and had three very different experiences there. In all of our time spent taking pictures in Iceland, we’ve found some of the best photography spots around.

One of the questions we get asked a lot is where to take the best pictures in Iceland. So to help you out, we gathered up some of our favorite Iceland photos and made a list of all the best photo spots in Iceland. Plus, we’ve included location-specific Iceland photography tips and recommended camera gear specific to this unique country. 

So go ahead, take a look at these pictures of Iceland and decide for yourself if it’s worth the hype!

WARNING: These photos may cause uncontrollable wanderlust, and may cause you to start searching for flights. Proceed with caution.

Article Contents

Postcard-worthy waterfalls, lagoons, beaches & hot springs, unique icelandic landscapes, picture perfect towns, best photo spots in reykjavík.

• Best photo ops in Iceland
• Iceland photography tips

Recommended camera gear

• What to pack for Iceland

Tip: If you’re curious how we got these photos, we used a lot (if not all!) of our 32 Easy & Creative Travel Photography Tips to make these shots happen. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these tips will help you take incredible pictures!

Want to save time and energy on planning?

We’ve traveled to Iceland 3 times now and spent weeks living in a campervan, traveling around the country. We’ve been able to explore a lot of what Iceland has to offer!

We’ve compiled our experience to create the  perfect Iceland itinerary . Our itinerary is for 7-9 days and meant to be explored while traveling in a campervan. It includes the  highlights of the southern coast of Iceland. 

We’ll send you our complete 7-9 day customizable itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  perfect Iceland itinerary  today!

Iceland is a place where the water always seems to be flowing. 

Just how many waterfalls are there in Iceland?

I tried to figure out the answer to this question, but after quite a bit of digging, I found that there just isn’t a total count. That means there are SO MANY waterfalls that many of them haven’t been counted or named.

Crazy, huh?!

Below are some of the most postcard-worthy waterfalls to photograph in Iceland. Check out our round up of all the best waterfalls in Iceland for more information and exact locations. 

Seljalandsfoss

Nicknamed “the Beauty” this might be one of the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Iceland. What makes it so unique is that you can actually get up close and walk behind the falls. The lighting here is perfect during the golden hour at sunset, but this place is no secret, so get there early and be prepared for crowds. 

Psst! Seljalandsfoss is one of our top recommended stops along the Ring Road and just under a 2 hour drive from Reykjavík. 

Nicknamed “Rainbow Falls”, this astounding 200-foot waterfall is unique because you can walk right up to it to get some great shots. The nickname comes from the natural rainbows caused by the mist of the powerful falls. The closer you get, the more likely you are to see the rainbows. 

For another perspective you can follow the staircase to the top and look down on the falls. 

Brúarfoss Waterfall

Known as Iceland’s bluest waterfall, we really enjoyed this off-the-beaten-path stop on the Golden Circle and got some great photographs here. Reaching the falls requires a 2+ hour round trip hike adjacent to the Brúará River, but you’ll be rewarded with unobstructed views of the striking electric blue waterfall. You may even have the place to yourself!

Part of a series of waterfalls running through the Merkjá River, known collectively as Merkjárfoss, Gluggafoss is just a quick detour from Ring Road. Surprisingly this area is still relatively untouched by tourism and therefore makes for excellent photos.

Tip: Bring your drone and get some great wide angle shots from above.  

This easily accessible falls located in Thingvellir National Park displays an interesting backdrop of basalt columns which provide a nice contrast to the lime green moss. Scramble across the rocks and get up close for a better shot. 

Tip: The best light for photography here will be in the morning when the sun is opposite the view of the falls. 

While nearby Skógafoss draws tour buses and huge crowds, many visitors miss this nearby hidden waterfall because they simply don’t know of its existence. When we arrived, there were no other people here so we had plenty of space to set up our tripod and play with our drone shots. 

Gljúfrabúi

Nestled inside a slot canyon not far from the famed Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi provides a unique backdrop unlike any other waterfall in Iceland. Inside the canyon there’s a rock you can climb on top of to get some cool shots of you in it (if you have a travel partner to snap a photo), but be respectful of others and take these photos quickly as everyone wants to get the same shot.

Often hailed at the most famous waterfall in Iceland, Gullfoss is easily accessible year-round as part of the famous Golden Circle , just 1.5 hours from Reykjavík. The massive two-tiered waterfall envelops visitors in mist, creating rainbows on sunny days. It can be observed from an upper and a lower viewpoint, which grants different perspectives.

Looking for a way to fit all of this in one trip?

If you want to save yourself the hours of research and planning, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate done-for-you Iceland South Coast Itinerary . This itinerary includes a lot of what you’ll find in this article, plus so much more! It covers ALL the bases, from driving directions and timing of activities, to necessary reservations and recommended places to stay.

The itinerary is customizable for 7 days, with 8- or 9-day options, hitting all of the highlights of the Southern Coast of Iceland.

In this volcanic nation, the beaches are black and the lagoons come in all different shades of milky blue. In fact, Iceland has some of the brightest blue glacial waters we’ve ever seen! And the solid stuff is pretty neat too (solid water that is… Ice!).  

Here we’ve rounded up the most photogenic lagoons, beaches and hot springs to photograph in Iceland. 

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

This glacier lagoon is a must-see for photography enthusiasts in Iceland. This small body of water is filled with icebergs that have broken off of the nearby glacier, creating a patchwork of icy blue that is constantly changing. We’ve visited this lagoon twice and it was different each time. 

Tip: Make a timelapse video on your phone or GoPro so you can see the icebergs as they move. 

Alternative: Fjallsárlón Lagoon is nearby and less-visited. A nice place to get photographs in Jökulsárlón is too crowded.

Diamond Ice Beach

Unlike any beach you’ve ever seen before, Diamond Ice Beach is made of black sand and strewn with solid ice chunks as big as your head! While it’s undoubtedly touristy, we’ve visited Diamond Beach twice and can say that it is truly one of the coolest things to do in Iceland , and worth it for the photo ops. Pick up the ice chunks and have yourself a little photoshoot, or play with different perspectives of the contrasting landscape. 

Tip: This place is especially beautiful at “blue hour” just after sunset when the ice sparkles in the twilight hours like diamonds. 

Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

So far from the water, you may not even realize you’re on a beach, but that’s not why you trek across nearly 2.5 miles of black sand to get here… it’s the eerily photogenic remains of a U.S. Navy plane that crashed on the beach back in 1973. 

This Insta-famous sight sure is something to behold… and photograph. You can walk right up to the plane, walk on it, and even go in it! Test out all the angles and play with the lighting at different times of day. 

Tip: If you’re visiting during the summer months with long days and midnight sun, try to check out the plan “after hours” later in the evening or super early in the morning to avoid the crowds and still have plenty of “daylight” to photograph. 

Blue Lagoon

We couldn’t mention Iceland’s most photographed places without mentioning the famous and ultra-popular Blue Lagoon. Though it is expensive and undoubtedly touristy, the milky blue waters make for some pretty incredible photography. Go during sunrise to get shots with the cotton candy-colored skies. 

Alternative: A cheaper and less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon is Myvatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland. With the same milky blue hue, but considerably fewer visitors, you’re sure to get some great photographs there. 

Psst! Looking for some more ideas of romantic things to do? We’ve got you covered with our Iceland Honeymoon guide !

This cliffside viewpoint offers sweeping ocean views over black sand beaches below. You’ll also see some pretty interesting rock formations like the Dyrhólaey rock formation with a giant hole in it, as well as a lighthouse. 

May through August is puffin nesting season and Dyrhólaey is a good place for photographing these little guys in their natural habitat. The colonies are most active in the evenings, so plan your visit around the end of the day if you want to have the best chance for photographing puffins. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is not only the most famous black sand beach in Iceland, but perhaps one of the most well-known black sand beaches in the world. The entire beach is quite photogenic, however there are some particularly noteworthy spots you’ll want to make sure you snap a photo at. 

We put together a guide to visiting Reynisfjara with everything you need to know before you go, including all the best photo spots on the beach. 

Fosslaug Hot Spring

Nestled beside a small river with bucolic views and the sound of a babbling brook, Fosslaug hot spring is one of the most idyllic hot springs in Iceland . Coming early in the morning or just before sunset will give you the best lighting for photography. Plus the added bonus that you may just get the pool all to yourself.

Find out exactly how to get there in our guide to visiting Fosslaug Hot Spring & Reykjafoss Waterfall .

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Pools

For those that make their way as far north as one can go in Iceland, a spot at the GeoSea hot spring pools is perfect for a luxurious soak and a pretty epic photo opportunity. The western-facing infinity-style pools are best photographed during sunset.  However, they may become crowded so get there early and wait your turn. 

By now it should come as no surprise that the landscapes in Iceland are totally out of this world! With lime green moss covering much of the volcanic rock, deep canyons where the earth’s surface has been carved apart over time, and towing black basalt columns, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another planet (or maybe Jurassic Park). 

Here are some of the most picturesque other-worldly landscapes you’ll want to photograph in Iceland. 

One of the most iconic and well-known pictures of Iceland, Kirkjufell is a photographer’s dream. A uniquely shaped cylindrical mountain looms in the backdrop of a cascading waterfall creating a picture-perfect panoramic shot. Get there at sunset and you’ll find photography enthusiasts lining up with their tripods. 

For a different point of view, you can pull off the road into this small dirt parking lot on the north side and walk down to the small pond. On a calm day, you’ll have an epic reflection shot of the mountain (not the waterfall). However, on windy days (like we had), this shot isn’t nearly as spectacular. 

Psst! Check out our perfect 7 day Iceland itinerary to fit this photo op into your schedule.

Note: In English, þórsmörk is often spelled Thórsmörk, so you will see both variations. 

Thórsmörk Nature Reserve is truly magical and as the endpoint of the famous Fimmvörðuháls hike, you’ll feel like you’ve truly earned the views as you make your descent down into the valley. You won’t want to leave your camera behind on this epic day hike! 

We put together all the information you need to plan your hike and get some epic shots in our Fimmvörðuháls guide . 

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Despite its intimidating name, and it’s fame in a certain pop star’s music video (Justin Bieber anyone?), Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is definitely a must-see spot on your Iceland itinerary and one of our favorite spots to photograph. 

This moss-covered canyon is absolutely dreamy! 

With well-marked paths and viewpoints that overlook the winding river below, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photography. It’s also one of the best Iceland hikes we did while we were there.  

Studlagil Canyon

Boasting the country’s largest collection of basalt columns, you can find the unique Stuðlagil Canyon nestled in a glacial valley in northeastern Iceland. The towering hexagonal rock formations almost look fake, but they are in fact very much a natural phenomenon and pretty dang cool to photograph up close and personal.  

Until just over a decade ago, Stuðlagil Canyon remained mostly undiscovered but with the rise of Instagram, this spot has quickly blown up in popularity. In fact, you’ve likely seen it on your Instagram feed with someone striking the perfect pose in what looks like a completely empty canyon. (We’re guilty of posting a photo like this!)

Note that the canyon itself can be kind of tricky to find (hint: Google maps isn’t quite accurate on this one) and there are lots of logistics to plan for. We put together a guide to visiting Stuðlagil Canyon that has everything you need to know. 

Múlagljúfur Canyon

Not nearly as well-known or well-traversed as the famous Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Múlagljúfur is still relatively a hidden gem in Iceland. That said, I don’t think it’ll remain secret for long, so we highly, highly recommend making time to spot and photograph this place.

The only word we can describe this place with is magic . 

Check out our round-up of the best Iceland hikes to find out just how to get there and what to expect. 

Eldhraun Lava Field

A volcanic eruption over 2 centuries ago caused lava to spill over and spread across the island in an area the size of Singapore. In areas thick enough to retain warmth moss grew and covered the bumpy surface, resulting in this vast area known as the Eldhraun Lava Field—a truly otherworldly landscape. 

Not only is this lava field a great place to get out and stretch your legs while driving the Ring Road, it makes for some pretty cool photographs. 

Tip: Move your camera around and play with different perspectives. 

Gígjagjá (The Yoda Cave)

Calling all Star Wars fans! 

If you are a fan of the franchise, you’ll probably already have heard of the famous “Yoda Cave” in South Iceland. The cave, which is located near the town of Vík, doesn’t require much effort to get to and is still surprisingly somewhat off the radar of most tourists. 

Walk into the cave and as you look outward, you’ll notice the opening bears a pretty strong resemblance to Yoda!

In Iceland, there are countless charming harbor towns and even more stunning churches.

Rainbow Road in Seydisfjordur

The charming town of Seydisfjordur is as picturesque as you’d expect of a waterside town nestled next to a fjord. The place boasts beautiful views, cute boutiques and plenty of restaurants. 

The most iconic sight in town, however, is the “rainbow road” (or Regnboga Vegur as it’s called in Icelandic), which leads to a small church, making a perfect photo opp. It is a smaller version of the famed “rainbow street” in Reykjavík.

The Ring Road passes right through the town of Vík, making it a perfect place to get out and explore. Known as one of the most picturesque towns in Iceland, it’s a great place to get some good shots. 

Our favorite photo spot is on a hill overlooking the town and its iconic church. Just behind the church, you’ll see a trail leading up the hill. Aim your camera in the direction of the church with the great sea stacks known as Reynisdrangar looming in the distance. 

We’ve rounded up all the best things to do, plus where to eat and where to stay in our ultimate Vik, Iceland guide .

Búðakirkja (The Black Church of Búðir)

This tiny wooden church on the south coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula has recently become popular amongst photographers for two reasons: 1) it stands alone as a minimalistic structure set in the rough Icelandic nature, and 2) its distinct black color stands out in contrast to its natural surroundings. 

Located in a small village with only one other hotel, the church can be seen from pretty far away making it quite easy to find. Just follow your map’s directions towards Búðir.

