11 of the most beautiful places in Iceland

Waterfalls, valleys, active volcanoes, black sand beaches filled with icebergs and mountains. Iceland has everything in store to become a lifelong memory. And I will. It is wild. I have visited four times now. On my last visit myself and one of my good friends journeyed around the entire country for 9 days in a campervan. We experienced the highlands, the South, East, North and West. It was beautiful to say the least. In this post I will list some of my favorite places in all of Iceland.

Fagradalsfjall 

To be honest, had the volcano not been active, it would never have made it onto the list. However what is happening at the moment, is absolutely spectacular to witness in person. It was one of the craziest experiences I have ever had, and will be for a long time. I had never thought that I would experience an active volcano, and see how the lava flows down the side of the volcano, how the volcano erupts every few minutes, and the amazing sunrise that appeared behind it. It was a once in a lifetime experience. 

Vestrahorn

There is something about this place that I can’t put into words. It is probably one of the most picturesque places I have ever seen in my life. I love the contrast that is so apparent as soon as you arrive. I love the massive mountains and their spectacular shape. There are so many beautiful photos to be taken at this stunning location. You have reflections, leading lines in the form of the sand and waves, foreground interest in the small grass patches that appear everywhere. This location is just absolutely beautiful. 

The Highlands

There are so many different locations in the highlands, but for the sake of this post, I will include the highlands as one. Probably my favorite area in all of Iceland. The highlands is such a unique place. You will find incredible mountain formations, more colors than in a child’s coloring back, beautiful lakes, volcano craters and cones, valleys and so much more. My best tip for visiting Iceland is to rent a 4x4 to experience the highlands, or at least take a trip on the 4x4 bus. It is an area that simply has to be experienced. It is so diverse and so beautiful. Below are some of my favorite locations in the Icelandic highlands. 

Skogafoss

Not much needs to be said about this massive waterfall. It is without a doubt one of the most famous places in all of Iceland, and with good reason. The waterfall is absolutely huge, and you can take some awesome photos here. For people who have never seen a waterfall in their lives, I imagine that this must be an amazing experience. I have seen quite a few, and I’m still taken aback, everytime I experience this stunning sight. 

Seljalandsfoss

Located close to Skogafoss and probably as popular. What I love about Seljalandsfoss is that you can actually walk behind it and capture some amazing photos. Especially during sunrise and sunsets. It gets a ton of visitors, so if you want to enjoy it to the fullest, and be able to walk behind the waterfall without too many people, make sure that you arrive as the sun is about to rise. I have been twice during sunrise, and for some reason ended up being the only person there. It is worth the early wake up. 

Diamond Beach 

Somehow this place keeps amazing me. Even though I have visited four times. It’s somehow amazing and sad at the same time, as it’s an obvious witness as to what is happening to the planet. At the same time, it makes for a beautiful sight, as the black sand beach is filled with these small icebergs, and it gives some stunning photos. Honestly, almost everything you capture here is unique as the place is so unique in itself. There are lots of different compositions to look for as well. You can either choose to get close to your subject and capture all the details, or get wider shots of the entire scene. Whatever you do, it will make for some great photos. 

Mulaglufjur canyon 

A “hidden gem” at least due to the articles I had read online. It was definitely a gem, not completely hidden though. After a short hike I had what was probably one of the best views of my entire trip in Iceland. I have only visited once, but it was honestly like something straight out of a fairytale. The sun lighting up half the valley, birds flying around and the waterfalls nestling down the sides of the hills. It is certainly less visited than many of Iceland's other attractions, but it won’t be for long! 

Hengifoss

I only learned about Hengifoss a few years back (Maybe I’m a bit late). However this waterfall in east Iceland quickly became my favourite in all of Iceland. Even more so when being able to fly a drone there. Hengifoss is so special, and so different compared to the other  waterfalls of Iceland. There is no other waterfall in Iceland completely like it. At least none that I know of. Somehow it feels so dramatic. I don’t know if it’s because of the grand size, the feeling of closeness, or the red columns behind the dropping water. It is, however, truly special. And even though it is a bit out of the way to get to, I can only recommend going there to experience it. 

Studlagil

Another absolute gem. Honestly I have never seen anything quite like Studlagil canyon. The way the valley is shaped is truly unique, and makes for some amazing photos. It is a nice short hike to get there, and there has even been a parking lot made closer to the waterfall to minimize physical effort.. It was only discovered in 2016 as it had previously been under the Jökla river. Since then it has attracted tons of tourists and for good reason. As with Hengifoss it is a bit out of the way if you are driving the ring road, but it is completely worth it. 

Aldeyjarfoss

I have visited Aldeyjarfoss twice and only encountered two other people there. I don’t know if I have just been lucky during my visits, or if people actually don’t visit Aldeyjarfoss as often as some of the other attractions. Personally I really like it. It is so picturesque that you can’t take a bad photo there, and during sunrise and sunsets it is absolutely breathtaking. What makes it special is the black columns that surround the waterfall. In some way it reminds me a bit of Svartifoss, I personally prefer this one though.  

Kirkjufellsfoss

Another one that can’t be missed. Kirkjufellsfoss might be the most popular waterfall in Iceland along with Skogafoss, and maybe Seljalandsfoss. What makes it unique, and different compared to the other waterfalls, is the fact that it is located in front of Mount Kirkjufell, and makes for the perfect foreground. One can take really impressive photos here, and it is a great place to capture the northern lights as well. 

That wraps it up! I could have included Godafoss, the Vatnajökull glacier and Selfoss as well, but these are my favorites! Do you have any additions?