If you’re searching for the most Instagramable places in Iceland, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, I will share 21 of the best Iceland Instagram spots and inspire your inner photographer for your upcoming trip to Iceland!
Instagrammable Iceland Waterfalls
Did you know there are over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland?! Many people travel to Iceland to capture their beauty every year. You can read about 14 of the best waterfalls in Iceland here.
While I don’t have room in this post to add all of the Instagrammable Iceland waterfalls, I wanted to at least mention a few.
Brúarfoss
Bruarfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland with milky-blue water. This hidden gem on the Golden Circle route is a perfect spot to take amazing photos for Instagram. Getting to Bruarfoss waterfall is not easy, but the hike offers incredible views.
You can park at Bruarfoss Waterfall Official Parking and follow the sound of the river. During the trek, you will also see Hlauptungufoss and Midfoss waterfalls. The amazing blue color of the water offers great opportunities for photographers. In total, the hike to Bruarfoss waterfall should take 1 hour but always allow for extra time.
If you want to take even more spectacular pictures, the best time to visit Iceland is in winter. During that time of the year, days are short but the sun is very soft and allows you to take some of the most incredible photos.
White snow, turquoise water, and the much longer golden hour in winter, make Bruarfoss one of the most Instagrammable places to visit in Iceland. The best time to take the most epic pictures for your Instagram is during the sunrise around 11 am or just before the sunset between 3 pm and 4 pm.
Recommended by Paulina from the UK Every Day
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is easily one of the most well-known waterfalls in all of Iceland. It is 61 meters (200 feet) high and is an impressive sight to behold! It is located on the ring road and is a must-see for anyone visiting south Iceland.
This waterfall does not require any hiking. In fact, the parking lot is right next to it! To capture a great Instagram-worthy shot of Seljalandsfoss, try to arrive early in the morning to avoid most of the crowds.
This is one of the few waterfalls that you can walk behind. Plan on staying for at least an hour to capture pictures from all sides of Seljalandsfoss as well as the few smaller waterfalls available on a short hike right next door.
Skógafoss
One of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Iceland is Skógafoss. It is an impressive 25 meters wide (82 feet) and 60 meters (197 feet) tall. Once again, this famous waterfall is located just off of the Ring Road and is a quick and easy stop on your trek around the island.
There is a large parking lot right next to the waterfall and it is very easily accessible over a short rocky walkway. You can walk right up to the falls for an epic picture, but be prepared to get wet! Skógafoss has a lot of off-spray that will drench you if you are unsuspecting.
If you are lucky enough to visit while the sun is fully shining, there is a high chance you can catch a beautiful rainbow in the off-spray! Also, be sure and take the nearby stairs to the top of the falls where you can continue on and hike past many more beautiful waterfalls in the area.
Dynjandi Falls
The largest waterfall in the Westfjords region of Iceland, Dynjandi waterfall is the jewel of the area. It is also considered one of the most popular waterfalls in the area and a perfect place for photography.
Dynjandi Falls, also known as Fjallfoss, cascades over 100 meters from the top and continues down into several other smaller waterfalls below it. There are in total 6 additional waterfalls that flow from the waterfall of Dynjandi each with its own distinct name. You can spend time walking and wandering the area around each.
The Westfjords are one of the lesser visited areas of Iceland not being on the ring road around the country. The West Fjords are large and can take days to discover. The falls are located over a 3-hour drive off of the ring road, 5 hours from Reykjavik, and 6 hours from Akureyri. In the summer the area can be very busy with tourists and in winter access to the waterfalls is closed. There is free parking available on site for the falls.
Recommended by Anwar from Beyond My Door
Haifoss
Located right near Hekla volcano in Southern Iceland, Haifoss Waterfall is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Iceland. After all, it sits at an impressive 122 meters tall and is currently the fifth tallest waterfall in the country. It is located about 140 km away from Reykjavik and makes a perfect stop along the Golden Circle or on any Iceland itinerary.
While no permit is needed to visit, this waterfall is only accessible if you have a 4×4 vehicle since the roads here are bumpy at best. Accordingly, this spot is usually totally devoid of people. So, once you get to the parking lot, walk past the information sign and follow the gravel trail to the top for sweeping views of Haifoss and Granni waterfalls. After all, these are two of the best waterfalls in Iceland that are fed by the Fossa River and that offer visitors stunning photo ops of the area.
For a different perspective, hike down to the waterfall’s base. Alternatively, you can walk along the gorge for a unique view from multiple vantage points. Also, if you just want to enjoy the view, plan on spending around 30 minutes here. Otherwise, if you plan to hike down to the base then plan to be here for around an hour.