It may be your jumping-off point to explore the rest of Iceland, or you might just have a layover here, but there are actually lots of fun things to do in Reykjavík , including some cool photo opportunities. 

View from the tower of Hallgrimskirkja Church

With its brightly-colored buildings and oceanside location, Reykjavík from above is a beautiful sight. Being so flat, it is hard to get a good view from the ground. That’s why the ​​best viewpoint in town is from the viewing platform at the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church.

It’ll cost you 1,000 ISK per person (about $8 USD) to reach the viewing platform, so make sure you check the weather ahead of time and go on a clear day.

Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavík

A beautiful rainbow-painted street lined with cute shops and cafes leads its way up to the famed Hallgrimskirkja Church creating a stunning juxtaposition. Both for a photo op and in the symbolic sense. Check out our guide to Reykjavík for more information on the history of this street and iconic church. 

Sun Voyageur Sculpture

This statue is one of those things you “have to see” while in Reykjavík, and while it’s not that large or intricate, it does make for some interesting photos. Go day or night to practice your photography skills and try to get different shots. 

Harpa concert hall

Situated at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this concert hall has won awards for the venue itself as well as for the architecture. Designed to represent the Northern Lights, the structure is beautiful when lit up at night.

Best Photo Opportunities in Iceland

There are plenty of iconic pictures of Iceland that don’t come from a specific location. We’re calling these “photo opportunities” and going over the things you may want to try and plan your visit around shooting if you are a photography enthusiast in Iceland. 

Northern Lights

Surely if you are interested in traveling to Iceland you’d heard it’s a good place for photographing the Northern Lights. This captivating display of colorful lights dancing across the night sky is something so many travelers come to Iceland in hopes of seeing. 

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the Northern Lights are still quite elusive and even if you visit during peak viewing season (October through April), you’re never guaranteed to spot them, and you’ll be even luckier to catch them on camera. 

​​Tip: If you want to learn how to photograph the Northern Lights , this article breaks it down really well and includes optimal camera settings as well as when and where you can see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland!

Another seasonal opportunity, these loveable little creatures return to Iceland each year during the summer months, typically arriving in late May and departing by the end of August. 

Known to nest in cliffside locations such as Dyrholaey or the black sand beach , the colonies are most active during the evening time, so it’s best to time your visit around then if you want to see these little guys in action. 

Icelandic Horses

The Icelandic horse is a breed-specific to Iceland that are smaller (sometimes pony-sized), long-lived and hardy. These beautiful creatures are always posing for pictures if you’re lucky enough to come across some grazing in a nearby pasture. 

Icelandic Churches

For a nation of only 330,000 people, Iceland has more than 350 churches spread throughout its settlements. Most of the churches are surprisingly minimalistic, but photographers love them for the stark contrast against the rough Icelandic landscape. 

Just pulling off on the side of the road

It may sound like a cop-out, but this country is so uniquely beautiful, simply pulling off on the side of the road is a great way to get some incredible Iceland photos. With so many opportunities for road trips, driving around Iceland is easily the best way to really see the country. 

Iceland Photography Tips

In a place as photogenic as Iceland, you’ll want to be sure you are doing everything you can to get the best photographs possible. Whether you’re just a beginner or you already know your way around a camera, these Iceland photography tips will help you take your photos to the next level. 

Have the right gear 

You don’t need to have a top-of-the-line professional camera to take great pictures in Iceland, however, there are some things you may want to consider investing in before you travel. 

For example, do you want to invest in a DSLR camera, or are you comfortable with the photographs your cell phone camera takes? 

Whichever kind of camera you bring, you’ll want to make sure you bring a tripod to set up a good shot of you in it, or to stabilize your camera when you slow down the shutter speed. 

Spray near the waterfalls and Iceland’s notoriously rainy climate means your lens will likely be getting wet. A lens cleaning kit will come in super handy. 

>>Skip down to see all of our recommended camera gear  

Tips for photographing waterfalls 

If you’re planning to shoot lots of waterfalls while on your trip to Iceland (as you should) here are some of our top tips:

• Open the shutter: The secret to getting that dreamy waterfall look is a slow shutter speed.
• Start with these settings: low ISO, small aperture and slow shutter speed. Work your way up from there. 
• Pack a tripod: Yep, a tripod is your friend! Especially when shooting with slower shutter speeds. 

Check out our guide to the best waterfalls in Iceland for more detailed tips on photographing waterfalls. 

Know the timing of sunrise and sunset 

Being so far north, the daylight hours in Iceland vary greatly throughout the year. During the summer months, average daylight time can last up to 21 hours a day. And in contrast, during the winter months, Icelanders may see as few as 4-5 hours of daylight per day. 

Since shooting at sunrise and sunset or during the golden hour is such a great time for photography, you’ll want to keep close track of the sunrise and sunset times during your visit to Iceland. 

Pack a tripod

In case our first two mentions haven’t sunk in… you’ll definitely want to pack a tripod for photographing Iceland. 

Our recommendation: We have two tripods for slightly different purposes.

• We have a larger tripod that gets pretty tall and is great for almost all compositions. That said, it is a bit bulky. This is the tripod we have and we really like it. It’s pretty lightweight and high quality. We ordered a different one first that was a bit cheaper and lighter weight, but it was really poor quality. We’re much happier with this one. 
• We also have a compact Joby Gorilla Pod that works great for taking on longer hikes and for times when we don’t want to carry our larger tripod. That said, we either have to attach it to something, like a tree branch or a fence, in order to get the camera into position, or we will set it on the ground for a low-angle composition.

Know which spots are high on your photo list 

Figure out which spots on this list are on your wishlist and prioritize getting to them at the best time of day for lighting and/or minimal crowds. 

Avoid tour buses

With tour buses come the crowds and you don’t have to be a professional photographer to know how crowds can ruin a photograph. We found that places started to get busy around 10 a.m. when the first tour buses of the day arrived. If you have a specific spot you’re trying to photograph, aim to get there before 10 a.m. or later in the evening. 

• Camera: A DSLR camera, while not necessary, will give you more opportunity to play with settings and perspective when shooting in Iceland.
• Tripod: You’ll definitely want to bring along a tripod for photographing Iceland. In order to lengthen your shutter speed (thus getting a blurred, dreamy effect with waterfall shots), you’ll need to keep your camera stable. We like this standing one , or this flexible one . 
• Lens Cleaning Kit: Spray near the waterfalls and Iceland’s notoriously rainy climate means your lens will be getting wet. A lens cleaning kit will come in super handy. 
• Rain Protection: And on that note, you’ll want to make sure you have some sort of rain protection for your camera gear. Whether it’s a waterproof casing, or just a dry bag to carry your stuff around in. 
• Drone: Pay attention to where you are allowed to fly by checking the signs and always follow the local laws.

What to pack for your trip to Iceland

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating this super helpful PDF just for you.

In this  free Iceland packing list PDF download , we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women  and  men!) to what shoes to pack and extra items you may want to have on-hand if you plan on traveling in a campervan.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Iceland that you won’t find anywhere else!

Are you planning a trip to Iceland?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our  Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Perfect Iceland Itinerary
• Incredible Iceland Hot Springs to Visit
• Best Iceland Waterfalls + Exact Locations
• Super Fun Iceland Hikes

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16 beautiful photos of Iceland that will make you want to visit

It is easy for Iceland to inspire you, especially when you look at all the stunning photos that so many  people have shared. If you need even more inspiration,  here are 16 beautiful photos that will make you want to visit Iceland.

Skogafoss waterfall in South Iceland

One of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, Skogafoss is a favorite among travelers. One of the most special things about Skogafoss is how close you can get to it. You can walk right up to the waterfall and feel its thundering powers while the mist sprays over you.  You’ll feel incredibly refreshed and powerful!

Vestrahorn Mountain in East Iceland

Vestrahorn mountain, also known informally as  the “Batman Mountain”, is one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains — and no wonder!  Its unique shape has impressed many  people, and visitors have traveled to this remote part of southeast Iceland just to view it.

Reykjavik in South Iceland

You will not find any other capital in the world similar to Reykjavik. With its colorful and small houses, calm atmosphere and vibrant culture,  it often becomes people’s favorite community in Iceland.

 The Diamond Beach in East Iceland

One of the most magical places in Iceland, in our opinion, is the Diamond beach.  The opportunity to touch the crystal-like glacier chunks is an unforgettable experience. Plus it makes for some unique and fun photos.

Reykjadalur Hot River in South Iceland

Have you ever bathed in a hot natural river in the Icelandic highlands? If not,  you must  add Reykjadalur , the hot spring valley, to your hiking bucket list. Locals have been bathing in it for centuries,  and it was only recently discovered by tourists.  The only catch is a three-hour, moderately easy walk, but the stunning scenery makes up for it a million times.

Seydisfjordur Village in East Iceland

One of the most charming towns in Iceland, Seydisfjordur is a must when you are driving around the country during summer.  This town has become a center for artists.  Every year,  the residents paint a colorful rainbow street.  It leads up to a  pretty blue church, which has  become a well-known landmark.

Icelandic Horses

These sturdy animals have been an inseparable part of Icelanders’ lives since the first days of the country’s settlement.  Horses have played a big part in the old Norse mythology as well as the famous Icelandic sagas. We have over 100 words for their various coat colors and  markings,   and we just find them absolutely amazing!

DC3 Plane Wreck in South Iceland

If you want to reach the historical plane wreck at Solheimasandur beach you will need to walk for an hour. The contrast between the black sand desert and the dramatic plane wreck has made it a very popular photo stop along the South Shore.

Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik Iceland

The iconic Hallgrimskirkja church is one of the “must-do” stops in Reykjavik. The architecture is stunning and is supposed to resemble the basalt lava flows found all over Iceland. From the church tower, the view of the city is great for orientating yourself as well as a terrific photo opportunity.

The Remote Westfjords

The Westfjords differ from the rest of the country both historically and geologically.  This region is where land meets sea in the most dramatic way possible . It is Iceland’s least populated and least visited region.  If you enjoy unforgettable places and photo opportunities, this area is definitely worth a visit.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Southeast Iceland

Huge ice chunks that have broken off a glacier and floated out to the sea have created the world famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This stunning place  located in southeast Iceland  offers a dramatic view and rich wildlife viewing. There are birds flying all around, and you can even spot seals in the lagoon.

Kirkjufell mountain in West Iceland

Kirkjufell mountain (Church Mountain) is said to be the most photographed mountain in Iceland. The colors of the mountain change every season, so you’ll always find a new perspective to this majestic mountain no matter when you visit.   Some visitors say that the shape of the mountain reminds them of a witch’s hat; others say it reminds them of a arrowhead.

The puffins, also known as the clowns of the sea,  arrive in Iceland in April Each year! Iceland is the perfect place to spot these cute creatures, as we host 60% of the puffin population in the world. You can get extremely close to them and watch them in the stunning Icelandic nature.

Hidden Ice Cave in South Iceland

You can explore ice caves all year in Iceland, even in the summer time. It is hard to describe the feeling of walking into a newly-formed ice cave inside one of Iceland’s many glaciers.  It’s even more special when you realize that any ice cave will probably vanish in just a few weeks.

Lomagnupur mountain in South Iceland

Everyone should experience driving around Iceland at least once in his or her lifetime. Iceland has one main road:  Route 1, also  known as the Ring Road. It offers incredible sights everywhere you look, one of them being Lomagnupur mountain.

Diving in Silfra

Iceland offers incredible diving locations, and one of them is Silfra located in Thingvellir National Park. Silfrs’s crystal clear, fresh waters and its geological significance makes it one of the most popular places in Iceland for both diving and snorkeling.

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35 Epic Iceland Photography Locations & Travel Tips

Please note: This post contains affiliate links.

Immersing in  jaw-dropping contrasts and otherworldly landscapes in Iceland will leave you awestruck . Prepare yourself for roaring waterfalls, glittering icebergs, and mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets. The Iceland photography locations, tips and settings I recommend were compiled while attending a one-week summer photo workshop. Photographing Iceland is high on many photographers’ bucket lists as a result of the myriad photo opportunities. My Iceland photography tips will help you bring your Iceland photos to life. Not surprisingly, Iceland landscapes offer some of the best travel photography in the world.

Living up to the hype, the Land of Fire and Ice will boggle your mind with its unexpected surprises.

TIP: Camping maximizes flexibility, allowing you to chase the light . Living like a vampire, sleeping during the day and photographing at night, is best. It optimizes your chances for mind-blowing light  and minimizes crowds in some of the more popular Iceland photography spots.

Experiencing Midnight Sun and “ golden hour ” conditions for six hours is a photographers’ dream . Despite an 11:30PM sunset and 3:30AM sunrise, the sun never dips below Iceland’s horizon, providing a stunning kaleidoscope of colors.

Chasing magical waterfalls in Iceland

The size, variety, and beauty of Iceland’s waterfalls is astounding. Heading east from Reykjavik, Oxararfoss waterfall is a nice introduction. It’s part of the Thingviller National Park. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet here.

In addition to photographing the main waterfall, changing up your perspective and capturing the water moving over the boulders provides some interesting options .

TIP : Experiment with a polarizer to remove the glare from the rocks and/or an ND filter to slow the shutter speed to .5-4 seconds. This will allow you to achieve an ethereal cotton candy effect.

Feeling adventurous? Consider diving or snorkeling the nearby Silfra Fissure .   While visibility is fantastic [330 feet (110 meters)], temperatures are frigid [35-39 degrees Farenheit (2-4 degrees Celsius)]. You will need a dry suit to dive here.

Gullfoss (Golden) waterfall – an impressive Iceland photography location

Watching water from this arrow-shaped waterfall cascade over two levels and empty into the canyon 100 feet (32 meters) below is lovely. It’s one of the many impressive Iceland landscape photography locations along the Golden Circle route.

