66 Epic Instagram Spots in Iceland
There are so many incredible Instagram spots in Iceland! Obviously this is no small town we're talking about, but an entire country.
After exploring Iceland for a full week we took literally thousands of pictures, sometimes almost 1,000 in a day!
Iceland is a photographer's dream, and we're here to share all of our favorite spots with you - from the most iconic locations, to the hidden gems we discovered along the way.
*Please note that this blog post may contain some affiliate links, which we make a small profit on, at zero cost to you. Links are only used on products & services that we've used and believe in, to give you the best buying experience. Purchasing from these links helps us to continue providing free travel guides for you- so thank you for your support!
Our Travel Planning Recommendations
Skyscanner (flights)
Booking.com (hotels)
🎫 Get Your Guide (tours)
Ticket Master (events)
📸 Best Buy (equipment)
🚗 Rental Cars (car rentals)
Train Line (train tickets)
Bus Bud (bus tickets)
Direct Ferries (ferries)
Cruise Direct (cruises)
📍 Where are the Best Instagram Spots in Iceland?
There is not a single area of Iceland that is not breathtakingly beautiful! If you happen to visit in the summer, you'll be able to appreciate all different areas of the country, and if you happen to visit from fall to spring, then you can explore all regions other than the highlands.
In this guide we're going to cover all regions of Iceland, and break down all of the best Instagram spots in Iceland by each area.
The Most Epic Instagram Spots in Iceland
Now that you know that the best Instagram spots in Iceland are scattered all over, we cover all of them by area of the country.
❣️ The Best Instagram Spots in Iceland: Reykjavik & Reykjanes
Chances are if it's your first time in Iceland, the first place you're going to explore is the capital. The city is quite small, but it definitely has some beautiful spots to check out.
1. Hallgrimskirja
While people rave about churches around Europe, we feel Reykjavik's doesn't get talked about enough. I mean, check out this incredible architecture!
2. The Rainbow Road
Right in the heart of Reykjavik is an iconic rainbow painted road. Down below you can see the two different sides that you can take a photo from. One has some shops in the back, while the other end has the incredible Hallgrimskirja in the background.
3. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is definitely one of the most popular Instagram spots in Iceland. It's a stunning geothermal resort that is located right near the airport, making it even the perfect layover activity.
There are a ton of Blue Lagoon tour packages that you can get including transfers, spa treatments, or even other nearby activities included.
If you'd like to learn more about experiencing the Blue Lagoon, make sure to check out our complete Blue Lagoon guide!
4. Sky Lagoon
While the Blue Lagoon is extremely iconic, there is another incredible lagoon that's right in Reykjavik!
Sky Lagoon is perfect for those look for a more natural looking geothermal spring, as well as a more affordable and close alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
5. Graenavatn
This lake has a beautiful green-blue color, and can be reached by a pretty simple 20 minute walk from the road.
6. Seltun Geothermal Area
This was definitely one our favorite hidden gems of Iceland. The Sultan Geothermal area looks as if Mother Nature just took out a canvas and started throwing different colors and textures at it.
The area has a boarded platform going through it, making it easy to explore, and a place you don't have to spend a ton of time at to enjoy either.
7. Gigvatnsvatn
This is another turquoise lake, but it can easily be reached by pulling off the side of the road, and is just down the road from the Seltun geothermal area.
8. Krysuvikurkirkja
While you're in the area, check out this adorable little black church! It's not one of the top Instagram spots in Iceland, but it's definitely worth snapping a quick shot since it's so close to Gigvatnsvatn and Seltun Geothermal Springs.
9. Oseyrarbru
There are so many cool Instagram spots in Iceland that you wouldn't even notice without a drone. Oseyrarbru is certainly one of them. I mean, check out these turquoise waters!
The Best Instagram Spots in Iceland: The Golden Circle
After Reykjavik, the most frequented area to visit for tourists in the country is the Golden Circle. There are quite a few fun Instagram spots in Iceland's Golden Circle, and it's really an easy area to explore by either taking a Golden Circle tour, or by renting a car.
10. Thingvellir Park
Thingvellir Park is one of the most popular spots along the Golden Circle. Sitting on two tectonic plates, this park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has plenty of great Instagram-worthy spots to explore.
How To Travel Cheaper and Better in 15 minutes!
How much more would you travel, if it costed you less resources?
With our Free eBook, you will learn how to save money and time on your future trips. Plus, you'll see the exact system we use.
Grab your copy for free when you sign up for our newsletter 👇
11. Kerid Crater
This crater is super easy to visit, as it has a parking lot on site, and you can easily take the well-marked trail around the rim of the crater. The entry fee is just 400 IDK (around $3), and it's available to visit when the sun is up.
