Iceland Photography Guide: Best Locations, Tips, and Seasons

Iceland is one of the world’s best photography destinations, with waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and the northern lights often within a short drive of each other. Keep reading to find the best time for photography and get tips for capturing its most spectacular landscapes.

The best time for photography in Iceland depends on what you want to capture. Summer brings the midnight sun, green landscapes, and puffins, while autumn and winter offer northern lights, snowy scenery, and natural ice caves.

If you prefer expert guidance, photography tours in Iceland help you reach scenic locations at the right time of day. For flexibility, explore with a rental car or choose self-drive tours in Iceland, which let you spend more time at locations that suit your photography goals.

This guide includes advice from Iurie Belegurschi, an award-winning nature photographer and the founder of Iceland Photo Tours. Keep reading to discover Iceland's top photo locations, essential camera gear, and practical tips for capturing the country's landscapes and wildlife in every season.

Key Takeaways

• The best photography locations in Iceland include Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Vestrahorn Mountain, Skogafoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Kirkjufell Mountain, and Landmannalaugar.

• June and July are the best months to photograph the midnight sun and puffins in Iceland.

• September to March is the season for northern lights photography in Iceland.

• November to March is the best time to photograph ice caves and snowy landscapes.

• A weather-sealed camera, a wide-angle lens, a sturdy tripod, and spare batteries are essential gear for photography in Iceland.

• Stay on marked paths and never stop on the road when you photograph.

Why Is Iceland Good for Photography?

Iceland is good for photography because it combines dramatic landscapes, fast-changing weather, and unique light in a small area. Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches are often close together.

Iceland’s weather is part of what makes photography in Iceland so special. Icelanders have a saying: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” One moment, a mountain can look dark and dramatic under storm clouds. Minutes later, the same mountain can glow in bright sunshine.

Best Time for Photography in Iceland

The best time to visit Iceland for photography depends on your subject. To photograph natural ice caves, visit from November to March, while the northern lights are usually seen from September to March. From June to August, the midnight sun provides long golden-hour light, green landscapes, and opportunities to photograph puffins along coastal cliffs.

Summer Photography in Iceland (June to August)

Summer in Iceland is ideal for wildlife and landscape photography. The midnight sun provides long hours of soft, golden light, while blooming lupines add purple color to the countryside. Late-night shoots at popular locations such as Kirkjufell Mountain and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach can also mean fewer visitors.

The best time to photograph the Icelandic Highlands is from mid-June to September, when F-roads are open. With 4WD vehicles, you can reach remote landscapes such as Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork, known for colorful mountains, hiking trails, and volcanic scenery.

Summer is also the best time for puffin photography in Iceland, although the season begins in late April. June and July let you see puffins in Iceland at coastal cliffs. Try visiting in the early morning or evening, when softer light can bring out natural colors and details in their feathers.

Highland roads and other remote routes can close even during summer because of weather or road conditions. Always check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration's road conditions before driving to a photography location.

Fall Photography in Iceland (September and October)

Autumn in Iceland is one of the best times for photography in Iceland because it combines colorful landscapes with darker nights to capture the northern lights. Birch trees turn red, orange, and gold, creating contrasts with black lava fields, mountains, and waterfalls.

September in Iceland is appealing for photographers who want to capture several types of scenery in one trip. You can photograph autumn colors and the first snow on mountain peaks such as Vestrahorn.

Autumn storms can create dramatic clouds, mist, and changing light that add atmosphere to landscape photographs. However, Iceland's weather can change quickly throughout the season. Keep alternative locations in mind and check the forecast before setting out.

Winter Photography in Iceland (November to March)

Winter is the best time to photograph ice caves, frozen waterfalls, snow-covered mountains, and the northern lights in Iceland. Natural ice caves are usually accessible between November and March, depending on weather and safety conditions.

The low winter sun creates soft light that adds depth to snowy landscapes and mountain scenery. However, daylight is limited, especially in December, when Reykjavik receives roughly four hours of daylight around the winter solstice.