TIP: After capturing the iconic panoramic perspective from the upper viewpoint, moving to the lower viewpoint allows you to experiment with interesting water abstracts. If you can, include people in your Iceland photos to provide a sense of scale for this expansive waterfall.

Photographing one of Iceland’s photogenic churches

When perusing pictures of Iceland, you’ve seen pictures of the eerie Budakirkja Black Church .

Sitting atop lava fields, the Budir Black church is a lone sentinel in the stark, dream-like landscape . Glancing around, you’ll feel as if elves might emerge from the waterfall strewn hills. After a massive storm wiped out this village from the 1800s, only a small hotel and this church remain.

TIP : To achieve this ghostly look in your Iceland pictures, use a 10-16 stop filter + a remote release. Using the PhotoPills app , input your aperture and ISO to calculate the exposure.

Kirkjufellsfoss – this famous Iceland photography location appears in Game of Thrones

Pulling into the parking lot,  the famous Kirkjufellsfoss might initially underwhelm you. While the waterfalls seem less impressive at first glance, positioning properly will provide you with the famous image you are seeking at this iconic Iceland photography spot.

Using a wide-angle lens and experimenting with shutter speed and perspective, this icon will endear you . Seeing this under the Northern Lights would be the icing on the cake .

Standing 1500 feet (463 meters) high, it looms over the tiny nearby village of Grundarfjordur (population 900) on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

TIP : After getting the iconic Iceland image, move to the area above the three waterfalls. Shooting the cascading water provides interesting leading lines towards Kirkjufell. Experimenting with shutter speeds of .5 – 2 seconds will vary the falls’ look.

Photographing reflections in the lake is a meditative perspective .

TIP: To achieve the best reflections in your Iceland pictures, your subject should be lit and the water shaded.

Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods)

This spectacular horse-shoe shaped waterfall is a sight to behold. It derives its name from an event in 1000 AD where heathen statues were thrown into the waterfall, signifying the conversion from heathendom to Christianity.

Capturing some of the more interesting shots (water flowing over outcroppings) is scary for those who fear heights.

TIP : Given the water volume at this site, .5 to 2 seconds is the optimal exposure to capture the water detail without blowing out the highlights.

Aldeyjarfoss – an Iceland photography highlight

Laying eyes on this Iceland jewel  for the first time is incredible. In my opinion, it’s Iceland’s greatest sight and most spectacular surprise.

As our van and trailer were careening along gravel roads, we kept imploring Colby to stop so we could photograph the sky’s  amazing colors . Telling us to trust him, he promised we’d get to the perfect spot to photograph this crazy light .

Arriving in the small parking lot and quickly hiking down the trail, we immediately understood this location’s appeal. Epic fiery skies  provided the perfect backdrop  for the falls thundering between the basalt columns . The contrast between the grey and black gradations and the turquoise water splashing into the cauldron below is  stunning .

Epitomizing “Fire & Ice,” this awe-inspiring waterfall and night will remain emblazoned on my memory forever.

TIP : After you finish indulging in the epic Iceland landscape photography here, dangle your feet over the edge and watch and listen to this amazing site. It’s a truly indelible memory . Despite my fear of heights , I relished sitting on the edge and taking it all in.

Iceland’s serendipitous surprises

To avoid torrential rains and raging winds in Southern Iceland, Colby recommended camping in Eastern Iceland for an extra evening. After indulging in a tasty dinner, we set out to find interesting reflections .

Inspiring us with its magic , the sky lit up in glorious reds, pinks and oranges . Photographing sunrise sheep silhouettes, lake reflections and a flowing creek occupied us from 1-3 AM.

Shimmering diamonds on the beach

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon held its own against the prior two nights’ amazing light . Watching the sunset illuminate brilliant blue icebergs and listening to them calve is  enchanting . With limitless and ever-changing compositions, you can spend days photographing this spectacular Iceland photography location.

After the sun shifted to the horizon, moving to the black sand beach and watching receding waves tumble shimmering diamond bits  is  alluring .

Gorgeous photos from this beach served as my inspiration to visit Iceland.

Be careful as this is Iceland’s leading injury and camera damage location. As distracted photographers’  capture the perfect shot, relentless “sneaker waves ” snatch their camera equipment.  And, as people run from the waves, they often trip amongst the ice obstacle course . Since I had waves splash my camera and stumbled over the ice, I can attest to the hazards.

TIP : Using a wide angle lens with a shutter speed of 1.0 second at F11 will provide you with mystical, ethereal photos . Time the waves and capture your image as the water is receding. Make sure to wipe down your tripod and camera after shooting here as salt water is extremely corrosive.

To simplify your shot , look for separation amongst the ice pieces. Bring knee high neoprene boots to keep your feet warm and dry.

Capturing famous (and less famous) waterfalls

Stopping at a roadside waterfall en route to the famous waterfalls in Southern Iceland is an awesome surprise . Colby accurately predicted the “ Yellowstone Effect ” would occur once we pulled over. Others immediately stopped to check out what we were photographing.

This mini Godafoss  is another one of my favorite Iceland photos.   TIP: Using the .5-.7 shutter speed sweet spot that Colby recommended + my variable ND filter dialed to 6 allowed me to capture the wave action and variations in the blue.

Skogafoss – one of the most famous (and busiest) Iceland photography spots

Arriving here later allows you to miss the crowds . Although we hoped for Mother Nature to treat us to spectacular light above the falls, it didn’t appear. In the winter, this can be a great place to capture the Northern Lights dancing.

Shockingly, they allow camping in Skogafoss’ parking lot. If you visit during the day, prepare for  massive crowds at this famous Iceland photography location on the Ring Road. Since it produces a lot of spray,   single or double rainbows are common on sunny days.

Photographing the elusive puffins in Iceland

Heading south, we were in for another  great surprise .

As we were setting up for wide-angle landscape shots, Colby spotted two puffins on a cliff edge. After excitedly signaling us to be quiet and backup, we quickly switched to telephoto lenses .

Since it was midnight and no one else was around, they were very calm and inquisitive . Striking the perfect poses , hopping around and flapping their wings, they provided us with a number of interesting compositions.

Capturing the “Hill Island with the Door Hole”  is fun. Looking as if it is part of the Game of Thrones Iron Islands or Dragonstone, it is  picture perfect. Yet another unique and unforgettable Iceland photography location.

TIP : Wanting to make a moody, meditative shot , I bracketed my exposures at 15, 20 and 30 seconds, to expose for the archway, sky and water. And, repositioning allowed for  separation between the archway and sea stacks

Vik i Myrdal Church

Vik’s white church, surrounded by purple lupines, is another iconic Iceland shot. Although you’ll see many lupines while driving, this provides a very picturesque composition with them as your foreground element.

TIP: Bracketing is important here to expose for the foreground lupines, white church and sky. Hopefully, you’ll get luckier with dramatic skies.

Reynisfjara – another of Iceland’s stunning black sand beaches

The hexagonal , stepping stone  basalt columns  are  fascinating at this south coast beach. Climbing up these pillars, formed after lava quickly cooled, provides an interesting perspective.

TIP : Be very careful  at this black sand beach. Despite appearing calm, tourists have died after being pulled out to sea by strong and unpredictable sneaker waves .

A beautiful, secret waterfall

I loved this hidden waterfall’s delicacy and serenity .

Reminding me of Horsetail Falls outside of Portland, Oregon, I enjoyed watching and listening as the  waterfall cascaded over the rock at the bottom. The water rushing over the rocks downstream made for a lovely composition . The green and yellow colors and cauldron-like shape reminded me of Lord of the Rings.

TIP : For the most interesting compositions, shoot from the middle of the stream by  wearing knee high neoprene boots or waders.  Exposing for 1.5 seconds allows you to capture the waterfall’s curve and ethereal spray.

Seljalandsfoss aka Selfiefoss

After hearing a workshop friend referring to this waterfall as “ Selfiefoss ,” I definitely agreed.

Venturing behind the waterfall  is a unique experience . TIP : Wearing waterproof pants / jacket or a poncho will keep you dry. Viewing the landscape through the waterfall’s veil and listening to the waterfall’s roar is surreal .

Given the heavy spray, a beautiful  single or double rainbow often appears in front of this iconic waterfall.

TIP : If you photograph sunrise or sunset, walk up the hill and capture the waterfall’s profile with the lovely light.

Admiring the punk rocker Icelandic horses

As you are driving throughout Iceland, you will see gorgeous Icelandic horses in a variety of colors. 40 different colors and 100 variations exist.

With their manes stylishly falling over their eyes, they always seem to be coyly peeking out . Hoping for a treat, the horses typically run over as soon as you approach. However, it’s best not to feed them.

TIP : Try to capture the adorable interactions between mother and foals to make your photography come alive for your viewers.

To preserve Icelandic horse genes and minimize disease introduction, exported Icelandic horses can never return. And, no horses can be imported to Iceland. Most horses have four gaits (walk, trot, cantor, gallop). Icelandic horses have two additional gaits, the tolt and flying pace.

Discovering Reykjavik’s architectural beauty

Spend a day exploring Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. The Hallgrimskirkja Church, which resembles Iceland’s unique basalt columns , is interesting. Housing a beautiful pipe organ and uniquely shaped ceilings , it’s worth checking out.

TIP : Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling in the Harpa Concert Hall . Its   hexagonal patterns and alternating exterior color blocks provide fascinating abstract perspectives . Shifting ceiling shapes, designs and colors inside resemble undulating sand dunes and ocean waves at sunset.

Venturing down the walkway to the Sun Voyager Sculpture provides a view of an iconic Reykjavik sculpture. For the most dramatic lighting, capture it during winter dusk or summer golden hour.

Putting a dent in your wallet with Icelandic food

Indulging in spicy hot chocolate at Eldur Og Is is delicious. Splurging and opting for it with marshmallows and cream is worth the extra calories. Be prepared for the   $7 USD price . Ice cream and crepes are also popular.

If you’re searching for a tasty lunch or dinner option, try the Arctic Char or Sweet Potato dish at Isafold.  Iceland is expensive. Plan to spend $40-$50USD for most sit down meals with a glass of wine.

TIP : When traveling around Iceland, shopping at grocery stores or grabbing food at gas stations is your best bet. The gas stations offer a variety of tasty option, including hot dogs, veggie burgers and vegan options.

TIP : Do yourself a favor and buy McVitie’s Caramels Digestives . They make great gifts too!

The gorgeous Blue Lagoon

Spending time lounging and photographing the Blue Lagoon ‘s waters is the perfect ending .

TIP : Book appointments well in advance as they fill up.

Iceland Photography Travel Tips:

• If you rent a vehicle, get the Iceland car insurance  with  the Gravel & Glass coverage . Strong winds rip doors off, sandstorms strip paint, and gravel cracks windshields, leading to expensive repairs.
• If visiting the highlands, rent a 4WD car . Only accessible late June to mid- September.
• Make sure to budget for the VERY expensive gas. $7.50 gallon (194 Icelandic Kroner/1.64 Euro per liter)
• If overnighting in Reykjavik, opt for the Grayline Airport  shuttle bus. It costs  2900 Krona (27 $USD) one way. It takes 40-50 minutes and drops you directly at your hotel
• Northern Lights : September – mid April.
•  Midnight Sun : June – July. Make sure to bring an eye mask if you’re sensitive to light. My favorite travel accessories post  has additional suggestions.
•  Ice Caves : Mid-November – mid March. Since they’re unstable other times of year, these coveted Iceland photography locations are off-limits outside of this time frame. The most popular ice caves are located in Vatnajokull National Park in Southeast Iceland, which is five hours from Reykjavik.

For safety reasons, you must join a tour to visit the ice caves.

TIP : Book early as these Iceland tours often sell out months in advance! There are special tours available for photographers that take you to more remote caves and give you more time.

• Join Colby Brown photography for a photo workshop . Having been to Iceland 25 times , he’s incredibly knowledgeable about the sights, weather and best times to shoot!
• Iceland Photography Tools : A wide angle will be your go to lens. 70-200mm is needed for puffins, Icelandic horses and glacier abstracts. A sturdy tripod , polarizer & 6 and 10 stop ND filters are key.
• Looking for additional photography tips to create epic Iceland images, check out my Photography Tips  and Antarctica Photography Tips posts.

Epic 7 Travel is a for-profit blog. The post contains Affiliate links for which I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only feature products that I own or would recommend regardless of an affiliate relationship. Read more in our Terms of Use . Thank you for your support of Epic 7 Travel!

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Marielena Smith

Marielena founded Epic 7 Travel to inspire you to Live the Unforgettable by sharing stories and photography from around the world. She aims to transport you to extraordinary places on, above and beneath all 7 continents and drive you to start your own adventures.

If you are looking for more inspiration to Live the Unforgettable , join the Epic 7 Travel Community

Reader Interactions

August 31, 2017 at 8:05 pm

Great post! It makes me want to go back! I loved all the tips and tricks!

September 4, 2017 at 12:27 pm

Thanks so much, Shannon. I’m glad you enjoyed it and found the tips & tricks helpful. I’m already plotting my return with Jason so he can experience and photograph extraordinary Iceland. Next time I’ll make an appointment for the Blue Lagoon so I don’t miss out

September 1, 2017 at 10:52 am

The photography is stunning! It inspires me to travel to Iceland. Those waterfalls are….WOW! Thanks for sharing your experience and tips.

September 4, 2017 at 12:34 pm

Thank you so much, Daniela. For those who love waterfalls, there is no better place to experience such variety. Iceland’s beauty is truly astounding.

