This country is absolutely stunning... it is difficult to choose where the most breathtaking spots are! But I have selected for you my top 10 best Iceland Landscapes. They made me gasp for air, forget all my worries and bow in front of the amazing work of Nature. They include waterfalls, craters, lava fields, icebergs and more... I hope it can convince you to travel to the Land of Fire and Ice or help you plan your itinerary with these Iceland must-sees.
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Iceland Landscapes Description
Iceland is often referred to as the "Land of fire and ice". And for good reasons. Typical landscapes in Iceland include:
- Landscapes by Ice: impressive glaciers, fjords shaped by them, sparkling icebergs and powerful waterfalls from the melting ice
- Landscapes by Earth's fire: Volcanoes, pseudo-craters, Basalt cliffs and sea stack from the cooling lava, giant lava fields and black sand beach
Every minute of your Iceland road trip will be filled with 'WOWs'. I think there was only 30min of driving during my whole time there when I was not mesmerized by all the scenery around me.
This is a place where you can feel the power of the Earth, and imagine you are either on another planet or in a post-apocalyptic world. A unique experience!
Choosing the 10 best Iceland Landscapes
As I told you, everywhere is fascinating. It was difficult to narrow down to 10. But those Icelandic landscapes really made my heart jump.
However if you want, you can find more ideas on my online destination guide to Iceland.
Note that #2, #4 and #9 can be seen on Iceland Day Tours from Reykjavik
Iceland Landscape Photography
It is so beautiful that you almost just have to click 🙂
But if you want a bit more you can check my 8 tips to improve your photos of Iceland.
#10 - Pseudo-craters of Myvatn
What are the pseudo-craters...
The Myvatn pseudocraters were formed as lava entered a large lake (a precursor of Lake Myvatn), trapping its wet sediment underneath (they are also known as rootless cones). Skútustadagígar is the area around the pond Stakholstjorn where the famous pseudocraters can be found
Why I loved it...
Their shapes are so round and perfect! Plus, early morning, I was lucky to admire them with their reflection on the pond nearby Lake Myvatn 🙂 What a fantastic sight.
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the pseudo-craters of Lake Myvatn
#9 - Gullfoss
What is Gullfoss...
Gullfoss is and iconic waterfall on the Hvítá river which is fed by Icelands second biggest glacier, the Langjökull. The river rushes southward but about one kilometre above the falls it turns sharply to the right and flows down into the 32m crevice in two stages. It is part of the famous Golden Circle Iceland.
Why I loved it...
The shape is very original with small steps followed by a big drop. You can walk right next to it and fell its power! Sadly it was not a good day for photography and on this picture it does not look as phenomenal as it is.
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Gullfoss waterfall
#8 - Sigoldugljufur
What is Sigoldugljufur..
The canyon used to be filled by the river Tungnaá. The water from the lake is now forced into conducts to the power plant. But the canyon is still there for our pleasure.
Why I loved it...
It is a well kept secret that we found by luck. The shape of the canyon mixed with the line of small falls made for an incredible landscape.
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Sigoldugljufur canyon
#7 - Trollaskagi
What is Trollaskagi..
Trollaskagi is a peninsula North West of Akureyri whose name means "peninsula of the troll". It is a very mountainous places with deep valleys carved but the glaciers.
Why I loved it...
Beautiful mountains and lake, nobody on the Road... This spot on the left was the highlight of my last day in Iceland. A last minute detour that I am so glad I made! Completely off the beaten track 🙂
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Trollaskagi peninsula
#6 - Vestrahorn
What is Vestrahorn...
Vestrahorn is a dramatic spot where vertiginous cliffs meet a flat black sand beach. It is 454m high and sometimes called Batman Mountain.
Why I loved it...
Sharp cliffs against a flat black sand beach, paradise for those who love contrast. Plus on the day I was there, a cloud was stuck on top of the mountain.
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Vestrahorn Iceland
#5 - Hafragilsfoss - canyon landscape
What is Hafragilsfoss...
