Travel Photography

Iceland Photography Locations – Reykjavik to Hofn South Coast

October 26, 2022

Iceland Photography Location Guide – Reykjavik to Hofn

It’s a rustic the place waterfalls, icebergs and volcanoes converge to create otherworldly landscapes. Iceland will take your breath away with pure magnificence from the second you arrive to the second you fly over its dramatic shoreline in your means house. It’s no surprise Iceland images places are excessive on any photographer’s want listing!

Before we get began whereas this information is titled from Reykjavik to Hofn, it truly features a part just a little additional east to Djúpavogshreppur…that fabulous title is just a bit too lengthy for the heading!

Exploring Iceland images places by automobile is one of the simplest ways to see as a lot as potential and the southern coast is stuffed with locations to go to. You can snorkel between continents earlier than driving east to expertise infinite waterfalls and glaciers, it’s the best vacation spot for journey travellers.

The Ring Road from Reykjavik to Hofn is crammed with picture stops, should you drove straight it will take about 6hrs to cowl the odd 545kms nevertheless with so many locations to see alongside the way in which, it’s potential to take 2-3 days…or for much longer should you add on actions and hikes and need to take it gradual!

There is a giant distinction between the seasons in Iceland. In winter temperatures drop under zero levels with snow storms and wild climate situations. Winter nevertheless can also be the perfect time to witness the magic of the northern lights so it’s undoubtedly price sporting some additional clothes layers for the prospect to see this unbelievable pure phenomenon.

Summer brings the great thing about wild flowers, the midnight solar and the lovely Puffins (learn the Puffin Photography Guide right here. With 24hr sunshine you possibly can discover for so long as you possibly can keep awake which in itself is one thing particular.

Okay so sufficient of the chatter, should you’ve acquired Iceland images alternatives in your thoughts you in all probability simply need to hear about the perfect images places then dream up your personal itinerary.

So right here it’s, under is an inventory of among the finest pure wonders discovered alongside the south coast of Iceland between Reykjavik and Djúpavogshreppur…

First a map so all of it is sensible and also you head in the suitable path.

Map: The Best South Coast of Iceland Photography Locations

Actually one very last thing earlier than you soar into the places to go to…just a little 60 second video from my final journey!

Iceland Photography Locations –

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

When driving to Reykjavik, that is the primary massive waterfall and main Iceland images location you’ll come throughout on the Ring Road. It’s tall and stylish the place water flows virtually like its dancing down the cliff face. There is a small path that leads behind the waterfall which is without doubt one of the most naturally great experiences in Iceland.

Also don’t miss out on the opposite smaller however nonetheless picture worthy waterfalls beside Seljalandsfoss. Take the trail throughout the bridge in entrance of Seljalandsfoss to wander previous these gems.

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Sitting proper beside the well-known and fashionable Seljalandsfoss is a hidden waterfall that few vacationers go to. Nestled in a vertical cave with a curtain of rocks shielding it from view, this dramatic scene is one to not miss! Roaring cascades circulation down the cylindrical cave making a sound like no different. The solely factor you might want to keep in mind to have with you is a few gumboots and waterproof clothes…in any other case you’ll stroll away trying such as you’ve simply gone by way of a automobile wash.

Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

Follow the trail for about 45 minutes and also you’ll stumble throughout a aircraft wreck in the midst of what looks like a dream volcanic panorama. It’s turn out to be fairly the Iceland images bucket listing location with Instagrammers flocking to seize their inventive perspective. Mountains to the north, ocean to the south, black volcanic mounds after which a haunting wreckage of a United States Navy DC aircraft. The land proprietor has closed off entry to automobiles nevertheless there’s now a carpark that’s fairly seen beside the ring highway and it’s then potential to stroll roughly 4km (8km round-trip) should you’re actually eager to see it, you’ll see the place everybody else has parked on the gate! In 1973 the aircraft crashed on the black volcanic seaside of Sólheimasandur. Everyone survived the crash and the wreck now rests on the sand as a weather-beaten haunting topic that photographers go loopy for, particularly when there’s aurora glowing above. As somebody with just a little concern of flying (I do know, it may get awkward as a journey photographer, I’m engaged on it!) it wasn’t excessive on my listing of locations to go to however after lastly visiting on my final journey, I can say should you’ve acquired time in your itinerary, it’s definitely worth the hike so as to add one thing completely different to your Iceland pictures.

Skógafoss Waterfall

It’s a traditional pure magnificence that pulls guests 12 months spherical with its highly effective waterfall and simple accessibility. Skógafoss flows from the Skógar River and you’ll stroll proper beneath it to really feel the mist and energy of the water speeding over the cliff. If you don’t thoughts climbing stairs, you too can take the trail which ends up in the highest of the waterfall and has nice views trying over the sting.

Read extra: Photographing Skógafoss Waterfall in all seasons.

