Epic Shots Await: 10 Best Iceland Photography Locations

From the rugged Skellige Islands to the beauty of the movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” Iceland awaits new visitors and explorers. The country's unconventional location near the Arctic Circle delivers among the most stunning natural situations you'll ever witness. In summer, the sun doesn't fully set, offering a prolonged golden hour – this is the phenomenon known as the midnight sun. It gives the landscapes a warm, hazy glow that could render any picture appear magnificent. On the other hand, winter nights, while long and chilly, bring with them the spectacular northern lights.

Photographers will fall in love with this country even more than travelers do. The variety of colors, textures, and landscapes to explore are certain to motivate your greatest work. Their diverse nature attracts Iceland's Instagram spots, from transparent blue ice caves to massive volcanoes spewing lava. Let's look closer at our Iceland photography guide.

Top 10 Iceland Photography Destinations

The multitude of paths sometimes leads to confusion – you want to capture so much at once. Especially for you, we present a selection of the most scenic places in Iceland. 

1. Reykjavik

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round. Summertime is filled with festivals and lively street life.

• Unique Feature: There is a strong contrast between the modern sides and Nordic history in architecture. 

The city of Sun Voyager and connoisseurs of atmospheric shots. From the old harbor and lighthouse to the legendary Pufa, an 8-meter-high hill, every corner of Reykjavik is filled with northern aesthetics and history. Also note the unique Hallgrimskirkja structure, which is reminiscent of glaciers. There are some notifications about city guests:  

Take a look closer at bronze sculptures. They were made by famous master Einar Jonnson. 

Photography Tip: Try to find the science-fiction building Harpa and the miracle lake Tjornin. Feel the full size of life in those places, and take great photos. 

2. Budir Black Church

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round. You should prefer sunny and smoky seasons. 

• Unique Feature: It is a historically unknown place with few people around.

Budir Black Church, established in 1703, holds tremendous cultural value. Numerous reconstructions later, this building still has antiquities from the XVIII century. Today, it stands out from other landmarks with its minimalist surroundings.

Photography Tip: Located on the south side of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the black-colored church is a favorite Iceland landscape photography venue for weddings, portraits, and traditional parish festivities.

3. Golden Circle

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, catch winter brings a snowy wonderland.

• Unique Feature: It is a trifecta of geysers, waterfalls, and vast landscapes that have made it Iceland's signature tourist route.

The Golden Circle, located in the center of Iceland, is a must-see route that highlights the country’s natural beauty. Think huge jets of water from underground, spectacular waterfalls, and plenty of open space. The place of power of the true warriors of the north is both captivating and mind-blowing!

Photography Tip: Capture the dramatic eruption of the geysers or the rainbow, which occasionally emerges at the waterfalls on a sunny day.

4. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

• Best Time to Visit: Summer for boat tours amidst the icebergs.

• Unique Feature: Drifting icebergs, playful seals, and an enchanting play of sunlight on the ice.

Imagine a pool with massive floating icebergs. It appears that the Snow Queen's castle is concealed someplace beneath the turquoise seas surrounding here. It is a site where you can view seals like in "Song of the Sea" and feel the grandeur of the early explorers of the North. Welcome to Jokulsarlon!

Photography Tip: You should drive about 6 hours from Reykjavik before being there. At dusk and sunrise, you can catch the stunning reflection of ice on the water's surface. With proper underwater photography equipment, you could capture simply mind-blowing shots. Use a drone (with permits) to capture the vastness of the glaciers.

5. Reynisfjara black lands

• Best Time to Visit: All year round, except during high tide season.

• Unique Feature: Black sand beach, cool portrait, and landscape photos.

A natural wonder that can only be seen in Iceland. Perhaps the most enticing and desirable place for extreme photographers. Kilometers of volcanic ash washed by the cold waters of the ocean find echoes in many films. In the famous game "NieR: Automata," one of the key locations can remind us of this spot through its prism.

Photography Tip: Located near the town of Vic, you should take some careful advice when photographing. There are high waves and rock slides that can damage cameras and other equipment.

6. Kirkjufell Mountain

• Best Time to Visit: Winter for a chance at the northern lights backdrop.

• Unique Feature: A distinct, stand-alone mountain often captured with aurora borealis.

A prevalent filming site for the "Game of Thrones" series. Kirkjufell, often known as the "arrowhead mountain," appears in both seasons 6 and 7. When the Hound and his companions capture a White Walker north of the Wall, they explore this location. Reach views and top serial background – what could be better for photographing Iceland's nature? 

Photography Tip: Kirkjufell can be found in Snaefellsnes, approximately two hours from Reykjavik. Mountain sides are really steep. The climb shouldn't be attempted for youngsters, individuals in poor physical condition, or people suffering from vertigo. Drone capturing adds your photo to unbelievable panorama views!