September 1, 2017 at 8:24 pm

Amazing work, Marielena!! Man, those are some amazingly beautiful skies to complement the landscapes, and you’ve captured them perfectly — and OMG your puffin shot! Beautiful! Love all the tips, both about the photographs and the tourism. Will keep this bookmarked for when I finally plan my trip 🙂

September 4, 2017 at 12:38 pm

Thanks a lot, Deb! I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed the photography. Iceland’s landscapes are truly awe-inspiring. And, when they are lit up with epic light, it’s incredible. I was SO excited to see puffins, especially so close. I’m so glad to hear the tips are helpful for your future trip planning. You won’t be disappointed

September 4, 2017 at 6:56 pm

Great photos and a really nice overall assessment of the trip. So great to meet you and all our fellow photographers!

September 5, 2017 at 12:45 pm

Thanks so much, Alison. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the post and photos. I had a blast reliving our fantastic trip as I reviewed the photos. We got so lucky with the epic light two nights in a row! It was great meeting you and Alan. Thanks to both of you for all the tips related to space/weight savings by converting to mirrorless. Definitely an option I’m considering. I loved the charging process/system you have.

September 7, 2017 at 4:30 am

Marielena – what a beautiful story and photoblog. It was really wonderful to finally meet and have a great conversation about your travels and especially about Iceland. Thanks for sharing such amazing pictures and the way to get them. Your blog has definitely motivated me to plan a trip to Iceland and hopefully get some amazing shots myself. There are so many wonderful places to visit and I am truly inspired by you to travel all 7 continents. Cheers – and keep sharing your amazing work.

September 8, 2017 at 2:28 pm

Sreedhara, I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed the Iceland post. As you know, reviewing the photos allows you to relive the experience, so photography is a gift that keeps on giving. Given your landscape photography interest, you will love Iceland. There are so many subjects and compositions that change drastically from season to season. I enjoyed learning more about bird photography from you as it’s not an area with which I’ve had much experience. Iceland’s puffins are quite a treat; I love their colorful and expressive faces. You can add some stunning images of them to your collection.

October 19, 2017 at 8:57 am

Hi Marielena! Hope you and JASON are well after our amazing experience in Tonga! Been following some of your blogs and your pictures are stunning. Planning a trip to Iceland / Faroe Islands next year. Wanted to ask you what time of year you visited( want to photograph Puffins and other birds). Have you been to Grimsey? How many days did you stayed? Planning to go for 2 weeks and drive around the island but for this probably has to be during summer months especially to see west fjords. Any blogs on the Faroe Islands? Sending both of you a big hug from NYC. Oscar

October 19, 2017 at 12:34 pm

Hi Oscar, Tonga puts a smile on our faces every time we think about it. Now that I’m back from travels, we’ll have a chance to edit more of those images and videos and craft the blog post about what an unforgettable experience it was. You will love Iceland; it is really astounding. I was there the first 10 days of July. I highly recommend that time of year for midnight sun and amazing light. If you can, reverse your sleep cycles so you can enjoy the places in solitude as the popular places are super busy during the day. I haven’t been to Grimsey, but my photo workshop leader, Colby Brown, has and highly recommends it. We’ve not been to the Faroe Islands, but it’s high on the list. Let us know if you will be in the Bay Area anytime soon and we’ll keep you posted on any NYC visits!

October 27, 2017 at 12:37 pm

Your photography is absolutely stunning – WOW, great work, Thank you for sharing! This is most inspiring – must. get. to. Iceland!

November 11, 2017 at 7:30 am

Thanks so much, Leigh. I’m so glad you enjoyed the Iceland photography. Iceland is a truly spectacular and special place. I loved it so much that I’m already plotting my return to see the ice caves and Northern Lights.

December 1, 2017 at 10:08 pm

Thank you for sharing. The pictures also add to the inspiration. Great photos. Keep up the good work.

December 5, 2017 at 9:09 am

Thanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed the stories and images. Iceland is a spectacular place. We’d love to return someday to see ice caves and Northern Lights!

January 21, 2018 at 2:39 pm

So awesome! I am going here in April so this is so beyond helpful for me! Thanks for sharing all this awesome info ❤️

February 1, 2018 at 11:57 am

Sam, I’m so happy you found the blog and tips helpful. You are going to LOVE it! Iceland is a magical place. I can’t wait to return and share it with Jason. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I can’t wait to follow along your adventures while you are there!

January 24, 2018 at 12:44 pm

Awesome pics guys, you have certainly sparked some Iceland wanderlust! I love waterfalls so this looks right up my street 😊 Love all of the logistics tips at the end – super useful!

February 8, 2018 at 4:43 pm

Thanks so much Kelly. Iceland will not disappoint you as a waterfall lover – you will find one around every corner. So happy to hear the logistics tips are helpful too! I loved it so much I’m already plotting my return so that Jason can also experience how jaw-dropping Iceland is

February 7, 2018 at 11:58 am

Absolutely beautiful. I desperately want to go back. I’d take a job there if someone offered it to me.

February 8, 2018 at 4:45 pm

I am trying to figure out how to return as well so that Jason can experience the extraordinary landscapes. It truly feels as if you’ve stepped onto another planet. I now understand why my workshop leader returns 2-3x for workshops and has been 25x. I could easily visit every year to explore new places and see the amazing light!

June 15, 2018 at 8:53 pm

I like this blog… Lovely Images… After seeing all the above fantastic pictures…I really want to go to Iceland with my family…Thanks for this blog…

June 20, 2018 at 11:57 am

Thanks so much, Stella. Iceland is a place I could return to again and again. Otherworldly and majestic landscapes are around every turn. And, it offers something different each season. I hope you have the opportunity to visit with your family soon. There are numerous activities for all ages to enjoy.

May 30, 2019 at 9:12 am

Excellent post Marielena! You captured the beauty of Iceland so well. I’m now more excited than ever to visit!

May 30, 2019 at 7:06 pm

Thanks, Vanessa! Iceland’s other-worldly beauty is a photographer’s dream. Every corner you turn presents a new breathtaking scene. I have no doubt you will love it! I’d like to get back in the winter to photograph the ice caves!

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Iceland Photography Tips for Stunning Travel Photos

Wow, Iceland. I’ve been back for about 24 hours now, and it feels more like I visited a different planet rather than simply a different country. Looking back through the photos, it’s no surprise as to why: the landscapes and colors of Iceland are like nothing you can find elsewhere in the world.

As a photographer-in-progess, Iceland was so exciting for me to capture on camera and experience its incredible light and colors. I also faced weather conditions I’d never faced before, including a “no travel storm” and the most snow I’ve seen in my entire life.

Through so many different conditions, I learned a lot about the conditions and preparation that make for awesome photos. In this post, you’ll find tips and ideas for:

• Camera gear you need for Iceland
• How to make sure your camera gear can survive Iceland’s weather
• General tips for capturing Iceland in photos
• How to take panoramas using any camera
• The settings you need to take silky smooth waterfall photos

How to photograph the Northern Lights

Here are my top tips for getting the most out of your photos in Iceland!

If you’re looking for an itinerary of places to see in Iceland, look no further than my Iceland itinerary .

Make sure you have necessary camera gear

Here’s the camera gear I used most in Iceland. Not all of it is necessary, it really depends on the kinds of pictures you want to take! Regardless, here’s the masterlist:

• Camera – Bet you didn’t expect that one. I won’t tell you there is a specific camera that’s best for Iceland, but make sure yours can shoot RAW format!
• Travel tripod – You’re probably going to do some hiking in Iceland. Bring a tripod you won’t regret hauling uphill for 2km. I used the Rollei Compact Traveler (Carbon Fiber) Tripod in Iceland and it worked great. If you aren’t sure, here’s an article I wrote on how to pick a travel tripod based on your budget and needs!
• Wide-aperture wide-angle lens – This is the lens you’re going to use to shoot massive waterfalls, and (if traveling in winter) the northern lights!
• Snapshot lens – The lens you’re going to keep on your camera 90% of the time. If it’s a prime, it’ll probably be a 23mm or 35mm (35mm or 50mm on a full-frame, respectively).
• Telephoto lens – On some shots, you’ll just need a bit of zoom, especially if you want to capture seals, puffins, horses, or other wildlife. For this I just used my 56mm prime, and it got the job done.
• An ND filter – If you want to take long exposures of waterfalls or moving clouds, don’t forget to pack an ND filter for your lenses! Otherwise, you can leave them at home. I use ND filters by B&W and they do a good job at not having a weird tint some ND filters have.
• Extra batteries – Batteries discharge faster in cold weather. Bring a spare and pack it in your inner jacket pocket to keep it warm!
• Spare memory card – Don’t forget to format your memory card before you go, and don’t let yourself run out of space. There are literally NOT electronics stores in Iceland outside of the two main cities. I use SanDisk memory cards and have never had any issues with them.

My go-to travel camera I bring on every trip. Both robust and lightweight with gorgeous image quality.

My travel tripod of choice. I've used this in all kinds of scenarios, shooting northern lights or timed selfies. Easy to use and ultra light.

My favorite high performance memory card, lets you take many photos in rapid succession and film 4K video. I own about four of these!

In fact, this didn’t differ much from the photography kit I usually travel with , but I swapped out my main lens for one that was weather-resistant. And here’s why…

Make sure your camera gear can withstand Iceland’s weather

Iceland is hands-down the place where my camera experienced the most abuse. I fell in a river with it, drenched it in mist from numerous waterfalls, and exposed it to temperatures as cold as -9ºC. To be honest, it’s hard to baby your camera when snow is falling and you’re stomping around in streams and mud all day.

Here’s how to make sure your camera gear is prepared for Iceland’s weather.

Mývatn Nature Baths, North Iceland

Make sure your camera is weather resistant. You don’t need a GoPro (although that will be handy), but I would not travel to Iceland without at least one camera/lens combo that is weather resistant. Your camera will get wetter than you’ve ever expected, and nothing could be worse than a broken camera in the middle of nowhere in Iceland!

My main setup was the Fujifilm X-T1 (though these days I’m rocking the Fujifilm X-T2 ) and the Fujiflm 23mm f2 WR lens , as well as the 16mm f1.4 WR lens , which are all weather-resistant. I am shocked / grateful that they completely withstood Iceland’s abuse!

Bring a waterproof camera for the baths. This isn’t strictly necessary (I just re-used my weather-resistant camera for above-water photos), but chances are you’re going to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon or the Mývatn Nature Baths while you’re in Iceland. Having a waterproof option is going to open up some really cool photo opportunities. If you don’t want to splurge on a GoPro, you can get a decent waterproof camera for less than half the price.

Be prepared to clean water off your lenses. There are two tools that can help a lot with this: pre-moistened lens cleaning wipes and a lens pen . You can get a massive neverending supply of lens wipes here , which is also a great addition to your camera bag. Basically, if your camera has dried water on the lens, using a lens wipe is going to be the best way to get it off. For smudges and other debris, the lens pen is the way to go. It’s important to be constantly cleaning water off your lenses, because you will end up with spots in your photos if you leave the water on!

Protect your lens from getting foggy. In general, protecting your camera from extreme temperature changes is a very good idea, and prevents condensation from forming inside your camera. When you go inside or get back in the car, be sure to isolate your camera from the heat by closing it in a plastic bag, or at least wrapping it in a scarf or putting it in your bag.

Include people in your photos for scale

It seems like Iceland was crafted for giants and elves, but litle in between. Its massive waterfalls can make you feel vulnerable – like a strong gust of wind could sweep you right in. On the other hand, the population is so small (as are these turf houses) that sometimes you feel like you have the world world to yourself.

Including people in your photos helps to capture these two complementary feels in a photo. See what I mean…

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Visit the same place on different days

Perhaps the most common trope about Iceland is, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” I saw one place go from sunshine to snow and back again in fifteen minutes, washing out 90% of the tourists in the process. The fickle and violent nature of Iceland’s weather is not to be underestimated.

That said, visiting the same location more than once during your trip can give you a completely different view of the places. Here’s just one example of Skógafoss less than 24 hours apart.

Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the same place twice, you never know what nature has in store for you!

Learn how to create a panorama using any camera

Here’s a super quick tip which will come in handy in Iceland if you don’t have a wide-enough lens that can fit in a huge scene. Instead, you can take several pictures in a row, with at least 1/3 overlapping, and stitch them together later in Lightroom using the “Merge” option.

As an example, here’s a photo I made out of three portrait-orientation pictures. You’d never know that I could never fit this in my picture without a little post-processing magic 😉

All you have to do is: 1) Import your photos 2) Select the photos you want to merge together 3) Press Ctrl + M or right click and choose “Photo merge → Panorama”. You’ll get several options for how to merge, and you can just play around and see what looks best!

How to get smooth water with long exposure photography

Taking these professional-looking photos of waterfalls is secretly super easy, once you have the right equipment: you’re going to need a tripod, a camera where you can set the shutter speed, and an ND filter. Here’s how to do it:

• Set up your camera on a tripod.
• Attach the ND filter to your camera (I use ND filters by B&W )
• Set the camera to shutter priority mode, and change the shutter speed to 1 second.
• Turn on the camera’s timer to 2s, so you don’t accidentally introduce camera shake when you push the button.

It’s really that easy. If you know how to use manual mode, you can change things around. Ideally, the camera is going to be smart enough to do 99% of the work for you!

Here’s a photo of Goðafoss in North Iceland, taken for 28 seconds. Super smooth!

Just like waterfalls, the Northern lights are also not that hard to photograph so long as you can find them! Here’s a step-by-step to set up your camera to take northern lights photos:

• Set your camera to manual mode (my settings are below each photo for you to use!)
• Set the focus to infinity (ideally your camera has a hard stop at infinity when you adjust the manual focus ring)
• Push the button and wait!

