20 most epic photography locations
1 天

What you'll do

20 most epic photography locations, see day 2

These are 20 of my favourite photography locations spread across Iceland. Features a mix of Insta classics and hidden gems.

Day 1

This isn’t a 1 day trip - but should just be be an addition to your bucket list for photo stops in Iceland.

1

Hallgrimskirkja

文化

Famous church

Hallgrimskirkja is perhaps the most famous building in all of Iceland. It's an iconic symbol of Reyjavík and an awesome place to visit. The church is equally beautiful inside and outside. I recommend going up to the viewtower for some great 360° view of Reykjavík

2

Stuðlagil Canyon

Sightseeing

The epic glacier canyon!

Stuðlagil is located in East Iceland and is a most see if you're in the area. Epic basalt rocks frame the Jökuls á glacier river with stunning blue water. Make sure to go to the southeast side of the river so you can walk all the way down into the canyon. See the website link here for parking on the southeast side of the river - it's quite a detour if you approach it from the wrong side so use my link! For now, parking on the southeast side of the river is free.

3

Skógafoss

Waterfall

Iconic Icelandic Waterfall

One of Iceland's most splendid waterfalls, it tumbles 60 metres from the cliffs by Skógar. Easily visible from the highway, drive past some lodges/cafes to the unpaved parking lot. There are stairs to the top, some might say they are long but the walk is worth it.

This place is awesome all year round!

4

Sigöldugljúfur

Sightseeing

Canyon

A range of milky blue waterfalls all along the cliff side. This honestly looks like it was animated.

Safety concerns: The road leading to this place can be challenging and it is best to drive here with a 4x4. The road here may also be closed in winter. Be sure to check road conditions and closures at road.is.

If you want to play it safe and be in a well-equipped, photogenic car, then you should rent an old-school Land Rover Defender from www.isak.is. Use the code "gunnar" for renting your Defender on a special price. 

5

Stokksnes

Sightseeing

Iconic views

Vestrahorn on the Stokksnes beach is one of the most iconic views in Iceland. Come here for sunrise or (or sunset in wintertime). You will be charged an entry fee but it's worth it. Also great spot for northern lights.

6

Abandoned skip by Rif

Sightseeing

Abandoned ship

Abandoned ship on the beach. Very cool photo stop.

7

Klifbrekku Waterfall

Waterfall

Waterfall

I have actually coined this "The Never Ending Waterfall" and that says it all. The drive here is spectacular as well in the remote Mjóifjörður which means the narrow fjord.

Though the road to Klifbrekku is not officially an F-Road, I still HIGHLY recommend driving only a large 4x4. The road is steep, winding, bumpy, and narrow. In the winter, the road can become impassable. There are no water crossings to get to Klifbrekku.

If you want to play it safe and be in a well-equipped, photogenic car, then you should rent an old-school Land Rover Defender from www.isak.is. Use the code "gunnar" for renting your Defender on a special price. 

8

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Sightseeing

Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon in south east Iceland which is up to 100 m deep and about 2 kilometres long, with the Fjaðrá river flowing through it. Truly stunning and unique landscape

9

Kirkjufell

Sightseeing

Iconic landmark

One of the most iconic landmarks in Iceland and probably one of the most photographed mountains in the world - but with good reason.

10

Hengifoss

Waterfall

Insane basalt waterfall

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in East Iceland.

11

Jökulsárlón

Sightseeing

Famous Glaier Lagoon

A blue glacial lake right on the shore, with icebergs floating in it. It's also a great spot to photograph the Northern Lights.

You'll need to pay for parking via the Parka app but you can get a 50% discount on parking if you also visit Skaftafell (Svartifoss) the same day. The parking fee at Jökulsárlón includes the main lot by the cafe and tour busses, and both lots across the road at Diamond Beach on either side of the inlet.

12

Hornbjarg

Hike

Epic cliffs

Some of the most epic cliffs in Iceland. But they are difficult to get to. I recommend taking a guided tour with either Borea Adventures or West Tours.

13

Mælifell

Sightseeing

Majestic mountain in the highlands

The Majestic Mælifell mountain is sitting deep in the Highlands on the black sand.