Instagrammable Lagoons In Iceland
Arguably some of the most Instagrammable places in all of Iceland are its stunning lagoons. There are a variety of lagoons across the country. Some are geothermal and are popular for swimming/soaking in, and others are frigidly cold but provide breathtaking views.
Here are 3 of the most popular lagoons for grabbing that perfect Instagram shot during your trip to Iceland!
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
This lagoon is a very popular tourist stop in Southern Iceland along the Ring Road. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon borders Vatnajökull National Park and is located between Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier (part of Vatnajökull Glacier) and the Atlantic Ocean.
Large chunks of ice fall off of the glacier into the lagoon and slowly make their way out to the ocean. This glacial lagoon is frequently full of floating ice and is stunning! We found that the evening was the best time to visit the lagoon due to the amount of ice in the water.
You might even be able to capture some shots of the many seals swimming around in the ice-filled waters. You can also take a tour by boat or kayak onto the lagoon for a closer look.
Sky Lagoon
One of the best places to take photos in Iceland is the newest geothermal spa, Sky Lagoon. This man-made lagoon is located only a 15-minute drive away from the capital city of Reykjavik, making it ideal for a quick visit.
The beautiful Sky Lagoon complex was inspired by the Icelandic traditions of wellness and here you will find a stunning infinity pool and a gorgeous steam room with views of the Kársnes Harbour in Kópavogur. There are several different areas to relax in, with views.
Sky Lagoon is open all year round. The best time to visit is when the spa opens or closes for the day. To access the warm waters of the Sky Lagoon and its many areas, you must purchase an entry ticket.
There are 3 types of entry tickets at the Sky Lagoon. With a basic ticket, you can access the warm waters of the spa only (Pure Lite Pass). The next level is the Pure Pass which offers access to the spa waters along with one journey of the 7 Step Ritual with a scrub. The luxury level is the Sky Pass which includes everything in the Pure Pass, plus a private changing room.
To fully appreciate the services at the Sky Lagoon, do opt for the Pure Pass. Set aside at least 2-3 hours at the complex from arrival, checking in to time at the lagoon.
Recommended by Mayuri from ToSomePlaceNew
Blue Lagoon
Another popular spot to take a geothermal dip is Blue Lagoon. It is located just a 20-minute drive from the Keflavík Airport and less than one hour from Reykjavík. This makes it a popular spot for those with extended stays in Iceland as well as short layovers.
Due to its popularity, it is recommended that you reserve your visit far in advance. There are multiple spa packages you can choose from ranging from $60 USD to over $400 USD.
Want to skip the entrance fee? You can still see the incredibly blue water and access the outer waters without paying anything. Although you won’t be able to get in the water, you can still stand on the edge and get an epic Instagram shot like the one below!
Reykjavik Instagram Spots
While there are many beautiful places to grab an Instagram-worthy shot in Reykjavík, there are a few that stand out. Here are the top 3 best Instagram spots in Reykjavik.
Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja is a modern cathedral built in 1986. It is actively used as a Lutheran parish church and services are held there every Sunday.
The beautiful architecture both inside and outside makes this a perfect Instagram spot! After grabbing some pictures outside, be sure to make your way indoors as well. The inside of the cathedral is gorgeous with high domed ceilings and a beautiful pipe organ.
Entrance to Hallgrímskirkja is free, although you can pay a small fee (1,000 ISK/$7.25 USD) to take an elevator to the top. Once at the top, you can see the massive bells as well as take in a panoramic view of Reykjavík.
If you stay long enough, you can even catch the bells ringing every 15 minutes. Beware, they are quite loud, especially if you are standing right under them!
The Sun Voyager
While Iceland is well known for its extraterrestrial landscape, breathtaking sceneries, and dramatic waterfalls, the island has plenty to discover in the capital city Reykjavik. Planning a city walking tour in Reyjavik is easy because of its compact size, and it is easy to navigate the tidy streets that run straight across the city center.
Reykjavik is filled with modern and striking man-made architecture and landmarks, and the city has no lack of eye-catching art pieces. The moment visitors are leaving Keflavik International Airport, they are greeted by the Jet Net, a steel sculpture created by Icelandic artist Magnus Tomasson.
The Sun Voyager is located on the Sæbraut Road (Route 41), a north-shore promenade of the city. This bone-shaped sculpture is a huge piece of steel that is depicted as a dreamboat or an ode to the Sun. This work is created by Jón Gunnar Árnason, an Icelandic sculptor, in 1990.
