25 Most Instagrammable Places in Iceland for 2025 (With Insider Tips) - Xplrverse

The Magic of Iceland Through a Lens

The first time I stepped foot on Icelandic soil back in 2016, I thought I was prepared. I’d seen the photos, watched the videos, and packed every lens I owned. Nothing—absolutely nothing—could have prepared me for what I experienced. That initial trip turned into a love affair with this otherworldly island that has brought me back seven times since, most recently in early 2024.

Iceland doesn’t just photograph well; it seems designed specifically to leave both professional photographers and casual Instagram enthusiasts speechless. The way the low Arctic sun creates golden hours that stretch for what feels like eternity during summer, or how the winter darkness is dramatically punctuated by the dancing northern lights—these aren’t just photo opportunities, they’re life-altering moments.

What continues to amaze me after all these visits is how Iceland still surprises me. Last winter, I discovered a tiny ice cave near Jökulsárlón that wasn’t on any tourist map, its ceiling a translucent blue that seemed to pulse with light. As I adjusted my camera settings with shaking hands (partly from cold, mostly from excitement), I realized this is what keeps drawing me back: Iceland is never the same place twice.

In this guide, I’ll take you beyond the obvious spots that crowd your Instagram feed and share locations that have stolen my heart over nearly a decade of exploration. These are the places that will not just elevate your social media presence but will fundamentally change how you see our planet.

The South Coast: Nature’s Most Spectacular Gallery

The southern coastline of Iceland has become the darling of Instagram for good reason, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the basic stops on the tourist buses.

Seljalandsfoss: The Walkable Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss might seem like an obvious choice, but there’s a reason this 60-meter cascade appears on so many feeds. What makes this waterfall truly special is the path that circles behind it, allowing for that rare shot looking out through the curtain of water.

Photographer’s Tip: Visit during sunset in summer (around 11 PM in June) when the low sun creates a golden glow through the water. Bring a microfiber cloth for your lens—you’ll need it for the spray—and consider a protective cover for your entire camera if you plan to get close.

I learned this lesson the hard way when my first DSLR suffered moisture damage after I foolishly thought a quick wipe would be sufficient. Now I always pack a rain sleeve that cost me just 2,500 ISK (~$18) from a camera shop in Reykjavík.

Gljúfrabúi: The Hidden Gem Next Door

Just a five-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss lies Gljúfrabúi, which translates to “Canyon Dweller.” This partially hidden waterfall requires wading through a narrow canyon stream to access (unless the water is too high, which happens frequently in spring).

What makes this spot Instagram gold is how few tourists venture inside. The waterfall is housed within a moss-covered cylindrical chamber with natural light pouring through the top like a cathedral skylight.

During my last visit in March 2024, I waited until 4 PM when most tour buses had departed and had the entire place to myself for over an hour—a rare luxury in increasingly busy Iceland.

Money-Saving Insider Tip: While parking at Seljalandsfoss now costs 800 ISK (~$6), your ticket is valid all day. If you’re on a budget, visit early morning, explore other nearby sights like Skógafoss, then return for sunset shots without paying twice.

Reynisfjara: The Black Sand Beach

The dramatic black sand beach near Vík has become one of Iceland’s most recognized locations. The basalt columns (Hálsanefshellir cave) form natural geometric patterns that create striking compositions, especially when contrasted with the white foam of the powerful Atlantic waves.

I’ve photographed this location in every season, and winter brings an unexpected advantage: the beach is often dusted with snow, creating a stark black-and-white landscape that performs exceptionally well on Instagram.

SAFETY WARNING: Never turn your back on the ocean at Reynisfjara. Sneaker waves have claimed several lives here. I witnessed a terrifying near-miss in 2022 when a tourist was swept off their feet while taking a selfie. Stay at least 30 meters from the water’s edge, especially during high tide.

The Golden Circle: Classic but Customizable

The Golden Circle may be Iceland’s most traveled route, but that doesn’t mean your photos need to look like everyone else’s. Here’s how to capture unique perspectives of these iconic locations.

Strokkur Geyser: Timing is Everything

The Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes, making it a reliable subject for photography. While most visitors snap a standard shot of the eruption, the most compelling photos capture the second before the explosion—when a large blue bubble forms at the surface.