There are a lot of great photo spots around the crater, and it's also easy to take a photo without a ton of people.
12. Gulfoss
Gulfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. It has a set of upper and lower falls, with an easy path to follow. We suggest getting here early so that you don't have a ton of other people around if you'd like nice photos.
It's also important to note that you shouldn't go on the grass! We snapped this picture and got scolded by a local as the grass is very fragile in Iceland.
13. Geysir Hot Springs
We had so much fun at Geyser Hot Springs! This area has a large geyser that erupts every few minutes. It's quite an impressive sight to experience, and if you have your camera ready you can get a cool shot with the geyser exploding.
We suggest having your camera on burst mode, that way you can capture many shots of the water quickly shooting into the air.
14. Bruarfoss
Bruarfoss is a spectacular set of waterfalls off the Golden Circle, and is known for it's bright blue color. You used to have to hike 7 km round trip, button there is also a parking lot just a five minute walk from the falls.
15. Glymur Waterfall
This waterfall isn't necessarily on the Golden Circle, but between the Golden Circle and the Snaefell Peninsula. It's the second called waterfall in the country, and has a few different paths for being able to enjoy it at a couple of different angles.
Want to learn more? Check out our full Glymur Waterfall guide for the details of visiting!
Glymur waterfall is the second tallest waterfall in Iceland.
❣️ The Best Instagram Spots in Iceland: Snaefell Peninsula
One of the lesser-visited places in the country is the Sneafell Peninsula, which lies north of Reykjavik, and north west of the Golden Circle.
It's home to some incredible Instagram spots of Iceland, and in our opinion, one of the most underrated regions of the main island of Iceland.
16. Kirkjufell
Despite being in an area that isn't so popular, Kirkjufell is actually one of the most photographed places in Iceland!
It's popular for its distant cone like shape, and also has a set of waterfalls nearby that make for the perfect photo app.
17. Budakirkja
Little black churches are something so iconic in Norway and Iceland, so they're certainly some of the most underrated Instagram spots in Iceland! We love this one with the white doors and windows.
18. Budaklettur
This place truly feels like a movie! Miles and miles of lava field are there to explore right along the coast. There are even paths to safely walk around, and it's wide open to the public.
19. Cliffs of Hellnar
Hellnar is a truly stunning village in Iceland, and is known for its dramatic cliffs. There are a set of paths that wind around the coast, allowing you to enjoy all different cliff views in Hellnar.
20. Arnarstapi Stone Bridge
Right next to the cliffs of Hellnar is the small port area of Arnastapi. Simply walk around the trails here and you'll come across and impressive natural bridge. Step on the top and you'll actually be able to appreciate the massive waves crashing down, as well as a ton of birds flying around the area!
21. Bardur Snaefellsas Statue
Another cool site in Arnastapi is the Bardur Snaefellsas Statue which is made of nice stones and has a walkway right through it.
It's right next to the parking lot, and leads to the cliffs and walkways that weave through Arnastapi.
22. Londrangar
Looking for some more incredible cliffs? Londrangar has basalt columns and striking formations along the coast, and is also a place you can end up seeing a puffins if you're lucky!
23. Vatneshellir
This cave isn't any old cave, it's actually a lava cave! Vatneshellir can be visited on tours every 45 minutes for 4,500 ISK.
Want To Learn How To Get Paid To Travel?
We'll teach you everything you need.
24. Svortuloft Lighthouse
Located in the south west corner of the peninsula, Svortuloft Lighthouse makes a great Instagram spot in Iceland due to its bright orange hue.
25. Hellisandur Church
We loved this church as it is a true hidden gem! Perched high on a hill with mountains in the back, you can get really cool photos here if you have a telephoto lens.
❣️ The Best Instagram Spots in Iceland: The Westfjords
The Westfjords are another really interesting area of the country, full of fun Instagram spots. Located in the north west of the country, you can find beautiful waterfalls, hot pools, and even a shipwreck!
26. Drifandagil Waterfall
We stumbled upon this waterfall on our journey to the Westfjords from Snaefell Pensinula, and fell in love with it! The waterfall can be seen right from the side of the road, and you can get some fun shots with a telephoto lens, or going all the way up to it.
27. Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, and is super fun to photograph!
With multiple cascades, you get unique views as you climb to the top. Just make sure to have proper equipment to keep your camera from getting wet, as the spray can be a bit intense coming from the top falls.