The boat represents a promise of discovered territory, a dream of hope, progress, and freedom. From afar, the sculpture is deceptively simple and small. Getting closer, you’ll realize the sculpture reaches the height of 18 meters (60 feet).
It’s a wonderful Instagram Spot because of its importance, and symbolic meaning, with the ocean and mountains in the background. The Harpa Concert Hall is also within walking distance from this landmark.
Recommended by Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Harpa Concert Hall
Another one of the most Instagrammable places in Reykjavík is the Harpa Concert Hall. This is a relatively new location and was finished building in 2011. It is truly a work of art and is a mesmerizing location to both visit and photograph.
If you do not wish to attend a concert or a show, you can still visit the Harpa Concert Hall to walk around and take pictures. During my second visit in 2022, the movie Heart Of Stone was actively being filmed at Harpa. We accidentally stumbled onto the movie set and didn’t know what was happening at first.
After learning what it was, we stayed for a while and watch them practice and shoot a few scenes. We can’t wait for the movie to come out so we can see the finished scenes we witnessed!
Regardless of whether a movie is being filmed or not, the Harpa Concert Hall is definitely worth a stop during your time in Reykjavík. It is also beautiful to visit at night.
Instagrammable Places Near Vík
Another town with plenty of Instagrammable locations nearby is Vík, Iceland. There are so many incredible things to do in this area that we wrote an entire blog post about it! Check out our list of 18 things to do near Vík, Iceland here.
Pro tip: Vik is also a great location for viewing the Northern Lights!
DC3 Plane Wreck
Perhaps one of the most famous Instagram shots in Iceland is the DC3 Plane Wreck. It is located just a short 20-minute drive from Vik. Once you reach the parking lot though, your trek is not quite over.
To reach the plane wreck, you have two options. You can hike almost 5 miles out and back through deep sand, or you can catch a tram. The tram costs almost $20 per person (2,500 ISK) round-trip but can be worth it if you are short on time. It runs every 40 minutes and the last tram of the day is at 5:00 pm.
Once you reach the plane wreck, you can take one-of-a-kind photos of the wreckage! If you visit early in the day you will have fewer tourists in your photos. You can also fly your drone and get some epic shots from the air!
If you are catching the tram, plan to give yourself 2 hours at this location. If you are hiking out to the wreckage, leave yourself 4-5 hours total.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is in South Iceland, near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It’s a magnificent canyon that stretches 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) long and 100 meters (328 feet) deep. On each side of the canyon, steep and jagged cliffs rise up covered with green grass and moss on the top. The Fjadra River flows through the canyon, fed by a nearby glacier.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon became well-known when it was featured in the Justin Bieber music video for the song “I’ll Show You.” After it became a popular stop for tourists driving Iceland’s Ring Road, designated paths and viewing points were constructed around the canyon to support visitors.
You can easily spend 1 to 2 hours at this beautiful canyon. A path will guide you from the bottom of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon to the very top, where you can shoot Instagram-worthy photos from the viewing platforms. Stepping off of the designated paths is something you should not do in Iceland. The paths are for your safety, and also protect Iceland’s delicate moss and ecosystem.
The easiest way to get to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is by rental car or campervan. It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Reykjavik or a 1-hour drive from Vik. You don’t need a 4WD vehicle to reach the canyon. You do need to go down about 2 kilometers of a gravel road off of the Ring Road, but a 2WD vehicle can manage the drive.
Recommended by Erin from Pina Travels
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach & Reynisdrangar
Just 15-minutes outside of Vik you will find the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This is a very popular stop for tourists wishing to enjoy the volcanic sand beach as well as the surrounding views.
On this beach, you can find some of the many beautiful basalt columns that Iceland has to offer. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to capture Instagram photos on the columns! There is even a basalt column cave on the beach that you can explore.
Taking a short stroll down the beach towards Vik will bring you to Reynisdrangar. These unique rock formations off the coast make for a very dramatic photo backdrop!
A word of caution, the ocean here is very dangerous. Many unsuspecting tourists have been swept out to the ocean. It is not advised that you get too close to the edge of the water. You can also fly your drone here although there are many seagulls so watch out!
We also enjoyed a tour riding Icelandic horses on the black sand beach near Vik! Read about our experience here.
Diamond Beach
For one of the most stunning Instagram locations in Iceland, you cannot miss Diamond Beach! Locally known as Breiðamerkursandur, this gorgeous stretch of black sand is full of glittering chunks of ice – hence the name!
