Few places on earth offer photographers such variety as Iceland: waterfalls, glaciers, black beaches and skies ablaze with the aurora. Here are the best locations, together with practical advice for actually getting the shot — because a great image is as much about preparation as luck.
The iconic locations
- Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes peninsula — the country's most famous mountain, usually framed with the small Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground. In winter, the aurora often dances above the peak.
- Stokksnes and Vestrahorn — a jagged peak mirrored in wet black sand. Best at low tide and in soft light, early morning or late evening.
- Reynisfjara — a black beach with basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Keep a safe distance from the water while you shoot.
- Jökulsárlón and the Diamond Beach — icebergs drifting in the lagoon and glittering chunks of ice on the black sand across the road. A long exposure reveals the movement of the ice.
Waterfalls and the aurora
Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are among the loveliest falls in the land — at Seljalandsfoss you can walk behind the curtain of water for an unusual angle. For the northern lights you need darkness, a clear sky and no light pollution; Þingvellir, Kirkjufell and the South Coast all work well. Watch the aurora forecast on vedur.is and be patient — you may wait for hours.
The Highlands and blue hour
The Highlands — Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, Kerlingarfjöll — offer rainbow-coloured mountains and vast horizons, but only in summer when the F-roads are open. In Reykjavík, the blue hour is magical: Harpa, the harbour and Hallgrímskirkja bathed in a deep blue glow just before sunrise or after sunset. In winter this soft light lingers for hours.
Ice caves and winter shots
In winter, blue ice caves open beneath Vatnajökull. Never go alone — book a trip with a licensed guide, because the caves are dangerous and access changes from year to year. Inside you will need a high ISO and a steady tripod, as the light is dim but the colours are extraordinary.
Technical tips
- Tripod — essential for waterfalls, blue hour and the aurora. Choose a stable one that can handle wind, and hang your backpack from it for extra steadiness.
- ND filters — to smooth water and cloud in daylight. A polarizer cuts glare and deepens colour.
- Aurora settings — wide lens, aperture f/2.8, ISO 1600–3200, shutter 5–15 seconds. Focus manually to infinity and take a few test frames.
- Golden and blue hour — the softest light comes just after sunrise and before sunset; in winter the sun stays low all day.
- Weather apps — vedur.is for weather and the aurora forecast, safetravel.is for conditions and closures.
- Extra kit — bring spare batteries (cold drains them fast), a cloth to wipe spray off the lens, and warm gloves.
The best seasons for photography
Summer brings the midnight sun, when the golden hour lasts almost all night — perfect for landscapes and birdlife. Autumn and winter are the season of the aurora, snow-capped mountains and ice caves, but daylight is short, so planning is everything. Spring is ideal for waterfalls at full force as the snow melts. Each season has its own character — choose according to what you most want to shoot.
More spots worth the detour
Beyond the best-known sites, many gems hide in plain view. Goðafoss and Aldeyjarfoss in the north are handsome falls framed by basalt, and Kerið is a vivid blue crater on the Golden Circle. Brúarfoss charms with its turquoise water, and Hverfjall by Mývatn offers a sweeping vantage point. Give yourself time to stop where few others do — often the best frames are found where no one else is standing.
Respect the landscape
Stay on marked trails, never trample the moss that takes decades to grow, and put safety first. Drone use is banned in many places, so check the rules first. No photograph is worth risking your life or damaging the land. Leave every spot as you would wish to find it — untouched for the next photographer.