It’s no secret Iceland is a top destination for travelers these days. With it’s dramatic landscapes of lava fields, glaciers, and waterfalls, Iceland is a photographers dream!
One of my favorite things to do in Iceland is just drive around and take photos. Since this country is so darn photogenic, I’m always filling up memory cards on my camera! And that quickly turns into never-ending content for my Instagram account. (Are you following along? @lifewithaview 15 for your daily dose of Iceland!)
While this list could EASILY be over 100 places long, I’ve narrowed it down to my favorite photography locations that are picture-perfect for your Instagram feed.
Happy Instagramming, friends!
And make sure to use my hashtag #icelandwithaveiw to have your beautiful photos featured on my account!
Hallgrimskirkja
The iconic church in downtown Reykjavik can be found in the skyline of the city. While most people make it over to photograph the stunning pillars on the outside of the church, make sure to pay the small fee to ride to the top. The colorful rooftops over the city are right out of a storybook!
Read more: 10 Free and Awesome Things to do in Reykjavik
Seljalandsfoss
One of the most popular stops on the South coast is this stunning waterfall. What makes it unique is you can walk behind it, and this makes for amazing photos! Note: you will need a wide angle lens to capture it all!
Read more: South Iceland: A Guide to the Best Stops
Landmannalaugar
I love love LOVE the painted mountains of Landmannalaugar. Located in the interior of Iceland, this gem is a little trickier to get to. If you want incredible hiking, and even more incredible views, you have to make your way to landmannalaugar!
Þingvellir
The most historical area of Iceland is in Thingvellir where the old parliament buildings are. Thingvellir is also where you can walk (and dive!) between tectonic plates – where the North American and Eurasian plates come together. This is a gorgeous area to walk around – photo ops everywhere!
Read more: 8 Stops on the Golden Circle off the Beaten Path
Jökulsárlón
If I could recommend ONE thing it would be to make the drive to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This is a magnificent sight to see – icebergs breaking from the glacier and floating in a lagoon before pushed out to sea. The diamond beach across the road is equally as impressive. I could spend hours here running around with my camera!
Read more: Jokulsarlon – A MUST see in South Iceland
Stykkishólmur
I have three favorite towns in Iceland, and this is one of them. Helloooo adorable! The colorful houses, the boats in the harbor, and the lighthouse that overlooks it all – I LOVE Stykkisholmur!
Read more: 10 MUST see places in West Iceland
Dynjandi
I definitely have an obsession with waterfalls. And while there are THOUSANDS of waterfalls in Iceland, I have to say this is the most impressive. Located in the breathtaking Westfjords, this one is really difficult to get to, but worth every single minute!
Read more: A Weekend Guide to the Westfjords
Kirkjufell
Most people will recognize this place as it is know as the most photographed mountain in all of Iceland! It’s easy to see why – the unique pyramid shape with the beautiful waterfalls in the foreground. Summer, winter, northern lights…there’s not a bad time to visit this mountain!
Plane Wreck
Although it’s more difficult to get to after the access road closed, this abandoned plane wreck is a sight to see. The U.S. Army had a base in Keflavik in World War II and a plane went down in bad weather during a test run. Luckily everyone survived, but they stripped the plane of it’s usable parts and left the remains.
Read more: How to Get to the Plane Wreck
Seyðisfjörður
Remember when I told you I had three favorite towns in Iceland? This is another one! Adorable houses, check. Delicious food, check. IN a massive fjord, check! Even though it’s a bit out of the way, Seydisfjordur is a quintessential Icelandic small town. HIGHLY recommend!
Reynisfjara
Of course everyone that visits Iceland wants to see a black sand beach! Vík is not far from Reykjavik and has the most iconic one – with basalt stacks and all. Just a warning: DO NOT get close to the waves – several people have died here because of carelessness!
Grjótagjá
Hot spring in a cave? It’s too hot to swim, but GORGEOUS in photos!
Háifoss
Remember my obsession with waterfalls, and combine that with visiting places off the beaten path and you have one of my favorite waterfalls. Háifoss requires a 4×4 to drive to, so most people don’t take the time. If you are headed this way, I promise it will be worth it!
