Best places to photograph in Iceland

“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” – Dorothea Lange

With its breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, Iceland is a haven for photographers seeking to capture the raw beauty of nature. From the glistening glaciers to the powerful waterfalls and the mystical Northern Lights, this extraordinary country offers endless opportunities for awe-inspiring photographs. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, Iceland is sure to ignite your creative spark and leave you with memories to cherish.

In this article, I will guide you through some of the best places in Iceland to photograph, showcasing the stunning locations that will enhance your photography skills and inspire your artistic vision. So grab your camera, pack your lenses, and embark on a visual journey through the land of fire and ice.

Brúarfoss Waterfall

Brúarfoss Waterfall is a hidden gem known for its mesmerizing beauty and vibrant blue water. Located near the Golden Circle in Iceland, this picturesque waterfall is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and avid photographers.

The cascading water creates a breathtaking sight as it tumbles over dark volcanic rock, forming a series of mesmerizing cascades. The contrast between the blue water and the stark landscape makes Brúarfoss Waterfall a photographer’s paradise.

To access this hidden treasure, you’ll need to embark on a short hike through a scenic landscape. While the trail might be a bit challenging to navigate, the reward is well worth the effort. Once you reach the waterfall, take your time to explore different viewpoints and take in the stunning surroundings.

The best time to capture the true beauty of Brúarfoss Waterfall is during the summer months when the Midnight Sun casts its warm glow over the landscape. This unique lighting enhances the vivid colors of the cascades, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

When visiting Brúarfoss Waterfall, remember to respect nature and leave no trace behind. Take in the serene beauty of the surroundings and capture the essence of this hidden jewel with your camera.

The Beauty of Brúarfoss Waterfall:

Búðakirkja (The Black Church of Búðir)

The iconic black church of Búðakirkja stands proudly on a lava field along the windswept coastline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its striking black exterior contrasts beautifully with the rugged natural surroundings, creating a captivating scene for photographers. The church, built in 1847, is not only a place of worship but also a popular landmark for visitors seeking to capture the essence of Iceland’s cultural and natural heritage.

Located against the backdrop of the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier, Búðakirkja is a sight to behold in any season. In the summer, the church is surrounded by blooming wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. During autumn, the surrounding foliage transforms into a stunning symphony of gold, red, and orange, creating a picture-perfect setting.

With its timeless beauty, the Black Church of Búðir has become one of the most photographed spots on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The combination of the church’s unique architecture, the stark contrast of the black walls against the surrounding greenery, and the dramatic Snæfellsjökull glacier in the distance offers infinite possibilities for capturing awe-inspiring images.

Photographic opportunities at Búðakirkja:

• Capture the striking black church against the vastness of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s landscape.
• Experiment with different angles to showcase the contrast between the black walls and the colorful surroundings.
• Highlight the intricate architectural details of Búðakirkja, such as the white-framed windows and the church’s simple yet elegant structure.
• Create a visual narrative by capturing the changing seasons and the unique atmosphere each one brings to the scene.

By visiting the Black Church of Búðir, photographers have the opportunity to capture the timeless beauty of this historical landmark while immersing themselves in the mesmerizing landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Whether it’s against the backdrop of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or surrounded by blooming wildflowers, Búðakirkja offers endless possibilities for photographers to create stunning images that truly showcase the magnificence of Iceland.

Fjaðrárgljúfur (Feather Canyon)

Discover the natural wonder of Fjaðrárgljúfur, an ancient canyon located between the charming fishing village of Vík and the breathtaking Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This magnificent canyon is a paradise for photographers, offering endless opportunities to capture its awe-inspiring beauty.

From an aerial perspective, the jagged canyon walls resemble a delicate feather, showcasing nature’s remarkable artistry. As you explore Fjaðrárgljúfur, you’ll be mesmerized by the graceful curves and rugged textures that make this ancient wonder truly unique.

One of the highlights of Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magnificent waterfall that cascades down the canyon, its pristine waters creating a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain. Whether you’re capturing the raw power of the waterfall or capturing the tranquil flow of the river winding through the canyon, there are countless angles and compositions to experiment with.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur during golden hour, when the warm hues of the setting sun illuminate the canyon, creating a magical atmosphere that adds a touch of enchantment to your photographs.

To fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of Fjaðrárgljúfur, take a moment to visualize the breathtaking scenery captured in the image below:

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The ancient canyon of Fjaðrárgljúfur showcases Iceland’s unparalleled natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Strokkur

When it comes to natural wonders in Iceland, Strokkur is a must-visit attraction on the Golden Circle route. This impressive fountain geyser never fails to captivate visitors with its powerful eruptions and stunning display of nature’s raw power.

Located in the Geysir geothermal area, Strokkur is renowned for its frequent eruptions, which occur every 5 to 10 minutes. As you approach the geyser, you can feel the anticipation building as the water churns and bubbles, signaling an imminent eruption.