The ice comes from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, slowly making its way down to Diamond Beach before it melts. The lagoon is just across the road so you can visit both in one trip.
The beach is easy to get to by car as it sits on the south coast just off Route 1, the main ring road around Iceland. It will take around 4.5 hours to drive from Reykjavik and 1 hour to drive from Vik to Diamond Beach so plan your trip accordingly (especially in winter when the sun sets in mid-afternoon!)
Parking is free and so is entry to the beach. There are lots of tours to this area too so even if you don’t drive, you’ll be able to visit. There are a few small restaurants in the area so you can grab lunch once you’ve seen enough, but it is recommended to bring your own as they can be expensive.
Spend at least half an hour on the beach, taking in the breathtaking views and trying new photo angles – you can really get creative here! Plus, if you’re patient, you might also spot some friendly seals popping their heads up to watch the visitors!
Recommended by Jade from Two Tall Travellers
Other Iceland Photo Spots
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
Reykjadalur Hot Springs, located in the town of Hveragerði approximately 45 minutes southeast of Reykjavik, is a photographer’s paradise. Travelers usually come here to hike 2.5 miles (3 km) one-way into the green Icelandic highlands to a steaming thermal river you can relax in. One of the most picturesque hot springs you’ll find in the country – all for free!
Much like many hikes in Iceland, the journey is arguably just as good as the destination. Along this moderately challenging hike, you’ll pass several waterfalls, including Djúpagilsfoss. The trail follows along a ridge that overlooks the canyon that Djúpagilsfoss cascades into, providing stunning views of the icy waters streaming down the green hillside.
Reykjadalur roughly translates to “steam valley” and as you approach the hot springs, you’ll quickly see why! There are areas of the trail where you literally can’t see in front of you. The path is completely engulfed in thick steam from nearby hot springs or bubbling hot pots. Just walk slowly, stay on the trail, and you’ll be fine!
You’ll have reached the hot springs once you see a wooden platform with stairs leading down to the river. Here, you can strip down to your swimsuit and wade around until you find a spot that’s just right for you. The farther upstream you go, the hotter it will be.
Then, sit back, relax, and take in the endlessly green hills, dotted with adorably weathered sheep surrounding you. Between the hike and enjoying the hot springs, budget at least four hours to enjoy here. But you may just wind up spending all day indulging in its cozy waters!
Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Silfra Fissure – Thingvellir National Park
One of the most unique and natural places to visit in Iceland is the Silfra Fissure. It is located approximately 54 kilometers from Reykjavik in the gorgeous Thingvellir National Park.
In 1789, because of an earthquake on the island and the movement of the tectonic plates, the Silfra Fissure was formed, and today, it has become one of the most famous snorkeling spots in Iceland! At this spot, it is possible to touch both the North American and Eurasian continents at once, and the scenery below the water is just as beautiful as Iceland is above the water!
Silfra Fissure’s diving base is located in Thingvellir National Park. You’ll find the place teeming with green moss, rocks, waterfalls, hiking trails, and more! But, taking a Silfra snorkeling tour is definitely one of the most popular things to do there.
Guides will be with you throughout the snorkeling experience, and they will have a GoPro with them so that they can get live shots of you below the water in case you don’t have your own action camera. You are unable to drone the area as it is forbidden, but you can snap photos throughout the park at your leisure.
Thingvellir does not require a fee to visit, but to go snorkeling, you will need to take a tour and book it in advance. A tour lasts for around 2-3 hours from start to finish, and you can easily reach the basecamp area with a normal rental car.
You can get plenty of images above the water in Iceland that will make your jaw drop, but there are very few you can get below the water – and the Silfra Fissure is one of them!
Recommended by Megan from Megan & Aram
Kerið Crater
If you’re looking for a unique spot to take Instagram pictures in Iceland, Kerið Crater might be just what you’re looking for! This volcanic crater lake offers a beautiful backdrop with the contrasting bright colors of the water and the surrounding vegetation.
There is a parking lot right next to the crater. There is no cost for parking, but there is a small entrance fee for the crater. It is 400 ISK or roughly $3 USD. Drones are not permitted at the site but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get any epic shots!
There are two ways to view Kerið Crater – from above, and from below. There is a path that circles the entire rim and provides incredible panoramic views of the crater with the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, you can choose to hike down to the bottom of the crater and take in the color of the water up close.
