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Iceland is undoubtedly one of the world’s most photogenic destinations. Some countries are great for colorful people shots and urban scenes. But in the Land of Fire and Ice, it is the epic landscapes and natural phenomena that are the stars of the show.
Glowing glaciers, cascading waterfalls and vast volcanic landscapes are around every turn, as it is this sheer diversity of vistas that makes Iceland quite so Instagram-friendly.
We’ve all seen those incredible travel shots jumping out from our social media feeds- the ones that make you stop and gaze in awe. Well, on a trip to Iceland, it will be you dishing out the Insta-wows for your followers to marvel at.
In this article, we will take you through our top ten most Instagrammable spots in Iceland. While these are each impressive places, you can rest assured that Iceland has plenty more up her sleeve.
Impressive Instagrammable spots in Iceland
From Glacier lagoons to black sand volcanic beaches, these are the most photo-worthy places while traveling in Iceland!
1. Kirkjufell Mountain
This distinctive arrow-shaped mountain makes for an incredible photo. In fact, it is probably the most photographed mountain in the entirety of Iceland for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the views across it are quite so impactful, and secondly, the mountain was featured in the hit series Game of Thrones.
Fans of the show will probably recognize the mountain peak from season 7, as it made up part of the frozen landscape ‘beyond the wall’. The sequence was shot during the icy winter months where snowstorms swirled all around and a low chilly light dominated the scene.
In fact, much of the TV show was shot amongst the amazing landscapes of Iceland. So visiting fans and Instagram lovers can track down the many filming locations of Game of Thrones in Iceland!
Kirkjufell Mountain is situated on the popular Snaefellsnes Peninsula, northwest of Reykjavík. This is a great place to visit if you are looking for a short and manageable road trip itinerary. The journey takes about two hours from the capital- you can check out its exact location here.
Once you have arrived, there are diverse landscapes to explore in a relatively small area. This makes it great for first-timers visiting Iceland and those who may be short on time.
The mountain itself is often photographed alongside the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. While it is not the most dramatic waterfall in Iceland, its combination with the gorgeous green mountain in the background does make it one of the most stunning.
Especially so if you visit at sunrise or sunset, or if the Northern Lights are putting on a show. One thing’s for certain- capturing an Instagram-worthy shot is easy here.
2. Gullfoss Waterfall
This stunning waterfall makes up one of three main sights on the famous Golden Circle tour route, comprised of the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geyser Geothermal Area and Thingvellir National Park. Given it’s breathtaking beauty, it wasn’t difficult for Gullfoss to make our list of the most Instagrammable spots in Iceland.
The waterfall itself is a spectacular two-tiered drop of thirty-two meters in total. The powerful waterfall tumbles over two wide-angled steps, creating an immense amount of spray.
Its peak flow occurs in early summer after the spring melts, though it is impressive at any time of the year. If you visit on a sunny day, you might even see rainbows arcing across the spray. Catch it on camera and you’ll definitely have an Instagram winning post on your hands.
3. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Forget golden sands, Iceland is famous for its beautiful black sand beaches. And believe us, they are no less photogenic than their tropical neighbors. Volcanoes can be thanked for creating these swathes of jet-black sands, and the beach scenes are almost as dramatic as the process that made them.
One of the most Instagrammable spots in Iceland of these beaches is Reynisfjara not far from the town of Vik in South Iceland. Find its location here.
At the beach, you will find vast towering cliffs layered with volcanic basalt. The geological formations here are like huge stone columns reaching up out of the waves. Out in the bay, you’ll see three huge rock stacks sculpted over time by the elements.
The story goes that these stacks are actually trolls that were turned to stone when they got caught in the sunlight. Whatever they may be, they make for an even more dramatic beach scene. This is another super popular place for both photography and filmmaking in Iceland.
4. Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
Not far from Vik is the sublimely beautiful Jökulsárlón glacier and its neighboring lagoon. Definitely, a must in this most Instagrammable Spots in Iceland list! The lagoon connects the glacier with the open ocean, which it is in a constant state of flux. Large pieces of ice in all shapes and sizes break off from the glacier and make their way through the lagoon into the ocean.