Settings: ISO 640, 16mm f1.8, 30 seconds

Tips for photographing the Northern Lights

If you want to include people in your northern lights photo. It’s important to focus on the person instead of the background, or else the person will be blurry because you’re shooting with a wide aperture. Have your subject light themselves using e.g. a phone, and then manually focus on them. Once you’ve got a good focus, turn off the light and start shooting!

If it’s windy, forget about it. Iceland has such extreme wind, you may not be able to take a photo of the northern lights that isn’t blurry. Try taking the photo from inside your hotel / guesthouse / car if you need real protection from the wind.

How to edit Northern Lights photos. Make sure you’ve taken your photos in raw. When you open them in Lightroom, be sure to adjust the temperature of the photo to be colder, so you get a blue sky instead of a grey-green one. If the snow is a funny color (like green or yellow), use the adjustment brush to slightly desaturate the snow. Don’t desaturate it 100%, but just enough to remove the tinge. You can also shift the color from green to magenta to remove unwanted green tints.

If you went to Iceland, what’s the number one thing you’d want to take photos of?

For me it was the Northern Lights, but when I go back I want to take more pictures of wildlife and charming countryside cottages 😉

Share your dream Iceland photography subject in the comments!!

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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27 most iconic Instagram spots in Iceland

There is an abundance of beautiful photo places and Instagram spots in Iceland! From volcanoes to waterfalls, from basalt column walls to black sand beaches, from hot water baths to picturesque churches.

Iceland is truly a wonderland! Here are the 27 best Instagram spots for amazing photos of Iceland that you can visit if you are doing the famous Ring Road around the country! Happy exploring!

Read more » 15 hidden gems and unique spots in Iceland

TABLE OF CONTENTS »

1. Reynisfjara black sand beach with basalt columns

Reynisfjara Beach is probably one of the most popular Instagram spots and tourist attractions in Iceland – and for a good reason! It was also one of my favorite places to see!

This beach is famous for its black sand and the huge basalt column wall at the shores of the ocean. This wall is easy to climb and is an amazing place for photos. Black sand, dark grey basalt columns, and a wild ocean are the perfect recipe for a dramatic photo!

Tip! Come here in the morning to avoid big crowds!

Location: Reynisfjara Beach · Parking lot · Basalt columns

Read more >>> 7 famous places to see basalt columns in Iceland

2. Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks

Another reason why Reynisfjara Beach is one of the most visited places in Iceland is definitely Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the ocean. When you are at the beach, these sharp 66-meter-high rock formations near the coast stand out very well.

Some legends say that those were trolls who wanted to pull a ship ashore but were turned into stone when the sun came up. They look super dramatic in real life as well as in photos!

Location: Reynisdrangar · Parking lot

Read more >>> 21 amazing rock formations in Iceland you won’t see elsewhere!

3. Stuðlagil canyon – river between basalt column walls

One of the best Instagram spots in Iceland is definitely Stuðlagil Canyon with gigantic basalt column walls and a greenish-blue water river. Did you know that this is the place in Iceland with the most amount of basalt columns?

You should know that you can only access the canyon on the river level from the East side of the canyon. And it will be a looong journey if you make a mistake and go to the West side. Read more about visiting this place in this blog post about 5 amazing canyons in Iceland .

Location: Studlagil Canyon · Parking lot

4. Vestrahorn mountain and Stokksnes beach

Vestrahorn mountain (454m) and the beautiful black sand Stokksnes beach next to it is probably one of the most photographed places in Iceland and definitely one of the best Instagram spots as well!

However, I do hope you get here when the weather is good and the mountain is not hidden behind clouds! This place is actually on private property and there is an entrance fee to see the beach and the mountain up close. You have to drive to the Viking Café , pay 6.50 EUR per person, and then you can enter the area.

Location: Viking Café · Vestrahorn mountain · Stokksnes beach

Read more >>> 5 beautiful beaches to visit in Iceland

5. Gígjagjá – the Yoda cave

The Yoda cave was one of the most intriguing places in Iceland for me. How is it possible that a cave somewhere in Iceland looks like Yoda from Star Wars, haha?

But it really does! Not so much from the outside, but definitely from the inside! This is a must-visit Instagram spot in Iceland for all the Star Wars fans for sure!

Location: Yoda cave

6. Diamond beach and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Diamond Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Iceland. It is located near the Jökulsárlón iceberg lagoon. The glacier melts, and icebergs break off of it and later break up into smaller pieces.

Those then are washed into the ocean through a canal connected to the ocean. The waves simply wash them ashore where the broken-up iceberg pieces rest until they melt completely. They look like blueish-white diamond pieces lying on the black sand – and that is where the name of the beach came from.

Location:   Diamond beach-East side  ·  Diamond beach-West side  ·  Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

7. DC-3 Plane wreck

DC-3 Plane Wreck is definitely one of the most unique places and one of the most famous Instagram spots in Iceland! It is an abandoned plane wreck of the US Navy plane that crashed in an empty lava field in Iceland in 1973.

Luckily, everybody survived. This spot became extra famous when it was featured in Justin Bieber’s music video. You can get there either on foot (3.8 kilometers one way) or by shuttle bus (the round trip ticket costs about 20 EUR).

Location: Plane wreck  ·  Parking (for a fee)

8. Rainbow street and church in Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjarðarkirkja is the most Instagrammable church in Iceland! It is a tiny blue church in the far East of Iceland in the town of Seyðisfjörður.

What makes it one of the best Instagram spots in Iceland is the rainbow-colored street leading to it. Besides, it is a small and very charming town located between the mountains and next to a fjord. Definitely worth the long drive, if you ask me!

Location:  Seyðisfjarðarkirkja  ·  Rainbow road  ·  Parking places

Read more >>> 7 famous and picturesque churches in Iceland you should see!

9. Skógafoss waterfall

Skogafoss has to be the most iconic waterfall in Iceland! Despite the fact that it is one of the most visited waterfalls, it was definitely one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland and one of the best Instagram spots as well!

It is beautifully shaped in a perfect rectangular shape – it is 25 meters wide and 60 meters high. Skogafoss has also featured in multiple movies and series such as  The Game of Thrones ,  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty , and even  Thor: The Dark World .

Location:  Skógafoss waterfall  ·  Parking lot

Read more >>> Here are 19 stunning waterfalls in Iceland you should visit!

10. Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik

A trip to Iceland won’t be complete without a visit to the capital city – Reykjavik. Hallgrimskirkja is not only the highest church in Iceland reaching 75 meters in height, but it might be the most famous church and a symbol of Reykjavik and Iceland.

So visiting this church is a must! What makes it unique is the architecture – it was built to resemble Icelandic nature, especially the natural basalt columns that you can see in many places around the country.

Location:  Hallgrimskirkja

11. Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Seljalandsfoss waterfall has to be amongst the most visited places in Iceland. And rightly so – this majestic 60-meter waterfall is quite unique because you can actually walk behind it and come out the other way. There is an official path going behind it and around it.

Tons of tourists use this unique opportunity to come here. You will be interested in the fact that it falls off a cliff that used to be a seacliff ages ago – once there was a coastline of the ocean at this exact place. Come here early to avoid crowds and get that unique Instagram photo without other people in it!

Location:   Seljalandsfoss waterfall  ·  Parking lot (for a fee)

12. Geothermal baths – Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and others

One of the most exciting experiences you can have in Iceland is enjoying the thermal baths. Iceland has an abundance of geothermal waters and you will quite often see hot water rivers, hot pots, baths, and pools around Iceland.

Some of the hot pools are available for free, and some are for donations, but you can also enjoy man-made geothermal spas like Sky Lagoon , Secret Lagoon , Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths , or other places.

The best part about these thermal baths is that you can relax in them all year round! Plus having beautiful nature surrounding you – it is an unforgettable experience and makes for a unique photo as well!

13. Búðakirkja – the black church

Búðakirkja is a small wooden church located in the Snæfellsnes peninsula – not far away from Reykjavik. The most famous feature of this church is that it is black and stands out very well in the area.

It has mountains and the ocean as a backdrop which makes it even more dramatic and impressive. Thanks to the fact that it is very easily accessible, it’s a popular picture place for tourists and one of the most Instagrammable churches in Iceland for sure!

Location:   Búðakirkja

14. Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall

Kirkjufell (463m) means ‘the church mountain’ and it is allegedly the most photographed mountain in Iceland! So this place has to be amongst the best Instagram places in Iceland, right?!

Although, to me, the mountain reminds a wizard’s hat not a church tower, haha! The best photo spot of Kirkjufell Mountain is from the side of the waterfall – Kirkjufellsfoss. A beautiful waterfall with a unique mountain in the background is a recipe for an incredible photo.

Location:   Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall  ·  Parking lot (for a fee)

15. Svartifoss waterfall

Svartifoss waterfall means the ‘black falls’ and it is one of the most beautiful and iconic waterfalls in Iceland. All thanks to the black basalt columns that surround it – which makes it an excellent Instagram spot in Iceland!

Everybody loves those hexagonal basalt lava columns, right?! Also – did you know that this waterfall was the biggest inspiration for the architects of the famous  Hallgrímskirkja church  in Reykjavik? One more reason to visit this beautiful place!

Location:   Svartifoss Waterfall  ·  Parking lot

16. The Endless Black Beach

The view over the Endless Black Beach is truly spectacular. It seems like this beach doesn’t have an end – it reaches tens and tens of kilometers away. However, the beach itself is quite difficult to access at sea level as there aren’t too many roads and if they are, they go through private properties.

So the best view you can get of this beach is from the top of the Dyrhólaey cliff near the Dyrhólaey lighthouse. Dyrhólaey is a popular place to visit because there is a  natural rock arch  where the famous seabirds – puffins – love to nest during the summer season.

You will meet many people with binoculars in their hands here trying to see the birds! However, you should know that this area has working hours during their mating season (usually May-June) when you can access the area from 9 AM till 7 PM (hours may change).

Location:   Viewpoint of the Endless Black Beach  ·  Parking lot

17. Gljúfrafoss waterfall inside a mountain

Visiting Gljúfrafoss waterfall was an adventure! The name of it means the ‘inhabitant of the canyon’. It is located inside a mountain, and you can get there through a narrow opening between the mountains.

To access the waterfall you will have to go along the river. However, it is not too difficult, because there are big stones in the river where you can step on to keep your feet relatively dry.

However, standing inside the canyon will be a wet experience, but totally worth it! There is a huge boulder inside the canyon where you can stand on to take some unique and unforgettable photos!

Location:   Gljúfrafoss or Gljúfrabúi waterfall  ·  Parking lot (for a fee)

18. Fjaðrárgljúfur – the famous river canyon

With a winding river and steep 100-meter walls, this canyon seems like a beautiful painting. Canyon walls are pretty unique – winding and forming rock formations in beautiful shapes!

Getting to the canyon is quite easy – you can actually drive very close to the canyon and the  viewing platform . From there you can then walk downwards along the side of the canyon to see it from different perspectives.

You will be happy to find out that it is allowed to fly a drone above the canyon so you can get some pretty breathtaking photos here from a different perspective (if you have a drone, of course)!

Location:   Fjadrárgljúfur  ·  Parking lot at the viewing platform  ·  Parking lot 2

19. Hengifoss waterfall

Hengifoss waterfall, falling from 128 meters, is the third-highest waterfall in Iceland! However, the most unique part about it is that between the black basalt rocks, there are red clay stripes.

This creates a unique look and is definitely something you don’t see very often! I mean, a red-striped waterfall? What else does Iceland have to offer? This is definitely a unique Instagram spot in Iceland!

Location:  Hengifoss Waterfall  ·  Parking lot

20. Ingjaldshólskirkja – church on a mountain

Ingjaldshólskirkja is a solitary church on a mountain in the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It was built of concrete at the beginning of the 20th century.

The most beautiful pictures of this church you will get if you stop at the side of the road before the church – there is a straight road leading right to it and the church sits on a small mountain with even bigger mountains as a backdrop.

Location:   Ingjaldshólskirkja

21. Strokkur geyser

One of the most entertaining places and also one of the most unique places in Iceland is the geothermal area beside the Hvítá River. Here you will find the famous Strokkur geyser which erupts every 3 to 5 minutes.

There are other geysers, hot springs, and hot pots too. You can’t swim here, because the water is boiling hot, but it is super entertaining to watch the eruptions! Come here in the morning to avoid crowds! There is no entrance fee!

Location:   Strokkur  ·  Parking lot

22. Stone bridge in Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi is a fishing village in the Snæfellsnes peninsula and a place you should definitely include in your Iceland itinerary!

There is an area along the coastline full of unique and pretty amazing rock formations. That includes a stone bridge that is connected to the shore (meaning – you can walk on it!), so it’s a great spot for some interesting Instagram photos!

Location: Stone bridge · Parking lot 1 · Parking lot 2

23. Kvernufoss waterfall

If you come to visit Skogafoss waterfall, I strongly suggest visiting Kvernufoss as well. It is often overlooked by tourists. However, it really deserves all the attention! It is located in a small canyon-like area with dreamy green moss around it.

The most unique thing about it is that you can walk behind it! It might be the wettest experience you will have in Iceland, but it will make for some great photos! You can’t go around it from behind – there is no path further, so you will have to go back the same way you went behind it!

Location:   Kvernufoss Waterfall  ·  Parking lot

24. Hvitserkur – an animal-shaped rock formation

Hvítserkur is a 15-meter tall basalt rock formation in the ocean near the coast in the Northwest of Iceland. This is definitely one of the strangest and one of the most unique places and rock formations in Iceland!

Some say that this rock formation looks like a troll, a dragon, a rhino, an elephant – you name it! What do you think it looks like? I am torn between a rhino and a wild boar. If you are driving the Ring Road, I really suggest visiting this rock formation. You will get a unique photo as a reward!

