Instagrammable places in Iceland
The ultimate guide for the most Instagrammable places in Iceland
Having photos from the most Instagrammable places in Iceland can be a great souvenir and gift for your loved ones. Even if you have a camera or just your phone, take an extra SD card with you because Iceland is such a ‘photogenic’ country.
We make memories everywhere we go on a trip and always take at least one picture to remember that moment. Also, we like to share our experiences with other people.
We have to admit that nowadays social media is a part of our lives and for some, it is the way of living. We share our moments with others and we inspire each other or learn something new from other people’s experiences. In other words, we are all little Instagrammers or Facebookers.
In the past years, Iceland has become famous on Instagram as the platform developed and became a social media platform, especially for photos. You can find on Instagram some of the best photos of Iceland. Almost all of them are taken by professional photographers and recently there have been a lot of pictures and videos taken with a drone.
Not everyone has such professional photography gear. But do not worry, you will find in this blog what you can do with only your phone.
Iceland is not a metropolitan destination, you will not find skyscrapers or European architecture but Iceland has its style and beauty. As a Nordic country, you will find Scandinavian architecture especially in Reykjavik and in small towns.
Also, let’s not forget about black Icelandic houses and unique churches. But what you see the most on social media is the natural beauty of Iceland. Now, where are the most instagrammable places in Iceland? Let’s find out!
Reykjanes Peninsula
Starting near Keflavík, your first stop would probably be Iceland’s best-known place on Instagram: The Blue Lagoon.
While you will hunt for the best spot for a photo, let your skin be nourished with natural silica minerals in the water. Enjoy your spa moment and share your experience with your friends. If you want to know more about visiting the Blue Lagoon check our blog.
Information about tickets and admission can be found here.
Greater Reykjavik Area
After you charge your batteries at the spa, your next stop should be Reykjavík. You will find a lot of Instagammable places there.
Rainbow Street in downtown Reykjavík is one of the most Instagrammable places in the city. It is also a must-visit place in Iceland. In the background stands tall the Hallgrímskirkja and by the side of the street, there are a lot of cute cafes where you can stop and enjoy a delicious beverage.
A landmark for Iceland and Reykjavík, Hallgrímskirkja impresses many, young and old, with its unique architecture and history. Also, inside the church, you will be amazed by the Nordic architecture and you can even have a panoramic view of the city from the church’s tower.
Golden Circle Area
Following the Golden Circle route, you will find so many Instagrammable places that you will have content to post for a whole year. The first stop should be Þingvellir National Park.
You may wonder what can be so Instagrammable at a national park. Well, the Þingvellir area is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland, being situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Besides that, you can go diving and snorkelling between the tectonic plates in Silfra which is considered to be a unique place where you can do that. But be careful, there are some strict regulations that must be followed and not anyone can dive there. You can find more information here about diving and snorkelling tours at Silfra.
Kerid Crater is a 3000 years old volcanic crater that houses also a lake. Its water has a vivid aquamarine shade of blue that makes it look more special. Kerid Crater is always included in the Golden Circle route and you can get there by taking an easy hike. The rest is just your imagination working for the best Instagram shot.
The Icelandic South Coast
As you head further south, on the south coast, you will find two of the most beautiful waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrafoss can both be found next to each other in south Iceland. Those two waterfalls are pretty unique. You will impress your friends with your photos taken there.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the few waterfalls where you can go behind the water. But bear in mind that you can do this only in the summertime. In the winter, the area is closed because is too dangerous to walk behind the waterfall as everything is frozen there. Please do not try to sneak behind the signs, some people almost died there.
Gljúfrafoss is one of my favourite waterfalls in Iceland. You can see in the photo why. The view of running water down to the rocky walls is absolutely stunning. This waterfall is hidden in a canyon. To get there you need waterproof shoes and clothes as you will get wet going inside the canyon. Check if your photo gear is waterproof, if not be careful, it gets really wet and your gears can be damaged.
Also, be careful in wintertime, everything may be frozen and it can be dangerous to get inside there. And I am saying this from my own experience, I slipped and fell down at the entrance of the canyon and my back hurt for like two weeks, so be really, really careful, as I said before, you do not want to put your life in danger for an Instagram photo.
Skógafoss is another landmark in Iceland, one of the most Instagrammable waterfalls in Iceland. You can take some stunning photos there. Due to the sunlight and the spray that water produces, there are almost rainbows that can be seen on the wall created by the water falling down. But also respect the signs and do not get too close to the waterfall.