Getting to Mælifell requires a good bit of driving on F-Roads (mountain roads) which are only accessible in the summer. Be sure you have a full tank of fuel and check road conditions and closures at road.is BEFORE attempting to visit Mælifell. Weather conditions can also change quickly and make traveling in the Highlands unsafe. Check the weather forecast at vedur.is. Account for longer driving times due to the slow pace at which you need to drive on F-Roads.

There are several routes to Mælifell but the easiest is from the South (Road 209 to F232). From the end of F232, Mælifell is a 3.2 km walk as the crow flies. There is one medium-sized river crossing (see Bláfjallafoss on the map/guide). Please be careful and make sure you have experience crossing rivers and do not take excessive risk. Not all car companies cover damage to cars in river-crossings and it can be easy to get stuck.

If you want to play it safe and be in a well-equipped, photogenic car, then you should rent an old-school Land Rover Defender from www.isak.is equipped with a snorkel. This helps ensure you don't drown the engine while crossing a river. Use the code "gunnar" for renting your Defender on a special price. 

Tips on river crossings: https://epiciceland.net/icelandic-rivers-how-to-cross/. Make sure to go with the stream (diagonal across the river in the direction of the flow). Do not drive against the stream, but let the flow of the river help you cross.

Note that crossing Hólmsá close by can be challenging and finding the correct crossing can be a bit confusing. If in doubt, wait for another 4x4 to cross and follow their lead. Additionally, there is very little cell-phone reception in this area, so it's not a fun place to get stuck!

14

Iconic A-frame

Sightseeing

Iconic A-frame

Iconic A-frame. You will get an epic shot here of the house. This actually is used as a sheep-shed & shelter.

15

Elliðaey

Sightseeing

Most remote cabin in the world

This is in fact a old puffin hunting lodge. It was rumored that this was Björk's summer house - but thats an urban legend. The lodge is owned by a local association from the Westman Islands.

16

Gígjagjá

Sightseeing

The Yoda Cave

This place is also known as The Yoda Cave and when you see it, you will understand.

17

Landmannalaugar

Hike

Incredible spot

Incredible spot in the highlands with colourful rhyolite mountains. Also the beginning point of the famous multi-day, Laugavegur hiking trail. Several other, smaller hiking trails begin here and on the way to Landmannalaugar there are many beautiful sights to see.

Reservations for parking at Landmannalaugar are now required. If you will be arriving at Landmannalaugar from June 20 - September 14, 2025 during the hours of 9 am - 4 pm make your parking reservation here.

Safety concerns: The road leading to this place can be challenging and just before arriving to Landmannalaugar, the road becomes an F-Road. To drive on F-Roads you must have a 4x4. It is not accessible outside of the summer season. Be sure to check road conditions and closures at road.is. There is also a small/medium river crossing just before reaching Landmannalaugar. Please be careful, not all car companies cover damage to cars in river-crossings and it can be easy to get stuck. In addition, not all 4x4s have the same capabilities for water crossings. There is a parking area before the river crossing and if you choose to park there, take the pedestrian bridge to get to Landmannalaugar's visitor centre.

If you want to play it safe and be in a well-equipped, photogenic car, then you should rent an old-school Land Rover Defender from www.isak.is equipped with a snorkel. This helps ensure you don't drown the engine while crossing a river. Use the code "gunnar" for renting your Defender on a special price. 

18

Kvernufoss

Waterfall

Waterfall

One of the most beautiful waterfalls on all of the south coast. It's less known and visit than Seljalandsfoss but equally beautiful

19

Stóra Sandvík

Sightseeing

Beach

Amazing beach and sand dunes. Total under the radar location.

20

Secret volcano

Photospot

Secret volcano

Go find this often missed spot. It's a drone spot only really.

Safety concerns: The road leading to this place can be challenging and it is best to drive here with a 4x4. The road here may also be closed in winter. Be sure to check road conditions and closures at road.is.

If you want to play it safe and be in a well-equipped, photogenic car, then you should rent an old-school Land Rover Defender from www.isak.is. Use the code "gunnar" for renting your Defender on a special price.