Long winter nights also provide more opportunities for northern lights photography. Choose a dark location and check the northern lights forecast, as clear skies are essential for viewing the aurora, even when solar activity is strong. Read our guide to the best month to see the northern lights in Iceland to plan your trip.

Spring Photography in Iceland (April and May)

Spring is a good time for landscape and wildlife photography in Iceland. Melting snow feeds waterfalls in Iceland, and longer daylight hours give you more time to shoot. Popular attractions are often quieter than in summer, making it easier to photograph well-known locations without large crowds.

As snow retreats, dark lava fields, emerging greenery, and patches of moss create contrasting textures across the landscape. Migratory seabirds begin returning to coastal cliffs.

Late spring is also a good time to photograph Iceland’s glacial rivers. As meltwater increases, braided river channels and gray, sediment-rich water create striking patterns best seen from above. A sightseeing flight over Vatnajokull Glacier is a great option for travelers without a drone. For tips on capturing these patterns with a drone, see the drone photography section below.

May is particularly appealing for landscape photography because it is one of Iceland’s sunniest months. However, Highland roads may still be closed, and conditions can vary across the country.

Top 10 Photography Spots in Iceland

The best photography locations in Iceland include waterfalls, glacier lagoons, black sand beaches, and mountains. Most of these photo spots are close to the Ring Road, making it easy to photograph several landscapes on one road trip.

10. Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland's most colorful landscape photography destinations. Its rhyolite mountains show shades of red, orange, yellow, and green next to dark lava fields, steaming geothermal areas, and crater lakes such as Hnausapollur and Ljotipollur.

Best time to visit: July and August. You can only reach Landmannalaugar from about mid-June to September, when the highland F-roads are open.

9. Godafoss Waterfall

Godafoss Waterfall is a broad, horseshoe-shaped waterfall that makes a striking subject in every season. Photograph Godafoss Waterfall from either riverbank for different angles, or use a long exposure to show the movement of the water.

Best time to visit: Summer for green surroundings, or winter, when snow and ice frame the waterfall.

8. Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Fjadrargljufur Canyon is ideal for wide-angle landscape photography. Its winding shape, steep moss-covered walls, and river create natural leading lines. Viewpoints along the rim of Fjadrargljufur Canyon give you views from above.

Best time to visit: Summer, when the moss is bright green.

7. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach near Vik is a top photography spot because it combines black sand, hexagonal basalt columns, and the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks in one scene. Crashing waves add drama to long-exposure photos. Stay well back from the water, because dangerous sneaker waves can reach far up the beach.

Best time to visit: Early morning, when there are fewer visitors and the light is softer.

6. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is famous for the walking path behind its falling water. From behind the waterfall, you can frame the falling water against the surrounding landscape, a view that few waterfalls offer.

Best time to visit: Summer evenings, when the low sun shines through the water. The path behind the waterfall usually closes in winter because of ice.

5. Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss Waterfall is a great photography spot because its 197-foot (60-meter) drop creates heavy spray and frequent rainbows. Photograph Skogafoss Waterfall from the base for a sense of scale, or climb the nearby stairs for a view from above.

Best time to visit: Sunny days around midday, when rainbows form in the spray.

4. Kirkjufell Mountain

Kirkjufell Mountain on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Its cone shape is easy to recognize, and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall gives you a classic foreground.

Best time to visit: Summer sunsets, or under the northern lights from September to April.

3. Vestrahorn Mountain

Vestrahorn Mountain rises above the black sand dunes of the Stokksnes Peninsula, creating one of Iceland's most recognizable landscape photography scenes. Use the dunes and beach grass as foreground elements to add depth to your shots.

Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset on a calm day. At low tide, shallow water on the sand can create mirror-like reflections of the mountain.

 2. Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is known for clear ice chunks scattered across black volcanic sand. The waves move the ice into new arrangements every day, so no two photos are the same. The changing ice formations are great for close-up shots and long exposures of the waves.

Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset, for soft light and reflections on the wet sand. Low tide is often best, because more ice is left on the shore.

 1. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a top photography spot because its blue and white icebergs change shape and position every day. Calm water reflects the ice, and seals resting on the icebergs add wildlife to your landscape photos.

