Why Iceland is a Photographer’s Paradise
Iceland offers what few destinations can match: raw, dramatic landscapes within short drives of each other. Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic beaches, and the northern lights converge on an island smaller than many US states.
South Coast Highlights
1. Seljalandsfoss
GPS: 63.6156° N, 19.9886° W
The famous waterfall you can walk behind. Best photographed at sunset when light filters through the cascade.
Pro Tips:
- Bring rain protection for camera—spray is constant
- Early morning avoids crowds
- Include silhouette of person behind falls for scale
2. Skogafoss
GPS: 63.5321° N, 19.5114° W
60-meter curtain waterfall with rainbow potential on sunny mornings.
Pro Tips:
- Climb the 527 steps for aerial perspective
- Position for rainbow around 8-10am in summer
- 1/4 second exposure balances power and silk
3. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
GPS: 64.0784° N, 16.2306° W
Icebergs calving from Breidamerkurjokull glacier into a stunning blue lagoon.
Pro Tips:
- Sunrise provides best light on ice
- Telephoto (70-200mm) isolates individual bergs
- Blue hour delivers deepest blue colors in ice
4. Diamond Beach
GPS: 64.0440° N, 16.1778° W
Ice chunks on black volcanic sand—directly across from Jokulsarlon.
Pro Tips:
- Sunrise preferred (ice on beach side)
- Long exposure smooths waves around ice
- Fresh ice appears after storms
5. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
GPS: 63.4054° N, 19.0448° W
Dramatic basalt columns and sea stacks. Dangerous sneaker waves—never turn your back to the ocean.
Pro Tips:
- Basalt columns frame beautifully at wide angle
- Reynisdrangar sea stacks at telephoto range
- Stormy days create dramatic wave action
6. Dyrholaey
GPS: 63.3988° N, 19.1265° W
Promontory with arch, lighthouse, and sweeping coastal views. Puffin nesting site in summer.
Pro Tips:
- Lower viewpoint accesses the arch
- Upper viewpoint for lighthouse and panoramas
- Late evening light is exceptional
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
7. Kirkjufell
GPS: 64.9426° N, 23.3061° W
The most photographed mountain in Iceland, made famous by Game of Thrones.
Pro Tips:
- Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall provides classic foreground
- Northern lights season makes this magical
- Arrive before sunrise—this spot gets crowded
8. Londrangar Sea Stacks
GPS: 64.7347° N, 23.7753° W
Dramatic basalt plugs rising from the coast.
Pro Tips:
- Multiple viewpoints available from parking area
- Include wildflowers in summer foreground
- Sunset light hits stacks beautifully
9. Arnarstapi
GPS: 64.7670° N, 23.6244° W
Harbor village with dramatic coastal basalt formations and sea arch.
Pro Tips:
- Walk the coastal path for varied compositions
- Sea arch frames Snaefellsjokull glacier
- Hellnar village nearby offers similar features
East Iceland
10. Stokksnes/Vestrahorn
GPS: 64.2558° N, 14.9680° W
Dramatic mountain and black sand dunes. Private land—entrance fee required.
Pro Tips:
- Fee paid at Viking Café (worth it for unlimited access)
- Low tide reveals black sand patterns
- Drone shots reveal scale impossible from ground
11. Eystrahorn
GPS: 64.4619° N, 14.5764° W
Less visited alternative to Vestrahorn with dramatic reflections.
Pro Tips:
- Tidal lagoon creates mirror reflections
- Virtually no crowds compared to Vestrahorn
- Combine both locations on same day
The Highlands (Summer Only)
12. Landmannalaugar
GPS: 63.9930° N, 19.0617° W
Rhyolite mountains in impossible colors—oranges, greens, purples, reds.
Pro Tips:
- Accessible only June-September (F-road)
- Hike Laugavegur trail for ultimate views
- Aerial/drone perspective reveals color patterns
13. Sigoldugljufur (Valley of Tears)
GPS: 64.1614° N, 19.1247° W
Canyon with multiple waterfalls cascading from both sides.
Pro Tips:
- Requires F-road access (4x4 essential)
- Hike down for canyon-level compositions
- Relatively unknown—few tourists
Northern Iceland
14. Godafoss
GPS: 65.6828° N, 17.5502° W
“Waterfall of the Gods”—horseshoe-shaped falls with historical significance.
Pro Tips:
- Access both sides for different perspectives
- Winter ice creates unique formations
- Include foreground river for leading lines
15. Bruarfoss
GPS: 64.2649° N, 20.5162° W
Strikingly blue waterfall—the bluest water you’ll photograph in Iceland.
Pro Tips:
- Now requires guided tour (private land protection)
- Overcast conditions enhance blue saturation
- Book in advance—access limited
Best Times for Each Location
| Location |
Best Season |
Best Time of Day |
| Jokulsarlon |
Year-round |
Sunrise |
| Vestrahorn |
Year-round |
Sunrise, sunset |
| Kirkjufell |
Sep-Mar (aurora) |
Blue hour |
| Landmannalaugar |
Jun-Sep |
Midday (colors) |
| South Coast Waterfalls |
Year-round |
Varies |
Equipment for Iceland
Essential Gear
- Weather-sealed camera and lenses
- Lens cloths (many—spray is constant)
- ND filters for waterfalls
- Polarizer for reflections and sky
- Waterproof camera bag cover
- Tripod rated for wind (add weight hook)
Drone Regulations
- Registration required for commercial use
- Keep 150m from bird cliffs
- No flying in national parks without permit
- Check Drone Iceland app for current restrictions
Weather and Safety
Typical Conditions
Iceland’s weather changes rapidly. Expect:
- Rain at any time
- Wind gusts exceeding 50 km/h
- Sudden fog in highlands
- Four seasons in one day
Safety Essentials
- Never chase sunrise without informing someone
- Glacier lagoons have dangerous edges
- Sneaker waves at Reynisfjara are lethal
- Highland river crossings require experience
Transportation
Vehicle Requirements
- Ring Road: 2WD adequate
- Highlands (F-roads): 4x4 mandatory
- Winter: 4x4 strongly recommended everywhere
Rental Tips
- Book 4x4 far in advance
- Add gravel insurance
- Understand river crossing coverage (often excluded)
Conclusion
Iceland rewards the prepared photographer with some of Earth’s most dramatic landscapes. Research locations, respect the environment, and remain flexible with weather. The images you’ll capture justify every challenge this extraordinary island presents.