Learn everything you need to know about The Secret Life of Walter Mitty's Iceland locations! Discover where the movie was shot, what you can see there, and how to get there. Find the places that brought the movie to life and the best places to spend your Iceland trip!
Have you seen Ben Stiller’s movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty? This movie is one more reason to visit Iceland and see its wonderful landscapes.
Not only were several scenes of the film set in Iceland but a lot of the movie was shot there — even moments that didn't take place in the land of ice and fire! It's a reflection of how diverse and unique Iceland's landscapes are.
If you're a fan of the movie and visiting Iceland, it's only natural that you'd want to see the same places Mitty was during the film. Here's an overview of the Icelandic locations where the movie was filmed in and what you can see there!
- Check out the complete list of iconic movie locations in Iceland.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple iconic scenes from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty were filmed in Iceland—even those meant to depict places like Greenland and Afghanistan.
- Filming locations include Gardur, Stykkisholmur, Grundarfjordur, Seydisfjordur, and parts of the Highlands. Most are easily accessible by car on a self-drive itinerary.
- Iceland remains a top filming destination thanks to its surreal landscapes and thriving local film industry.
Iceland Locations of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Movie:
Gardur
GPS: 64.064708,-22.638094
In one scene of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Walter takes a leap of faith into the cold North Atlantic Ocean — a moment filmed at Gardur.
Gardur is a quiet fishing village near Keflavik International Airport and makes for an idyllic first stop on your Iceland trip. Here, you can tour one of the oldest lighthouses in Iceland, Gardskagi Lighthouse.
While you're visiting the area, you might also see thousands of migrating seabirds arriving from Greenland and North America.
Stykkisholmur
GPS: 65.066902,-22.735941
Stykkisholmur Town on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula plays the role of Nuuk, Greenland, in the film. It's a small and beautiful fishing town where you can find a lot of old buildings. You can stroll its harbor and admire colorful wooden houses used in key Walter Mitty moments.
Boat tours to Breidafjordur Bay reveal hundreds of scenic islets. The town’s cinematic charm makes it a must-see stop among Iceland's Walter Mitty filming locations.
Grundarfjordur
GPS: 64.924669,-23.260406
Grundarfjordur is a fishing village that rests near the beautiful mountain of Kirkjufell, which is a very popular place for photographers. This town is situated approximately 40 km from Stykkisholmur.
Grundarfjordur is the filming location for the scene where Walter arrives in "Greenland" by boat and then grabs a bicycle to continue his journey. During your vacation, you can hike nearby trails or photograph the mountain mirrored in still waters. Few Walter Mitty sites match the visual allure of this coastal town.
- See also: Whale Watching From Grundarfjordur
Hveradalir
GPS: 64.633333,-19.283333
The Hveradalir Geothermal Area is known as the "Valley of the Hot Springs" for a reason. Located in the Kerlingarfjoll Mountains, Hveradilr has steaming vents and distinct multicolored hills. This spot is similar to the Landmannalaugar Geothermal Area.
The unique sights and sensations Hveradlir offers mirror the surreal beauty of the Walter Mitty film locations seen on screen and capture the film's spirit of adventure. While here, you can hike through bubbling mud pools and vibrant rhyolite landscapes.
Fjallsarlon
GPS: 64.018611,-16.385
Fjallsarlon Glacial Lagoon, south of Vatnajokull Glacier, features floating icebergs and dynamic views. While it's not nearly as big as Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, it's still just as beautiful.
This lagoon appears in scenes meant to evoke a sense of awe, and a boat tour in Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon allows you to marvel at the blue ice in person. This makes it a stunning and unforgettable backdrop among Iceland's many Walter Mitty filming locations.
- See more: Best South Coast Tours in Iceland
Kalfafellsdalur
GPS: 64.220556,-16.030278
This is the valley between Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and the town of Hofn. It's also a part of Vatnajokull National Park, and you can hike this dramatic area framed by steep cliffs.
Kalfafellsdalur Valley was used to represent the Himalayas in Afghanistan during the film. Its quiet feel contributes to the sense of adventure portrayed in Mitty's adventure.
- See also: National Parks in Iceland
Hofn
GPS: 64.255959,-15.20759
Hofn is a fishing town in the beautiful Hornafjordur Harbour, where you can see the scenic Vatnajokull glacier. This town served as the stand-in for Nuuk’s helicopter departure scenes.
You can visit its harbor and taste Icelandic lobster while admiring Vatnajokull views. The mix of sea and glacier echoes the film’s transition from static routine to boldness. Among the places where The Secret Life of Walter Mitty filmed, Hofn offers striking coastal scenery.
- Read more: Top 9 Things to Do in Hofn
Seydisfjordur
GPS: 65.260727,-14.001169
Seydisfjordur, a small village, rests in the deep beautiful fjord that bears the same name. Every week, a ferry from Denmark comes here.
This town is where Walter skateboards down a winding road — one of the film’s most iconic scenes. The fjord-side village is known for art, nature, and colorful houses. You can follow the same road down into town for a real-world adventure. It’s one of the most memorable Walter Mitty filming locations in Iceland!
- See also: Seydisfjordur Church
Traveling to Iceland's Walter Mitty Film Locations
You don't have to rely on a bicycle or skateboard to traverse the land of fire and ice like Walter Mitty did in the movie — there are plenty of car rentals in Iceland to choose from. Additionally, countless self-driving activities in Iceland are available to follow and enjoy during your time here. However, make sure to prepare yourself before taking the wheel. Learning how to drive safely in Iceland is important for avoiding accidents during icy weather.
Movies and Shows Filmed in Iceland
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was far from the only movie filmed in Iceland. Not only was the Bollywood film Dilwale filmed in Iceland, but many others are as well. For example, Game of Thrones fans can enjoy a 10-day self-driving trip where they can see places from the show. You can explore this rich legacy in The Story of Icelandic Cinema.
Moreover, Iceland hosts many top film festivals and is home to many accomplished filmmakers who are beloved around the world.
Regardless of whether or not you've seen The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, you're sure to love Iceland's spectacular vistas and unique landscapes. If you've seen the film, which location would you like to see most? What part of Iceland would you want to be in your adventure? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
- See also: Ride an ATV across Reykjanes Lava Fields where "Flags of Our Fathers" was filmed.
- See also: Blue Lagoon & Reykjanes Peninsula Hiking Tour