Hagragilsfoss is name after the Hafragil ravine created by the Jokulsa river. The waterfall is 27 meters high (79 feet), 91 meters wide (299 feet).
Why I loved it...
Most people chose their neighbours Dettifoss and Selfoss. But I loved how, for this one, I was able to enjoy the shape and colors of the full canyon with the waterfall in the middle.
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Hafragilsfoss waterfall
#4 - Kirkjufell
What is Kirkjufell...
Located just two and a half hour drive from Reykjavik, on the North Coast of Snaefellsness peninsula, Kirkjufell and its waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss have become an Icelandic icon.
Why I loved it...
There is something magical about this mountain. You can get your eyes of it and feel so peaceful. I really can't explain.
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Kirkjufell and its waterfall
#3 - Dimmuborgir
What is Dimmuborgir..
There are many lava fields in Iceland, but none of them are like Dimmuborgir located near Lake Myvatn. The formations you can admire in that field are intricate and have triggered the creation of many stories with elves, trolls and other mystical creatures.
Why I loved it...
Crazy shapes that trigger your imaginations... trolls, witches you can all discover them in those rocks. A walk back in time during which I kept singing the generic of Denver, the last dinosaur...
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Dimmuborgir
#2 - Jokulsarlon beach a.k.a. Diamond Beach
What is Jokulsarlon Beach...
Jokulsarlon is known for its large glacial lagoon with icebergs floating around. Most people stop there. But many do not venture on the other side of Road 1 towards the sea where some of those icebergs are pushed by on the black sand beach by the waves.
Why I loved it...
Big icebergs white, blue and black agains the black sand and with waves crashing on them... who would not be mesmerized? A truly unique Iceland Landscape !
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Jokulsarlon Beach
#1 - Unnamed viewpoint on F208
What is F208...
F208, also called Fjallabaksleid Nyrdi, is a 4WD access only road that leaves the Ring Road along the South Coast and drives through the Central highlands reaching the famous Landmannalaugar area. From the North it starts at the powerplant and goes through a drier area before reaching Landmannalaugar.
Why I loved it...
This particular viewpoint just made my heart stop. I am not sure why: maybe the contrast of the sharp pointy mountains against the soft laces of the river, or their dark black against the shiny green... who knows... I just ADORE this landscape
Learn More...
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the 4WD Track F208
All the locations listed in this article and more are included in my travel guide:
Plan your perfect trip to Iceland!
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 110+ original photos to get inspired
Need to rent a car for your road trip in Iceland?
You can choose from some great local companies!
- I selected Route 1 car rental (and paid entirely for it). I really enjoyed their service to drop and pick up the car, as well as all their advice before going on the road - Check out prices and car availabilities
- Otherwise you can compare the vehicles and prices from local companies on this practical website
Iceland Landscapes Winter
In Winter the Icelandic scenery is also fascinating:
- Some waterfalls may be frozen
- Snow might cover the Black sand
- Magical Ice caves are forming
- Foxes are turning white
- And nights are longer giving you more chances to see the Northern lights!
You can learn more on my article about How to visit Iceland in Winter
Iceland Landscapes in Winter
And for other opinions, you can have a look at those lists: 10 of the most beautiful places in Iceland by Global Grasshopper and 18 photos showing incredible Icelandic Landscapes by The Planet D
Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?
WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE?
Dreaming of visiting Iceland, awesome photos btw. 🙂
Thanks Bilyana. It is such a unique place to see! I hope you get there soon 🙂
Very nice selection of landscape (and amazing picture!!)! This page especially will really help me and my friend plan our itinerary for our trip in Iceland. By the way, were all these place accessible by F roads? Because we were wondering if we need to rent a 4 wheels :S? Also did you use a drone to take your picture, if not you’re very good finding the best spots to capture global view of scenery!!
Thanks Stephany
No drones 🙂 I don’t want to use a drone, because I want people to imagine what they can see, and they will never be able to admire what drones capture.
1 and 8 are on F-roads where 4WD is mandatory.
#1 is a difficult F-road with river crossing.
#8 is not that difficult if driving the F-road from the North
I wish you wonderful travels!