Curious about the top places to photograph in Iceland? Here are some of my favorite Instagram Spots in Iceland!
Everyone knows it by now, I absolutely love Iceland. I’ve been three times, worked for an Icelandic Car Rental company, and I even PROPOSED to Sara there! There is just so much about the country that is a blend of welcoming and sweet history, but also the toughest weather I’ve ever experienced. I thought it’d be fun to make a post about the Best Instagram Spots in Iceland!
Also, many folks know I absolutely love Instagram! Iceland is super photogenic it is and there are so many great spots to Instagram. I think some of the places in Iceland are not only great spots to photograph in Iceland but some of the best photo locations in the world. Whether you have a big DSLR or just your iPhone, using Instagram to document your way through Iceland is a fantastic experience!
Some of these photos for the Best Instagram Spots in Iceland are done with a Nikon DSLR but many are done with my drone. Iceland is an incredible place to use a drone to explore and learn more about the landscape. But whether by drone or by phone, go explore!
Here are the Best Instagram Spots in Iceland
Godafoss Waterfall
I only saw Godafoss on my latest trip to Iceland in August. It’s in the North-Central part of the country and thus you need to drive a lot to get there. There are lots of waterfalls in Iceland but Godafoss is absolutely incredible. It’s one of the few waterfalls in the world its size where you can walk right up to the water and feel it’s power. Another thing that makes this waterfall fun to photograph is that you have multiple views above, behind, in front of, and below that really can make your Instagram shine. 🙂 Bonus tip: If you have a drone, you can get some incredible shots!
Jokulsarlon
Jokulsarlon is an absolute must see while in Iceland! Jokulsarlon which literally translates to “Glacier wounds” (how cool is that?) is a lake between the South Coast of Iceland and the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that has pieces of the glacier, icebergs, floating in it! It is SO COOL! I’ve seen a few brave souls swim here, collect a rock from here, and some folks try to flip an Iceberg. It’s such a unique place both during the Winter and other seasons. Tip: go as close to the water as you can, and put your camera really low. The water will create leading lines up to an iceberg and be visually appealing.
Northern Lights
No Iceland trip would be complete without seeing the Northern Lights! Iceland is known for its amazing seasons of showing the Aurora Borealis each Winter. Photographers flock here from all over the world to see the amazing atmospheric event. On my last trip in January, I stayed out late every single night and only saw them the very last night I was there. It was worth it! If you go to Iceland, make sure to check out the Aurora trackers online to see if there will be strong activity.
Gljufurarfoss Secret Cave
This secret cave in Iceland is amazing! If you’re on a Golden Circle Tour, you’re already going to be very close to it but most tours don’t see it. Gljufurarfoss is a waterfall and secret cave near Seljalandsfoss waterfall. I’ve never seen it busy with tourists as it’s off the beaten path which is great for photos! It’s also very very wet so be sure to have a case on your phone or camera. Pro Tip: just walk through the river to get into the cave, rather than walking down the super steep path. I’d rather be wet than slip and fall.
Vestrahorn
Vestrahorn is legendary! If you Google Iceland, Vestrahorn is one of the many beautiful places that shows up. It’s a really unique mountain form that’s on the East Coast and you’re free to explore as you see fit. Also, there’s a little cafe to park at which is super cute.
Vatnajökull Glacier
Pretty sure Vatnajökull was the first glacier I’ve ever seen this close, but it was astonishing. The whole size of it and how it stretches further your eye can see or even a drone can go on a full battery is impressive. We pulled up to the National Park and walked along the glacier for a while. It’s honestly one of the few places I’ve been where I could just not stop staring, no matter how close I got. Iceland’s glaciers are almost magnetic to the eye.
Solheimssuder Wrecked Navy Plane
Solheimssuder is one of the most interesting places in Iceland. It’s one of the few incredible sights in Iceland that isn’t natural. Basically, the story of the US Navy Plane that wrecked because of a storm in the 1970s is that the United States Navy was supposed to pick it up but never did. The sand beach that the aircraft sits on, is technically owned by a local farmer and until recently, was accessible by car and foot. Due to safety concerns, the homeowner has now closed vehicle access so you need to park along the street and hike in. It’s only about a 40-minute hike one way but this definitely deters many tourists who may not be as active or are nervous about getting lost. Luckily, when I went to see Solheimssuder car access was still available. Bonus tip: Take multiple photos of the plane both outside and inside the aircraft. You’ll have plenty of unique views to Instagram!
West Fjords
Why are the West Fjords on the Best Instagram Spots in Iceland? Well, the West Fjords are not a usual stop for most Iceland visitors. They’re in the North-West corner of Iceland and because of the unique geography, are very difficult to drive quickly through. That said, a fjord is a body of water between masses of land on 3 sides, and the light is insane in them! On my last trip there, I was able to experience sunset in the West Fjords, as well as swimming in Hellaug and it was insane!
Skogafoss
Skogafoss waterfall is a special place to me. Not only is it another waterfall where you can walk right up to it, it’s where I proposed to my fiancé. It’s a very scenic waterfall as you can walk up to it on beautiful river rocks, or take the stairs all the way to the top. Such a cool place!
Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrimskirkja is one of the incredible places to see in Reykjavik, Iceland! Easily worthy of being one of the Best Instagram Spots in Iceland! One of the largest orthodox churches in Iceland, Hallgrimskirkja has incredible views both inside and out. I usually start photographing the church from the outside and am always trying to find new angles. After that, I pay the $7 fee to go inside and take the elevator to the top. It’s so worth it! You can see all of Reykjavik from the top of Hallgrimskirkja. Last time I was in Iceland, I took a few photos (seen below) with my drone for a different perspective.
Honorable Mentions: Vik, Kirkjufell & Akureykirkja
There are a lot more amazing places to photograph in Iceland such as Thorsmork, Gulfoss, Thingvillir but it’s difficult to cover everything in the fantastic country. I also think a lot of those spots are not as easy to photograph in a cool way. Keep exploring and I hope you get to enjoy these amazing Instagram spots in Iceland!
Were there any other locations you think are worthy of the list? Comment and let me know what your Best Instagram Spots in Iceland! Also, feel free to hit me up on Instagram to share your favorite Iceland photos and stories!
Want to checkout more secret pools? Check out my 48 Hours in Iceland and My Golden Circle in Iceland Post
