10 Best Photography Spots in Iceland

I’ll be honest, I held off on traveling to Iceland for a while. It felt like everyone was going, and as a photographer, I worried it might be a bit overdone. But in March 2025, I finally said screw it! Some places you just have to experience for yourself.

And wow, am I glad I did!

Even though I was met with unpredictable weather, minimal golden hours, and more wind than I thought possible, it was one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve taken. The scale of the landscapes, the sheer variety, from massive glaciers to mossy lava fields to endless stretches of black sand, it completely blew me away. There’s something truly otherworldly about Iceland. Photos don’t do it justice. You need to feel it in person.

So whether you’re a fellow photographer or just someone who chases wild, epic views, here are 10 of the most breathtaking photography spots in Iceland that you absolutely need to experience for yourself!

Quick notes about exploring Iceland

• I had a campervan from CampEasy Iceland, which was awesome for truly exploring the country.

• If you want to go off the common roads (what Iceland calls F-Roads), you’ll need a 4x4 rental. It’s mandatory for insurance purposes.

• If you’re sticking to the Ring Road (which includes all the places I’ve listed here), a 4x4 isn’t necessary.

• You can’t camp just anywhere in Iceland, it’s against the law. You have to stay at designated campsites, so it’s best to plan your route ahead.

1. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

There’s no place quite like Jökulsárlón. Towering blue icebergs drift silently across the glacial lagoon, occasionally flipping or cracking with a thunderous sound. Just across the road, the ice washes up on black sand at Diamond Beach, sparkling like gemstones in the evening light. It’s a surreal contrast that makes for endless creative possibilities.

The parking lots for both the lagoon and the beach are conveniently located on either side of the highway. You can easily walk between the two. Something I didn’t realize until I was there: most of Iceland’s popular scenic spots, including this one, require paid parking. Each lot is monitored by cameras, and you can use the Parka app to quickly pay (around $10 CAD for 24 hours). Just note: no overnight camping is allowed.

This was easily one of the busiest places I visited, but also one of my absolute favorites. I was blown away by the sheer size of the icebergs floating around the lagoon; It felt like being on another planet. I stayed through sunset, and it was completely worth it.

Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for soft light and fewer crowds, bring a zoom lens to isolate details in the floating ice and a wide-angle to capture the dramatic landscape.

2. Stokksnes

Stokksnes is an absolute must-visit for any photography trip to Iceland. It’s one of those places that doesn’t look real. Vestrahorn Mountain rises dramatically out of the earth, framed by sweeping black sand dunes and a winding coastal road that seems made for photos.

There’s actually a campground right at the base of the area called Viking Café Campground, which is where I stayed for three nights. It’s a great little setup, with Wi-Fi, indoor stoves for cooking, and clean showers, a welcome comfort after long days of shooting.

To access the road and the dunes, you’ll need to go past a gate controlled by the Viking Café. Whether you're walking or driving, there’s a small fee to enter, but camping guests get access included with their stay. It’s a great deal if you’re planning to photograph the area extensively.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the golden hour light I was hoping for, but even without perfect conditions, the atmosphere was incredible. The textures of the sand, the reflections on the wet beach, and the looming mountain in the background gave me so many creative opportunities.

3. Hvalnes Nature Reserve Beach

Hvalnes is one of those unexpected gems that ends up being a real highlight. It's a peaceful and scenic spot to stretch your legs, go for a walk, and take in some of Iceland’s wildest coastal beauty. The beach here is lined with jet-black pebbles, and the towering mountain backdrop is absolutely jaw-dropping, especially when low clouds hug the peaks.

If you’re a drone pilot, this is a killer spot to fly. The wide open space and dramatic landscape make for some incredibly cinematic shots from above. I took one of my favorite aerial sequences here, with the road slicing between the beach and the mountain, framed by the ocean on one side and a calm lagoon on the other.

What I didn’t realize while I was there is that you can actually hike out along the beach, and because of the lagoon sitting just behind it, you can get some absolutely stunning ground-level shots of the mountain with clean reflections and moody vibes. It’s definitely worth taking the time to explore on foot. I really wish I had when I was there.

4. Kirkjufell Mountain

Kirkjufell might just be one of the most iconic photography spots in all of Iceland, and for good reason. With its perfectly symmetrical peak and the flowing Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground, it’s a composition that feels straight out of a fantasy film (which makes sense because it’s featured in Game of Thrones).