Dyrhólaey Arch + Kirkjufjara Beach

Located simply earlier than the mountain crossing all the way down to Vik there’s a highway known as Dyrhólavegur which can take you all the way in which to the coast. At the top of the highway you’ll discover a carpark and headland that appears over the scenic Reynisfjara Beach towards Vik, you too can discover Kirkjufjara Beach and {photograph} mountains to the north. Those in search of larger views can drive as much as Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and look down over the Dyrhólaey Arch and black sand seaside that extends for miles to the west. Iceland images places alongside the coast with dramatic cliffs like this aren’t actually accessible till you attain Hofn so it’s finest to go to this picture spot to get your repair!

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The black sand seashores round Vik are wild and rugged. Their magnificence extends past the waves although and as much as the small print of the encompassing cliffs which were fashioned by the acute climate of Iceland. Giant basalt pillars may be accessed on the japanese finish of Reynisfjara and make for an amazing picture alternative. Just watch out of the large waves that may sweep folks away!

The waves listed here are mesmerising, I truly stood for hours simply watching them stand up and swallow themselves up creating what appeared like watery monsters on the shoreline.

Vik

Surrounded by mountains, the ring highway winds into the charming city of Vik and divulges one of the scenic villages within the nation. With a church situated excessive above the city (an amazing place for aurora!) and rows of seaside cottages, it’s an amazing mid-way level to spend the evening. Vik Beach is well-known for its jagged rock formations that relaxation beneath the cliffs within the ocean.

If you’re critical about capturing among the most photogenic places reminiscent of Skogafoss and Reynisfjara Beach, you’re finest to make use of Vik as your base to make sure you’ve acquired a roof over your head incase the climate turns dangerous. Check out out there Vik Hotels + B&Bs on Booking.com…my choose is the Iceland Air Hotel or Hotel Kria that are each situated close to the Ring Road and throughout from a Petrol Station with a bistro for dinner.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

With a median depth of 100m, this 2km canyon is a panorama photographer’s dream location. Dramatic, different worldly cliffs of inexperienced mossy grass entwine alongside the banks of the Fjaðrá River.

*Update – The canyon was impacted by excessive numbers of vacationers in 2017-2019 and as such, has had some current enhancements to make sure the pure atmosphere can stand up to a larger variety of guests. It’s mentioned Justin Bieber’s music video that includes this location introduced a rise of 80% extra guests after it’s launch in 2015.

Foss a Sidu

After an extended and flat drive throughout glacier deltas from Vik, coming throughout this stunning waterfall is a welcome sight. Tucked in behind a farm home it’s price just a little picture cease to stretch your legs however be mind-full of the personal properties.

Mount Lomagnupur

Rising at over 680m above the highway, Mount Lomagnupur is a good place to cease between Vik and Hofn and one of the surprising Iceland images places. A shallow pool in entrance of the mountain displays the breathtaking panorama and there’s additionally a legend of an enormous that stood and watched from above.

Svínafellsjökull Glacier

With an unbelievable panorama of ice that has been frozen for 1000’s of years, Svínafellsjökull Glacier defines journey. Located on the flip off from the Ring Road to Skaftafell, you might want to hike alongside the previous filth highway to succeed in the viewing space. Your first sight is the enormous chunks of ice on the base of the glacier the place sounds of cracking may be heard because the ice falls into the water under. From there, let your eyes wander upward because the glacier rises into the mountains.

Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon

While Jökulsárlón will get nearly all of the vacationers visiting it’s shores, Fjallsárlón is simply as dramatically stunning and is even nearer to the glacier! Located simply 10km south of Jökulsárlón, it’s also a part of the bigger Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. It’s a straightforward place to park (if the carpark isn’t crammed with snow!) after which it’s a brief hike over the hill the place you might be handled with unbelievable views throughout the lagoon towards the glacier. You can get proper up near the shore the place icebergs relaxation and in summer season you possibly can even take a ship tour across the lagoon. The mighty volcano Öræfajökull will also be seen from the lagoon and acts as a formidable backdrop for pictures!

Jökulsárlón Lagoon

If you possibly can think about a winter wonderland, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon is it, an iconic Iceland images location and one that you just NEED to see, it’s so inspiring. Icebergs float gently within the chilly water as seals frolic and bathe within the sunshine. Mountains lined in snow sit behind and you will get proper up near the icebergs as they drift out to sea. There are many vantage factors you possibly can select between to view the lagoon and it’s additionally potential to stroll alongside the shoreline. If you’re like me, you’ll need to see the lagoon from all angles so check out either side of the bridge. There are small automobile parks out there earlier than crossing the bridge when approaching from Reykjavik after which it’s a brief stroll over the little hill to see the view unfold.

Diamond Beach

At Diamond Beach, the wild North Atlantic Ocean crashes over icebergs sitting on the black volcanic sand. It’s a powerful sight to witness, particularly at dawn and sundown when the glow of the solar shines by way of the icebergs created from the glacier. Where the glacial creek meets the ocean can get actually crowded with vacationers so take a wander alongside the seaside to search out your personal iceberg to {photograph}! There’s icebergs on both facet of the bridge so take your choose!