And then, without warning, it happens—a powerful surge of water shoots high into the sky, reaching incredible heights of up to 40 meters. The sound of the eruption echoes through the air, adding to the spectacle.

Capturing the eruption of Strokkur on camera is a challenging task, requiring precise timing and a steady hand. But the effort is well worth it, as the resulting photographs are nothing short of breathtaking. The burst of water against the backdrop of the pristine Icelandic landscape creates a truly mesmerizing image.

For the best chance to witness an eruption, head to Strokkur during your visit to the Golden Circle when you can also explore other nearby attractions such as the historic Geysir geothermal area and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall.

Witnessing the eruption of Strokkur is an awe-inspiring experience that will leave you in awe of the wonders of nature. Whether you’re a professional photographer or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of the world, Strokkur is a must-see destination on your Icelandic adventure.

Ice Caves of Vatnajökull National Park

If you’re looking for a truly mesmerizing and otherworldly experience, look no further than the ice caves of Vatnajökull National Park. Nestled within the massive Vatnajökull glacier, these ice caves are a photographer’s dream, offering a captivating glimpse into the ethereal beauty of glacial ice.

The Vatnajökull glacier, covering an area of over 8,000 square kilometers, is one of the largest glaciers in Europe. Its constantly changing ice formations and intricate network of caves make it a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination.

The Formation of Ice Caves

Ice caves are formed when glacial ice melts and reshapes over time, creating intricate tunnels and caverns within the glacier. As the ice melts during the summer months, water carves its way through the glacier, creating stunning formations that are breathtakingly beautiful.

What makes these ice caves even more remarkable is the play of light that occurs within them. The glacial ice acts as a natural filter, absorbing most colors of the spectrum and allowing only shades of blue to pass through. As a result, the ice caves are bathed in a mesmerizing blue glow, creating a truly magical and surreal atmosphere.

Exploring the Ice Caves

Exploring these ice caves is an adventure like no other. As you step into the icy realm, you’ll be greeted by a world of glistening walls, intricate ice formations, and the occasional sound of dripping water echoing through the cave. It’s a surreal experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.

Photographing the ice caves requires a bit of technical skill and the right equipment. A sturdy tripod is essential to capture the crystal-clear details of the ice formations, while a wide-angle lens allows you to capture the expansive beauty of the caves. To truly capture the magic, experiment with long exposures to capture the soft, ethereal glow of the ice.

A Visual Feast

The ice caves of Vatnajökull National Park offer a visual feast for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. As you navigate through the cool, blue corridors of ice, you’ll encounter grand arches, delicate ice formations, and ethereal light filtering through the translucent walls. Each cave has its own unique character, offering endless opportunities for creative compositions and stunning photographs.

Sólheimasandur Plane Crash

The Sólheimasandur Plane Crash site is a unique photography destination in Iceland. It presents a captivating scene with the wreckage of an American DC plane that crashed in 1973, resting on the black sand beach. The contrasting sight of the deteriorating aircraft against the dark expanse of black sand creates a surreal and haunting atmosphere that photographers find irresistible.

However, capturing the beauty of this location becomes even more remarkable when the Northern Lights grace the Icelandic sky. The ethereal dance of the Aurora Borealis adds an extra touch of magic to the photographs, elevating them to a truly awe-inspiring level.

Photographers often plan their visits to the Sólheimasandur Plane Crash site during the winter months when the Northern Lights are most active. The combination of the abandoned plane wreckage and the mesmerizing play of colors in the night sky creates a captivating narrative in each photograph.

Standing amidst the vastness of the black sand, gazing up at the dance of the Northern Lights, and capturing this historic crash site provides photographers with a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It is a testament to the power of nature’s beauty and the remnants of human exploration that have become an integral part of Iceland’s landscape.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

When it comes to awe-inspiring coastlines, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland is nothing short of breathtaking. This famous beach is known for its dramatic shoreline, characterized by its striking black sand and towering basalt columns. As I stood on the beach, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the raw beauty that surrounded me.

The black sand, formed from volcanic ash, creates a stark contrast against the powerful waves that crash onto the shore. It’s a sight that truly showcases the forces of nature at work. But what makes Reynisfjara even more special are the astonishing basalt columns that dot the beach. These geometric rock formations, created by the slow cooling of volcanic lava, add a touch of mystique and wonder to the already dramatic landscape.

And then, there are the famous Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Standing tall against the crashing waves, these imposing rock formations have captured the imaginations of visitors for centuries. Legend has it that these stacks were once trolls who were turned to stone when caught by the sunlight. Whether you believe in folklore or not, there’s no denying the striking beauty of these sea stacks.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is a true paradise for photographers. The interplay of light and shadow, the contrasting textures, and the mesmerizing natural formations provide endless opportunities to capture stunning images. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned professional, this beach offers a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Iceland’s coastal wonders.