This bubble lasts for just a fraction of a second, so you’ll need to use burst mode on your camera or phone. It took me four visits to finally capture this moment perfectly, but the uniqueness of the shot was worth the persistence.

For a creative angle, try photographing the excitement on people’s faces as they watch the eruption instead of just the geyser itself. Human subjects add scale and emotion to these natural wonders.

Gullfoss: The Golden Falls

Gullfoss (Golden Falls) offers multiple viewing platforms, but most visitors never venture beyond the first one. For a more dramatic perspective, take the path down to the lower platform, which puts you eye-level with the massive double cascade.

In winter, parts of the falls freeze, creating blue ice sculptures that contrast beautifully with the rushing water. I’ll never forget the morning I arrived at 8 AM in February 2023 to find myself completely alone with this frozen wonderland, the sunrise painting the ice in shades of pink and gold.

Sustainability Tip: Instead of buying bottled water for 350 ISK (~$2.50) at tourist stops, bring a reusable bottle. Icelandic tap water is among the purest in the world, and most service stations have free water filling stations. I’ve saved approximately 15,000 ISK (~$110) per trip this way.

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park: Where Continents Meet

While most visitors focus on the historic parliamentary site, the true photographic gem is the Silfra fissure—the only place on Earth where you can capture the gap between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

For a truly unique Instagram shot, consider booking a snorkeling tour in Silfra. The underwater visibility exceeds 100 meters, revealing an alien landscape of blue water and dramatic rock formations. Yes, the water hovers around 2°C (35°F) year-round, but modern dry suits keep you surprisingly comfortable.

When I first jumped into Silfra in 2018, I made the rookie mistake of not wearing thick socks, and my feet were numb for hours afterward. Now I always bring thermal hiking socks specifically for this adventure.

Golden Circle Attraction	Best Time for Photos	Unique Angle	Crowd Level (1-5)
Þingvellir	Early morning or sunset	Öxarárfoss waterfall with moss-covered lava	3
Geysir Area	Midday for best lighting of the water	Low angle capturing the blue bubble moment	4
Gullfoss	Golden hour (summer) or 11 AM (winter)	Lower path with rainbow (on sunny days)	5
Secret Lagoon	Evening when steam is more visible	The small geyser with the pool in background	2
Kerið Crater	Midday when sun hits the water	From the far rim looking back toward the road	3

The Blue Lagoon and Other Geothermal Wonders

No Instagram tour of Iceland would be complete without featuring its famous geothermal spas, but there are ways to capture these popular destinations that stand out from the crowd.

The Blue Lagoon: Beyond the Standard Shot

The milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon create an otherworldly backdrop for photos, but the challenge is capturing something unique in Iceland’s most photographed location.

One approach is to focus on details: the silica mud mask on your face, the contrast of the white water against black lava rock, or steam rising in the cold air. Another strategy is timing—the Blue Lagoon opens at 8 AM, and booking the first slot provides about 30 minutes of relative tranquility before the crowds arrive.

When I visited in December 2023, I discovered that the lighting around 3 PM was magical—the low winter sun created dramatic shadows and highlighted the steam in a way that transformed even simple smartphone photos into something extraordinary.

Money-Saving Insider Tip: The Blue Lagoon’s Comfort ticket costs 12,990 ISK (~$95) during peak season. For a similar experience at nearly half the price, visit the Sky Lagoon (7,990 ISK, ~$59) or my personal favorite, Secret Lagoon in Flúðir (3,000 ISK, ~$22), which offers a more authentic and rustic Icelandic bathing experience with equally Instagram-worthy backdrops.

Sky Lagoon: The New Contender

Opened in 2021, the Sky Lagoon has quickly become one of Reykjavík’s most photographable spots. Its infinity edge appears to merge seamlessly with the Atlantic Ocean, creating a perspective that plays with scale in a mesmerizing way.

Unlike the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon feels more integrated with its natural surroundings, offering views of the ocean and, on clear days, Mount Keilir in the distance. The changing facilities and overall experience also feel more luxurious, which comes through in photography.

I visited during a snowstorm in January 2024, and the contrast of snow falling on my heated face while floating in the warm water created both an unforgettable experience and my most popular Instagram post of the year.