Location: Hvitserkur · Parking lot · Viewing platform

25. Múlagljúfur – the fairytale canyon

Mulagljufur Canyon is one of the most scenic places in Iceland. It is located in the Southwest part of the country and is a lesser-known place. If you like hidden gems and smaller crowds, this place is definitely for you.

The canyon offers incredible fairytale-like views over two valleys and rivers, as well as two waterfalls. And all that in front of a mountain backdrop. The perfect Instagram spot in Iceland in my opinion! Read more about how to find this place in this blog post !

Location: Múlagljúfur · Parking lot · Photo location

26. Dynjandi Waterfall

Dynjandi Waterfall is definitely one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland! It has these unique rock terraces where water is falling down reminiscing a bridal dress or a veil.

Actually, the name of the waterfall means ‘thunderous noises’ which is what you will hear when you get close to it. It is truly beautiful – 30 meters wide at the top and 60 meters at the bottom, this 100-meter-high waterfall was one of the most beautiful things I saw in Iceland.

The only con about this waterfall is that it is located in the Westfjords – quite far from other popular tourist attractions. However, this is one of my favorite Instagram spots in Iceland, and I think it is worth the effort if you have time!

Location:   Dynjandi Waterfall  ·  Parking lot

27. Turf churches Grafarkirkja and the Commonwealth farm

One of the most unique man-made sights you will see in Iceland are these beautiful turf churches with circle-shaped fences around them. This is how they used to build churches a couple of centuries ago in Iceland.

Today only about 6 turf churches are left in Iceland and they are really worth a visit and make for a beautiful photo spot – especially if you have a drone and can take a photo from above. But they look really cool from the ground level as well.

Two of my favorite and most Instragrammable turf churches in Iceland were Grafarkirkja and a replica of a Viking-era church at the Commonwealth Farm museum (you can see it from the outside for free!).

Grafarkirkja is the oldest turf church in Iceland and its origins date back to the 17th century, so definitely try to include at least one of these Instagram spots in your Iceland itinerary!

Location:   Grafarkirkja  ·  The Commonwealth Farm and Church

More Iceland travel inspiration!

• 15 hidden gems and unique spots in Iceland
• 7 famous places to see basalt columns in Iceland
• 19 most beautiful must-see waterfalls in Iceland
• 5 beautiful beaches to visit in Iceland
• 5 most surreal and unique canyons in Iceland
• 7 most beautiful and unique churches in Iceland
• 21 cool rock formations in Iceland you won’t see elsewhere!
• 5 beast glaciers in Iceland you should definitely visit!
• 7 most beautiful natural stone arches in Iceland
• Ultimate tips and tricks for the best trip to Iceland!
• Ring Road bucket list: best places to see in Iceland

Happy exploring!

In my opinion, Iceland is THAT country everyone should visit once in their lives! It is full of magical and unbelievable nature spots and places you won’t really see anywhere else on Planet Earth! If you can, please, leave a comment below if there are any significant changes to anything that is written in this blog post! Many thanks!

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Marta is an economist turned full-time traveler. She comes from a small village in a small country (Latvia) with a big dream to see the big World and share it all with you!

On Explored by Marta, you will find travel guides and bucket lists made for active travelers who plan their own itineraries with a little bit of everything - must-see spots, hidden gems, cities, nature, fun adventures, and relaxation!

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10 Pictures of Iceland You Won't Believe Are Real

The Blue Ice Caves

• Kerlingarfjöll Mountains in Iceland's Highlands

The Geysir Geothermal Area

• Silfra in Þingvellir National Park

The Diamond Beach

Iceland from air.

• Þakgil on Iceland's South Coast
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Mount Vestrahorn

• Iceland's Night Sky

Have you seen the best of Iceland, including the sites that seem too amazing to be natural? How can you visit the places you’ve seen in images that have defied your belief? Continue reading to look over ten photographs of Iceland that are so awe-inspiring that you could be forgiven for not thinking them to be real.

Iceland is an incredible country full of beautiful landscapes that beg to be photographed.

Thankfully, Guide to Iceland’s own Iurie Belegurschi has captured most of the following images to reveal them to you (except the one from Silfra). You are welcome to use Iurie's photos in this article without charge for your website or blog; just make sure to link back to this page. 

Top Photo Tours

Small-group 3-hour early morning ice caving tour at vatnajokull glacier with photo package, small-group 4-hour northern lights tour with expert aurora hunter and photographer, beautiful photography day tour at snaefellsnes peninsula with transfer from reykjavik.

• Venture further afield with this  Greenland Sailing | 10-Day Photography Workshop
• Capture Iceland's very best scenery with this  Westfjords Photography Tour
• Learn valuable new skills in this  8 Day Photography Workshop | Summer in Iceland

Iurie is world-renowned for his incredible landscape photography, but he is probably best known for his belief-defying images of ice caves. The phenomenon of an ice cave is every bit as beautiful as his pictures lead you to believe; the blues are as vivid, the textures as smooth, and the halls as vast as are depicted.

The most visited blue ice caves in Iceland are beneath Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland’s east, the largest ice cap in Europe, and are only reliably accessible in midwinter. Many ice cave tours run throughout this season, conducted by professional glacier guides, that will allow you to explore their incredible depths. Some run from mid-October until March, although many operators do not begin to run tours until November.

It is also possible to visit ice caves on Katla and Langjökull , although these lack the ethereal blues that make the Vatnajökull ice cave so supernatural. 

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Ice Caves in Iceland

Kerlingarfjöll Mountains in Iceland's Highlands

You could be forgiven for thinking that this image of the haunting beauty of Kerlingarfjöll, with the ominous steam rising up from the ground and a glacier in the background, was plucked from the floor of the special-effects studio of HBO’s Game of Thrones series as the breeding ground for dragons. You wouldn’t be far off; while multiple locations in Iceland have been used in the making of the popular TV series (although this one not being one of them, so far), no CGI effects were used in its creation; this is all natural, and an example of Iceland at its finest.

Kerlingarfjöll mountains are not a very popular stop, as they are located in Iceland's highlands and only accessible during summertime. That means that you could find yourself completely alone in this stunning location. Its location about halfway between Reykjavík and Akureyri  if driving the Kjölur route means it is a great stop to stretch the legs of anyone on a summer self-drive tour. 

One thing to note here is that although 4WD cars are recommended for all highland tours, it is actually possible to drive Kjölur in a 2WD - but it's gravel for most of the way and it will take you a while to reach your destination.

Top Highland Tours

This image, however, is of the geyser Strokkur , which goes off much more regularly than Geysir: every five minutes or so, to heights of around thirty metres. Iurie managed to catch it the moment of its eruption, and you will be able to get a similar image with a bit of patience and a quick shutter speed.

The Geysir Geothermal Area is one of three points on the Golden Circle , Iceland’s most popular tourist trail. There are many day tours to show you this route, which you can combine with activities such as snorkelling , horse-riding and snowmobiling .

Top Golden Circle Tours

Silfra in þingvellir national park.

Photo from  Exciting 10 Hour Golden Circle Tour & Silfra Diving Experience with Transfer from Reykjavik

Iceland is a land overflowing with water: eleven percent of the country’s surface area is coated with glaciers, its waterfalls are numerous and well-known, and river systems snake all throughout the landscapes. At Þingvellir , however, water takes a unique form that is perfect for photography; it emerges in the ravines that run throughout the National Park from springs, unbelievably clear throughout the year.

The spring and fissure pictured here is Silfra , Iceland’s most popular snorkelling and scuba diving location. The visibility within is over a hundred metres, making it some of the cleanest naturally occurring water in the world (certainly that you can take a tour exploring anyway). The water is drinkable, but you should avoid approaching it unless on a sanctioned tour in protective equipment as it is just 2° Celsius year-round.

Þingvellir National Park is ripe for great photography, with its many ravines, lava fields, springs, and the lake Þingvallavatn, and a fascinating place to visit due to its history as the original site of the world’s longest-running, ongoing parliament. It is another point on the Golden Circle, with Geysir and the waterfall Gullfoss .

Top Snorkeling Tours

• See also: Diving and Snorkelling in Iceland

The Diamond Beach , or Breiðamerkusandur, is a place you can spend hours wandering in awe, marvelling over the icebergs washed along the black-sand shore. The contrasts between the whites and blues of the ice, the foaming surf, and the dark beach make for photos that beggar belief, such as this one, taken in winter.

The icebergs on the Diamond Beach come from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, in Iceland’s south-east. This is one of the country’s most popular destinations for its unreal beauty and is included on many South Coast tours, particularly those that go over several days.

Top Jokulsarlon Tours

Iceland is a land of contrasts, best displayed in the magnificent highlands. This picture focuses on the contrast between the vividly coloured bright green moss as it meets the pink tainted sands, colours so intense that they seem painted. Here you can see the details of Iceland's fascinating nature, revealing how unusual its surroundings are.

For a shot like this, look up airplane tours or helicopter tours .

Þakgil on Iceland's South Coast

Rainbows are frequently seen in Iceland, due to the constant battle between the sunshine and the rain. The feature pictured here is a circular rainbow, above the gorgeous mountains surrounding Þakgil camping ground.

Þakgil campsite is on the South Coast of Iceland, a 14 km detour off ring road number 1 inland, the first road East of Vík (it's called Kerlingardalsvegur). It is accessible for all cars in summertime only, but the road is narrow, muddy and crooked and not recommended for low cars. 4WD cars are recommended, although not necessary. Even though the distance is only 14 km, you can expect to spend around 45 minutes driving this short distance - but the camping ground (and small huts) and the surrounding scenery is worth it for any avid hikers out there.

Þakgil is not included on any tours or domestic bus routes, so in order to get there, you will need to rent a car and drive there yourself.

• See also: Camping in Iceland | All You Need to Know
• See also: Hiking in Iceland

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Those who seek to immerse themselves amongst the bergs can take an amphibious vessel into the lagoon throughout the summer months, and a zodiac vessel throughout October.

• See also: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon | Iceland’s Crown Jewel

This magical image shows how talented photographers can use the effects of light, clouds and reflective surfaces to great effect. Iceland’s ever-changing conditions and wealth of natural phenomena mean that very rarely will two photographs of the same subject be overly alike.

Vestrahorn is near the town of Höfn in Iceland’s south-east, where many people taking a self-drive tour around the country, such as this one , will stay.

• See also: The ‘Horny’ Mountains of East Iceland

Iceland's Night Sky

Although the winters are long and dark, with only around four hours of daylight in December and January, Iceland’s night holds many surprises. Although most come hoping for the northern lights, this picture shows that even with them, there's still enough light to catch a rainbow as well! The skies above this country hold an unreal amount of beauty, especially in areas with hardly any light pollution.

This shot is a feat of astrophotography that those with a decent camera they have a good knowledge of can emulate. By taking a northern lights tour , you will be guided by an expert in capturing the auroras on camera, and the skills you will learn also apply to catching the stars.

• See also: The Northern Lights in Iceland

While photography at night in Iceland’s winter can yield incredible results, the long ‘golden hour’ that runs throughout the night in summer also provides some brilliant photographic opportunities. You can take workshops in either season to capture the landscapes under completely different conditions, with either a focus on photography under the midnight sun or of the land its winter colours .

• See also: The Midnight Sun in Iceland

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Why You Should Go to Iceland in the Off-Season

From chasing waterfalls to watching the northern lights, Iceland is jaw-dropping—and a lot less visited—September to May. Our writer mapped out the perfect trip.

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There’s a saying in Iceland that’s sort of the country’s unofficial motto: Þetta reddast (sounds like “thetta rettast”). Like so many Icelandic words there isn’t a direct translation into English, but the essence of it is, “Ehhh, it’ll be fine…” My good friend Pétur Magnusson , who lives in Reykjavik, tells me, “It’s a big part of our national identity. It’s what we say when we’re rolling with what’s going on, in the face of any kind of adversity.” It’s not as passive as it sounds, though. Rather, it’s about accepting the things you can’t control, and pivoting to adapt and alter the things you can.

This is sage advice for first-timers visiting one of the most rugged and remote island countries in the world. To call the weather “unpredictable” would be generous, and you never know what strange obstacles you might encounter—hello, volcanoes. There have been ongoing eruptions in the town of Grindavik in southern Iceland and tourists have been advised to avoid that area. But the rest of the country is open and if you’re willing to embody the Þetta reddast spirit, you’ll have an incredible time in an otherworldly place, especially if you’re game to travel to Iceland in the off-season.

In October, I finally went to scope it out for myself. My aforementioned buddy Pétur was born and raised in Iceland before moving to California where he and I became friends in high school. He moved back during the pandemic, so I took the rare opportunity to see this majestic place through a local’s eyes. I spent two weeks traveling all over with him and other friends, pivoting a lot, experiencing weird weather, taking thousands of photos, and having an absolute blast. Here’s what I learned.

Why Travel to Iceland in the Shoulder Season?

An Icelandic adventure in the off-season (roughly autumn and spring) has a few distinct advantages:

It’s markedly cheaper.

While flights to Iceland are usually reasonable (I flew Iceland Air , which has a ton of direct flights from the U.S.), life on the ground can be pretty pricey. Accommodations, rental vehicles, tours, and just about everything that isn’t edible is less expensive if you don’t go during the summertime rush.

There are a heck of a lot less people.

Speaking of rush, you will see noticeably fewer tourists in the off-season. That translates to less-crowded trails, better photographs, and critically, easier last-minute bookings—key to your ability to adapt to changing conditions and still get the most out of your trip. More on that in a bit.

You actually get to see the Aurora Borealis.

You can usually only view the Northern Lights in the off-season. Iceland is so far north that during the summer high-season, the sky never gets dark enough for the aurora borealis to be visible. Iceland is one of the best places on the entire planet to see the lights, so if that’s on your bucket list, then bundle up and visit in the off season. (Stay tuned for specific recommendations on where to view them.)

