Iceland is a dream destination for photographers, offering a diverse array of landscapes that seem almost otherworldly. From towering waterfalls and glacial lagoons to black sand beaches and geothermal hot springs, this Nordic island is a paradise for capturing nature’s raw beauty. This guide highlights some of the most iconic and lesser-known spots to inspire your photographic journey through Iceland, along with essential photography tips to help you make the most of your trip.
If you’re staying a little longer, check out Iceland’s Most Stunning Cascades, or Geothermal Hot Springs.
1. Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a popular route that encompasses three iconic sites. It is easily accessible from Reykjavik, with the full loop taking around 3-4 hours of driving.
Þeingvellir National Park
Location: About 45 km (28 miles) northeast of Reykjavik, approximately 45 minutes by car.
Details: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Þeingvellir offers dramatic rift valleys where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Visit during sunrise for soft lighting and fewer crowds. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vast landscape, and consider a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare. Learn more about Þeingvellir National Park.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Location: About 100 km (62 miles) from Reykjavik, around 1.5 hours by car.
Details: Capture the erupting Strokkur geyser, which shoots water up to 30 meters high every few minutes. Use burst mode to ensure you catch the perfect moment. Experiment with shutter speed: a fast shutter (1/1000s) will freeze the motion, while a slower shutter (1/30s) can create a dynamic blur effect. Plan your visit to Geysir.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Location: About 116 km (72 miles) from Reykjavik, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
Details: One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Gullfoss’s cascading tiers are breathtaking, especially when framed by a rainbow on a sunny day. Use a neutral density (ND) filter to slow down the shutter speed (1-5 seconds) and create a silky water effect. Explore Gullfoss Waterfall.
2. South Coast
The South Coast is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities and is accessible by the Ring Road (Route 1) from Reykjavik.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls
Location: Seljalandsfoss is about 120 km (75 miles) from Reykjavik (1 hour 45 minutes drive), and Skógafoss is another 30 km (18 miles) further east.
Details:
Seljalandsfoss allows you to walk behind the falls for a unique perspective. Visit during golden hour for magical backlighting. More on Seljalandsfoss.
Skógafoss offers a powerful flow perfect for long exposure shots (use a tripod and ND filter). Visit Skógafoss.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Location: Near Vík, about 187 km (116 miles) from Reykjavik, around 2.5 hours by car.
Details: Known for its basalt columns and roaring waves, this beach is both dramatic and moody. Be cautious of sneaker waves and keep a safe distance. A telephoto lens (70-200mm) can help capture the details of the rock formations from a safe spot. Discover Reynisfjara Beach.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Location: About 370 km (230 miles) from Reykjavik, around 5 hours by car.
Details: Icebergs drifting in the lagoon create stunning reflections, while the nearby Diamond Beach showcases ice fragments glittering on black sand. Best time to visit: Sunset or sunrise for warm reflections and fewer crowds. Explore Jökulsárlón.
3. Highlands
The Icelandic Highlands are remote and rugged, requiring a 4×4 vehicle for access. Best visited in summer.
Landmannalaugar
Location: About 180 km (112 miles) from Reykjavik, around 4 hours by car via F-roads.
Details: Famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains, this area is best visited in summer. The contrasting hues of red, green, and yellow rock formations are spectacular. A drone can be helpful for capturing the vast landscape from above. Learn about Landmannalaugar.
Askja Caldera
Location: About 600 km (373 miles) from Reykjavik, requiring 8-10 hours of driving.
Details: A volcanic crater lake surrounded by barren landscapes, Askja’s stark beauty is unmatched. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the blue tones of the water. Discover Askja.
4. Westfjords
The Westfjords offer solitude and dramatic scenery, though travel times can be long due to winding roads.
Dynjandi Waterfall
Location: About 360 km (224 miles) from Reykjavik, around 5 hours by car.
Details: This multi-tiered waterfall fans out like a veil, providing endless compositional possibilities. Try different focal lengths to capture both wide and detailed shots. Visit Dynjandi.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Location: Accessible only by boat from Isafjordur, requiring a 2-hour ferry ride.
Details: Remote and wild, this reserve is perfect for wildlife photography, including Arctic foxes and seabirds. Use a zoom lens (200mm+) for close-ups without disturbing the animals. Explore Hornstrandir.
5. Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness the aurora borealis. From September to April, head to dark, cloud-free areas like Þeingvellir or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for optimal viewing.Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness the aurora borealis. From September to April, head to dark, cloud-free areas like Þeingvellir or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for optimal viewing.
Best Places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Watch the northern lights reflect off the iceberg-strewn waters for a magical experience. Visit Jökulsárlón.
Þingvellir National Park: Just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers dark skies perfect for northern lights viewing. More on Þingvellir.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Known as “Iceland in Miniature,” the remote coastline here offers excellent aurora visibility. Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Iceland’s landscapes are as varied as they are breathtaking, offering photographers endless opportunities to create stunning images. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring volcanic terrain, or marveling at the northern lights, this guide provides a starting point for capturing the essence of Iceland’s unique beauty.