Jökulsárlón: The Crown Jewel of Icelandic Photography

If I had to pick just one location in Iceland for photography, it would be Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach. This area offers an embarrassment of riches for photographers in every season.

The Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón showcases massive icebergs that have calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, slowly drifting through the lagoon toward the sea. Each iceberg is unique, with textures ranging from smooth glass-like surfaces to ridged formations with electric blue hues.

For the best light, visit at sunrise or sunset when the low sun illuminates the ice from the side, highlighting textures and intensifying colors. In summer, midnight sun creates a soft, diffused glow that’s perfect for ethereal compositions.

In 2019, I rented a small Zodiac boat (9,500 ISK, ~$70) for a private tour among the icebergs, allowing me to capture perspectives that are impossible from shore. The investment was worth every króna for the resulting images.

Diamond Beach

Across the road from Jökulsárlón lies Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the lagoon wash up on black sand after being carried out to sea. The contrast is striking—crystalline ice against volcanic black sand creates a photographer’s paradise.

This location changes constantly. Some days you’ll find hundreds of ice chunks scattered across the beach; other times, just a few larger pieces. This unpredictability means no two visits yield the same photographs.

My favorite technique here is to use a longer exposure (1-2 seconds) to capture the movement of water around stationary ice. This requires a tripod and ideally a neutral density filter, but the dreamy effect is worth the extra gear.

Local Phrase: “Þetta reddast” (pronounced thet-ta red-ust) means “it will all work out somehow.” This is Iceland’s unofficial motto and perfectly describes the attitude needed when photographing this dynamic landscape. Weather changes quickly, but patience is usually rewarded.

Northern Iceland: Far From the Crowds

While South Iceland dominates Instagram feeds, the north offers equally spectacular vistas with a fraction of the visitors. Here are my favorite northern locations for unique photography.

Goðafoss: The Waterfall of the Gods

Goðafoss isn’t Iceland’s tallest or most powerful waterfall, but its perfect horseshoe shape creates compositions that seem almost artificially designed for photography. The waterfall’s name (“Waterfall of the Gods”) comes from the year 1000 when Iceland’s lawspeaker threw pagan idols into the falls as a symbol of the country’s conversion to Christianity.

What makes Goðafoss special for photography is the ability to capture it from multiple angles. The eastern bank offers the classic frontal view, while the western side provides more dramatic perspectives with foreground elements.

During my winter visit in 2020, parts of the falls were frozen, creating ice sculptures that framed the still-flowing sections. The temperature was -12°C (10°F), and my fingers nearly froze to my tripod, but the resulting images were worth the discomfort.

Mývatn: Geothermal Wonderland

Lake Mývatn and its surroundings offer some of Iceland’s most alien landscapes. The Hverir geothermal area, with its bubbling mud pots and steam vents, creates scenes that could easily be mistaken for another planet.

For Instagram, the most captivating feature is the contrast of colors—sulfur yellow against blue sky, or the rust-orange earth against white steam. Morning light tends to enhance these colors, and visiting before 10 AM helps avoid tour buses.

Don’t miss the Mývatn Nature Baths, a less crowded and less expensive alternative to the Blue Lagoon. At 5,900 ISK (~$43), it’s almost half the price with equally photogenic azure waters set against a volcanic backdrop.

Photography Tip: The steam from geothermal areas can quickly fog lenses when moving between cold air and warm steam. Keep your camera under your jacket for a few minutes before shooting to reduce temperature shock, and bring multiple microfiber cloths that you can rotate as they become damp.

Dettifoss: Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall

The sheer power of Dettifoss makes it a challenging but rewarding photographic subject. The massive volume of water creates a permanent mist cloud, so protecting your equipment is essential.

The east side of the falls (accessed via Road 864) is rougher but offers the most dramatic views. The west side (Road 862) is paved and more accessible, though the perspective is more distant.

My most successful shot of Dettifoss used a human subject for scale—my travel companion standing (safely) on the observation point, dwarfed by the enormous cascade. Without this element, viewers often can’t comprehend the true scale of this natural wonder.