When I visited, the mountain was completely covered in clouds and the wind was absolutely insane. I almost considered moving on without even seeing it properly, but something told me to wait it out. So I sat in the parking lot, threw on an episode of Peaky Blinders, and just hoped for the best. And somehow… it paid off. The clouds started to break, the peak revealed itself, and to top it all off, a rainbow appeared right in front of me. One of those unforgettable moments that reminds you why you gor into photography.

The best view is from the walking path near the waterfall, where you can line up the falls in the foreground with the mountain in the background. It’s one of those shots you’ve probably seen before, but when the conditions line up, especially around sunset or sunrise, it’s truly breathtaking.

5. Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem hiding in plain sight. It’s located just a short walk from the same parking area as the incredibly popular Skógafoss, which I didn’t include on this list because, let’s be honest, you’ve probably already heard of it by now.

What makes Kvernufoss so special is that it’s way less crowded. While Skógafoss is swarmed with tour buses and crowds pretty much all day, Kvernufoss offers a much more peaceful experience. It’s just a short hike through a grassy trail next to the Skógar Museum, and then you’re met with this beautiful waterfall tucked into a canyon. The best part? You can even walk behind it for some dramatic photo angles.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds without sacrificing beauty, this is a must-visit. I honestly couldn’t believe how quiet it was considering how close it is to one of Iceland’s most photographed spots.

6. Svínafellsjökull Glacier

Svínafellsjökull was one of my favorite glaciers to photograph in all of Iceland. The way the glacier tongues stretch out beneath the towering mountain backdrop creates such an epic, dramatic scene, it’s hard to look away. This spot has actually been featured in films like Interstellar and Game of Thrones, which should give you an idea of just how otherworldly it feels to stand there in person.

;[It’s not the biggest glacier in Iceland, but the textures and deep crevasses make it insanely photogenic. Plus, the towering peaks behind it add a cinematic level of depth to your shots.

Access is easy via a short drive off the Ring Road, with a small parking area at the end of the gravel track. Just be mindful that the road can be a bit rough, so take it slow.

📸 Tip: A telephoto lens works great here to compress the layers of ice and mountains. But if you’re using a drone, it’s also a killer spot for top-down glacier textures or wide shots with the mountain in the distance.

7. Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi

These two waterfalls are absolute classics, and for good reason. They’re stunning! Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland because you can walk all the way behind it for a surreal view through the falling water. Just a short walk down the path is Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon that feels straight out of a fantasy movie.

That said, both are very popular, especially during the day. If you're visiting in the summer, the midnight sun is your best friend, go late at night or super early in the morning if you want a chance to have the place to yourself.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re planning to walk behind Seljalandsfoss or into the canyon at Gljúfrabúi, you will get wet, like, soaked! So bring waterproof gear, especially if you're carrying camera equipment.

8. Dyrhólaey

This dramatic promontory on Iceland’s south coast offers panoramic views of black sand beaches, towering cliffs, and the iconic Dyrhólaey sea arch. It’s also a great spot to see puffins during nesting season!

When I visited, the weather was brutal, insanely windy and practically storming out. I could barely stay outside for more than a few minutes without getting blown over, haha. But even in those wild conditions, I caught a quick glimpse of the epic landscape and it was enough to leave an impression.

I can only imagine how incredible this place would be at sunset on a clear evening. The golden light hitting the cliffs and beaches would be unreal. It’s definitely a place I’ll be going back to next time I’m in Iceland.

9. Reynisdrangar

While it might not be the most mind-blowing spot in all of Iceland, it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re passing through the Vík area. The black sand beach here is super unique, and photographing the jagged sea stacks rising out of the ocean makes for some pretty striking compositions.

That said, this beach is notorious for its danger, it’s considered one of the most dangerous beaches in the country. The waves can be incredibly sneaky and powerful, often crashing much further up the shore than you’d expect. Definitely keep a safe distance and never turn your back to the ocean.

10. Fjaðrárgljúfur

This lush, winding canyon looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie. It’s an awesome stop, especially if you’re into drone photography. Capturing the canyon’s twists and curves from above is absolutely mesmerizing.

There’s also a short, well-maintained trail that runs along the edge of the canyon with several viewpoints perfect for wide-angle shots. It’s a pretty quick stop overall, but one that definitely delivers epic visuals.