Best time to visit: Sunrise, sunset, or the bright nights of summer.

Landscape Photography in Iceland

Iceland is ideal for landscape photography, with volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, hot springs, and lava fields packed into a relatively small area. Its dramatic scenery offers striking photo opportunities for photographers of all skill levels.

Many of Iceland’s best landscape photography locations lie along the Ring Road, making them easy to reach by car. Seasonal changes and unpredictable weather transform the scenery, from green summer valleys to snow-covered winter landscapes, while shifting light creates new photo opportunities throughout the day.

Best Regions for Landscape Photography in Iceland

The best regions for landscape photography in Iceland are the South Coast, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and North Iceland. Each region has many photo locations within a short drive of each other.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has mountains, beaches, lava fields, and a glacier. In North Iceland, the Lake Myvatn area has craters, lava formations, and steaming geothermal fields.

Even on a short trip, you can find great landscape photography locations near Reykjavik or Akureyri. Both towns are good bases for day trips.

Drone Rules for Landscape Photography in Iceland

You can fly a drone in Iceland where it is permitted. Iceland follows the European drone rules. Register as an operator, keep your drone in sight, and fly below 394 feet (120 meters).

Since May 17, 2026, recreational drones are not allowed all year at protected sites such as Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, Godafoss Waterfall, Dyrholaey Peninsula, Latrabjarg Cliffs, Myvatn, and Haifoss Waterfall.

Do not fly near airports or sensitive sites without permission. In Thingvellir National Park, drones are not allowed between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM in the busiest area, including Almannagja and Silfra.

Drones are not allowed at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach from April 15 to July 15. Most of Skaftafell Nature Reserve is closed to drones all year. Read the official drone rules from the Icelandic Transport Authority and our guide to flying drones in Iceland.

Northern Lights Photography in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to photograph the northern lights. The northern lights season in Iceland runs from September to April, when the nights are dark enough to see the aurora.

No one can guarantee a northern lights display in Iceland, but good planning improves your chances. Drive away from light pollution, look for clear skies, and avoid nights with a bright full moon. In Iceland, a Kp index of 2 or higher is often enough on a clear night.

If you are new to night photography, northern lights tours offer expert guides who help you find clear skies and adjust your camera settings. For access to remote locations away from the crowds, a northern lights Super Jeep tour can take you beyond the main roads.

Check the cloud cover and northern lights forecasts in Iceland before you head out. Read our guide on how to find the northern lights in Iceland for more tips.

Midnight Sun Photography in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places in the world for midnight sun photography. From mid-May to late July, the nights stay bright across Iceland, so photographers can shoot iconic locations late at night or early in the morning without the daytime crowds. Around the June solstice, Iceland has near-continuous daylight.

The low sun creates soft golden light, pastel skies, and long shadows that add depth to landscape photos. Catch the low-angle, golden light skimming the horizon between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM.

Wildlife Photography in Iceland

The best wildlife to photograph in Iceland includes puffins, whales, seals, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and Icelandic horses. Puffins nest in Iceland from about late April to August, while whales and seals live in Iceland’s waters all year.

Iceland has few land mammals because the island is far from mainland Europe. The wildlife and animals in Iceland are still rich and easy to photograph, especially seabirds and marine life.

Wildlife photography in Iceland at a glance:

Puffin Photography in Iceland

The best time for puffin photography in Iceland is from late April to August, when Atlantic puffins nest along the country's coastal cliffs. For the best results, shoot in the early morning (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM) or late evening (6:00 PM to 10:00 PM), when softer light helps capture natural colors and feather details without harsh shadows.

The Westman Islands are home to Iceland’s largest puffin population. Our study of the biggest puffin colonies in Iceland found that the Westman Islands hold 42% of the country’s puffins.

The Latrabjarg Cliffs in the Westfjords are also a popular location for photographing puffins up close. Crouch to photograph the birds at eye level, stay on marked paths, and avoid approaching cliff edges or disturbing nesting birds. Move slowly and give the puffins plenty of space.

You can also take a puffin watching tour to visit nearby islands such as Akurey and Lundey. A telephoto lens helps you capture close-up shots from the boat without disturbing the birds.

