Iceland Pictures Location Information – 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 method dwelling. It’s no surprise Iceland pictures places are excessive on any photographer’s want listing!
Earlier than we get began whereas this information is titled from Reykjavik to Hofn, it truly features a part slightly additional east to Djúpavogshreppur…that fabulous identify is just a bit too lengthy for the heading!
Exploring Iceland pictures places by automobile is one of the simplest ways to see as a lot as attainable and the southern coast is filled with locations to go to. You’ll be able to snorkel between continents earlier than driving east to expertise countless waterfalls and glaciers, it’s the best vacation spot for journey travellers.
The Ring Street from Reykjavik to Hofn is stuffed with picture stops, should you drove straight it will take about 6hrs to cowl the odd 545kms nonetheless with so many locations to see alongside the way in which, it’s attainable to take 2-3 days…or for much longer should you add on actions and hikes and need to take it sluggish!
There’s a huge distinction between the seasons in Iceland. In winter temperatures drop under zero levels with snow storms and wild climate circumstances. Winter nonetheless can be the very best time to witness the magic of the northern lights so it’s undoubtedly value carrying some additional clothes layers for the possibility to see this unimaginable pure phenomenon.
Summer season brings the fantastic thing about wild flowers, the midnight solar and the cute Puffins (learn the Puffin Pictures Information right here. With 24hr sunshine you’ll be able to discover for so long as you’ll be able to keep awake which in itself is one thing particular.
Okay so sufficient of the chatter, should you’ve bought Iceland pictures alternatives in your thoughts you in all probability simply need to hear about the very best pictures places then dream up your individual itinerary.
So right here it’s, under is an inventory of a few of the finest pure wonders discovered alongside the south coast of Iceland between Reykjavik and Djúpavogshreppur…
First a map so all of it is smart and also you head in the precise path.
Map: The Greatest South Coast of Iceland Pictures Areas
Really one last item earlier than you bounce into the places to go to…slightly 60 second video from my final journey!
Iceland Pictures Areas –
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
When driving to Reykjavik, that is the primary giant waterfall and main Iceland pictures location you’ll come throughout on the Ring Street. It’s tall and stylish the place water flows nearly like its dancing down the cliff face. There’s a small path that leads behind the waterfall which is among the most naturally fantastic experiences in Iceland.
Additionally 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 common 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 stream down the cylindrical cave making a sound like no different. The one factor you want to bear 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 Aircraft Wreck
Observe the trail for about 45 minutes and also you’ll stumble throughout a airplane wreck in the course of what looks like a dream volcanic panorama. It’s change into fairly the Iceland pictures 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 airplane. The land proprietor has closed off entry to automobiles nonetheless there may be now a carpark that’s fairly seen beside the ring street and it’s then attainable 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 airplane crashed on the black volcanic seashore of Sólheimasandur. Everybody 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 may be aurora glowing above. As somebody with slightly concern of flying (I do know, it will possibly 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 bought time in your itinerary, it’s well worth the hike so as to add one thing totally different to your Iceland images.
Skógafoss Waterfall
It’s a traditional pure magnificence that draws guests 12 months spherical with its highly effective waterfall and simple accessibility. Skógafoss flows from the Skógar River and you may stroll proper beneath it to really feel the mist and energy of the water speeding over the cliff. When you don’t thoughts climbing stairs, you can too take the trail which ends up in the highest of the waterfall and has nice views trying over the sting.
Learn extra: Photographing Skógafoss Waterfall in all seasons.
Dyrhólaey Arch + Kirkjufjara Seaside
Positioned simply earlier than the mountain crossing right down to Vik there’s a street referred to as Dyrhólavegur which is able to take you all the way in which to the coast. On the finish of the street you’ll discover a carpark and headland that appears over the scenic Reynisfjara Seaside towards Vik, you can too discover Kirkjufjara Seaside and {photograph} mountains to the north. These in search of increased views can drive as much as Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and look down over the Dyrhólaey Arch and black sand seashore that extends for miles to the west. Iceland pictures 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 Seaside
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 shaped by the acute climate of Iceland. Large basalt pillars might be accessed on the jap finish of Reynisfjara and make for a terrific picture alternative. Simply watch out of the large waves that may sweep folks away!
The waves listed below 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 street winds into the charming city of Vik and divulges one of the vital scenic villages within the nation. With a church situated excessive above the city (a terrific place for aurora!) and rows of seashore cottages, it’s a terrific mid-way level to spend the evening. Vik Seaside is well-known for its jagged rock formations that relaxation beneath the cliffs within the ocean.
When you’re critical about capturing a few of the most photogenic places akin to Skogafoss and Reynisfjara Seaside, you’re finest to make use of Vik as your base to make sure you’ve bought a roof over your head incase the climate turns dangerous. Take a look at out there Vik Lodges + B&Bs on Reserving.com…my decide is the Iceland Air Lodge or Lodge Kria that are each situated close to the Ring Street and throughout from a Petrol Station with a bistro for dinner.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
With a mean 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.
*Replace – 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 surroundings can stand up to a higher 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 a protracted 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 value slightly picture cease to stretch your legs however be mind-full of the non-public properties.
