Photo diary of Iceland — Niclas Glud Photography

Iceland is certainly one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. A place most photographers want to visit at least once in their life. There are so many opportunities to create stunning photos here. Volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, canyons, and the highlands. Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. It’s incredible to experience so much diversity, and such a small country.
In this post, I’m going to take your through my photo diary of Iceland.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano will most likely be your first stop, when starting in Reykjavik. There is no saying how long it will be erupting, or if it will erupt again. At the time of posting this, it seems as if the eruption has stopped. Nevertheless, experiencing the eruption up close, was absolutely incredible. Such a marvelous experience and something I had never thought I would experience in my life.

Next stop for many, will most likely be Seljalandsfoss. In the right conditions, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The special thing about this one in particular, is the fact that you can walk behind the waterfall. When I was there during summer, the sunrise lined up perfectly behind the waterfall. You will get wet, but it is worth it.

Skogafoss, is just a short drive after Seljalandsfoss and is almost always packed with people. This waterfall is so powerful, and up close it is absolutely huge. You can get some really cool photos with the long lens, which really show the force of the water.

The highlands of Iceland is just a world of its own. Being able to experience it with my own vehicle was absolutely amazing. There is so much to explore, so much to photograph. My best advise when visiting the highlands is to just take your time. And bring a drone! Being able to fly over these incredible landscapes was otherworldly.

The Reynisdrangar is a set of cliffs located out at sea. You can get some truly dramatic photos here when the weather gets wild. Just be aware. When the waves are too high, people have been dragged into the ocean.

The diamond beach is one of the most unique beaches I have ever visited. Not only does the black sand add an interesting kind of beauty. The beach is filled with small “icebergs” glittering like diamonds. It is such an interesting place to just wonder along. On all my visits it’s been filled with people, so I guess visiting in the early hours of the day, is the best thing you can do.

Not far from the diamond beach (I’m actually unsure whether it’s before the diamond beach, as I have forgotten the name) is this incredible canyon. It is rather unknown, and requires a short hike to get to this magnificent viewpoint. However once you are there, it is absolutely magical. As I stepped up the last few steps, it honestly felt like being in a fairytale movie. All I could here was the rustling water, and the sound of the birds. It was such a unique experience.

Vestrahorn is one of my absolute favorite locations in Iceland, and I can’t believe it took my three visits to finally experience this magnificent location. As with the Diamond beach, this beach is filled with beautiful black sand. Unlike the diamond beach however, it is not lined with small icebergs. Instead it has the most stunning backdrop of mountains, making it a playground for photographers. I love wondering around, looking for compositions. I have been lucky enough to experience it twice with little clouds, but would love to go back again in search for even better conditions.

Close to Vestrahorn is the stunning Eystrahorn. Unfortunately I don’t have any photos to show as I have never had good conditions there. I will keep going back until I do though.

If you haven’t visited Hengifoss yet, do it on your next trip to Iceland. Just look how unique it is. I dont know why, but reds and orangers appear in horizontal lines on the cliff behind the waterfall, creating for some absolutely stunnnig photos. It is probably my favorite waterfall in all of Iceland. On my last visit I had perfect conditions, after I had already gone down though. As I saw the sky was about to change, I quickly put up the drone, and experienced a magical sunset when flying over the waterfall.

Studlagil is probably one of the most unique places in all of Iceland. It was hidden until just a few years back, when it was discovered by a local. The beautiful canyon has been formed over the years by the ice, and has created a stunning site. Tourists flock here, so be sure to visit early in the morning.

Godafoss is a beautiful sight, especially as the sun sets behind the waterfall. You can see the waterfall from the left and right side. I prefer the left one, however most people, especially on my visits, seem to prefer the right side.

I love Aldeyjarfoss. I have visited twice, and have had it to myself on both occasions. In many ways it resembles Svartifoss due to the lava colomns behind the waterfall. It makes for some stunning photos. Flying the drone here is amazing, and you can create a great sense of scale by including yourself in the frame.

The last location on this last. Kirkjufellsfoss. Probably one of the most visually pleasing waterfalls in Iceland. The two waterfalls in in front of the mountain create the perfect foreground for Mount Kirkjufell. Constantly visited by photographers, during all hours of the day, the best time to visit is for sunrise. At least if you want to experience it without too many people. On every occasion that I have visited, there have been other people. But it will always be like that with beautiful locations.

That wraps up my photo diary of Iceland. There are many more stunning places, Svartifoss, the glaciers, Selfoss, the north, but those are my favorites! Any other locations you would like to add?

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