Summary of Iceland’s Stunning Landscapes
- 18 Iceland Photos Of Mind Blowing Beauty
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Reflections from the Ring Road
- Barnafoss
- Seljalandsfoss
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Iceland Pictures of an Ever-Changing Landscape
- Icelandic Horse
- Icebergs on the Beach
- Vik in Southern Iceland
- Godafoss
- Iceland Photography of the Lava Fields
- Sun Voyager in Reykjavik
- Golfoss Long Exposure
- Icy Coast of Iceland
- Sea Arch Vik
- Wild Horses
Over the years we’ve witnessed countless Iceland pictures, and each time we are in awe of the beautiful Iceland landscape. Iceland is a destination where the breathtaking scenery will leave you speechless. The contrasting colors of green and yellow flora pop against the dramatic, stormy skies.
Iceland features ever-changing weather, crafting some of the most dramatic views available to visitors.
18 Iceland Photos Of Mind Blowing Beauty
During our eleven-day journey around the popular ring road with Iceland Travel, we experienced the freedom to stop wherever we wanted. This allowed us to fully document our adventure while capturing numerous stunning pictures of Iceland. Since it appeared on our travel radar, Dave eagerly anticipated this Nordic getaway to take Iceland photos himself. Enjoy!
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss waterfall stands as one of the most visited sites due to its closeness to Reykjavik. While many tour buses come and go, driving ourselves enabled us to enjoy this incredible site longer. We waited out the rain, and just as it ceased, a beautiful rainbow appeared, rewarding us for our patience.
Reflections from the Ring Road
Driving along the ring road creates an adventure in itself. Each day provides a new chance to discover something extraordinary.
The popularity of photography tours in Iceland is unsurprising, given the frequent breathtaking views. A photographer could spend weeks capturing its beauty.
Barnafoss
Iceland is the land of water. The water is pristine, allowing you to drink directly from rivers. Glacier melt is constant as fresh water flows down from the mountains. Barnafoss is situated in the North West of Iceland.
We traveled counterclockwise on the Ring Road, encountering this stunning waterfall as our journey came to a close. Legends tell of two boys who drowned after crossing a rocky bridge here. Their mother, in her grief, had the bridge destroyed.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a remarkable site because you can walk behind the waterfall. The lush, mossy ground remains vibrant due to the water’s spray, creating one of my favorite Iceland photos.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon might be the most intriguing destination in Iceland. Formed by glacier melt only 50 years ago, it expands rapidly due to the melting polar ice cap. Icebergs from the nearby glacier float in the lagoon until they eventually drift out to sea.
Iceland Pictures of an Ever-Changing Landscape
A trip across Iceland could easily center around capturing stunning waterfall pictures. On various days, we met with the same fellow travelers, sharing in the adventure.
Along the ring road, spontaneous stops often reveal spectacular views. If you see a parked car, there’s likely something remarkable to see. We encountered one such picturesque scene, and soon others joined us to take in the view.
Icelandic Horse
No collection of Iceland photos would be complete without these stunning creatures. The Icelandic Horse was our favorite subject during our Icelandic photography sessions. With long manes and a robust stature, these horses were brought over by the Vikings during the 9th and 10th centuries, and regulations soon followed, prohibiting the importation of additional horses to the country.
These horses are among the oldest and purest breeds in existence, making them particularly admirable. With only 300,000 residents in Iceland, there are approximately 80,000 Icelandic horses.
Icebergs on the Beach
A unique experience awaits at the coast near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where you can walk along a black volcanic sandy beach to find icebergs washed ashore. The waves quickly break them apart, yet visiting at sunset or sunrise rewards you with breathtaking views of icebergs newly arrived on the beach.
Vik in Southern Iceland
The village of Vik, located in southern Iceland, is renowned for its rainfall and impressive rock formations, including the Trolls of Vik. These towering pillars appear as though a troll ship has turned to stone, while Dyrhólaey serves as a striking landmark. On a clear day, boats can navigate calmly through this dramatic sea cave.
Godafoss
During a downpour, we caught a glimpse of Godafoss. While the storm created challenging conditions for photography, black and white images turned out surprisingly well.
Initially, we felt overwhelmed and wanted to skip this stop for a warm refuge, but ultimately, we were grateful that we persevered. The waterfall’s beauty was captivating.
Iceland Photography of the Lava Fields
Navigating through the Brennisteinsfjoll Lava Fields offered one of the most beautiful views we encountered. Formed by three distinct volcanoes, this expansive area is adorned with moss-covered boulders as far as the eye can see.
Traveling through this surreal landscape made it clear just how unique Iceland’s terrain truly is. We imagined ancient Norse gods wandering the land, draped in animal hides, their hair flowing in the wind.
Sun Voyager in Reykjavik
This monument was photographed multiple times during our Iceland trip. Finally, on our way out of the city to the airport, we managed to capture this stunning view, and I’m glad we did, as the sky put on a spectacular show. Known as Reykjavik’s most photographed site, the Sun Voyager is a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, which resembles a Viking ship; many people refer to it simply as the Viking Monument.
Golfoss Long Exposure
This Iceland photo depicts Gullfoss, often seen as Iceland’s equivalent to Niagara Falls. From a viewpoint near the top, we captured this image of the milky cascade, although the water plummets an impressive 32 meters further down the river. It’s a magnificent waterfall and undoubtedly a must-visit!
Icy Coast of Iceland
Watching the fury of an iceberg being battered by the relentless waves was mesmerizing. An Icelandic man on the beach threw ice into the water for his dog. At one point, the dog ventured too far and was swept into the current, leaving us anxious until it paddled back to safety.
This experience served as a reminder of the ocean’s power and the importance of being cautious around such rugged shores.
Sea Arch Vik
Vik is often named the most beautiful beach in the world, and its mesmerizing views support this claim. The constantly changing weather and various rock formations, including the stunning Dyrhólaey, create a captivating landscape.
Wild Horses
To our surprise, we encountered spirited wild horses during our travels. When we stopped along the road, they rushed over but did not approach us as friendly domestic horses would. Instead, they played energetically among themselves, providing us a stunning glimpse of their wild nature.
We captured these incredible pictures of Iceland with the help of Iceland Travel. The Iceland Odyssey and the Wonders of the West self-drive tour allows travelers the freedom to explore the ring road at their own pace while enjoying comfortable accommodations.