The Most Instagrammable Places in Iceland

The Most Instagrammable Places in Iceland

It’s no secret Iceland is a top destination for travellers these days. With its dramatic landscapes full of mountains, active volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches and of course waterfalls, Iceland is a photographers dream. So much so, that I’ve now made two visits there in the last two years and no doubt will be planning another in the near future.

Since this country looks so great on social media I’ve put together my favourite and most Instagrammable places in Iceland to get your photo wish list started. From natural hot springs to off-the-beaten-track waterfalls, these spots will create a gorgeous Instagram gallery of your trip to Iceland.

*I’ve grouped the pictures together based on locations so you can start to plan your trip with ease.

Here are the best places to Instagram in Iceland.

• Blue Lagoon

A trip to Iceland isn’t complete unless you’ve visited the famous Blue Lagoon. It’s one of the most visited spots in Iceland for good reason. The mineral-rich silica mud and seawater are said to have natural healing powers, particularly for the skin. But it’s not the Blue Lagoon luxury spa treatments that make it one of the top Instagrammed spots in Iceland, it’s the milky blue water set amongst the lunar-like landscape.

• Reykjavik – Hallgrimskirkja

Iceland is full of natural wonders of insanely beautiful proportions, but the country’s colourful capital has some pretty Instagram-worthy spots too. Hallgrimkskirkja is probably one of my favourite spots. This iconic church in downtown Reykjavik can be found in the skyline of the city, offering great 360-degree panorama views of the city below.

THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

• Gullfoss

Iceland has thousands of waterfalls, over 10,000 to be precise, that so many of them don’t even have names. That being said, Gullfoss is an Icelandic icon. Perhaps because it’s easily accessible on a Golden Circle tour. Gullfoss is the most visited waterfall in Iceland and it’s easy to see why.

• Geyser

Another attraction on Iceland’s Golden Circle route is Geyser. Its name is Strokkur and it erupts around every six minutes, shooting the boiling water 20-30 meters into the air.

• Thingvellir

The most historical area of Iceland is in Thingvellir, where the old parliament buildings are. It’s also the only place on earth where the tectonic plates can be seen above ground. It’s even possible to snorkel or dive in the crystal clear water where the North American and Eurasian plates come together. There’s amazing photo opportunities everywhere, especially if there’s snow. *For any Game of Thrones fans, this is also one of the spots they’ve filmed at.

• Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Ever wanted to swim in a natural hot spring in the middle of the mountains, well then I’ve got the perfect place for you.

Reykjadalur is located just 40 minutes from Reykjavik and offers an amazing setting for a day hike. The hike is about 3 km long and will take about 45-60 minutes one way depending on the number of photo stops you take. The hike is relatively easy.

This hike is a must, especially,  if you’re driving the Golden Circle or heading further afield to the main attractions in the south, as you literally drive right past this relatively unknown site.

• Kerið Crater

Kerið or Kerid is a volcanic crater lake located in south Iceland, along the Golden Circle. If you’ve just come from Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, and are continuing onto the Golden Circle you will drive right past this little gem, so keep an eye out for it.

• The Northern Lights 

The northern lights (Aurora Borealis) is something that’s on most peoples bucket lists and luckily, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see them. The best months to see this natural phenomenon is between September and April.

• Icelandic horses

SOUTH ICELAND

• Plane Wreck at Solheimssuder

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfNg_9tBdoF/?taken-at=731741323

Although it’s more difficult to get to after the access road closed, this abandoned plane wreck is a sight to see. Solheimssuder is one of the most interesting places in Iceland, as it’s one of the few incredible sights in Iceland that isn’t natural. Since the access road is now closed, it’s about a 40-minute hike one way.

• Vatnajökull Glacier

Vatnajökull is the largest and most voluminous ice cap in Iceland, and one of the largest in area in Europe.

• Ice Caves (October to March)

If you’re hiking one of the many glaciers, then try to and fit the ice caves into your tour too. They are a spectacle to witness.

• Seljalandsfoss

One of the most popular stops on the South coast is this stunning waterfall. What makes it so unique is the fact you can walk behind it, and this makes for amazing photos.

• Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls. It’s located on the southern coast and is actually quite close to Seljalandsfoss. There’s a stairs/path beside it that offers great views of the waterfall from the top and the surrounding areas.

• Landmannalaugar

Not a place I’ve managed to reach on either of my trips, but had to include it. With its mind-blowing landscapes, multi-coloured mountains, and less-visited waterfalls it really should be a place to visit. If you do manage to visit, make sure you snap a photo of Iceland’s infamous and most active volcano, Hekla.

• Reynisdrangar/ Reynisfjara/Black Sand Beach

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdkTzWNnCzs/?taken-at=239575321

Reynisfjara beach is definitely the most iconic black sand beach in Iceland. With spiky basalt stacks jutting out of the ocean and basalt columns on the beach, it’s not to be missed.

• Vik

For a stunning view over the southernmost point of mainland Iceland, climb up behind the church in Vik. You’ll be able to capture the iconic red and white church, the houses in the village below and the incredible black sand beach against the Atlantic with Reynisdrangar in the distance.

• Svartifoss

Unfortunately, time constraints prevented me from getting to Svartifoss waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park. People in the visitor centre said it’s around a 30 minute easy up hill hike to the base of the falls though.

• Jökulsárlón

One of the biggest disappointments from my trips to Iceland is not making it to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This place is meant to be a magnificent sight to see. With icebergs breaking from the glacier and floating in a lagoon before being pushed out to sea. It’s such a spectacular setting that it’s even appeared in movies from James Bond to Batman. This location will be top of my list for my next trip to Iceland for sure.

WEST ICELAND

• Kirkjufell

The most popular spot in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain. Most people will recognize this place as it’s probably the most photographed mountain in all of Iceland.

• Dynjandi

If you’re in the Westfjords, make sure you don’t miss Dynjandi. This waterfall is actually a series of waterfalls stacked over 100 meters high on top of one of another.

• Látrabjarg

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ5jOZ8DbZf/?tagged=latrabjarg

Látrabjargis is the westernmost point in Iceland and is also the most visited spot in the Westfjords. During the summer months, it’s home to an overwhelming number of birds, including Puffins.

NORTH ICELAND

• Dettifoss

Dettifoss is apparently Europe’s most powerful waterfall and can be hard to get to but is worth it for those views.

• Goðafoss