Photography Tip: Use a wide aperture, such as f/2.8 to f/5.6, to separate the puffin from the background. Aim for a fast shutter speed (1/1000 to 1/1600 sec) to freeze movement, especially when birds take off or land.

Whale Photography in Iceland

Whale photography in Iceland lets you capture whales and dolphins against a backdrop of mountains, fjords, and open ocean. More than 20 species of whales and dolphins have been recorded in Iceland’s waters. Husavik in North Iceland is often called the whale-watching capital of Europe.

You can join whale-watching tours from several towns around Iceland, with different species and scenery depending on the location and season.

• Whale watching from Husavik: Husavik is known for summer whale watching, with opportunities to photograph humpback whales and other species in Skjalfandi Bay.

• Whale watching from Akureyri: Sail into Eyjafjordur, where whales appear against steep mountains and coastal scenery.

• Whale watching from Reykjavik: Explore Faxafloi Bay, offering a convenient way to photograph whales and dolphins near the capital.

• Whale watching on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: The waters around the peninsula are known for orca sightings, particularly from February to May.

You can sometimes photograph whales from shore using a telephoto lens. The Westfjords offer summer wildlife-viewing opportunities, while Breidafjordur Bay is another area to watch for marine life. Bring binoculars to help spot distant animals before framing your shot.

Photography Tip: Use a 70–200mm zoom lens, continuous autofocus, and burst mode to capture surfacing whales, breaches, and tail flukes. Start with a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 second to freeze movement, increasing it in rough seas. Raise the ISO as needed, and keep your camera ready because sightings can happen quickly.

Seal Photography in Iceland

The best places to photograph seals in Iceland are the Vatnsnes Peninsula, Ytri Tunga Beach on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Seals in Iceland live along the coast all year. You can photograph them resting on rocky shores, swimming in shallow water, or lying on floating icebergs.

Low tide is the best time to photograph seals in Iceland, because the rocks where they rest are uncovered. Our study on where to see seals in Iceland found that seal numbers at Illugastadir on the Vatnsnes Peninsula peak from two hours before to three hours after low tide. The Icelandic Seal Center asks visitors to stay 230 to 330 feet (70 to 100 meters) away from resting seals.

Photography Tip: Use a 400–600mm telephoto lens to capture close-up shots without disturbing the seals. Move slowly, keep your distance, and speak quietly to avoid startling them. Never approach seals or block their route back to the sea.

Arctic Fox Photography in Iceland

The best place to photograph Arctic foxes is Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the northern Westfjords. This remote wilderness has no roads and is accessible by boat during the summer season. With no hunting permitted in the reserve, Arctic foxes may be less wary of people, offering opportunities to photograph them in their natural habitat.

June and July are the best months to photograph Arctic fox cubs in Hornstrandir, when they often play near their dens. Our study on where to find Arctic foxes in Iceland found that up to 80% of foxes in the Westfjords have a dark brown coat.

Guided tours are a practical way to reach Arctic fox habitats in Hornstrandir. The Arctic Fox Tour in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve from Isafjordur visits the abandoned village of Hesteyri, where you hike and look for foxes. The 2-Day Wildlife Tour to Hornstrandir and Hornvik includes hikes near the Hornbjarg Cliffs, with opportunities to photograph Arctic foxes and seabirds.

Photography Tip: Use a telephoto lens, such as a 100–500mm zoom, to photograph Arctic foxes without getting too close. Move slowly, keep your distance, and never feed foxes or approach their dens, especially when cubs are present.

Reindeer Photography in Iceland

The best place to photograph wild reindeer in Iceland is East Iceland, where herds move from the highlands to lower valleys and coastal areas during winter. In summer, the herds spread across the highlands around Mount Snaefell.

November to March is generally the best time to photograph reindeer in Iceland, as they often descend to lower elevations and may be easier to spot from roads in the Eastfjords. Our study on where to see reindeer in Iceland found that the most winter sightings are around Egilsstadir and along the Eastfjords, from Reydarfjordur to Djupivogur.

