Iceland is a photographer’s dream destination. Around every corner is another gorgeous waterfall, around every bend in the road another spectacular landscapes, with deep fjords, glinting glaciers, and moody volcanic mountains.
Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist photographer, you’re guaranteed to come home from Iceland with a memory card full of epic shots. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the top 10 destinations in Iceland that are sure to ignite your creativity and leave you with unforgettable images.
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1. Kirkjufell Mountain, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
One of the most iconic and photographed locations in Iceland is Kirkjufell Mountain. Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this majestic mountain is a photographer’s dream come true. With its symmetrical shape and a pair of waterfalls, Kirkjufell offers a variety of angles and compositions to capture its beauty. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the midnight sun creates magical lighting conditions. Or for an utterly unique shot, try photographing Kirkjufell with the northern lights dancing above it during the winter months – although you’ll need clear skies and a healthy dose of luck to score that shot.
2. Thórsmörk Valley, South Iceland
Deep in the heart of South Iceland lies the enchanting Thórsmörk Valley, one of the most exciting destinations in the country. Accessible only by bus or on foot, this hidden gem is a paradise for landscape photographers. The valley is filled with black sand, glacial rivers, lush canyons, and towering mountains, providing endless opportunities for capturing unique compositions. Hiking through Thórsmörk allows you to explore its breathtaking panoramas and discover hidden waterfalls and volcanic features along the way.
3. Vestrahorn Mountain, Stokksnes Peninsula
Located on the remote Stokksnes Peninsula in the southeast corner of Iceland, Vestrahorn Mountain is another one of the best places to photograph in Iceland. This craggy and dramatic mountain range rises from an epic black sand beach, with its jagged peaks and contrasting colors creating a surreal and mysterious atmosphere. The best time to capture Vestrahorn is during sunrise or sunset when the golden light bathes the mountain in a warm glow. Don’t forget to explore the surrounding area for other photography opportunities, such as the nearby Viking village, built for a film set that was never used, or the abandoned US Military radar station.
See a range of tour options combined with snow caves tours.
4. Kerlingarfjöll, Icelandic Highlands
For those willing to venture into the rugged Icelandic Highlands, Kerlingarfjöll is a hidden gem that promises extraordinary photo opportunities. This mountainous area is characterized by its vibrant hot springs, rust-colored mountains, and steam-filled valleys. The contrast between the geothermal features and the sparse landscapes creates a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere, making Kerlingarfjöll another paradise for landscape photographers. To reach this remote location, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle that can manage the rough mountain roads – no regular vehicles allowed.
5. Goðafoss, North Iceland
Translating to “Waterfall of the Gods” in English, Goðafoss is one of Iceland’s most beloved cascades, and a fantastic location for photography. Located in North Iceland around half an hour east of Akureyri, Goðafoss rushes over a crescent-shaped basalt cliff, creating an almost-perfect semi-circle of rushing water as it plummets into the river below. There are several different angles from which to capture this waterfall, and the easy access from Akureyri also makes it an excellent choice for a spot to catch the northern lights. Long exposure shots will also produce some great results, as will visiting in the golden hours of sunrise or sunset.
Tour – Godafoss Waterfall & Geothermal Baths from Akureyri Port
6. The Ice Caves of Vatnajökull Glacier
One of the most extraordinary photography locations in Iceland is the ice caves of Vatnajökull Glacier. These natural wonders provide a unique opportunity to capture the ethereal beauty of ice formations. The caves, carved by glacial meltwater, exhibit mesmerizing blue hues and intricate patterns. To photograph the ice caves, you’ll need to join a guided tour as they are only accessible during the winter months when the ice is stable – in summer, the warmer temperatures fill these places with running water. Keep in mind that conditions inside the caves can be challenging with limited light (be prepared with a tripod and other essential gear), and the caves change shape every year as the ice freezes over again, so you might not capture exactly what others have before you.
There are a range of hikes and different cave tours available.
7. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, South Iceland
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is another one of Iceland’s most famous sights, and a buzzing hub for photographers looking to capture the volcanic drama of Iceland in a photo. This iconic black sand beach sits on the south coast of Iceland and features a huge set of basalt columns rising from the sand at one end. The contrast between the black sand, the hexagonal columns, and the foamy white waves crashing into the shore creates a visually stunning composition. The beach is especially captivating during sunrise or sunset when the golden light bathes the landscape in a warm glow. Be cautious of the powerful waves and unpredictable weather, but don’t miss this opportunity to get one of the best landscape photos in Iceland.
Tours to Black Sand beach and nearby Waterfalls.
8. Abandoned DC Plane Wreck on Solheimasandur Beach
Nestled on the black sand beach of Solheimasandur, the abandoned DC Plane Wreck is another one of the best locations to photograph in Iceland. The wreckage of a US Navy plane that crash-landed in 1973 creates a surreal and haunting scene against the backdrop of the volcanic black sand. The rusted metal and desolate surroundings make for captivating compositions, evoking a sense of mystery, adventure, and apocalypse. To reach the plane wreck, you’ll need to embark on a 45-minute to 1-hour hike from the parking area – the owners of the land also operate a shuttle bus to and from the wreckage.
9. Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagon, South Iceland
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach are a photographer’s dream, offering a mesmerizing blend of icebergs, clear water, black sand, with Iceland’s largest glacier looming in the background. The lagoon is a result of the Vatnajökull Glacier melting, creating a stunning landscape of floating icebergs in an expansive lagoon. The icebergs are pulled out to sea, where the tide then washes them back up onto Diamond Beach, where they glisten in the light and contrast beautifully against the black sand. The ever-changing formations and reflections provide endless opportunities for capturing unique compositions with your camera. As always in Iceland, visit during sunrise or sunset to witness the icebergs bathed in golden light, and come winter, this is also a great spot to capture the northern lights if you can.
Day tour to diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier
10. Landmannalaugar, Icelandic Highlands
Nestled in the heart of the Icelandic Highlands, Landmannalaugar offers a surreal and colorful landscape that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Known for its vibrant rhyolite mountains, geothermal hot springs, and sweeping vistas, Landmannalaugar provides endless opportunities for capturing unique and captivating images. Hiking through the area allows you to explore its hidden gems, such as the stunning Bláhnjúkur volcano and the picturesque Laugahraun lava field. To reach Landmannalaugar, you’ll need a 4×4 camper that can manage the rugged terrain of the Highlands, or there’s also a bus that goes from Reykjavik.