Hidden Gems: Beyond the Instagram Hotspots

Some of my most successful Iceland photos come from locations that rarely appear in guidebooks. These spots may require extra effort to reach, but they reward you with unique content that stands out in a feed saturated with the same popular vistas.

Stuðlagil Canyon: The Basalt Column Paradise

Until recently, Stuðlagil Canyon was virtually unknown. This eastern Iceland gem remained underwater until the construction of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant in 2009 diverted the Jökulsá á Dal river, revealing one of Iceland’s most spectacular basalt column formations.

The canyon walls feature perfect hexagonal basalt columns rising up to 30 meters, reflected in the turquoise river below. It’s a challenging location to reach, requiring a 5km hike from the eastern parking lot, or a shorter but steeper climb from the western side.

I visited in September 2023 when water levels were low, allowing me to include interesting foreground elements in my compositions. The location is becoming more popular, but arriving before 9 AM still provides solitude.

Insider Tip: The most photographed view requires accessing the canyon floor, which is only possible from the east side parking lot (near Klaustursel farm). Don’t make the mistake I did on my first visit of parking at the viewpoint on the west side, which only provides a view from above.

Rauðasandur: The Red Sand Beach

While black sand beaches get all the attention, Iceland’s red sand beach in the remote Westfjords creates photographs that stand out from the crowd. The distinctive reddish-orange sand creates a warm contrast against the typically dark Icelandic skies.

Reaching Rauðasandur requires navigating a steep, winding gravel road that descends to the coast, deterring many visitors. The beach stretches for nearly 10km, so finding your own private section is almost guaranteed.

During my June 2022 visit, I captured seals lounging on the sand with mountains in the background—a combination that generated considerable engagement on social media precisely because it showed an unexpected side of Iceland.

The nearby Franska kaffihúsið (French Café) serves delicious waffles with jam made from locally foraged berries—both a treat and an Instagram opportunity.

Aldeyjarfoss: The Geometric Wonder

While Svartifoss in Skaftafell gets attention for its basalt columns, Aldeyjarfoss in North Iceland offers an even more dramatic setting with fewer visitors. Here, perfectly symmetrical basalt columns frame a powerful waterfall that plunges into a dark blue pool.

The 40-minute drive on a rough F-road (requiring a 4×4 vehicle) keeps crowds at bay. I arrived at sunset in August 2021 to find myself completely alone at this spectacular location—a rarity in Iceland these days.

The compositional possibilities are endless, from wide-angle shots capturing the entire scene to telephoto abstracts focusing on the intricate patterns of water against geometric basalt.

Money-Saving Tip: Instead of staying at hotels near popular attractions where prices have skyrocketed (often exceeding 25,000 ISK or $180 per night), look for guesthouses in smaller communities 30-40 minutes away. In 2023, I paid just 12,000 ISK ($88) for charming accommodations near Egilsstaðir while exploring Stuðlagil Canyon, less than half what I would have paid closer to tourist centers.

Capturing the Northern Lights

The aurora borealis remains the ultimate Icelandic photography challenge and Instagram trophy. While luck plays a role, strategic planning dramatically increases your chances of capturing this natural phenomenon.

When and Where to See the Aurora

The Northern Lights are visible from late August through early April, with peak opportunities during the equinoxes (September/October and February/March) when geomagnetic activity tends to be higher.

Three conditions must align for successful aurora photography:

Dark skies (minimal light pollution)
Clear weather (no clouds)
Aurora activity (KP index preferably 3 or higher)

I use the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s aurora forecast in combination with their cloud cover forecast to plan my outings. The app “My Aurora Forecast” has also proven reliable for real-time alerts.

My most successful aurora photographs have come from these locations:

Kirkjufell mountain on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where the lights reflect in the water
Þingvellir National Park, relatively close to Reykjavík but dark enough
Ásbyrgi Canyon in North Iceland, with minimal light pollution

Camera Settings for Aurora Photography

Even smartphones can now capture decent aurora photos, but for truly impressive results, you’ll need:

A camera with manual mode
A wide-angle lens with large aperture (f/2.8 or wider)
A sturdy tripod
A remote shutter or self-timer

Starting settings I recommend:

ISO 1600-3200 (depending on aurora brightness)
Aperture: widest available (f/1.4 to f/2.8)
Shutter speed: 5-15 seconds (shorter for bright, dancing auroras; longer for faint displays)
White balance: Auto or 3500K
Focus: Manual, set to infinity (focus on a distant light or star before darkness falls)

After missing countless aurora opportunities due to focusing issues, I now place a piece of tape on my lens during daylight once I’ve achieved proper infinity focus. This prevents accidental focus ring movement in the dark.