28. Reykjardarlaug Hot Pool
This spot is a true hidden gem of the Westfjords. Not only is this pool surrounded by mountains, but it's free to enjoy and has super warm water to relax in.
29. Gardar BA 64 Shipwreck
This is another spot that we stumbled upon by driving around the Westfjords. Located right off the side of the road, you can easily pull into the free parking lot and take some fun shots of this unique shipwreck.
30. Tungurif
While driving to the end of the peninsula we started to turn the curve of the road and couldn't believe our eyes. There was a beach with golden sand and turquoise waters! It looked just like the Caribbean, but well, a bit colder.
31. Latrabjarg
This is Europe's largest bird cliff! This 14 km stretch is simply breathtaking, and is also an incredible place to spot puffins!
❣️ The Best Instagram Spots in Iceland: The North
The north of Iceland is a bit more spread out than the other areas of the country, and despite having a low population density of attractions, there are some really incredible spots to check out.
The best home base for exploring the Instagram Spots in Iceland's northern region is Akureryi, which also has flights from Reykjavik, Oslo, and Prague.
32. Bjorbodin
Located right in Akureryi is an incredible brewery you need to check out.
Not only do they have great beer, but they stunning landscapes around the brewery, and also have beer baths! Unfortunately we got there a little late for the spa services, but we were able to enjoy a pint or two at this beautiful property.
33. Godafoss
Not only is this set of waterfalls super impressive, but it is just 45 minutes from Akureyri, and is located right off the ring road! If you don't happen to have a car, you can easily get a tour to Godafoss that also includes other cool nearby attractions.
34. Aldeyjarfoss
Another amazing waterfall located in the north east of Iceland is Aldeyjarfoss. Although it's technically part of the highlands, this part was accessible to us in early June before the other areas of the Highlands were available to be visited.
What we loved about Aldeyarfoss is that it is surrounded by black basalt columns, and you also get cool views over the entire river.
35. Myvatn Nature Baths
Aside from the Blue Lagoon, one of the most impressive and biggest set of thermal baths in the country is Myvatn Baths. Tickets to Myvatn are also more affordable online than the Blue Lagoon, just giving you another reason to check them out!
Unfortunately the timetable didn't align with our plans, so we just flew our drone to capture it from above, and wil certainly be visiting on our next trip to Iceland.
36. Dettifoss
Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in the country, and the second most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.
At 144 meters tall, it pumps an impressive amount of 193 square milliliters per second! Located in Vatnajökull National Park, you can visit Dettifoss from both sides of the canyon, where you can see two unique perspectives of the impressive falls.
We took our shots from the side that the water comes from, so we were able to get up close to the falls, while the other side has better panoramic views.
37. The Arctic Henge
The Arctic Henge is one of the most remote Instagram spots in Iceland, and one that we still have pending on our bucket list.
The monument to Asatru has striking arches that are wonderful for photography. We've seen pictures of it with the northern lights in the back, and it is simply breathtaking!
Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!
❣️ The Best Instagram Spots in Iceland: The East
The east of Iceland is the least convenient area of the country to get to, but some of our favorite Instagram spots in Iceland lie there! From unique waterfalls to breathtaking mountains, you'll have a lot of fun photographing this colorful area of the country.
38. Studlagil Canyon
Studlagil canyon is definitely one of our favorite Instagram spots in Iceland! With its vibrant blue waters and impressive grey basalt columns it makes the perfect scene to enjoy snapping away.
We actually dove right into the river here! While it's a bit risky and super cold, it felt great and we really enjoyed spending a couple of hours at this unique location.
39. Hengifoss
Hengifoss is another hidden gem and incredible waterfall to check out in Iceland. With a pretty simply hike you can easily access Hengifoss to admire the single drop waterfall surrounded by red-ringed canyon walls.
Want to learn the details for getting there? Check out our Hengifoss travel guide!
40. Vok Baths
Vok Baths were a serious godsend! After all of the hiking in the east of Iceland we experienced, these baths were the perfect way to relax and recharge.
They have a swim up bar, hot teas, and various pools to soak in. Not only that, but you can do hot and cold therapy by jumping into the frigid lake the baths sit on.
We absolutely loved hanging out here, and also got some fun content with our drone there. Tickets to the baths are also much more affordable than other baths, and we found them to be much less crowded.
41. Seydisfjordur Rainbow Road
Many people know of the rainbow road in Reykjavik, but not as many know about this adorable one.
Leading up to a little blue church, the rainbow road in Seydisfjordur is just one of the reasons to head to this adorable town on the east coast of Iceland.
