11 Best Instagram Locations For Your Summer Iceland Trip
Iceland is known as the land of Fire and Ice. There are about 130 volcanoes and 269 glaciers that cover the entire country. As you explore you can quickly see how the terrain changes. To help you navigate this picturesque country, I’ve curated a list of 11 best Instagram photo spots in Southern Iceland in summer, complete with essential tips to navigate to these beautiful locations.
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Solheimasandur / DC-3 Plane Wreckage
There’s no question as to why this made the list of 11 best Iceland Instagram locations in summer. The plane wreckage initially occurred in 1973 when the US Navy had to make a crash landing on the southern coast of Iceland. The site started becoming popular when Justin Bieber shot his music video in 2015 across Iceland, filming at this exact location.
An important tip with visiting this location if you want to capture the best lighting with the least amount of people is to visit during sunrise or sunset for that magical golden hour glow. I found that many people are respectful of photos and will even offer taking some for you. However, it’s always best to bring a tripod if you can.
Important Info: There is a parking lot near the road and it’s very simple to navigate. The hike from the parking lot to the wreckage is about 4.6 miles. This will take about 2 hours round trip, so plan your shoes and time accordingly. There is a bus that can transport you, but it only runs certain hours of the day. I will link them for you here > arcanum.is). However, marked posts along the path will help to not get lost walking there and back. Remember to carry water as the walk can feel daunting, but the otherworldly experience and photo opportunities are worth it.
Seljalandfoss
The second location to make the list for 11 best Iceland Instagram locations in summer is Seljalandfoss. This majestic waterfall offers a unique opportunity to walk behind the cascading water. This provides incredible angles for photographs and is honestly one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland. Any time of day will reward you with breathtaking views, but I recommend during sunset to try and capture the beautiful colors in the background. (I definitely plan to come back and get that sunset shot).
Important Info: It’s located right off the main Road and is a very short distance from the parking lot. This location has a little Food “truck” located at the entrance so you can grab a bite to eat. If you want to try an authentic Icelandic meal, I recommend the Meat Soup (it’s got a variety of veggies with lamb). This area gets very crowded as many of the tour buses arrive here throughout the day.
Gljufrabui Foss
Of course, a secret location must be included on the list of 11 best Iceland Instagram locations in summer. Adjacent to Seljalandfoss, this hidden gem within a canyon offers a different perspective. When photographing this waterfall it is best to lower the camera and angle upwards, so you can truly capture its beauty. This helps to show more depth and perspective in the image.
Important Tips: Prepare to get your feet wet for this one. To access this waterfall you will walk through a small canyon and stream. There are some small rocks that you can step on to avoid your whole foot getting submerged. It is difficult to ensure you’ll get one of those steppingstones due to other people. Where to find it> Once you arrive to Seljalandfoss follow the path to the left to discover this waterfall in the canyon.
Skogafoss
Ahhh, the famous Waterfall featured in Game of Thrones couldn’t be left off the 11 best Iceland Instagram locations in summer. What makes this waterfall unique is that water comes from two nearby glaciers, and it is one of the largest waterfalls in the country. Infact, it’s so large that you can see it directly from the Ring Road while traveling.
Important Tips: When visiting wear water resistant clothing and prepare to get drenched. But it’s so worth it! There is a path on the right that leads you up to the top of the waterfall that you should consider climbing for a different viewpoint. (Keep in mind this climb will take about 30 minutes). This area is also one of the most popular tourist attractions with tour buses dropping off large groups of people. It’s difficult to get photos without people in the background, unless you arrive early or get very close to the waterfall.
Reynisfjara
(black sand beach)
The fifth location to be added to the list of 11 best Iceland Instagram locations in summer is Reynisfjara. With its striking black sand and unique basalt columns rising from the ground, this beach offers an otherworldly backdrop. What’s unique about this location is that these columns were formed by lava trapped in its chamber then rapidly cooled by the ocean. Important tip, if you choose to climb on them make sure you have firm footing because they are very slick. This area is so great to photograph because of all these crazy shapes. You should also know that depending on the day it can get pretty windy – so keep this in mind if you have long hair or get chilled easily.
Important Info: Something very important to know before coming here is “sneaker waves” as they are extremely dangerous. A sneaker wave is a rush of water that moves higher up on the shore resulting in it dragging you far out into the ocean. Always keep your eye on the water and don’t get too close. It can be hard to tell the difference between a sneaker wave and a regular one. (There is a large sign providing more information about sneaker waves when you arrive).
