Iceland Images 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 approach dwelling. It’s no marvel Iceland pictures areas 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 just a little additional east to Djúpavogshreppur…that fabulous title is just a bit too lengthy for the heading!
Exploring Iceland pictures areas by automobile is the easiest way to see as a lot as attainable and the southern coast is stuffed with locations to go to. You may snorkel between continents earlier than driving east to expertise infinite waterfalls and glaciers, it’s the perfect vacation spot for journey travellers.
The Ring Highway from Reykjavik to Hofn is stuffed with photograph stops, if you happen to drove straight it will take about 6hrs to cowl the odd 545kms nevertheless with so many locations to see alongside the best way, it’s attainable to take 2-3 days…or for much longer if you happen to add on actions and hikes and wish to take it gradual!
There’s a large distinction between the seasons in Iceland. In winter temperatures drop beneath zero levels with snow storms and wild climate situations. Winter nevertheless can also be the perfect time to witness the magic of the northern lights so it’s positively price sporting 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 lovable Puffins (learn the Puffin Images 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, if you happen to’ve obtained Iceland pictures alternatives in your thoughts you most likely simply wish to hear about the perfect pictures areas then dream up your personal itinerary.
So right here it’s, beneath is an inventory of a number of the greatest pure wonders discovered alongside the south coast of Iceland between Reykjavik and Djúpavogshreppur…
First a map so all of it is sensible and also you head in the proper path.
Map: The Finest South Coast of Iceland Images Areas
Really one last item earlier than you leap into the areas to go to…just a little 60 second video from my final journey!
Iceland Images 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 Highway. It’s tall and chic the place water flows virtually 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 photograph 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 widespread 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 movement down the cylindrical cave making a sound like no different. The one factor you’ll want to keep in mind to have with you is a few gumboots and waterproof clothes…in any other case you’ll stroll away wanting such as you’ve simply gone via a automobile wash.
Sólheimasandur Airplane Wreck
Comply with 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 vehicles nevertheless there’s now a carpark that’s fairly seen beside the ring street and it’s then attainable to stroll roughly 4km (8km round-trip) if you happen to’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 seaside 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’s aurora glowing above. As somebody with just a little concern of flying (I do know, it could 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 if you happen to’ve obtained time in your itinerary, it’s well worth the hike so as to add one thing completely different to your Iceland photographs.
Skógafoss Waterfall
It’s a traditional pure magnificence that pulls guests 12 months spherical with its highly effective waterfall and straightforward accessibility. Skógafoss flows from the Skógar River and you’ll stroll proper beneath it to really feel the mist and power of the water speeding over the cliff. In case you don’t thoughts climbing stairs, you may as well take the trail which results in the highest of the waterfall and has nice views wanting over the sting.
Learn extra: Photographing Skógafoss Waterfall in all seasons.
Dyrhólaey Arch + Kirkjufjara Seashore
Situated simply earlier than the mountain crossing all the way down to Vik there’s a street referred to as Dyrhólavegur which can take you all the best way to the coast. On the finish of the street you’ll discover a carpark and headland that appears over the scenic Reynisfjara Seashore towards Vik, you may as well discover Kirkjufjara Seashore and {photograph} mountains to the north. These on the lookout for larger views can drive as much as Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and look down over the Dyrhólaey Arch and black sand seaside that extends for miles to the west. Iceland pictures areas alongside the coast with dramatic cliffs like this aren’t actually accessible till you attain Hofn so it’s greatest to go to this photograph spot to get your repair!
Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore
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 have been shaped by the intense climate of Iceland. Large basalt pillars might be accessed on the jap finish of Reynisfjara and make for a fantastic photograph alternative. Simply watch out of the large waves that may sweep individuals away!
The waves listed below are mesmerising, I truly stood for hours simply watching them stand up and swallow themselves up creating what seemed 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 fantastic place for aurora!) and rows of seaside cottages, it’s a fantastic mid-way level to spend the night time. Vik Seashore is well-known for its jagged rock formations that relaxation beneath the cliffs within the ocean.
In case you’re critical about capturing a number of the most photogenic areas akin to Skogafoss and Reynisfjara Seashore, you’re greatest to make use of Vik as your base to make sure you’ve obtained a roof over your head incase the climate turns dangerous. Try accessible Vik Inns + B&Bs on Reserving.com…my choose is the Iceland Air Lodge or Lodge Kria that are each situated close to the Ring Highway and throughout from a Petrol Station with a bistro for dinner.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
With a median 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 latest enhancements to make sure the pure surroundings can face 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 price just a little photograph 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 superb place to cease between Vik and Hofn and one of the vital surprising Iceland pictures areas. 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 hundreds of years, Svínafellsjökull Glacier defines journey. Situated on the flip off from the Ring Highway to Skaftafell, you’ll want to hike alongside the previous grime street to succeed in 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 beneath. 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! Situated simply 10km south of Jökulsárlón, additionally it is a part of the bigger Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. It’s a straightforward 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 season 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 powerful backdrop for photographs!