Photography Tip: Bring a telephoto lens, such as a 100–400mm zoom, to photograph reindeer without getting too close. Pull over only in safe, designated areas, and never stop in the road to take pictures. Keep your distance, avoid sudden movements, and never approach or surround a herd.

Icelandic Horse Photography in Iceland

Icelandic horses are among the most popular animals to photograph in Iceland. Their thick coats, flowing manes, and curious nature make them great subjects for portraits and landscape photography. You can photograph them in roadside pastures across the country, with backdrops such as black sand beaches near Vik, Skogafoss Waterfall, mountain ranges, and summer lupine fields.

Our study on where to see horses in Iceland found that Skagafjordur in Northwest Iceland is the center of Icelandic horse culture. South Iceland has the largest herd, and May and June are the best months to photograph newborn foals.

Always photograph from outside the fence and never enter private fields. Avoid using food to attract them without permission.

Photography Tip: A 24–70mm zoom lens is a versatile choice for Icelandic horse photography, especially when a horse approaches the fence. Use a shutter speed of at least 1/500 second to capture movement, and an aperture around f/5.6–f/8 for a sharper subject. Enable animal eye autofocus if your camera supports it.

Architecture and Culture Photography in Iceland

The best places for architecture and culture photography in Iceland include Reykjavik’s landmark buildings, street art, remote country churches, turf houses, and public art. Iceland is famous for its landscapes, but its architecture and culture draw more photographers every year.

Architecture Photography in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is ideal for urban photography, combining traditional Icelandic architecture with modern landmarks. Photograph the geometric glass exterior of Harpa Concert Hall or the distinctive design of Hallgrimskirkja Church, one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable buildings.

For street-level photos, explore the older neighborhoods to capture brightly painted houses. To find the best photo spots in the city center, join one of the walking tours in Reykjavik, where a local guide shows you hidden streets and explains the history behind the city’s landmarks.

If you prefer to explore on your own, follow one of the best walking routes in Reykjavik, such as the downtown landmarks loop.

Public Art and Sculptures to Photograph in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s public art offers plenty of opportunities for creative photography. The best-known work is the Sun Voyager, a steel sculpture beside the waterfront that resembles a Viking ship and faces Mount Esja across Faxafloi Bay. Visit at sunrise or sunset for softer light and colorful skies.

A short ferry ride from the city takes you to Videy Island, where you can photograph Milestones, a series of stone sculptures by Richard Serra. The island is also home to the Imagine Peace Tower, an artwork created by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon. Its beam of light is illuminated each year from October 9 to December 8, and sometimes remains on through New Year's Day.

Street Art Photography in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is well known for its colorful graffiti and street art, which add another dimension to urban photography. The large murals from the Wall Poetry project, created by Iceland Airwaves with the Berlin-based Urban Nation, show Reykjavik’s creative side.

Walk through the city center and Laugavegur Street to find murals that reflect Icelandic culture, nature, and local life. To learn the stories behind the murals, join the private Reykjavik street art walking tour with a local guide.

Photographing Country Churches and Turf Houses in Iceland

Outside Reykjavik, Iceland’s countryside has many photogenic buildings. The black church at Budir on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of the most photographed churches in Iceland. The lone black church against the lava fields and mountains draws photographers all year.

Historic turf houses are some of the most unique buildings to photograph in Iceland. Icelanders lived in these grass-roofed homes for centuries, protected from the harsh climate.

Some of the best turf houses to photograph in Iceland are Glaumbaer in North Iceland, the Arbaer Open Air Museum in Reykjavik, and the Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse in West Iceland.

Public Art To Photograph Outside Reykjavik

You can also photograph famous public art in Iceland’s smaller towns and islands:

• The Eggs of Merry Bay: This row of giant granite eggs stands in the village of Djupivogur in East Iceland.

• The Arctic Henge: This stone monument stands in Raufarhofn, one of the northernmost villages in Iceland.

• Orbis et Globus: This large concrete sphere marks the Arctic Circle on Grimsey Island.

Portrait Photography in Iceland

Photo by Tan Gone

Portrait photography in Iceland combines interesting people with dramatic backdrops. Reykjavik’s streets and cultural events offer opportunities for candid portraits, while waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches create striking outdoor backdrops.