Mount Lomagnupur
Rising at over 680m above the street, Mount Lomagnupur is a good place to cease between Vik and Hofn and one of the vital sudden Iceland pictures places. A shallow pool in entrance of the mountain displays the breathtaking panorama and there’s additionally a legend of a large that stood and watched from above.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier
With an unimaginable panorama of ice that has been frozen for 1000’s of years, Svínafellsjökull Glacier defines journey. Positioned on the flip off from the Ring Street to Skaftafell, you want to hike alongside the previous filth street to achieve the viewing space. Your first sight is the enormous chunks of ice on the base of the glacier the place sounds of cracking might 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
Whereas 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! Positioned simply 10km south of Jökulsárlón, it’s also a part of the bigger Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. It’s a simple place to park (if the carpark isn’t stuffed with snow!) after which it’s a brief hike over the hill the place you’re handled with unimaginable views throughout the lagoon towards the glacier. You will get proper up near the shore the place icebergs relaxation and in summer time you’ll be able to 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 images!
Jökulsárlón Lagoon
When you can think about a winter wonderland, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon is it, an iconic Iceland pictures location and one that you simply NEED to see, it’s so inspiring. Icebergs float gently within the chilly water as seals frolic and bathe within the sunshine. Mountains coated in snow sit behind and you will get proper up near the icebergs as they drift out to sea. There are lots of vantage factors you’ll be able to select between to view the lagoon and it’s additionally attainable to stroll alongside the shoreline. When you’re like me, you’ll need to see the lagoon from all angles so take a look at 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 Seaside
At Diamond Seaside, the wild North Atlantic Ocean crashes over icebergs sitting on the black volcanic sand. It’s an impressive sight to witness, particularly at dawn and sundown when the glow of the solar shines by way of the icebergs created from the glacier. The place the glacial creek meets the ocean can get actually crowded with vacationers so take a wander alongside the seashore to search out your individual iceberg to {photograph}! There’s icebergs on both aspect of the bridge so take your decide!
*Warning – the waves can are available fairly shortly so beware that your tripod my get knocked over by fast-paced water, or as you could have seen on the information currently, should you’re posing on an iceberg, it might get washed out to sea…with you on it! Simply maintain an eye fixed out and also you’ll be wonderful 🙂
Waterfall Ice Cave – Vatnajokull Glacier
In winter it’s attainable to entry one other world; that of the ice caves beneath the biggest 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 ground 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 shifting.
Hofn
A fairly little fishing village with a harbour crammed of trawlers and snow-capped mountains behind. It’s the proper base for exploring the Vatnajokull area and has a small path that provides views throughout the ocean in the direction of the glacier. By the port is Hafnarbudin Café which jogged my memory plenty of the pub in The Secret Lifetime 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 actually mesmerising. Stroll by way of the black sand dunes to find a pristine volcanic seashore and in winter, it’s the best place to look at the inexperienced waves of aurora dance throughout the sky. Alongside the filth street to the seashore are paddocks of the mild and lovely Icelandic Horses.
To enter Stokksnes you want to pay a charge of 600ISK to the land proprietor on the outfitted 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.
Dust Street 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 street on the left aspect that leads in the direction of a mountain vary that’s completely aligned with the street. Nice for these photographs of a street main off into the gap. It’s additionally a superb spot to look at the auroura, I truly found it whereas looking for someplace to cease the automobile when the aurora was dancing above. It’s attainable the street results in a garbage dump however…it’s stunning and there may be after all no garbage in sight, simply mountains and surroundings with out one other sole round. This was one of the vital 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 peaceful day, all of it displays into the water the place swans float slowly throughout the floor. You’ll be able to learn extra about my day exploring this space right here. Beneath the peaks of Eystrahorn on the jap aspect of the valley (Eyst that means East) there’s a little place to cease the automobile on the coordinates of 64.422960, -14.611382 and from right here you’ll be able to wander alongside a shore of large ice chunks and {photograph} reindeer within the fields.
Eystrahorn Seaside
Driving beneath the jagged cliffs you’ll come across a seashore so huge it’s nearly exhausting to focus your imaginative and prescient. Waves roll across the level, the Krossanesfjall Volcano sits above and there’s nothing however a protracted black sandy seashore in sight. The distinction between the mountain surroundings and the shoreline makes this one in all my favorite views in all of Iceland, I used to be fully awe struck by this panorama.
Djúpavogshreppur
When you’re okay with the chance of boulders falling down from the steep cliff above, this is among the finest locations for coastal panorama pictures! The steep cliffs fall straight into the ocean under and the tiny ring street feels prefer it’s delicately balancing on the sting. Ocean birds hover from their nests making nice topics to incorporate in your composition. You’ll be able to see towards the jap fjords because the shoreline juts out and in and the colors shaped by minerals within the sand has tones of reds and pinks.
Exploring Iceland is all about making the journey your individual. It may be filled with journey actions like climbing on glaciers, exploring ice caves, snorkelling between continents and climbing volcanoes or you’ll be able to calm down and take your time discovering the tradition and distinctive Icelandic delicacies.
A really perfect itinerary to incorporate the whole lot 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! Go away a number of time for aspect of the street stops…this information is not at all inclusive of each location it’s possible you’ll need to cease, there’s a lot extra that don’t have a reputation which are value 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, at all times test the climate earlier than heading out every morning as circumstances 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 street circumstances famous and any climate alerts which should be taken significantly.
Test street.is for street closures, circumstances and particularly in winter this website is nice for letting you understand how a lot snow is on the street 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.
Learn Additionally:
Photographing Skogafoss Waterfall
Inside an Ice Cave – Vatnajokull Glacier
Snorkelling Silfra Between Tectonic Plates
I hope this information has helped spotlight a few of the stunning pure wonders of Iceland’s Southern area, maintain an eye fixed out for my information to the West Coast of Iceland coming quickly…
Hiya! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.