Mistake I Made: During my first aurora hunt in 2017, I wore fashionable but inadequate gloves and had to abandon a spectacular display after just 15 minutes because I couldn’t feel my fingers. Now I use specialized photographer’s gloves with fold-back fingertips that allow me to operate camera controls while keeping most of my hand covered. In extreme cold, I add chemical hand warmers inside mittens that go over these gloves.

Creating Unique Aurora Compositions

While any aurora photo tends to perform well on social media, the most compelling images incorporate interesting foreground elements rather than just showing the sky.

Consider including:

Reflections in water
Silhouettes of mountains or churches
A small, warm light source (car headlights, tent, cabin)
A human figure (yourself or companion) looking up at the display

One technique that transformed my aurora photography was “light painting” foreground elements with a weak headlamp during long exposures. This adds depth and context to what might otherwise be a flat, dark foreground beneath the colorful sky.

Practical Photography Tips for Iceland

Essential Gear for Icelandic Conditions

Iceland’s weather presents unique challenges for photographers. Based on numerous trips in all seasons, here’s what I consider essential:

Weather-sealed camera body and lenses if possible
Multiple batteries (cold temperatures drain them quickly)
Microfiber cloths for dealing with spray near waterfalls
Neutral density filters for long exposures of moving water
Polarizing filter to cut glare and enhance sky/water contrast
Sturdy tripod with spike feet for stability in wind and on lava rock
Waterproof camera bag with rain cover
Lens warmer to prevent condensation when moving between temperatures

Mistake I Made: In 2019, I brought only plastic tripod feet to Iceland. During strong winds at Dyrholaey lighthouse, my tripod toppled over, damaging my lens. I now use metal spike feet that dig into soil and carry a small sandbag to add weight to the tripod in windy conditions.

Best Times of Day for Photography

Iceland’s light creates both challenges and opportunities:

Summer: The “golden hour” extends for hours due to the low-angle midnight sun. Between 10 PM and 2 AM offers magical light for landscapes.
Winter: The sun rises late (around 10 AM) and sets early (around 4 PM), but spends its entire journey near the horizon, creating extended golden hour conditions.
Spring/Fall: More balanced daylight hours, with sunrise and sunset at reasonable times, plus potential for aurora viewing.

I’ve found that many popular locations are dramatically different in various lighting conditions. For example, Kirkjufell mountain photographs beautifully at sunset with warm light, but takes on a moody, mysterious quality on overcast mornings.

Don’t be discouraged by cloudy weather—some of my most compelling Iceland photos feature dramatic storm clouds rather than blue skies. The rapidly changing weather creates atmospheric conditions that add mood and dimension to landscapes.

Smartphone Photography Tips

Not everyone travels with professional camera gear, but modern smartphones can capture exceptional Iceland images with these techniques:

Use HDR mode for high-contrast scenes (waterfalls, sunsets)
Enable grid view to help with composition
For waterfalls, try Live Photo with the “long exposure” effect
Use portrait mode for close-ups of Icelandic horses or wildflowers
Download a manual camera app that allows control of shutter speed
Bring a small smartphone tripod for low-light conditions
Pack a power bank—cold weather and frequent photo-taking drain batteries quickly

My iPhone captured one of my most popular Instagram photos ever—a steam vent at Hverir backlit by sunrise. The image received over 5,000 likes, proving that compelling composition often matters more than expensive equipment.

Practical Tips for a Successful Iceland Photography Trip

After seven trips to Iceland spanning all seasons, I’ve learned what makes or breaks a photography-focused visit. Here are my most valuable insights:

When to Visit for Photography

Each season offers distinct photographic opportunities:

Summer (June-August): Midnight sun, lush landscapes, puffins, accessible highlands
Fall (September-October): Fall colors, fewer tourists, Northern Lights, reasonable daylight hours
Winter (November-February): Ice caves, snow-covered landscapes, Northern Lights, dramatic light
Spring (March-May): Waterfalls at peak flow, returning birdlife, improving weather, longer days

September has consistently provided my best photographic results, offering a perfect balance of reasonable daylight hours, potential for Northern Lights, and relatively stable weather before winter storms arrive.

