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Iceland also known as the land of Fire and Ice is a dream destination for any photographer. Especially if you are a landscape photographer, its breathtaking landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls, and unspoiled nature will definitely blow your mind. Not to mention, there’s an active volcanic eruption happening now for everybody to see. So this summer after getting vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, we decided to pack our bags and passports and flew to Iceland to start a photographic adventure. We dedicated at least 9 days to this trip and drove around Iceland’s famous ring road to photograph the beauty of this amazing country.
As a photographer I found myself amazed by the magnificence of these lands. I felt so overwhelmed with many photo possibilities. I wish I have more than 9 days to explore but we did what we can. Believe me, when I say, Iceland is a one-of-a-kind country that has THE best landscapes that you can ever imagine! My exploration led me to some incredible sites, and that is why today I am sharing with you my top 15 favorite photography locations in Iceland.
Enjoy!
(Above is the original map we used to plan the trip around Iceland’s ring road. If you want to get our FREE detailed itinerary for this adventure, please contact me by clicking on the map).
1. Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Fagradalsfjall is a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. After 800 years of being dormant, a volcanic eruption began on March 19, 2021. As of July 4th this year, this volcano is still emitting fresh lava.
This is a highly active erupting volcano that has become one of the most famous photography spots in Iceland, and with a good reason! Who wouldn’t want their photo taken with molten lava as a backdrop! It gives many tourists a rare opportunity to witness this splendor. Just make sure you are at a safe distance. And as a fair warning, based on my personal experience, you will need to hike 2-3 hours from the parking lot. But that is nothing compared to this breathtaking vision that awaits you! I am not an avid hiker but I made it to the highest hills, where the reward was the best vantage point to get the following capture images. I used my Canon 70-200mm with my Canon R5 to capture these images.
2. Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls
Seljalandsfoss is considered Iceland’s most famous waterfall, especially for photography. It is located in the South Region in Iceland right by Route 1. So you can pretty much see the waterfalls from afar as you drive around the ring road. The waterfall drops 60 m and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The cliff of this waterfalls is believed to have been once part of the coastline of Iceland. If you are a big fan of the reality TV race show, The Amazing Race, it was featured there back in 2004.
Both Seljalandsfos and Gljufrabui waterfalls are within a close range and very impressive. On a bright sunny day, you can even witness a rainbow which would be the crowning jewel of your photo.
Gljufrabui or the “dweller in the gorge” is partly hidden with a mountain but it can be also seen from beneath making for spectacular misty and eerie shots. You can reach this hidden gem by walking less than a mile from Seljalandsfos by following the signs along the walking path.
While photographing both waterfalls, make sure to use a wide angle like a 15-35mm or a 14mm lens. Also do not forget to bring a raincoat for your camera because being close to the waterfalls can get your camera very wet. A micro fiber cloth to wipe off the mist off your camera lens as you shoot will also come in handy.
3. Skogafoss
Ahh, the impressive Skogafoss waterfall. Secretly, I waited for a dragon to fly over me but oh well, next time! Fun fact, this site was used in the Game of Thrones film location for Season 8. When Jon and Daenerys rode the dragons in the first episode of season 8, after flying across wintery landscapes and through a gorge, they landed next to a stunning set of multi-tiered ice-coated waterfalls. You guessed it, it is this waterfall! 60m high and 25m wide, it is truly an impressive sight. No wonder it has been one of the most visited photography locations in Iceland! Such magnificence is more than enough to land you with the perfect photos.
4. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
This is one of the most impressive canyons in Iceland not only because of its beauty but because it is so wonderfully authentic. The river that flows has made a unique serpent-like path that slithers through the rocky formations. Its origins date back two million years ago during the Ice Age. The canyon was created by progressive erosion by flowing water from glaciers through the rocks. There are so many angles to capture incredible photos here, making the canyon one of the most versatile shooting locations in Iceland!
5. Iceland Glacier
Imagine hiking through glaciers and even finding an Ice Cave! Well, it was one unforgettable experience for me, thanks to the help of the amazing team from Glacier and Volcano Expeditions that organized the hiking tour to the glacier. We hiked for 4 hours through the ice but the ice cave was definitely a highlight! It was a little challenging when we went cause in the middle of the hike it started falling rain and hail with gusty winds of at least 20 miles per hour but that did not stop us from reaching our goal to find at least one ice cave. This experience was worth every effort. Not only do you get to photograph amazing scenery but you can feel & touch millions of years of Earth’s history!
6. Svartifoss
Yet another waterfall that will leave you completely awe-inspired! What is unique about this one? The way the rocks were formed like crystals, placed perfectly next to the other is quite a sight! Furthermore, it is like an oasis that gives your eyes a rest after the black sand plains. Even though it is smaller than the rest, it is quite an elegant one. The whole scenery is charming and actually romantic which makes it one of the best photography locations in Iceland.
Best time to go is when all the tourists are asleep lol. Luckily we came in June when the sun sets at 11:30 PM, a phenomenon called the “midnight sun”. The place is empty of visitors, there was no one there except us.
7. Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon in southeastern Iceland and is considered the deepest lake in the country at a depth of 250 meters. It was formed in the 1930s as the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier began to melt. Jökulsárlón lagoon, also called the crown jewel of Iceland, is constantly growing in size as the glacier melts due to global warming.
The best time to photograph here is either during sunset or sunrise. You can capture icebergs as they float around the lagoon. And on the other side, you will find a black volcanic sand beach called Diamond Beach. Here you can photograph diamond-shaped iceberg fragments that drifted along the shore. It is truly an amazing experience!
A little fun fact – Jökulsárlón and Diamond beach were used as film settings for some famous Hollywood movies – A View to a Kill, Die Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins.
8. Vestrahorn
Vestrahorn is located on the Stokksnes peninsula on the southeast coast of Iceland. This gorgeous mountain has earned the title ‘most photographed mountain in Iceland. Just having a glimpse of its beauty will amaze any photographer who comes to visit! If you are lucky, you can even get a mirroring effect with the calm seawater, or even better, plan your visit at the perfect time and you will capture the Aurora Borealis above it. Unfortunately, we came during a rainy day during summer and it was very challenging getting a shot without the fog covering the mountains. But waiting for long hours and having a lot of patience could be very rewarding.
9. Dettifoss
The most powerful of them all! Fed by the waters of a glacier river, it has an impressive strength even in the whole of Europe. Amazingly it is 100m wide and 45m high with a torrent that falls like thunder. It is one of the most breathtaking shooting locations in Iceland.
There are two vantage point to photograph this waterfalls, one from the east and the other from the west. The east is a much harder way to get here due to the gravel road and longer travel time but it is totally worth the drive. We came first in the morning but the sun was too harsh for photos even with ND filters. So went back at sunset time around 11:30 PM, also known as the “midnight sun”.
10. Northern Iceland and Husavik
The charming fishing town of Husavik, situated in the North of Iceland is better known as the Whale Capital. It is a photographers’ dream concerning whales since there live 23 species! The town has its own whale museum that is definitely worth visiting. It has risen to fame after the movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire and Saga; so if you are a fan you can even meet some of the locals that were in the movie! Its unique landscape position has also made this little town one of the most beautiful photography spots in Iceland.
(Click on any picture below to see the whole image)
11. Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell, or ‘Church Mountain’, is one of the most popular landmarks of Iceland, a mountain with a unique shape. It is located on the north shore of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It is also considered one of ‘the most photographed mountains in Iceland’, due to its dramatic formation and perfect coastal location.
It is especially glorious when the sun is setting and illuminates only part of the peak with red and golden tones. No wonder it has been the subject of many photographers. The panoramic views are adorned with a smaller waterfall in the foreground. The best time to come during summer is around 11:30 PM when the “midnight sun” starts to set. I was lucky enough to be the only photographer who was there when I captured these images.
12. Budir Black Church
Located on the south coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula, there’s a village with only a hotel and a tiny black church called the Búðakirkja. This location has been a favorite of many photographers like me. I’ve photographed this black church in many different angles and each angle of composition creates a unique image.
13. Gullfoss
The waterfall has a soft golden glimmer and rainbows! Its name “golden” is derived from those traits, along with a legend that says a farmer threw his gold in the waters a long time ago. It is actually made out of 2 waterfalls from which the taller one is 21m. It is an astonishing sight that makes perfect scenery for taking photos, especially on a sunny day.
14. The Village of Vik and Surrounding areas
Vik is a small seafront village in southern Iceland, located along the main ring road about 100 plus miles from the capital – Reykjavik. This beautiful village is very close to many photo locations such as the Reyniskirkja church, Black Sand Beach, Dyrholaey peninsula, and Reynisfjara Beach. Check out these images below and see how beautiful this part of Iceland is…
Fun fact- Dyrhólaey was used many times as a film location for Game of Thrones. It acts as the beach at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea where Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch arrive by boat in Season 7 – Episode 5 and where they are guarding the Wall.
(Click on any picture below to see the whole image)
15. Icelandic Horses
Last but not least at number 15 is not a location but you will see them everywhere when you drive along the ring road of Iceland. The Icelandic Horses are one of the purest breeds of horses in the world. They are the original horses brought by the Vikings in the 9th or 10th centuries. Today, with a human population of over 350,000, Iceland has 80,000 horses. Which ends up being about 1 horse for every 4 people. They are fun to watch, but please do not pet them or bother their peace.
I hope you loved my selection of my top photography locations in Iceland. If you feel already inspired and planning to visit for an adventure of a lifetime, trust me, wherever you go in Iceland you will be amazed. Not only you will be met by the most beautiful sights you have ever seen, you will also experience the hospitality and friendliness of the people of Iceland.
And as a piece of advice from a fellow photographer to another – “Take only photographs and Leave only footprints”. Respect Iceland’s nature so to preserve it for the next generation.
Enjoy and always be safe!