Know Before You Go: Tips for Shoulder-Season Visits

Of course, visiting Iceland during shoulder season isn’t without its challenges. First and foremost, there’s the weather. Battered by the Atlantic Ocean just south of the Arctic Circle, you’re more likely to encounter rain, snow, and the notorious wind in colder months. Days are shorter, too, so you’ll want to get after it early.

Gear You Should Pack for Iceland

Layers will most definitely be your friend. And bring plenty. My daily outfit consisted of:

• Thermal tops and bottoms
• Thick wool hiking socks
• Pair of Altra Lone Peak hiking boots
• Smartwool hoodie
• REI XeroDry GTX Gore-Tex rainproof pants (also a good windblocker)
• Pair of Mountain Hardware Boundary Ridge gloves
• Super-warm wind/rain-proof Helly Hansen Tromsoe Jacket
• Wind-proof Mountain Hardware Dome Perignon Pro hat

With that kit, I was plenty toasty even when the rain came down nearly sideways.

Get Your Tech Dialed: Oh, and make sure you bring a power adapter, because Iceland uses European plugs. I’d recommend grabbing at least one or two, plus an extension cord with a three-way splitter so you can charge up more gadgets at once.

Now, the fun stuff.

Getting Around Iceland: The Best Transportation Options

Iceland is one of those countries where you really want to have your own wheels. There are buses here and there, but if you’re chasing rugged adventures, vehicular autonomy is a must. Of course you could join a tour group, but then you’re stuck with someone else’s agenda and schedule, and you’ll likely be surrounded by tourists.

Be Sure to Rent the Right Rig

Selecting a vehicle plays a significant role in where you can and can’t go. Once the colder months hit, the roads get icy and snowy. Even if you plan to stay in hotels and avoid sleeping in your vehicle, I strongly recommend you rent a rig with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that has burly tires to match and that comes with ample clearance. This will enable you to drive safely off the beaten path and check out more of the country, with even fewer tourists around during the day. (As a starting point, check out MyCar Iceland , which features a fleet of different 4WD-equipped Toyotas starting from $84 per day.)

For a Bed on Wheels, Consider a Campervan or 4X4 with a Rooftop Tent

Cruising around Iceland by campervan or a rig with a rooftop tent is another solid option. You’ll see tons of these on the road, as most outdoor adventure enthusiasts go this route. There are a lot of cool camp spots all around the island, and combining your accommodations with your wheels can be a huge cost saver. Just make sure the van you’re renting has some sort of heater (diesel or propane) and make sure it has AWD or 4WD (again, plus rugged tires and clearance). If you opt for a rooftop tent, make sure you visit in the (warmer) colder months, like September and May, otherwise sleeping on top of your car in winds and frigid temps will be brutal otherwise.

No matter what, read reviews of your outfitter before you commit, because some offer SOS services—in varying degrees of reliability—and you don’t want to deal with a breakdown when you’re deep in Iceland’s backcountry.

Most campervans and roof tent rigs come with bedding, a camp kitchen, stove and fuel, and a plug-in cooler, all of which help facilitate maximum autonomy. For a small upcharge, you can opt for a WiFi router, which makes booking last-minute campsites and navigation easier. (As a starting point, check out Rent for rooftop tent and campervan options. Prices vary.)

Stay on Top of Your Road Conditions Beta

Whichever vehicle you choose, the UMFERDIN website shows up-to-date road conditions and closures, and will save you essential time.

And be careful out there. Know your driving skills, and the limits of the vehicle you’re renting, and make sure the tires have tread that can handle the conditions you’ll encounter. If in doubt, don’t be an idiot and drive it .

Eating in Iceland: Always Expensive, Rarely Fantastic

Now would be a good time to mention food, and it’s not great news. For starters, grub in Iceland is almost universally pricey, owing largely to the fact that nearly everything has to be imported. It’s also not exactly a foodie haven (with some notable exceptions), so I’d recommend stocking up at a supermarket, like Bonus or Krónan, before you leave Reykjavik. Aside from staples like PB&J, grab an assortment of Icelandic yogurt (a.k.a. skyr). It’s delicious.

Don’t miss the cod jerky, either, which my friend Pétur says is commonly dragged across a tub of Icelandic butter when you eat it. (I tried it, and can confirm it’s indeed tasty.) I also found the sweetest, crunchiest carrots I’ve ever had in my life, and you’ll want to try (or at least force yourself to try) the divisive, salted black licorice (aka salmiakbitar ) the island is famous for.

When You Arrive in Iceland

You’ll land at Keflavík International Airport. If you’re coming from the U.S. you’ll likely arrive early in the morning on a red-eye, and may be very discombobulated. If so, and you’ve got the time, take it easy on your first day there by checking out the Reykjanes peninsula. Then, head to Reykjavik to scope out some of the museums and cultural sites (see below for specifics).

Must-Dos on the Reykjanes Peninsula

The 40-minute drive from the airport to the capital city is also absolutely stunning. You’ll pass fields of lava rock that seem to go on forever, and zip by the Instagram-famous Blue Lagoon . (Note: every Icelandic person I met rolled their eyes at it, though. It’s pretty, but overpriced, from $72, and loaded with tourists. It may also be closed depending on nearby volcanic eruptions.)

If you somehow manage to sleep on the plane and want to hit the ground running, there are a ton of cool spots right on the Reykjanes peninsula before you get to Reykjavik. Don’t miss:

• Seltún Geothermal Area , with sulfury, bubbling, steaming mineral pools
• Krísuvíkurberg Cliffs , with a sheer drop into the pounding ocean below. (It’s so abrupt it looks like the ground just snapped off.)
• Reykjanes Lighthouse , right next to the beautiful rocky shore of Valahnúkamöl—both well worth exploring.

I had an absolutely incredible lobster soup at the Café Bryggjan in Grindavík, but unfortunately between then and writing this piece, a cluster of earthquakes and several nearby volcanic eruptions has effectively brought the quaint fishing village to its knees. The town literally sunk several feet and now has a deep, 1.2-mile long fissure running through the middle of it. Its future is currently unknown. Again, why you have to be ready to adapt in Iceland.

Explore Iceland’s Capital: What to See and Do in Reykjavik

Hit Up a Street Vendor or Restaurant for a Hot Dog: When you get to Reykjavik, first things first: Get yourself a hot dog. I regret to inform you, my fellow Americans, that we have been surpassed in hotdoggery, and not by a little. Icelandic dogs have crispy fried onions, multiple sauces, soft buns, and snappy wieners. I ate them almost every day.

Scope Out the Historic Downtown: Work off the hotdogs by checking out the historic downtown area on foot. The Einar Jónsson Museum features some statues that would make Rodin jealous, and there’s a lot to see around the waterfront, including the massive Harpa Concert Hall.

Visit a Real Locals’ Hot Spring: If you’re craving some hot spring action, check out one of the dozens of public pools (like Laugardalslaug , for roughly $10 per entry) in Reykjavik. No, they’re not glamorous like the aforementioned Blue Lagoon, but all of the heating in Iceland (including hot water) comes from geothermal activity. The water is high in mineral content and it’s deeply soothing. The pools are a massive part of the culture there and they feature several hot tubs at different temperatures, saunas, cold plunges, and even some waterslides.

Just make sure you adhere closely to the showering instructions (i.e. shower naked beforehand and wash your whole body with soap). The waters there are considered sacred to the locals, and disrespecting them by not following pre-soak protocol is one of the rare ways to piss Icelanders off. The public pools are also for socializing, and you’re likely to meet some friendly folks who may offer you insider tips. Effectively everybody in Iceland speaks English, but if you learn a few basic phrases in Icelandic before you show up, it’ll go a long way.

Dine Out on Lamb Stew: For dinner, grab yourself lamb stew (known as Kjötsúpa, an Icelandic specialty), and pass out for the night before you hit the road bright and early.

The Shoulder-Season Adventure Itinerary for Iceland Newbies

As cool as Reykjavik is, that’s not what you came for, is it? Here’s what I did. My play-by-ear trip turned into a nice little loop through the west and south, though I recommend you use these ideas more for activity inspiration as opposed to an exact prescription. After all, no two days in the shoulder season are the same and there are endless possibilities. Here were my highlights:

Day 1: Hit Up Some Waterfalls and Hot Springs

Out of the city, our first big stop was Barnafoss, a couple hours northeast of Reykjavik, an utterly massive conglomeration of waterfalls. (FYI, “foss” means waterfall in Icelandic.) If there’s wind, wear your waterproof layers because the mist will soak you to the bone. It’s almost overwhelming to see so many waterfalls from one vantage point, and it’s an excellent place to work on your long exposure photography. (I recommend a tripod and a variable ND filter, along with a few absorbent lens-wipes.)

From there, we backtracked 20 minutes west and hit the natural hot springs at Krauma ($50). It’s not as Instagrammable as the Blue Lagoon (phones are actually discouraged at both), but you’ll find a nice array of geothermally heated tubs and saunas, along with traditional cold plunges. Plus, the mountainscape views are lovely.

Then, head west and drive out onto the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s a 55-mile strip of land that is basically a photographic sample platter of Iceland, including lava fields, waterfalls, epic black sand beaches, fjord views, hot springs, and the imposing Snaefellsjökull glacier volcano. I found the lava fields to be particularly gripping, with bright green moss covering an endless sea of black boulders.

We spent that night at the Fosshotel in Hellnar (“Oh hell nar,”) which was modest but clean, and it had some gorgeous ocean views (from $125 USD a night in the off-season).

Day 2: Hike the Rugged Coastline

From there we set out to the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula stopping at a few viewpoints around Londrangar, where you can stand atop some of the most rugged coastline you’ll ever see, featuring massive blue waves pounding jagged volcanic rock spires.

Make your way down to Djúpalónssandur Beach and the Djúpalón Lagoon, where you can hike along a shore covered with smooth, marble-like pebbles and a pool that looks like a prehistoric creature could emerge from it at any moment. This whole area gives strong “Land Before Time” vibes.

After that, we headed back east along the northern border of the peninsula, stopping at the stunning Bæjarfoss waterfall just outside of Ólafsvík. My buddy Pétur didn’t even get out of his car for that one. There are roughly 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland, many of them jaw-dropping, and apparently this wasn’t that exciting by his local standards.

We also swung by the Súgandisey Island Lighthouse, on the northernmost part of the peninsula, where we were greeted with a rainbow, and intense wind. We spent that night at the Hotel Varmaland in Borgarnes (from $250), where I had a deliciously savory lamb steak for dinner.

Day 3: Trek to Less-Visited, Off-Road Waterfalls

Our next day was all about chasing more waterfalls. The first stop? The small but isolated Fitjarfoss. We were the only ones there, and it was incredibly tranquil. That was just a warmup, though, for the far more challenging four-mile hike to Glymur Falls, which is the second tallest waterfall in the country, at a staggering 650 feet. It’s a slippery and steep hike that involves at least one river crossing and a few scrambles over significant exposure—we’re talking hundreds of feet straight down to the rocky river below. It’s not for the faint of heart, but absolutely gorgeous on the ascent.

Unfortunately, the crossing was washed out when we visited, so we hiked up the near side of the river as far as we could go. Luckily, Pétur had a drone that could fly the rest of the way and get some great shots. Still, it was 100% worth it.

We then made our way to a gorgeous complex of outdoor hot springs called Laugarvatn Fotana Geothermal Bathsa (from roughly $35 per adult). It’s right on Laugarvatn Lake so we alternated between hot soaks and saunas and natural icy plunges—the perfect remedy for our aching joints.

Day 4: Visit the Highlights of the Golden Circle

The next part of our plan was to take a ferry out to the stunning Westman Islands, but nature had other ideas. 60 mph winds and 18-foot sea swells not only made the passage unappealing, but impossible, as ferry service was canceled for several days. But this is where having more options in shoulder season really comes in clutch. We were able to cancel all our reservations, and because virtually every hotel in the country had vacancies, we just headed away from the wind.

We bet that the harsher weather would equal fewer tourists, so we hit some of the more popular spots along the famous Golden Circle—the most visited day-trip-style route outside of Reykjavik, if you don’t have time to drive the whole Ring Road around the island.

This portion of our trip included visiting the absolutely massive, Niagara-ish waterfall, Gullfoss. Sure, there were still plenty of tourists, and the wind stirred up the mist which made it feel like it was raining, but it’s a breathtaking thing to behold.

Nearby, there’s also Geysir, which—fun fact—is the geyser that gave all other geysers their name. It’s Icelandic for “to gush.” It’s only erupted twice in the last 25 years, but the adjacent Strokkur geyser goes off roughly every 10 minutes about 60 to 120 feet into the air, and still puts on a killer show. The whole area has a lot of cool geothermal features with a sort of Icelandic Yellowstone vibe, and you can hike all around the area to get a bunch of vantage points.

It’s also well worth visiting Thingvellir National Park , a stunning area where all the old clans of Iceland used to meet annually to decide the laws and policies for the upcoming year. It also has a lake, waterfalls, and a museum with tons of artifacts. This place is steeped in history (some of it tragic) and is a sacred place to Icelanders, so be on your best, most respectful behavior here.