Jökulsárlón Lagoon
In case 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 may get proper up near the icebergs as they drift out to sea. There are various vantage factors you’ll be able to select between to view the lagoon and it’s additionally attainable to stroll alongside the shoreline. In case you’re like me, you’ll wish to see the lagoon from all angles so take a look at out each side of the bridge. There are small automobile parks accessible 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 Seashore
At Diamond Seashore, the wild North Atlantic Ocean crashes over icebergs sitting on the black volcanic sand. It’s a powerful sight to witness, particularly at dawn and sundown when the glow of the solar shines via 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 seaside to seek out your personal iceberg to {photograph}! There’s icebergs on both facet of the bridge so take your choose!
*Warning – the waves can are available fairly shortly so beware that your tripod my get knocked over by fast paced water, or as you might have seen on the information currently, if you happen to’re posing on an iceberg, it might get washed out to sea…with you on it! Simply maintain a watch out and also you’ll be nice 🙂
Waterfall Ice Cave – Vatnajokull Glacier
In winter it’s attainable to entry one other world; that of the ice caves beneath the most important 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 continually transferring.
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 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 if you happen to’re seeking to {photograph} aurora at Stokksnes, it’s only a 10-15min drive away, good for a fast sprint as soon as the northern lights seem.
Stokksnes and Vestrahorn
A mighty mountain vary that meets the ocean in dramatic vogue simply east of Hofn. Rising up from the water, the cliffs of Vestrahorn are really mesmerising. Stroll via the black sand dunes to find a pristine volcanic seaside and in winter, it’s the perfect place to look at the inexperienced waves of aurora dance throughout the sky. Alongside the grime street to the seaside are paddocks of the light and lovely Icelandic Horses.
To enter Stokksnes you’ll want to pay a price of 600ISK to the land proprietor on the outfitted and cosy Viking Café. Ómar the proprietor is tremendous pleasant and really pleased with the land so be sure you cease by and have a chat too.
Grime Highway at 64°18’14.3″N 14°59’58.5″W
Driving previous the flip off to Stokksnes you’ll enterprise via a tunnel…after the tunnel there’s a mud street on the left facet that leads in direction of a mountain vary that’s completely aligned with the street. Nice for these pictures of a street main off into the gap. It’s additionally a wonderful 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’s in fact no garbage in sight, simply mountains and surroundings with out one other sole round. This was one of the vital accessible but distant areas I discovered, particularly at night time 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, light waterfalls and on a relaxed day, all of it displays into the water the place swans float slowly throughout the floor. You may learn extra about my day exploring this space right here. Beneath the peaks of Eystrahorn on the jap facet of the valley (Eyst which 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 big ice chunks and {photograph} reindeer within the fields.
Eystrahorn Seashore
Driving beneath the jagged cliffs you’ll bump into a seaside so huge it’s virtually 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 seaside in sight. The distinction between the mountain surroundings and the shoreline makes this considered one of my favorite views in all of Iceland, I used to be utterly awe struck by this panorama.
Djúpavogshreppur
In case you’re okay with the chance of boulders falling down from the steep cliff above, this is among the greatest locations for coastal panorama pictures! The steep cliffs fall straight into the ocean beneath 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 may 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 personal. It may be full of journey actions like climbing on glaciers, exploring ice caves, snorkelling between continents and climbing volcanoes or you’ll be able to loosen up and take your time discovering the tradition and distinctive Icelandic delicacies.
A super itinerary to incorporate all the things talked about on this information can be 3-5 days since you nonetheless need to drive again to Reykjavik and it’s so tempting to cease once more at every spot on the return journey! Depart a number of time for facet of the street stops…this information is certainly not inclusive of each location you might wish to cease, there’s a lot extra that don’t have a reputation which can be price visiting.
When travelling round Iceland by automobile be sure you keep conscious of the climate. As a climate geek this was one of many highlights of my journey as storms handed via I checked wind gusts that may typically exceed 120kmph. Don’t be the one which will get caught in a storm and must be rescued, at all times verify the climate earlier than heading out every morning as situations 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 situations famous and any climate alerts which have to be taken critically.
Verify street.is for street closures, situations and particularly in winter this website is nice for letting you know the way a lot snow is on the street and whether or not it’s secure to enterprise out. For climate forecasts verify 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 number of the stunning pure wonders of Iceland’s Southern area, maintain a watch 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 world wide.