42. Tvisongur
Looking for another fun place to photograph in Seydisfjordur? Well, right outside the main area of the town you can find this unique sound structure. Tvisongur was fun to walk around, and we also loved the architecture of it for photography.
43. Eystrahorn
This dramatic mountain is located right off the coast, and you can enjoy various viewpoints of it from the road, beach, or by hiking on the other side of it.
44. Stokknes
Stokknes is one of the most stunning areas of Iceland's south east, and is actually quite different than other Instagram spots in Iceland, as it is a private area.
For just a small fee you can enter the area of Stokknes, which has a couple of beaches, viewpoints, and even an old village where you can see what it used to be like to live in Iceland.
45. Vestrahorn
This is also known as the twin mountain of the Eystrahorn, and by some as "Batman Mountain", the Vestrahorn is another notable mountain by its incredible sharp peaks.
You can appreciate it with several different vistas, but we particularly love the views that you get of it from Stokknes.
❣️ The Best Instagram Spots in Iceland: The South
The south of the country certainly has the highest concentration of epic Instagram spots in Iceland.
With iconic waterfalls, beautiful black sand beaches, and impressive glaciers, you could easily spend days photographing all of the beauty in the south of Iceland.
This is also an awesome area to explore as you can easily drive here from Reykjavik, or find tours from Reykjavik to South Iceland.
46. Jokulsarlon
Jokulsarlon is arguably the most popular glacier in Iceland, and truly took my breathe away the first time that I saw it!
We simply walked around and enjoy the different views of the glacier, but you can also take a boat trip or hike along the glacier itself and check out the ice caves in the colder months.
47. Diamond Beach
Located right next to Jokulsarlon is one of the most unique beaches in the world.
Diamond Beach is a black sand beach that has giant pieces of ice along it. These come from Jokulsarlon and flow down the river, ultimately ending up on the sand, making the entire beach look like it's covered in giant diamonds.
48. Fjallsarlon
Second to Jokulsarlon, Fjallsarlon is another one of our favorite glaciers in Iceland. It's located just down the road, and can be conveniently appreciated walking just a few minutes from the parking lot.
49. Fjadrargljufur
This is one of the most fantastic canyons in iceland, and actually only became popular after Justin Bieber filmed one of his music videos here.
The canyon is 100 meters deep, and has vibrant green walls and beautiful waterfalls lining it. If you have a drone, we definitely suggest flying it through the snakelike shape!
Transform your photos
One click is all it takes to make your photos look stunning. Get our latest package of Lightroom presets, Into The Wild.
50. Vik i Myrdal Church
Vik is definitely one of our favorite towns in Iceland! We particularly love the iconic orange-roofed church in town.
You can get cute pictures right in front of it, but we also love the grassy area above it where you can also appreciate views of the entire town, and the lupine fields if you are visiting in the summertime.
51. Black Sand Beach in Vik
See the photo above? Well, that black area on the coast is actually a long stretch of black sand. The black sand beach at Vik is such a fun area to photograph, and it even has these really awesome rock formations in the water behind it.
52. Reynisfjara Beach
This is definitely our favorite beach in all of Iceland! It has long stretches of black sand, epic rocks formations, and a wall of basalt columns, making this area a true photographer's dream!
In just one tiny area you can appreciate a few different fo the best Instagram spots in Iceland.
53. Dyrholaey Viewpoint
Dyrholaey is a beautiful peninsula located right next to Reynisfjara beach. It not only has a cool natural rock bridge, but you can climb along the top and have incredible views of the black sand beach below!
54. Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
This is one of the most iconic Instagram spots in Iceland for photographers, and another gem of south Iceland. The Solheimasandur plane wreck is a little bit off-the-beaten-path though, and you'll need to walk a bit to get there.
It's about 4 km each way (45 minutes-1 hour walk), and can be particularly windy (it was much windier and colder there than other attractions nearby), so make sure to dress warm!
55. Skogafoss
Skogafoss is definitely one of the most popular Instagram spots in Iceland, and it's because it is simply a photographer's dream. It has a drop of 60 meters with a width of 25 meters, and unlike most massive waterfalls, this one can be walked right up to! (as long as you don't mind the intense spray coming from it).
We decided to shoot from further back and use a telephoto lens. This prevented the spray of the waterfall from getting on the camera, and also allows for more creative shots.
56. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. Not only is it conveniently located off the main road, but what makes it special is that you can actually walk right behind it!
57. Gljufrabui
One of our favorite hidden gems of Iceland is Gljufraubui. It's often overlooked by its neighbor Seljalandsfoss. However, this is one is just a few minutes walking away, and is inside of a cave!