Read more: 10 Amazing Day Trips from Reykjavik
BONUS: Northern Lights
Are the northern lights on your bucket list? Well then you are in luck because Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see them! The best months are between September and April, and anytime we get to see these beauties is certainly a day maker!
Read more: How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Question: What are you most looking forward to photographing in Iceland?
Pin it for later!
Olivia Thibault
March 21, 2017 at 8:43 amOh my goodness all the little villages are so cute! I’d love to stay in them, especially a house with a bright colored roof! Awesome post and I’ll definitely be revisiting it when I plan on going to Iceland!
xoxo Olivia
http://www.ourwanderingmind.com
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 5:55 pmUgh, the colorful houses in Iceland are sooooo cute! Instagram worthy around every corner 😉
Liliane Fawzy
March 21, 2017 at 3:01 pmGreat post! Love the cute little towns. Iceland is such a beautiful country!
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 5:57 pmThanks Liliane – I love the the colorful houses against the Nordic/gray landscape of Iceland. Such a beautiful contrast!
Kay
March 21, 2017 at 4:06 pmI’m a total sucker for all things instagrammable 😀 Great post and I will pin it because as Iceland is all the rage right now, I’m pretty sure there are some people out there looking for these tips 😀
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 5:58 pmAw thanks so much Kay! Yes Iceland is all the rage, ha! I agree, I love anything Instagrammable 😉
Krista
March 22, 2017 at 6:31 pmYou clearly saved the best for last!
This is such a great post! Love the idea, the map & the photos.
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 5:58 pmOmg right?! Ahhhh, Northern Lights have my heart!
Sandra Crespo
March 23, 2017 at 8:24 pmWow Iceland is breathtaking!!! I have never been but it’s in my bucket list ! Ty for sharing these beautiful pictures!
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 5:59 pmGlad to hear Iceland is on your bucket list, Sandra! So many gorgeous things to see 🙂
Lynnae | So I'm Lost Again
March 24, 2017 at 4:27 pmThose basalt stacks remind me a bit of Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Thanks for the roundup! My Iceland adventure is still at least a year off (broke grad student life…) but seeing posts like this make me so excited!
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 6:01 pmExactly Lynnae, they are a lot like Giants Causeway. Actually minus the trees, Iceland and Ireland have a lot of similarities in their landscapes!
Rachel
March 24, 2017 at 10:37 pmIceland just looks SO beautiful! We have nonstop flights starting this fall – I’m hoping to make it happen!
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 6:02 pmOOO, nonstop flights that makes it easier! Crossing my fingers for ya Rachel 🙂
Megan | Red Around The World
March 25, 2017 at 2:00 pmIt all looks amazing, but Landmannalauger looks like somewhere I need to be as soon as possible! That looks like an awesome place to go hiking and take pictures!
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 6:02 pmExactly Megan, Landamannalaugar is SO beautiful and unique! If you like hiking then yes this is the place you need to go on your trip!
Tasha
March 25, 2017 at 2:58 pmThis post is making me want to visit Iceland even more! It looks so natural and beautiful. I particularly like the look of Dynjandi; was it a long hike to get there?
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 6:03 pmSO natural, that’s exactly right Tasha! Dynjandi is incredible and it’s so easy to get to! Just a small walk up the hill actually – minimal hiking required!
Hannah
March 25, 2017 at 3:16 pmUgh, just take me there now!! Haha. It’s so beautiful and I’m marking all of these places down in my must-sees for when I do eventually go to Iceland.
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 6:03 pmHaha I hear you Hannah. Like, how can all of these different things exist in one country?!
Gabby
March 25, 2017 at 4:47 pmwow these are incredible. I just got a new camera and am planning to visit Iceland this summer so these are great tips for me 🙂 !
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 6:04 pmPerfect timing Gabby! Hope you get some awesome shots 🙂
Becky Angell
March 25, 2017 at 4:51 pmWow these pictures just make me want to go more and more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 6:05 pmI know, everything is so picturesque!