As a bonus tip, near Skógafoss there is a campsite where you can camp overnight. So try to install your tent in the right spot so you will see the waterfall right from the tent. Grab a thermos can with your favourite drink, and a good book and start shooting. You can relax after you have the perfect shot.
Dyrhólaey is also one of my favourite places. You can take some really beautiful photos there. Located near the famous Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey is also a bidding place for Instagrammers. Hike all the way up to the lighthouse and enjoy the view.
I know I have repeated it already, but as beautiful as it is, Iceland can be dangerous, so do not sneak over the protective chains to go to the edge of the cliff for a photo. It is really dangerous. You can take a lot of stunning photos in a safe area.
The Black Sand Beach is one of the most dangerous beaches in Iceland yet one of the most beautiful.
Please do not ignore the signs on this beach, some people have died here because they were too close to the water and the waves pulled them away into the ocean. Also, do not climb too high on the basalt columns. Stay in the safe area and let your imagination work for the best photo.
Check the weather in Iceland and plan accordingly so you can enjoy every stunning place on the South Coast. Safetravels.is is one of the best websites to check the weather and road conditions.
You can find guided tours in south Iceland here.
Diamond Beach is another jewel of Iceland. The black beach woven with hundreds of pieces of ice will take your breath away. Find a safe spot and start shooting your photos.
For sure you have seen this place all over the internet. Stokksnes peninsula and Vestrahorn mountains. Stokksnes beach area is private so you will have to pay a small entrance fee.
If I am allowed to be subjective this is the most beautiful Instagrammable place on the South-East coast.
The Stokksnes peninsula has its own charm and interesting history. Back in the period of World War Two, it was a vital location for the British army. This area is amazing. Believe me, you will take a lot of photos there.
East Iceland
As you go east, you will find Hvalnes Nature Reserve Beach. Eystrahorn mountains guard the entire area, and the landscape is lovely.
Guarded by Mt. Strandartindur and Mt. Bjolfur and having the entire fjord at its shelter roots unfolding to the ocean, Seyðisfjörður town is truly a gem in the Eastfjords.
In the town, you will find some of the well-preserved old wooden buildings in Iceland. Maybe the name of the town won’t give you an image of it but the little town became famous on social media with its blue-painted church and the rainbow street that leads to it.
Seyðisfjarðarkirkja was brought to the town in 1920. On the sides of Rainbow Street, there are a lot of restaurants and cafes where people in town and tourists as well are enjoying their time.
Hengifoss Waterfall is one of the most known waterfalls in East Iceland. It is the third-highest waterfall in Iceland being 128 meters (420 feet). The waterfall is fed by the Hengifossá River and it runs all the way to Lagarfljót Lake.
The thing that makes this waterfall unique is the cliff from where it falls. The basaltic strata of the cliffs have some layers of red clay that give the cliff a beautiful layered aspect. The geologists have also found some fossilized trees which means that back in time in that area there was a forest.
Stuðlagil Canyon, located near Egilsstadir, is one of the most Instagramable places in Iceland. With basalt columns alongside the blue waters, this place is beautiful beyond imagination.
One thing that you might like to take note of is that the water in the canyon is not always blue.
If it has been raining a lot, the water running through the canyon is probably brown. Also, it can be dangerous to go down to the canyon after much rain as the water level can get quite high.
Northern Iceland
The powerful Dettifoss waterfall is located in the North of Iceland in the Diamond Circle near the towns of Akureyri and Húsavík. Between Akurery and Detifoss there is MyVatn geothermal area.
Being fed by a river with origins in Vatnajökull National Park, the waterfall is also a part of the National Park therefore it is protected.
Goðafoss waterfall is another majestic waterfall you will find in Iceland. Located almost near the Dettifoss waterfall, Goðafoss is located on the fourth largest river in Iceland, Skjálfandafljót. It is considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland with a height of 12 meters (39 feet) and a width of 30 meters (98 feet).
Like Dettifoss, Goðafoss waterfall is also located on the Diamond Circle, in North Iceland on the Ring Road route. Both waterfalls mentioned are located close to each other.
Goðafoss waterfall can be reached throughout the year, but during the wintertime, you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
“Where the mountains sing through the screams of seagulls, Where the whales can live ‘cause they’re gentle people” that’s where you will find the beautiful town of Húsavík.