*Warning – the waves can are available fairly shortly so beware that your tripod my get knocked over by fast-paced water, or as you might have seen on the information these days, should you’re posing on an iceberg, it might get washed out to sea…with you on it! Just hold a watch out and also you’ll be tremendous 🙂

Waterfall Ice Cave – Vatnajokull Glacier

In winter it’s potential to entry one other world; that of the ice caves beneath the most important glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. Climbing down into the Waterfall Ice Cave isn’t for the fainthearted however when you’re inside, magic is throughout you. A ceiling of glowing ice, a freezing waterfall speeding alongside a flooring of vibrant pebbles and extra shades of blue than you’ve ever seen. It’s important to have a neighborhood information take you into the caves as a result of they’re harmful and consistently transferring.

Hofn

A reasonably little fishing village with a harbour crammed of trawlers and snow-capped mountains behind. It’s the right base for exploring the Vatnajokull area and has a small path that provides views throughout the ocean in direction of the glacier. By the port is Hafnarbudin Café which jogged my memory quite a lot of the pub in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty…I sat ready for the drunk helicopter pilot to whisk me away for an journey! Base your self right here should you’re seeking to {photograph} aurora at Stokksnes, it’s only a 10-15min drive away, excellent for a fast sprint as soon as the northern lights seem.

Stokksnes and Vestrahorn

A mighty mountain vary that meets the ocean in dramatic style simply east of Hofn. Rising up from the water, the cliffs of Vestrahorn are really mesmerising. Walk by way of the black sand dunes to find a pristine volcanic seaside and in winter, it’s the best place to observe the inexperienced waves of aurora dance throughout the sky. Along the filth highway to the seaside are paddocks of the mild and beautiful Icelandic Horses.

To enter Stokksnes you might want to pay a payment of 600ISK to the land proprietor on the geared up and cosy Viking Café. Ómar the proprietor is tremendous pleasant and really happy with the land so remember to cease by and have a chat too.

Dirt Road at 64°18’14.3″N 14°59’58.5″W

Driving previous the flip off to Stokksnes you’ll enterprise by way of a tunnel…after the tunnel there’s a mud highway on the left facet that leads in direction of a mountain vary that’s completely aligned with the highway. Great for these photographs of a highway main off into the gap. It’s additionally a superb spot to observe the auroura, I truly found it whereas looking for someplace to cease the automobile when the aurora was dancing above. It is feasible the highway results in a garbage dump however…it’s stunning and there’s after all no garbage in sight, simply mountains and surroundings with out one other sole round. This was one of the accessible but distant places I discovered, particularly at evening there wasn’t even a automobile that handed by!

Lónsfjördur

This glacial river valley is framed by the epic mountain peaks of Eystrahorn and Vestrahorn (Stokksnes). The valley depicts the definition of dramatic surroundings with rivers flowing into the ocean, mild waterfalls and on a relaxed day, all of it displays into the water the place swans float slowly throughout the floor. You can learn extra about my day exploring this space right here. Beneath the peaks of Eystrahorn on the japanese facet of the valley (Eyst which means East) there’s a little place to cease the automobile on the coordinates of 64.422960, -14.611382 and from right here you possibly can wander alongside a shore of large ice chunks and {photograph} reindeer within the fields.

Eystrahorn Beach

Driving beneath the jagged cliffs you’ll come upon a seaside so huge it’s virtually laborious to focus your imaginative and prescient. Waves roll across the level, the Krossanesfjall Volcano sits above and there’s nothing however an extended black sandy seaside in sight. The distinction between the mountain surroundings and the shoreline makes this one in every of my favorite views in all of Iceland, I used to be utterly awe struck by this panorama.

Djúpavogshreppur

If you’re okay with the danger of boulders falling down from the steep cliff above, this is without doubt one of the finest locations for coastal panorama images! The steep cliffs fall straight into the ocean under and the tiny ring highway feels prefer it’s delicately balancing on the sting. Ocean birds hover from their nests making nice topics to incorporate in your composition. You can see towards the japanese fjords because the shoreline juts out and in and the colors fashioned by minerals within the sand has tones of reds and pinks.

Exploring Iceland is all about making the journey your personal. It may be full of journey actions like mountain climbing on glaciers, exploring ice caves, snorkelling between continents and climbing volcanoes or you possibly can chill out and take your time discovering the tradition and distinctive Icelandic delicacies.

An best itinerary to incorporate every little thing talked about on this information can be 3-5 days since you nonetheless should drive again to Reykjavik and it’s so tempting to cease once more at every spot on the return journey! Leave a number of time for facet of the highway stops…this information is in no way inclusive of each location it’s possible you’ll need to cease, there’s lots extra that don’t have a reputation which might be price visiting.

When travelling round Iceland by automobile remember to keep conscious of the climate. As a climate geek this was one of many highlights of my journey as storms handed by way of I checked wind gusts that may generally exceed 120kmph. Don’t be the one which will get caught in a storm and must be rescued, all the time test the climate earlier than heading out every morning as situations can change very quick! You’ll discover in every petrol station and a few cafes/supermarkets they’ll have a tv with the up to date highway situations famous and any climate alerts which have to be taken severely.

Check highway.is for highway closures, situations and particularly in winter this web site is nice for letting you know the way a lot snow is on the highway and whether or not it’s protected to enterprise out. For climate forecasts test vedur.is which is up to date each few hours with anticipated wind, rain and snow forecasts.