Also, located here is a cute restaurant which has some of the best fish and chips! There aren’t any restaurants when you drive far out from Reykjavik until you get to the next large town, so eat when you can!
Dyrholaey Lighthouse
One of the most beautiful lookout points in Iceland had to be added to the list of 11 best Iceland Instagram locations in summer. Once you arrive, you’ll notice at the top of the hill a 100-year-old lighthouse. This location offers the most beautiful views of the ocean, mountains, and glaciers providing an ideal setting for stunning photos. There is a lookout spot near the lighthouse that provides the perfect shot to capture it all.
Important Info: This location is actually very close to Reynisfjara black sand beach, so it’s amazing to see the comparison for each location. Since you are positioned so high up it’s very windy, which can be difficult photographing. This location is easily accessible if you’re planning to rent a car (4×4 required) and there are plenty of parking spots.
Fjadorargljufur canyon
This unique canyon offers a different perspective from the typical waterfalls and must be added to the 11 best Iceland Instagram locations. You can wander along the designated paths and capture the intricate formations shaped from the water below. To protect the surrounding areas from foot traffic, sections are roped off from the public. There are also many lookout points to get better angles of the canyon itself. If you decide to take your photo on the hiking path you won’t have any obnoxious metal fences behind you – which I think makes it your photo stand out.
Important Tips: Make sure you are wearing good hiking shoes as the path out and back can take about an hour and a half. This location is also easily accessible by car and has a few parking spot options at the base of the trail. Best part about this location different from the rest is it has a bathroom on site if you need it.
Reykjavik
This is Iceland’s Capital city and considered the largest city in the country. It’s located at the southwestern point of Iceland and only 46 minutes to the international airport. While you’re here, you need to see the Hallgrimskirkja church and the sun voyager. There are so many different places and museums that you can explore in the city, so you have a lot of creative freedom here, making it the perfect addition to the list of 11 best Iceland Instagram locations. Reykjavik is such a diverse town with a lot to offer.
Important Tips: Most of this city is walkable but is also easily accessible by car. Make sure you plan enough time to try out some of the most incredible restaurants. If you’re looking for a great breakfast option then check out Braud & Co. They offer incredible croissants and other unique breakfast options. My absolute favorite place for dinner during my trip was Krost. I highly recommend their Duck Confit and Crispy Risotto Balls.
Solheimajokull
The nineth location added to the list of 11 best Iceland Instagram locations in summer is Solheimajokull. This is a must add for your trip! You need to explore at least one of the many Glaciers Iceland has to offer. Something unique about this specific glacier is it’s covered in volcanic ash, which is what gives off that dirty look.
Important Info: Exercise caution near the water due to quicksand and consider a guided tour for deeper insights into the glacier. This information is provided on the sign at the front however many people don’t read it thoroughly.
Strokkur Geyser
The tenth location to be added to the list of 11 best Iceland Instagram locations in summer is Strokkur geyser. A natural wonder that erupts every few minutes from the intense heat of the earth is astonishing to see upclose. This Geyser erupts every 6 -10 minutes and the water reaches about 250*F before shooting into the sky. Consider timing your shots to capture the perfect moment. You should know that most of the site is safe to explore and unsafe areas are completely roped off (as some of the pools are actually boiling.) The vibrance of the blue water and the yellow surrounding land can make for great contrast in your photos.
Important Info: You can easily access this area by car, but many tours offer this location in their guides too. I booked my tour through Viator – Golden Circle Classic Day trip from Reykjavik. I highly recommend this tour option if you want an easy transport and a knowledgeable guide providing interesting facts about the region. (Check out my other blog post covering tours and activities > Here)
Blue Lagoon
Finally, the last on the list of 11 best Iceland Instagram locations in summer is the Blue Lagoon. There are many hot springs to choose from in Iceland but none of them come close to the Blue Lagoon. The beautiful creamy blue waters and rocky landscapes surrounding it truly make this place stand out above the others. The best photo spot is near the side entrance to the lagoon once you come out of the locker room. There is a little archway that provides some diverse photo backdrops, but there are many areas throughout to provide stunning photo options. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to go in the morning or evening.
Important Tips: It is encouraged for you to get your hair wet and conditioned before entering the lagoon to protect it from the mineral-rich waters. However, I didn’t plan on submerging my head at all and opted to just keep my hair up instead. Also, there are locker rooms with a personalized code so you can lock everything important in it before heading out.
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