Day 5: Surf Your Heart Out

Surfing the Icelandic coast was one bucket-list item I thought I’d never get to check off. In the weeks leading up to my trip, though, I started reading articles about how the best, most-consistent wave in the whole country was at risk of being demolished. The point at Þorlákshöfn (near Thorli Beach) is an incredible, peeling right-hander that just goes and goes like a good day at Malibu. Unlike Malibu, though, you’re likely to have four, not 400, other people in the lineup. It’s been a secret spot for ages, but the mayor of the town of Þorlákshöfn (and other city council members) seem intent on filling it in with boulders to make room for more warehouses around an expanded harbor. So the local surfers decided it’s better to tell the world than risk its destruction. Unfortunately, the town started filling it in already, despite not yet having environmental permits to alter the coastline, and that has abruptly cut off the end section of the wave. It’s tragic. Watch more on the save-the-wave initiative, here:

I reached out to Steinarr Lár, one of the surfers leading the fight to save the wave that is at the very center of Icelandic surf culture and community. He was gracious enough to lend me a board, a thick wetsuit, booties, and gloves, though if you want to experience surfing Iceland for yourself, link up with Arctic Surfers , which organizes surf tours (starting from $350 per day) and can provide you with everything you’ll need. They’re also deeply involved in activism surrounding the wave.

After suiting up in the parking lot, I scrambled over about 80 yards of slippery, seaweed-covered boulders, and then it was pure magic. The waves were between three and four feet tall, with a gentle paddle in, and they ran for nearly a full minute (apparently longer on bigger days). The locals were friendly, the wetsuit kept me plenty warm, and we all got enough waves to turn our arms to spaghetti.

It’s an incredible natural resource, and the idea of it being filled in to fill a few people’s pockets is frankly outrageous, in my opinion. Go surf it while you can and spread the word.

Days 6 and 7: Treat Yourself to a Northern Lights Wake-Up Call

After roughing it for several days, I decided to opt for some luxury. My friend Pétur, who works for a tourism company , says that whenever people’s top priority is seeing the Northern Lights, he books them at the Hotel Rangá (pronounced ron-cow, from $340 per night in shoulder season) because it’s sort of isolated on a big dark plane. Think: 360-degree views. It also has an observatory for stargazing when the lights aren’t visible, and there’s a button on your phone to order a wake-up call in the middle of the night should the lights pop up. It was easily the nicest place I stayed during my entire trip, and it’s a perfect base camp for all south-coast adventures.

Iceland’s version of upscale is different from what you might expect, coming from the U.S. If you have Four Seasons or Ritz expectations, you may be surprised to find that things are a bit more low-key here. Hotel Rangá is still very nice, but it’s more rustic and minimalist—at least in the more basic rooms. (The master suites are each decked out like a different continent and they went all-out.)

That said, its restaurant featured the tastiest food I ate the entire time, with exquisite, tender lamb, fish, and even reindeer carpaccio. They can also organize a candle-lit dinner in a grass-covered cave that used to be an ancient dwelling centuries ago. It’s a must-stay, and wouldn’t you know it, despite none being forecast, we managed to see the aurora on two of the nights we crashed there.

My phone rang around 11 P.M. and I was told the lights were visible. I had pre-arranged many layers of clothes and all my camera gear, just in case. So I threw it all on, rushed out the door, and wow, the sky was lit up with waving, green curtains. There’s a river and a pond behind the hotel, so I played with reflections in my photos, and hooted in joy as colorful ribbons raced over the roof of the hotel. Truly, there’s no other life experience like it.

Bonus: Get Off Road to Tackle Far-Flung Backcountry Adventures

For the last few days of my trip, I wanted to get into some of the places where my friend’s little AWD hatchback couldn’t take me, so I linked up with Southcoast Adventure (also recommended by my friend’s company). We did three expeditions in three days, and each of them got me way off the beaten path. Separately, from that, I also rode some Icelandic horses. Here’s how all of that went:

Take a Buggy Tour into the Wilderness

This is one of the best ways to really get out there away from everybody else. These “buggies” are two-seat 4X4 ATVs complete with roll cages, and we headed out to Emstrur, which was an all-day adventure on dirt roads, crossing a dozen small creeks. There were waterfalls, glaciers, and stunning rock formations throughout these mountains, and we didn’t see anybody else on the long road. (Full day tours start at roughly $660, but they also have one-hour and 2.5-hour options.)

Explore the Katla Ice Caves

The next day was my favorite expedition, a trek out to explore the Katla Ice Caves (from $205 per person). This is an ever-changing system of ice caves at the end of the Myrdalsjokull glacier. It included a massive ice-arch big enough to fly a decent sized plane through, as well as the chance to explore deep into otherworldly tunnels made of light blue ice, with streams and waterfalls flowing through them.

We even got to do a bit of ice climbing. You’ll be provided with crampons, so make sure you bring boots sturdy enough to support them (this was the one day my Atras weren’t quite up to the task). On the way back we visited three more jaw-dropping waterfalls, including Gljufrabui—which is hidden in a narrow slot canyon—and Seljalandsfoss, which you can hike behind for some stunning canyon views.

Cruise Around Landmannalaugar

The last day there was spent exploring in what is affectionately known in Iceland as a SuperJeep (starting around $300). It wasn’t actually a jeep at all, but a kitted out 4WD Mercedes Sprinter van. We went deep into the interior highlands of Landmannalaugar, exploring paths cut by glaciers and massive extinct craters. Of course, there were more waterfalls (just countless!), but my highlight was a gorgeous natural hot spring in the middle of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. It was the perfect way to relax at the end of a long trip.

Ride Iceland’s Famous Wild Horses

Of course, that isn’t the only way to relax. From Rangá you’re just a quick drive to the coast, or if you want something you truly can’t find anywhere else, go to Skeiðvellir Horse Farm (rides start around $85/person). Iceland’s horses have been isolated on the island for more than 1,000 years and they have evolved in unique ways, including developing stout bodies, luscious manes, and two specific gaits that only they can perform. They’re incredibly smooth to ride and it’s a fun way to see the grasslands of this stunning country.

Heliski Iceland’s Big Peaks March to June

There’s one more adventure I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention: heliskiing or snowboarding from the top of a peak to the shore of the Arctic Ocean. And you can do it with the boutique Viking Heliskiing operation. Based on the far north side of the island, this outfitter offers everything from three to six-day packages that include meals, rentals, avalanche gear, airport transfers, and luxurious accommodations at the Sigló Hotel . (Prices start at roughly $7,200 per person for the three-day package.)

Tragically, I didn’t get to do this myself (yet!), but from speaking with those who have (and feasting my eyes on photos and video), the terrain you’ll encounter up there is unlike anywhere else. The mountain surfaces tend to be smooth and steep, so they hold powder well and allow for massive, open-faced carves. You’re guaranteed 15,000 vertical feet a day (which is more than you get at most heliski operations), and some runs will take you all the way down to the beach. At night you can enjoy the hotel’s hot tubs, saunas, and the Northern Lights if your timing is right. The season starts in mid-March and goes until mid-June (where you may be able to ski as late as midnight). Dreamy, indeed.

The Bottom Line: I’m in Love with Off-Season Iceland

Perhaps you’ve gathered this much already, but Iceland blew my mind. And now, I really only want to come back during shoulder season. Yes, the weather was tough at times, and sure, not every road was accessible, but traveling during the shoulder season saved me money and paved the way for a better experience. Plus, you simply can’t beat having far fewer tourists around. So bundle up, plan ahead, and if you have to adapt a little? Well, Þetta reddast…

Brent Rose has been covering adventure and gear for Outside for more than a decade. When he’s not writing, you can find him surfing, snowboarding, hiking, or camping, usually somewhere in California. He’s also on Instagram at @brentdangerrose or his website at brentrose.com.

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About Iceland

Visa information, geography of iceland, general information, the northern lights, volcanic eruptions, sustainable travel, iceland academy, plan your trip, how to get there, accommodation, things to do, map your journey, getting around, visitor numbers, carbon footprint, destinations, the regions, scenic routes, national parks, trip suggestions, towns & villages, inspiration, food and beverages, escape the ordinary.

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VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON THE REYKJANES PENINSULA

Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, including several volcanic eruptions. Despite this, Iceland has remained a safe and open destination for travelers. For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through this informative video.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime in Iceland!

With our new interactive map feature, you can easily plan every step of your adventure. From cozy accommodations to unforgettable activities, the possibilities are endless. Dream big, plan smart, and chart your path with our personalized itinerary feature. Make the most of every moment in Iceland!

Take the Icelandic Pledge

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Looking for things to do?

Regions of Iceland

Iceland is typically divided into 7 different geographical regions. Each region differs slightly in respect to culture and landscapes, but are uniquely Icelandic. Find your favorite part of Iceland.

Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly. 

Appreciate our towns & villages

Did you know that there are over 100 towns and villages to explore throughout Iceland? We encourage you to stop and look into these charming, beautiful, and often quirky places. History, art, nature, local cuisine, and year-round swimming pools abound. You might be surprised at what you find!

Want to turn a layover into a trip? These 8 stopover programs can help.

Airline stopover programs offer free hotels and other discounts to incentivize longer layovers.

When you’re traveling great distances, you often take connecting flights to intriguing destinations without getting a real chance to experience the culture. You drop in, scope out the airport gift shop and leave.

A few airlines have been working to change that by running “stopover programs.” These initiatives allow travelers to tack more time on their layover at no extra charge, and sometimes even include a free or discounted hotel stay.

“They’re a good way for people to — at no extra cost — see a destination,” said Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt .

Should travelers be wary of these offers? There’s no such thing as a free lunch, after all, but experts say you can think of it as a form of advertising.

“Usually they exist because they’re sponsored by the home country as a means of promoting tourism,” said Scott Keyes, founder of the flight booking site Going .

Keyes says countries and airlines have a number of reasons for offering free or discounted trips to tourists. No. 1, it’s good advertising. You may be more likely to choose an airline if they have this perk, and you may be more likely to visit a country if you can do it at a discount. Then there’s the influx of tourism dollars from stopover visitors.

Here’s a brief list of places you can go without paying any additional airfare.

Hot springs, wild horses and otherworldly natural beauty await travelers in Iceland, and two airlines offer stopover programs to go see them.

The first is Icelandair , which has offered the program since the ’50s . The program allows travelers — usually on their way to Europe — to spend up to seven days in Iceland before moving on to their final destination.

Second is the new Icelandic airline on the block, Play . The airline offers a “ stayover booking ” option allowing customers on transatlantic flights the option to stay up to 10 days in Iceland on the outbound trip, the return or both.

Stopover in Istanbul , Turkish Airlines’ program, includes a free hotel stay. It’s open to travelers with connections in Istanbul of at least 20 hours. If you’re flying coach, you’re eligible for a night at a four-star hotel. Business class customers can get up to two nights in a five-star hotel. Travelers must book arrangements for their stopover at least 72 hours before their flight, and will need to be approved for a hotel voucher through an application process.

Pause your journey to Central or South America with an interlude of up to seven days in Panama City with the Panama Stopover program from CopaAirlines. On the airline’s flight booking page, customers can select the option to add a stopover in Panama to flights to or from any destination in its network. If you want more time exploring beaches, nightlife and Panamanian cuisine, the airline also offers a second stopover, but it’s not free. According to the website, there “may be an additional cost” of $250 plus taxes and fees.

Unlock a mini trip to one of Europe’s most popular tourist countries with Tap Air Portugal’s Portugal Stopover Program. Unlike most stopover programs, this gives customers two layover destinations to pick: the beachside metropolis Lisbon , or Porto, the gateway to wine country. It also offers customers a 25 percent discount (excluding taxes) on additional domestic flights if you’d like to add a second stopover city to your trip. The program is valid on certain one-way and round-trip itineraries during the flight over or return, and can be accessed on the website’s “ book a flight ” tab. Click on “add a free TAP Stopover” to see whether your trip is eligible.

Qatar Airways stopover packages , in partnership with tourism organization Discover Qatar , include heavily discounted hotel reservations to sweeten the deal. Packages range from the standard option, offering travelers four-star hotel stays starting at $14 a night per person (based on double room share), to a luxury beachside option that includes a five-star hotel stay, breakfast and all-inclusive Doha Sands Beach access from $144. Travelers can book on the Qatar Airways website, and add stays up to four nights. The program is subject to availability and is only eligible for Qatar Airways passengers with at least 12 hours transit time in Doha.

Iberia, the flag carrier of Spain, advertises the chance to explore the country’s capital city with the Stopover Hola Madrid program. First, select a route that stops in Madrid ; next, you can select up to six nights to stay; then book and browse discounted offers available to stopover customers, including tours, food and transportation. The stopover can be selected for the outbound or return flight. While the airline website says the program is available on most routes, you may need to play with dates to find flights with stopover availability.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is home to two lauded airlines, each with programs to entice stopover travelers.

Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover markets itself as a chance to explore the country’s capital city with discounted hotel stays. The more budget-friendly “amazing stopover” offers stays up to two nights at four-star hotels, while the premium version offers up to 40 percent off luxury four or five-star hotels for two to four nights.

Emirates has “Dubai Connect,” a program advertised to customers with layovers of at least eight hours (or six if you’re flying business class) and includes a complimentary hotel stay, some meals and transportation to and from the airport. There are a number of stipulations for qualifying for the program; for example, you must have a connection flight with the shortest layover available (so if there’s one with a four-hour layover to your final destination available, you won’t qualify for the freebies). Make sure to read the fine print before booking online. Already booked an eligible Emirates flight? You can add the stopover to existing reservations.

Choose your own adventure

You don’t actually need an airline to offer a stopover program to take advantage of a layover. Kepnes says you may be able to build your own stopover program for cheaper. All you have to do is search for flights with really long layovers in places you’d like to visit that don’t require too many hurdles to get out of the airport.

Last year, instead of finding the fastest or cheapest flight from Thailand to the United States, I booked one with a nine-hour layover in Tokyo ; I took the train into the city, ate delicious ramen, went shopping and even hit up a hot spring spa before heading back to the airport for my flight home. The year before that, I did something similar in Istanbul and highly recommend such side quests to anyone up for an adventure.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights ..

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.