Money-Saving Tip: Iceland’s high season now extends through summer and into September. For significant savings (30-40% on accommodations and rentals), visit in October or late April/May when you’ll still experience good conditions but avoid peak pricing.

Transportation Advice

For serious photography, a rental car is essential. Public transportation won’t get you to locations for sunrise/sunset or allow flexibility when weather conditions suddenly improve.

In winter (October-April), I strongly recommend a 4WD vehicle. I learned this lesson the hard way in November 2018 when my 2WD car couldn’t navigate a sudden snowstorm, forcing me to miss a rare clear night for aurora photography.

For summer visitors exploring only the Ring Road and South Coast, a 2WD vehicle is sufficient, though smaller cars struggle on some gravel roads. If you plan to visit the highlands or F-roads, a high-clearance 4WD is mandatory.

When renting, consider these companies that have served me well:

Blue Car Rental (excellent service, free second driver)
Northbound (comparison site for local companies)
Lotus Car Rental (good budget option with reliable vehicles)

Insider Tip: “Taktu þrjú” (pronounced “tahk-too thryu”) means “take three” in Icelandic. Many gas stations offer this promotion where buying three specific items gets you a discount on fuel—typically around 15 ISK per liter. Given Iceland’s fuel prices (approximately 255 ISK/liter or $7 per gallon), these savings add up quickly on a road trip.

Planning Your Itinerary

For photography-focused trips, I recommend a slower pace than typical tourists. My ideal itineraries:

1 week: Focus on South Coast only, from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón
10 days: Complete Ring Road without highlands
2 weeks: Complete Ring Road plus one region in depth (Westfjords or East Fjords)

Allow flexibility in your schedule—some of my best photographs happened when I abandoned plans to chase good weather or unexpected conditions. Having “buffer days” with no specific agenda allows for this spontaneity.

I use these apps/websites for planning:

Icelandic Met Office for weather and aurora forecasts
Road.is for real-time road conditions
PhotoPills or The Photographer’s Ephemeris for sun/moon positioning
Guide to Iceland for detailed location information

Where to Stay for Photographers

Accommodation choices can significantly impact your photography success. I recommend:

Strategically located guesthouses near prime photography locations
Self-catering options that allow flexibility for early/late shooting
Farm stays that offer unique rural perspectives

Exceptional places I’ve stayed specifically for photography:

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – Perfect for Jökulsárlón sunrise/sunset access
Hotel Rangá – Offers Northern Lights wake-up calls and an observatory
Litla-Höf Guesthouse – Ideal base for Vestrahorn mountain photography
Farmhotel Efstidalur – Working farm with dramatic landscape access

Conclusion: Crafting Your Own Icelandic Photo Journey

After seven years and countless hours behind the lens in Iceland, I’ve learned that the most compelling images come not just from visiting the right places, but from approaching them with intention, patience, and creativity.

Iceland’s landscape will take your breath away regardless of your photography skills, but capturing images that stand out—especially in the Instagram era—requires going beyond the obvious shots. It means waking up for that 3 AM summer sunrise, waiting an extra hour for the perfect light, or returning to the same location in different seasons to witness its transformation.

What continues to draw me back to Iceland is not just its beauty, but its unpredictability. Each visit reveals new facets of familiar places, and no two photographs—even of iconic locations—are ever quite the same. There’s always another angle, another season, another moment of light that reveals something new.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for 2025

Research seasonal conditions to match your photography goals with the right time of year (Northern Lights? Midnight sun? Ice caves?)
Invest in key gear before arrival—specifically weather protection for your equipment and extra batteries
Build a flexible itinerary with buffer days to chase optimal conditions
Book accommodation strategically based on sunrise/sunset times at your priority locations
Prepare alternative shots for each location in case weather doesn’t cooperate (close-ups, details, human elements)

Remember that the most memorable photographs often come from embracing what Iceland gives you, not fighting against it. Some of my most treasured images happened when plans went awry—when storms created dramatic light I hadn’t anticipated, or when fog obscured a famous mountain but revealed an intimate landscape I might otherwise have overlooked.