Kerið Crater is a short 1-hour drive from Reykjavík. Plan to stay at the crater for at least an hour. Be prepared, depending on the weather it can be quite brutal, especially in the wind. Being on the edge of the crater exposes you to the full force of the wind.
Seyðisfjörður
The little town of Seydisfjordur is one of the most Instagrammable places in Iceland, thanks to its adorable rainbow road. The rainbow road is made up of a variety of colored stones in a pathway, with repeating rainbow colors creating a path.
If you follow the pathway it leads up to a light blue colored church, with mountains in the background. The effect is just *chefs kiss*. The little alley that the path is on has several cute restaurants, so you can always stop in for a bite to eat before or after admiring the scene.
Seydisfjordur is right on an inlet of the east fjords of Iceland and has a ferry that runs between the city and Norway regularly. The rest of the town is worth walking around, as it is right on the water and has a lot of cute houses and a charming, small-town feel.
Another great thing to do in Seydisfjordur is admiring all the waterfalls on the drive from the mountains down into the valley. Waterfalls are ubiquitous around Iceland, but there is waterfall after waterfall after waterfall streaming down the mountain walls as you drive into the valley of Seydisfjordur.
There’s no fee or permit required to visit Seydisfjordur, and you can easily reach it without any kind of 4×4 vehicle. Visiting Seydisfjordur is an excellent addition to any Iceland Ring Road itinerary – so definitely add this little town to your Iceland Instagram list!
Recommended by Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast
Hornstrandir Nature Preserve
Located in the far north of Iceland is Hornstrandir National Park. It is not easy to reach and this makes the photographs you can take here even more special. To get to Hornstrandir you first need to get to Isafjordur in the Westfjords. In the summer months, this is a day of driving from Reykjavik. In the winter, however, many of the roads are closed and it is better to take a flight from the small local airport in Reykjavik up to Isafjordur.
From Isafjordur the only way to get to the west side of Hornstrandir is by boat. The boat runs throughout the summer months. If you want to visit in the winter then you will need to go as part of an organized group as numbers are strictly controlled.
To get the most from your time in Hornstrandir it is best to plan for at least two days. There are several small huts that you can stay in within the nature reserve and this allows you to hike or kayak the coast and really explore the landscape. It is best to use a local guide, especially if it is your first time in the area.
Hornstrandir is best known for its wildlife. This is one of the best places in Iceland to see Arctic foxes. In the summer months, the cliffs are full of sea birds nesting and include gannets and puffins, two of the most beautiful birds.
Recommended by Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Into the Glacier Ice Cave
If you’re looking for an experience to double as an epic Instagram post, the Into the Glacier Ice Cave tour is perfect! It is easily one of the coolest things we’ve ever done.
The tour lasts 3-4 hours when starting from Húsafell which is about a two-hour drive from Reykjavík. This experience took up most of our days but it was one of the best days we spent in Iceland!
Your tour includes riding in a super jeep, exploring Klaki Basecamp, and touring the largest man-made ice tunnel in all of Europe! It is an experience you’re sure to remember for the rest of your life.
Inside the ice caves, you can take Instagram-worthy pictures in the tunnels as well as in the underground glacier chapel. Read everything you need to know about this tour in our detailed blog post about the Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour here.
Búðakirkja
Búðakirkja is a small black church, located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. This is one of the most photographed churches in all of Iceland, and that’s not surprising.
Its black color stands out drastically from the Snæfellsjökull glacier in the background, and along with the black beaches in Iceland, the “lone church” is another shot every photography lover wants to have in their collection.
This is actually a local parish church that was first built in 1703, then deconstructed at some point, and rebuilt again in 1848. It’s still functioning today, and it’s even possible to get married here.
Getting to the church is easy and doesn’t require a 4×4 vehicle, as the roads are quite nice, and parking in front is free. The church is still operating and perhaps open from time to time, but mostly you’ll find it locked, so one has to admire it from the outside only.
Depending on how many people are there at the same time, interrupting your shot, you can take anywhere from 10 minutes to as long as you want to, just to get that perfect shot. Snapping an Instagram-worthy picture is not hard – the place is extremely photogenic.
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In closing
Have you been inspired yet for your upcoming trip to Iceland? Be sure and tag us on Instagram in your epic pictures! Which one of these Instagrammable spots are you adding to your list? Let us know in the comments below!
Find our other Iceland blogs and travel tips by clicking here
Happy travels!
I cannot believe the places you’ve seen Janae! I haven’t wanted to go to Iceland until now because I didn’t know how beautiful it was!! 😍
Thank you Laura! It’s a truly amazing country! 😍