Touring the lagoon by boat is like floating around an abstract art exhibition. The sculptural icebergs are irresistible to the photographer’s eye, with their ethereal glow and endlessly fascinating shapes. Boat trips run throughout summer and visitors can also spot seals at this time of year.
5. Diamond Beach
The evocatively named Diamond Beach is found on the coast, not far from the Jökulsárlón Lagoon. This is an incredible place to capture attention-grabbing Instagram shots. Another of Iceland’s black sand beaches, what sets it apart is its proximity to the lagoon and its drifting ice.
Here you will find pieces of ice in all shapes and sizes washed up on the shore by the waves. The sands are literally awash with icy debris, so much so that when the sun is shining, they light up and sparkle like diamonds against the jet-black sand.
Sunsets and sunrises are particularly beautiful here, especially when the deep reds and oranges of the sky are reflected in the ice.
6. Vatnajökull Ice Caves
The Vatnajökull National Park covers a vast area in South Iceland. The park is centered on the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap, Europe’s largest. Here you will find a wonderland of ice and snow. Check out the variety of wintry activities at Vatnajökull, from snowmobile tours to ice climbing, hiking and more.
One of the most Instagrammable spots in Iceland, and definitely one of the best things to do in January in Iceland so definitely take a guided tour of the ice caves. When the ice is stable, visitors can explore a series of tunnels and caves within the glacier itself. Majestic caverns open up, as visitors admire the shapes and colors of the ancient glacial ice.
7. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
There are so many dramatic waterfalls in Iceland which are all very much worth visiting and photographing. But there really is something extra special about the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Located in South Iceland, it is a short detour from the Ring Road route, making it very easy to visit. Find its exact location here.
This waterfall is so unique because it is possible to walk all the way around behind the falling curtain of its flowing water. The river that feeds it rushes across a high plateau before cascading down an impressive sixty meters.
During the summer months, visitors can follow a path right the way around behind the falling water. Standing there while looking out at the landscape beyond makes for a seriously impactful shot. An extra tip for this most Instagrammable Spots in Iceland: It is especially pretty when the sky is putting on a sunset show.
8. Svartifoss Waterfall
This lovely waterfall is found within the borders of the Vatnajökull National Park. The scenery here is wonderful throughout, but the Svartifoss Waterfall is particularly photogenic. The name translates to Black Waterfall. Are you recognizing a theme yet?
Yes, the dark rocks surrounding the waterfall are of volcanic origin. They take the form of high basalt columns, cutting a sheer twenty-meter wall across the landscape. Rather than being spread out, the waterfall here is a single plume of water cascading down the full twenty meters.
Svartifoss Waterfall is easy to visit if you are driving the Southern Ring Road; there is a visitor’s center and car park and it’s a gentle uphill walk to the falls. Definitely another prime Instagrammable spot in Iceland for your feed.
9. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous place to visit in all of Iceland. In a country renowned for its thermal hot springs, this is the one that everyone wants to say they have been to. The lagoon is a demanded Instagrammable photo spot in Iceland. It is so popular that bathers need to book a slot well in advance to enjoy a wallow in its rejuvenating waters.
The pastel turquoise pools here are surrounded by a landscape of dark volcanic rock, which, as you can imagine, makes for a dramatic image. The steam billowing up from the warm waters into the cool air adds to the drama. You do need to book in advance, so make your reservation online.
10. The Northern Lights
The final one on our top ten Instagramable spots in Iceland list isn’t actually a place but a moving phenomenon. The dancing lights of the aurora are unpredictable, but can only be seen when the sky is dark. This means that they won’t be visible during the summer months, when the Midnight Sun shines.
So in order to capture the glowing greens and blues of the Northern Lights, a winter visit is in order. When the sky is pitch black and clear of clouds you might just snap the Instagram shot of your life!
Get your camera ready for action!
These top Instagrammable spots in Iceland draw in the travelers and tourists like nothing else. It’s no surprise really, as these are definitely destinations worth visiting and capturing. In Iceland, beauty lies around every corner so make sure your camera is ready for action.
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