When you visit Iceland with a camera in hand, you’re participating in a visual conversation with one of our planet’s most dynamic landscapes. Listen to what it’s telling you, be prepared to adapt, and you’ll return with images that not only enhance your Instagram feed but serve as gateways to the profound experiences that created them.

Góða ferð! (Good journey!)

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The aurora viewing season runs from late August through early April, with peak opportunities typically occurring around the equinoxes (September/October and February/March). For the best chances, plan a stay of at least 5-7 nights to account for cloudy weather, and visit during a new moon phase when the sky is darkest. Based on my experience, late September offers an excellent balance of reasonable temperatures, decent aurora opportunities, and enough darkness without the extreme winter conditions.

Do I need professional camera equipment to get good photos in Iceland?

While professional equipment offers advantages, modern smartphones can capture remarkable images in Iceland, especially the latest models with night mode capabilities. For waterfalls and landscapes, smartphones perform well in good light. The main limitations come with aurora photography and extreme low-light conditions, where a camera with manual controls still has significant advantages. If you’re only bringing a smartphone, I recommend investing in a small tripod and perhaps a clip-on lens for wider angles.

How crowded are Iceland’s popular photography spots?

Iceland has seen a dramatic increase in tourism since 2015, with many popular spots becoming quite crowded during peak hours. For 2025, expect significant crowds at Blue Lagoon, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Jökulsárlón during midday hours (10 AM to 4 PM), especially June through September. However, photographers willing to visit during early morning (before 8 AM) or evening (after 7 PM) can still experience most locations with dramatically fewer people. Winter visitors will find much smaller crowds even at popular sites, though daylight hours are limited.

What’s the best way to protect camera gear in Iceland’s harsh conditions?

Iceland’s combination of wind, rain, waterfall spray, and temperature fluctuations creates challenging conditions for photography equipment. I recommend weather-sealed gear when possible, plus: a good-quality rain cover for your camera and lens; multiple microfiber cloths for dealing with spray (keep them in ziplock bags to stay dry); silica gel packets in your camera bag to absorb moisture; lens filters to protect front elements from spray (easier to clean than the lens itself); and a camera bag with a built-in rain cover. When moving between cold exteriors and warm interiors, let your camera acclimate gradually to prevent condensation.

Is it possible to photograph Iceland on a budget?

While Iceland is expensive, photography doesn’t have to break the bank. Save money by: visiting in shoulder season (May or September/October); staying in guesthouses with shared bathrooms and kitchens to prepare your own meals; using a 2WD vehicle if sticking to main roads in summer; bringing essential photography gear from home rather than renting or buying in Iceland where prices are higher; using public transportation in Reykjavík and booking day tours instead of renting a car for shorter trips; and camping in summer to dramatically reduce accommodation costs (many campgrounds have excellent facilities and are situated near prime photography locations).

How do I photograph ice caves safely?

Ice caves should only be visited with professional guides as they can be extremely dangerous due to potential collapse or flooding. The famous blue ice caves near Vatnajökull are typically accessible only from November through March, with conditions evaluated daily by local experts. Book tours well in advance for the high season (December-February). Photographically, these caves present challenges with extreme contrast and tricky focusing conditions. I recommend bracketing exposures, using a wide-angle lens, and bringing a tripod for longer exposures that capture the translucent blue ice. Never use flash as it destroys the natural color effect.

What locations offer unique photos that aren’t overdone on social media?

For unique perspectives in 2025, consider: the newly accessible Thórsmörk region (reached by super jeep or hiking); Westfjords locations like Dynjandi waterfall and Rauðasandur beach; interior highlands spots accessible in summer like Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite mountains; the East Fjords’ fishing villages and coastal landscapes; Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s less-visited northern coast; and geothermal areas beyond the popular ones, such as Hveravellir in the highlands. Additionally, familiar locations photographed in unusual conditions (heavy snow, midnight sun, fog) can provide fresh perspectives on otherwise frequently photographed scenes.