The little town in the North of Iceland was and still is famous for whale watching, being known as the best place for whale watching in Europe.
On land or on the water, Husavik is an Instagrammable town you shouldn’t miss.
Mývatn area in the North of Iceland hosts a beautiful lake with the same name and it is the fourth-largest lake in the country. The Mývatn area sits on the Mid-Atlantic Rift and is near the Krafla volcano site so it is a volcanic site itself.
Mývatn area is best known for its geothermal waters which means there are geothermal pools that you can enjoy. The Mývatn geothermal baths are the best place to relax your mind and body after you visit the whole site.
On Northwest Iceland, along the eastern shore of Vatnsnes Peninsula stands tall a basalt rock formation close to Húnaflói Bay. Hvítserkur, a 15-meter-tall basalt island resembles a dragon or rhino. Its name means “white shirt” and was given from the birdlife that nests on the rock. The species of birds that nest there are seagulls, shag, and fulmar.
The Icelandic Westfjords
Rauðisandur is located in Westrfjords in western Iceland and is the only beach in Iceland that has no black sand.
Its name also means “red sand” but many people say that the name of the beach was given by the first settler in the area whose name was Ármóður rauði Þorbjarnarson or Ármóður the Red.
Being such a unique place in Iceland, Rauðisandur is worth a visit. The 10 km long beach will amaze you with its landscape and the changeable colours of the sand.
To get to the Rauðisandur beach it will take you 5 hours from Reykjavik, but if you are already in Westfjords it will take you only 3 hours from Ísafjörður.
The most majestic waterfall in Iceland and Westfjords, Dynjandi is also called the jewel of Westfjords.
Located by Dynjandisvogur Bay and Arnarfjörður fjord in Westfjords, Dynjandi is fed by waters from lake Stóra-Eyjavatn which is 350m above sea level. From this lake runs the Dynjandisá river which sometimes can cause seasonal floods during spring and winter.
To reach Dynjandi, you have to hike for about 15 minutes on a path made by volunteers in 1996. Bear in mind that the terrain is pretty steep and if your knees are not in good condition, it will be hard for you to hike to the waterfall.
These are the names of those waterfalls you will find along the path: Hæstahjallafoss; Strompgljúfrafoss (Strompur); Göngumannafoss; Hrísvaðsfoss; Kvíslarfoss; Hundafoss; Bæjarfoss (Sjóarfoss).
Western Iceland
There is no photographer who has been in Iceland and not photographing a classic Icelandic church or a Scandinavian black house. In the Snæfellsnes peninsula, you will find a black church that has been the subject of many impressive photos through time.
On the south coast of the peninsula, there’s a village with only a hotel and a tiny black church called the Búdakirkja that sits alone among a field of lava rocks.
Back in time, Budir was a prosperous fishing village and archeologic evidence shows that there have been once important trade posts. At the beginning of the 19th century, the village was abandoned and only the church remained there.
How to get there: You will find Búdakirkja the iconic church in the south of Snæfellsnes peninsula where road 54 goes from the seaside to the mountains. If you follow the road to the Hotel Búdir you will find Búdakirkja near to it.
One of the most photographed places in Iceland is Kirkjufell Mountain. Situated on the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula near the town of Grundarfjörður, Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellfoss is a landmark included in many tour packages.
The mountain is only a two-hour drive from Reykjavik. Once you arrive in Grundarfjörður, you have to drive a few minutes west down route Snaefellsnesvegur 54 to get to the base of Kirkjufell where is also a parking space free of charge.
You may also know this landmark from the best-known HBO series `Game of Thrones’. The mountain appeared in a scene in season 7.
If you want to hike on Kirkjufell you have to know that despite its modest high, the trail can be challenging and you should hike it only if you are an experimented climber. Otherwise, you should hike with an expert guide. To hike on Kirkjufell takes only one hour and a half in one go.
Another geology masterpiece of Iceland you will find near Arnarstapi fishing village. This tiny village has picturesque coastal cliffs derived from glowing magma hitting the wild waves of the Atlantic.
Known in Iceland as the most beautiful harbour in the country. Thousands of years later erosion has formed beautiful stone arcs and a remarkable marine geyser.
How to get there: After you visit Búdakirkja in the Snæfellsness peninsula, if you go all the way to the west you will find Arnarstapi village.
Now that you have found some of the best instagrammable places plan your trip to Iceland to have an unforgettable experience and impress your friends with your photos!