7. Dyrhoaley

• Best Time to Visit: All warm seasons, escape the nesting time. 

• Unique Feature: Bonding alive and live nature, stone arch, an iconic scene from “Fantastic Beasts: The Crime of Grindelwald.”

The southernmost point of mainland Iceland. Here, the sea, eroding cliffs of volcanic lava, has created a bizarre arch 110 m high. The cliffs rise in the middle of a black sandy wasteland, and in separate groups, they run far into the ocean. Thanks to wind roses, this place is perfect for nesting puffins, which you can see only in this area. 

Photography Tip: The cape is closed to visitors during the puffins nesting season – from May 1 to June 25 each year.

8. Hraunfossar

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially during the softer light of the morning or late afternoon. 

• Unique Feature: The juice color of the water and lava burst was unknown to visitors. 

It may be a particularly strongly charming waterfall in the Borgarfjordur region, and it warrants a spot on your northern adventure. The process by which the water emerges from the Hallmundarhraun lava field results in a stunning contrast between the dark lava rocks and the crystal-clear water. Hraunfossar is unique in its scenic appeal, with water flowing smoothly through a series of volcano fields, presenting a stunning sight ideal for your Iceland Instagram spots.

Photography Tip: To catch the spirit of Hraunfossar, go during the golden hours, accentuating the colors of the lava and water.

9. Yoda Cave

• Best Time to Visit: Warm season with sunny weather.

• Unique Feature: Exploration caves to find this one cool photo for friends and yourself. 

Do you recall the little creature with green skin and one of the first Jedi? Yes, it's Master Yoda. You probably didn't realize Iceland has some sci-fi elements in its natural landscape. The Hjorleifshofdi cave, while not as large as some of Vic town's more famous caves, compensates with charm and the whimsical impression of entering the Star Wars universe.

Photography Tip: To capture Master Yoda's silhouette, the photo is best taken from a half-crouch, from the back, or from full height.

10. Diamond Beach

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, it is only especially enchanting during sunrise or sunset.

• Unique Feature: A beach where glinting icebergs from the glacier lagoon rest upon the contrasting black sand.

Diamond Beach is a piece of visible nature jewelry that's on Iceland's South Coast. Icebergs from the neighboring lagoon wash up on black sands, resembling diamonds. By the time they arrive at these dunes, countless ice boulders have been polished by wind and water. The stark contrast between pristine ice and volcanic ash stretch is truly amazing!

Photography Tip: Focus on individual ice chunks, using the sun's angle to create a sparkling effect.

Practical Tips for Photographers in Iceland

When you're photographing Iceland, every frame tells a story of nature's grandeur. And each telling needs good editing. That’s why lets talk about Iceland photography tips and how you can boost your skills. 

Tip #1: Weathering the Elements

The weather in Iceland is very changeable. It is not rare to see sunshine one moment, get caught in a shower the next and get a taste of snow on the same day. It is always vital to watch the weather changes depending on the yours photo spot. Furthermore, it's a good practice for dynamic capturing Iceland most beautiful places. 

What is more, when it comes to your gear, do not forget to cover it with something. Bring waterproof bags and camera covers, and use the silica gel pack to prevent lens fog. 

Tip #2: Treading Lightly

Iceland landscapes are breathtaking, nevertheless they are also quite fragile. This means not being able to step on moss or go off the pathways, even if one has a lovely photo to take.  Please note treacherous waves during beach shoots and extra safety precautions when in high or low-altitude areas.

Tip #3: A Photographer's Responsibility

In terms of additional revelations, keep in mind the mottos "leave no trace." Accordingly, you should pack out any items you arrive with, such as snack wrappers and used batteries. However, while drones afford wonderful views, they should only be used where approved. 

For those on a budget but still aiming for top-notch photos, check out our post on The Best Budget Camera for Your Stunning Travelling. Photography in Iceland is more than capturing its beauty and preserving it for others to appreciate!

Why will Luminar Neo be Your Friend During the Iceland Photo Adventure? 

Iceland is one of those destinations where panoramic photography of nature will be the primary ability that you are going to unintentionally develop. Luminar Neo allows you to stitch images with just two clicks. This makes informing friends and relatives about your trip even easier and more convenient.

Another standout option is the Epic Travel Collection. With its 10 versatile templates, it's ideal for both the sprawling landscapes of Iceland and the dynamic urban scenes. Designed for both JPEG and RAW files, it makes your photo editing experience smooth and efficient.

Wrapping Up

Land of Ice and waterfalls is a dream for explorers and photographers. Everywhere you turn, there's something beautiful to capture, from the lively cities to the calm of nature. Perhaps, summer is the best time to visit Iceland for photography. With Luminar Neo your photos will be as breathtaking as truly Iceland landscapes!