Best Places to go in Iceland

If you’re planning to visit Iceland during the spring or summer to take some incredible photographs, there are certain places that you should plan to go. The entire island is abundant with spectacular vistas, and sometimes it can be hard to choose where to go.

Once you leave Reykjavik, you’ll be quickly overwhelmed with photo opportunities! The mountains, black sand beaches, gorgeous green grass, and waterfalls are breathtaking - not to mention the quiet villages and simple, charming houses that you’ll see.

1. Skaftafell and Vatnajokull National Park

Incredible hiking trails go up into the mountains in this beautiful national park. See glaciers, snowy mountains, and vistas out to the ocean in this remote place. When you pause, you’ll hear nothing but the blowing wind! Make sure to go to Svartifoss, a geologically interesting waterfall that was the inspiration for the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik.

2. The Blue Lagoon

This can easily be your first destination after arriving to Keflavik International Airport - it is a mere 30 minute drive and will be a great introduction to Icelandic lifestyle! The unusual light blue color of the water comes out beautifully in photographs. Since there are a lot of people at The Blue Lagoon during the day, try to come early in the morning before it gets too crowded for your best shots.

3. Vik

See a black sand beach on the coastline near the town of Vik. The contrast of the black sand with the white foam and blue water comes out beautifully in photographs - no wonder the area has been used as a photoshoot location for so many running apparel companies! Sunrise and sunset are particularly good times to go here. As always in Iceland, be aware that it may be windy and take care not to get sand in your camera!

4. Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

North of Skaftafell, see beautiful white and blue icebergs in the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. You can take boat tours to get closer to the icebergs, which is great for getting the best photographs you possibly can, but tend to get a bit crowded with tourists. Still, you’ll be happy that you went, especially if you get to see an iceberg breaking and exposing phenomenally blue ice inside.

5. Akureyri

While the land surrounding Akureyri is stunning, there is something very special about this far-northern city. During the winter, you can see the vivid Northern Lights. In the spring and summer, though, Akureyri offers its own, interesting beauty. Consider driving along the Icelandic coastline to get a feel for the beautiful nature of the country, and you will be surprised at how busy a place Akureyri seems after being so remote! Nearby Lake Myvatn is a great place to photograph birds, and is also a very active geothermal area. The expansive waterfall of Godafoss is also a great place to go to take some pictures.

This article was written by Cathy Trainor.

April 06, 2016

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