For outdoor portraits, choose a location that complements the mood you want to create. Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls provide powerful natural backdrops, while Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Diamond Beach offer dark volcanic sand and ice formations for more dramatic images.

Festivals and Events for Portrait Photography in Iceland

Reykjavik’s creative scene brings together musicians, chefs, designers, performers, and artists throughout the year. Festivals and cultural events in Iceland offer opportunities to capture portraits that reflect the country’s contemporary culture.

• Iceland Airwaves: This music festival takes place in downtown Reykjavik every November.

• Food & Fun: This annual culinary festival brings chefs to restaurants across Reykjavik, usually in March.

• Reykjavik Culture Night: This free city festival takes place every August, with concerts, art, and street performances across downtown Reykjavik. Culture Night ends with fireworks over the harbor, which make a striking backdrop for evening portraits.

Beyond festivals, Reykjavik’s venues host theater, cabaret, drag performances, and poetry events throughout the year. These settings offer opportunities for expressive portraits under stage lighting and candid images of performers.

Iceland Photography Tips

These Iceland photography tips help you get better photos and stay safe in Iceland’s changing weather.

Camera Gear To Bring on Your Trip

• Weather protection: Bring a rain cover for your camera and several lens cloths. Spray from waterfalls and rain can quickly cover your lens.

• Lenses: Bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and the northern lights, and a telephoto lens for wildlife, such as puffins and whales.

• Filters: An ND filter smooths flowing water at waterfalls. A polarizer reduces glare on wet rocks, black sand, and water.

• Tripod: Use a sturdy tripod that stays still in strong wind. You need a tripod for long exposures and the northern lights.

• Batteries: Cold weather drains batteries quickly, so keep at least two spares warm in an inner pocket.

• Clothing: Bring windproof, waterproof, and warm layers. Read our guide on what to wear in Iceland.

Respect Nature and Local Rules

• Stay on marked paths: Iceland’s moss is fragile and can take decades to grow back. Never walk on moss or leave the path for a better angle.

• Never stop on the road: Park only in designated parking areas. Stopping on the Ring Road for a photo is dangerous and illegal.

• Respect private land: Some locations, such as Stokksnes, are on private land with an entry fee.

• Ask before photographing people: Always ask for consent before you take a portrait of someone.

Best Photography Tours and Workshops in Iceland

Photography tours and workshops in Iceland take you to the best locations at the best time of day. Photographers guide you on location and help you with camera settings, composition, and editing. 

Many of Iceland’s photography workshops are led by Iurie Belegurschi and his team. Iurie is an award-winning landscape photographer and the founder of Iceland Photo Tours.

These are some of the best photography tours in Iceland:

• 3-Day Photography Workshop on Iceland’s South Coast: This short workshop covers the waterfalls, black sand beaches, and sea cliffs of the South Coast.

• 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Photography Tour: This winter tour combines ice caves under Vatnajokull, the northern lights, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

• 10-Day Photography Workshop in the Highlands & South Coast of Iceland: This small-group summer workshop takes you to the Icelandic Highlands and the South Coast with professional landscape photographers.

• 12-Day Midnight Sun Photography Workshop Around Iceland: Circle Iceland under the midnight sun with professional landscape photographers to help you make the most of the long golden light.

Plan Your Iceland Photography Trip

The best Iceland photography trips start with choosing the right season for your subjects. Visit in summer for the midnight sun, puffins, and the Highlands, or from September to April for the northern lights and snowy landscapes.

Build your route around a few key photo locations, such as the Golden Circle and the South Coast. For more ideas, visit the movie locations in Iceland or the landscapes from the top music videos shot in Iceland. Leave extra days in your schedule, because bad weather can change your plans quickly in Iceland.

Pack for wind, rain, and cold, and bring rain protection for your camera. To photograph the midnight sun, puffins, and the Highlands at your own pace, book one of the summer self-drive tours in Iceland. For the northern lights and snowy landscapes, choose one of the winter self-drive tours in Iceland.

Iceland rewards patience, so keep your camera ready for the moment the light changes.