Iceland is a dream destination for photographers of all skill levels. With its diverse and dramatic landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and awe-inspiring natural phenomena, there’s no shortage of breathtaking subjects to capture through your lens.
In this blog article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most incredible locations in Iceland, perfect for nature, volcano, and wildlife photography. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, a photography tour in Iceland is the perfect opportunity to refine your skills, find inspiration, and create a stunning visual narrative of your unforgettable adventure.
So grab your camera, pack your gear, and let’s dive into the magical world of Icelandic photography!
Photography Tours of Iceland’s Iconic Landscapes
Photographers have always been drawn to the captivating allure of Iceland’s nature. The raw, untamed beauty of the Earth has a way of stirring emotions deep within our souls, and Iceland, with its incredible tapestry of landscapes, offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with this essence.
Below we’ll share some of our favorite spots for capturing the surreal beauty of Iceland’s iconic landscapes.
The Golden Circle Photography: A Classic Route with Timeless Charm
The Golden Circle is a photographer’s dream come true, encompassing three of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions – Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Þingvellir is a geological marvel showcasing the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The park’s dramatic rifts, fissures, and rocky cliffs provide endless opportunities for creative compositions. The Geysir Geothermal Area, home to the powerful Strokkur geyser, offers a chance to capture the essence of Iceland’s geothermal activity, while Gullfoss, with its thundering cascade, is the epitome of the nation’s powerful waterfalls.
Capturing The Black Sand Beaches of Reynisfjara and Vik
The southern coast of Iceland is famous for its striking black sand beaches, and Reynisfjara, near the village of Vik, is a prime example.
The contrast between the pitch-black sand, crashing waves, and towering basalt columns creates a dramatic scene that every photographer will find enchanting.
Nearby, the village of Vik itself boasts a charming church perched atop a hill overlooking the ocean and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The moody atmosphere of this region, often shrouded in mist and low-hanging clouds, adds a touch of mystique to your photographs.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Few places on Earth can rival the surreal beauty of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Here, gigantic icebergs calved from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier float serenely, creating a mesmerizing display of shapes, textures, and colors.
The lagoon’s ever-changing nature means all visits will be different, offering a unique experience each time. Just across the road, Diamond Beach dazzles with glistening ice chunks resembling precious jewels scattered across its black sand. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times at both locations, with the soft light casting a warm glow on the ice.
The Enigmatic Highlands
The Icelandic Highlands’ rugged terrain and stark beauty is a treasure trove for landscape photographers.
One of the most iconic locations in the Highlands is Landmannalaugar, renowned for its colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and expansive lava fields. The otherworldly landscapes here provide endless opportunities for abstract compositions and creative exploration.
Iceland Volcano Photography Hotspots
Iceland is a land forged by fire, with its dramatic landscapes sculpted by the immense power of volcanic activity. This geologically young island sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, resulting in an abundance of active volcanoes that provide a unique opportunity for photographers to capture our planet’s raw, untamed force. This section will delve into some of Iceland’s most fascinating volcano photography hotspots.
Eyjafjallajökull: The Eruption that Captured the World’s Attention
Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that famously disrupted air travel in 2010, has become an iconic symbol of Iceland’s volcanic prowess.
Although currently dormant, the striking landscapes surrounding the volcano are a testament to its explosive past. Photographers can explore the dramatic, ash-covered terrain, hike up to the glacier-capped summit, or venture to nearby waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which owe their existence to the volcano’s meltwater.
Fagradalsfjall: The Site of a Recent Eruption
The 2021 eruption of Fagradalsfjall, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, provided photographers with a rare opportunity to document the birth of a new landscape.
The lava fields created by the eruption have since cooled and solidified, yet the stark, otherworldly scenery remains, offering a glimpse into the raw power of Iceland’s geological forces. Although the eruption site is now inactive, the dramatic landscapes and stark contrasts between the black lava and vibrant mosses make for stunning compositions.
Krafla and the Viti Crater: A Colorful Geothermal Wonderland
Situated in the North of Iceland, near Lake Mývatn, Krafla is a volcanic caldera with a history of eruptions and ongoing geothermal activity.
One of this area’s most visually striking features is the Viti Crater, a turquoise-colored geothermal lake occupying a volcanic crater. The vibrant hues of the lake, set against the rugged backdrop of the surrounding lava fields, create a surreal scene that begs to be photographed.
Hekla: Iceland’s Most Infamous Volcano
Nicknamed the “Gateway to Hell,” Hekla is one of Iceland’s most active and feared volcanoes. Despite its fearsome reputation, the landscapes surrounding Hekla are nothing short of breathtaking.
Lava fields, moss-covered hills, and the towering volcano offer various subjects for photographers looking to capture the essence of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.
Askja and the Holuhraun Lava Field: A Journey to the Remote Highlands
Askja, a caldera in the remote Highlands of Iceland, is home to the dramatic Holuhraun lava field created by a fissure eruption in 2014-2015.
The scale and rawness of the lava field, with its twisted, rope-like formations and deep cracks, provide an unparalleled opportunity to photograph the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. Reaching Askja and Holuhraun requires a 4×4 vehicle and good planning, but the journey is well worth the effort for those seeking to capture the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic forces.
Snæfellsjökull: A Volcano with a Literary Connection
The Snæfellsjökull stratovolcano, located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is a striking natural feature and holds a special place in the world of literature.
Made famous by Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” the glacier-capped volcano provides a captivating backdrop for photographers. The surrounding landscapes are equally enchanting, featuring black sand beaches, lava tubes, and basalt cliffs that reveal the geological story of the region.
Wildlife Photography Opportunities in Iceland
In this part of today’s blog, we will explore some of the best wildlife photography opportunities in Iceland, focusing on where and when to find the country’s most iconic animal residents.
Puffins: The Adorable Atlantic Ambassadors
Iceland is home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in the world, with an estimated population of over 8 million. These charming birds, with their colorful beaks and waddling walk, are a must-see for any wildlife photographer visiting Iceland.
Puffins can be found nesting along the country’s rugged cliffs between May and August, with prime locations including the Westman Islands, Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, and Dyrhólaey on the south coast.
Arctic Foxes: The Elusive Arctic Tricksters
The Arctic fox is Iceland’s only native terrestrial mammal, and photographing these shy and elusive creatures is a true challenge.
Their thick, white winter coats offer exceptional camouflage against the snowy landscapes, while in summer, their fur turns brownish-grey, providing cover among rocks and vegetation. The Westfjords and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve are ideal locations to spot and photograph these cunning animals.
Whales: The Gentle Giants of the Deep
Iceland’s surrounding waters are teeming with whales, making it one of Europe’s best destinations for whale watching and photography.
Humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas can all be found in the region, as well as the occasional blue whale. Prime whale-watching and photography opportunities are available between April and October, with Husavik in North Iceland being the country’s whale-watching capital. Other excellent locations include Reykjavik and Akureyri.
Create Your Unforgettable Icelandic Photography Adventure
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes and diverse wildlife present a myriad of opportunities for photographers to create a truly unforgettable photography adventure.
To make the most of your Icelandic photography adventure, we encourage you to contact our photography specialists. Our team of experts is ready to help you craft a custom photography tour tailored to your specific interests and preferences. With their deep knowledge of Iceland’s wildlife, landscapes, and best-kept secrets, you’ll be guided through an unforgettable journey that will inspire your creativity and leave you with a lifetime of memories.