This is for the adventurous ones out there, as you have you climb into the cave, and be prepared to get soaked! It was definitely not a glamorous experience, but definitely a unique a cool one.
❣️ The Best Instagram Spots in Iceland: The Highlands
When it comes to mind-blowing Instagram spots in Iceland, the highlands are certainly where it's at!
The highlands are a very remote area in the middle of the country, and they can only be accessed in the summer months due to road conditions.
In order to visit the highlands you'll need to have to rent a 4x4 vehicle, or take a tour from Reykjavik to the highlands with a local.
58. Haifoss
On my first trip to Iceland I was able to make it to a small slice of the highlands. My sister and I decided to go to Haifoss, which is one of the most impressive waterfalls I had seen to date. While there are so many incredible waterfalls in Iceland, this truly was one that has left a lasting impression on me.
The road to get there was rough, but driving up and seeing this sight certainly made it worth it!
59. Hveradalir
Want to teleport to another planet? Well, all you have to do is head to Hveradalir, a magical land of colorful rocks, steamy springs, and glaciers surrounding it.
60. Landmannalaugar
This is the number one place on our list of bucket-list Instagram spots in Iceland. It's known for a beautiful palette of colors, and truly looks like another planet! If it's one place in the highlands to not miss out on, it certainly is this one.
61. Sigoldugljufur
This remote area is a truly fairytale, as it's a canyon full of waterfalls! Known as the "valley of tears" this is certainly one of the best Instagram spots in Iceland.
Want to experience both Sigolduglijufur & Landmannlaugar in one trip? You can sign up for a Landmannalaugar hike and the Valley of tears tour that leaves from Reykjavik.
62. Maelifell
This composite conversation volcano sits almost 800 meters high, and 200 meters above the surrounding landscape. It's truly a stunning piece of nature, and you can even explore here on a tour if you don't have your own vehicle.
❣️ The Best Instagram Spots in Iceland: The Westman Islands
The Westman Islands are full of cool Instagram spots, and it's one of those places that truly remains a bit off-the-beaten-path.
In order to get here you'll need to take a ferry, and although pretty small, there is plenty ty to see, and we encourage you to spend at least a night!
63. Elephant Rock
The Westman Islands' top claim to fame is the incredible Elephant Rock. Completely natural, this formation mind glowingly represents an elephant!
You can appreciate elephant rock from the coast of the island, or you can opt for a boat tour to get you up close and personal.
64. Helgafell Volcano Crater
Located right in the middle of the main island, this volcano crater is quite the sight. You can actually hike around the rim, enjoying the colors that make up the volcanic crate, as well as enjoy stunning views of the island.
The Helgafell Volcano crater has incredible views around it.
65. Storhofdi
Head to the southern tip of the Westman Islands and you'll get to have incredible photo opportunities. This whole area of Storhodi is full of green hills, and it has some of the best views of the small surrounding islands.
It's also the highest part of the island, so you'll be able to appreciate the breathtakingly beautiful cliffs that make up its southern coast.
You can see the surrounding islands from the cliffs in the south.
66. Stafkirkjan
There are quite a few black church Instagram spots in Iceland, but this one is truly our favorite.
Located just a short walk from the ferry port, Statkirkjan is completely black, and also has a small museum next to it, making for really cool photo opportunities while in the Westman Islands.
How We Capture the Best Instagram Spots in Iceland:
All of our photos were taken by us. Here are the different things we use:
- Mirrorless Camera: Sony Alpha 7riii
- Wide Lens: Sony GM FE 14mm F1.8
- Everyday Lens: Sony - FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- Telephoto Lens: Sony GM FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM
- Drone: We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and has incredible quality
- Action Camera: We use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof
- Tripod: Joby Rangepod
- Presets: We use our own Scratch Your Mapa Presets (this one with the Into the Wild Preset Collection)
Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
We hope this has inspired you to explore all of the incredible Instagram spots in Iceland. Make sure to check out our complete Iceland travel guide to learn more about traveling around the country.
Want to learn more about visiting Iceland? Well, we have quite a few other Iceland travel guides, and you can also subscribe to our newsletter to hear about all of our new content.
Looking to build the ultimate Iceland trip? We've got you covered! Scratch Your Mapa offers the most complete travel planning services, built to save you both time and money for your travels. We work to get you the lowest rates, and also to include the most unique experiences. Simply send us an email to get your free quote today!
Here are some other articles you'll love:
Like this article? Please share it with your family and friends, so that we can continue to keep creating free travel guides for you! It takes just a second, and would mean the world to us. Thanks for being here!