Iceland Pictures Location Knowledge – 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 technique residence. It’s no marvel Iceland pictures areas are excessive on any photographer’s want file!
Prior to we get began whereas this knowledge is titled from Reykjavik to Hofn, it actually incorporates a half just a little little bit of additional east to Djúpavogshreppur…that fabulous set up is barely a bit too extended for the heading!
Exploring Iceland pictures areas by automobile is probably going one of many best strategies to see as tons as attainable and the southern coast is full of locations to go to. You in all probability can snorkel between continents earlier than driving east to expertise quite a few waterfalls and glaciers, it’s the easiest journey spot for journey travellers.
The Ring Freeway from Reykjavik to Hofn is full of {{photograph}} stops, do you have to happen to drove straight it is going to take about 6hrs to cowl the odd 545kms nonetheless with so many locations to see alongside the best approach, it’s attainable to take 2-3 days…or for for for much longer do you have to happen in order so as to add on actions and hikes and should take it gradual!
There’s a enormous distinction between the seasons in Iceland. In winter temperatures drop beneath zero ranges with snow storms and wild native climate situations. Winter nonetheless might be the correct time to witness the magic of the northern lights so it’s positively price sporting some further clothes layers for the chance to see this unbelievable pure phenomenon.
Summer season season brings the beauty of wild flowers, the midnight picture voltaic and the lovable Puffins (be taught the Puffin Pictures Knowledge correct proper right here. With 24hr sunshine likelihood is you will uncover for so long as likelihood is you will preserve awake which in itself is one issue particular.
Okay so ample of the chatter, do you have to happen to’ve acquired Iceland pictures choices in your concepts you in all probability merely need to take heed to regarding the wonderful pictures areas then dream up your explicit individual itinerary.
So correct proper right here it’s, beneath is a list of among the many many greatest pure wonders discovered alongside the south coast of Iceland between Reykjavik and Djúpavogshreppur…
First a map so all of it is smart and as well as you head throughout the acceptable route.
Map: The Largest South Coast of Iceland Pictures Places
Truly one remaining issue earlier than you bounce into the areas to go to…just a little little bit of 60 second video from my remaining journey!
Iceland Pictures Places –
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
When driving to Reykjavik, that is the primary enormous waterfall and principal Iceland pictures location you’ll come all by means of on the Ring Freeway. It’s tall and fashionable the place water flows virtually like its dancing down the cliff face. There’s a small path that leads behind the waterfall which might be going one of many naturally good experiences in Iceland.
Furthermore don’t miss out on the opposite smaller nonetheless nonetheless {{photograph}} worthy waterfalls beside Seljalandsfoss. Take the trail all by means of the bridge in entrance of Seljalandsfoss to wander earlier these gems.
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Sitting appropriate beside the well-known and in mannequin 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 circulate into down the cylindrical cave making a sound like no utterly completely different. The one concern you might need to keep in mind to have with you is a few gumboots and waterproof clothes…in each different case you’ll stroll away wanting resembling you’ve merely gone by way of a automobile wash.
Sólheimasandur Airplane Wreck
Alter to the trail for about 45 minutes and as well as you’ll stumble all by means of a airplane wreck within the midst of what seems like a dream volcanic panorama. It’s flip into fairly the Iceland pictures bucket file location with Instagrammers flocking to seize their artistic 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 nonetheless there may be now a carpark that’s fairly seen beside the ring avenue and it’s then attainable to stroll roughly 4km (8km round-trip) do you have to happen to’re actually desirous to see it, you’ll see the place all folks 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, notably when there may be aurora glowing above. As anybody with just a little little bit of concern of flying (I do know, it might in all probability get awkward as a journey photographer, I’m engaged on it!) it wasn’t excessive on my file of locations to go to nonetheless after lastly visiting on my remaining journey, I can say do you have to happen to’ve acquired time in your itinerary, it’s positively positively definitely worth the hike so as in order so as to add one issue totally utterly completely different to your Iceland pictures.
Skógafoss Waterfall
It’s a traditional pure magnificence that draws pals yr spherical with its extraordinarily environment friendly waterfall and easy accessibility. Skógafoss flows from the Skógar River and you’ll stroll appropriate beneath it to basically actually really feel the mist and vitality of the water dashing over the cliff. Inside the event you don’t concepts climbing stairs, likelihood is you will as correctly take the trail which results in the easiest of the waterfall and has good views wanting over the sting.
Research additional: Photographing Skógafoss Waterfall in all seasons.
Dyrhólaey Arch + Kirkjufjara Seaside
Situated merely earlier than the mountain crossing correct proper right down to Vik there’s a avenue generally known as Dyrhólavegur which can take you all the best method to the coast. On the tip of the highway you’ll uncover a carpark and headland that appears over the scenic Reynisfjara Seaside in course of Vik, likelihood is you will as correctly uncover Kirkjufjara Seaside and {{{photograph}}} mountains to the north. These searching for higher views can drive as lots 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 restore!
Reynisfjara Black Sand Seaside
The black sand seashores spherical Vik are wild and rugged. Their magnificence extends earlier the waves although and as lots as the small print of the encircling cliffs which had been widespread by the extraordinary native climate of Iceland. Enormous basalt pillars may be accessed on the jap finish of Reynisfjara and make for a terrific {{photograph}} completely different. Merely watch out of the large waves that may sweep folks away!
The waves listed under are mesmerising, I actually stood for hours merely watching them stand up and swallow themselves up creating what appeared like watery monsters on the shoreline.
Vik
Surrounded by mountains, the ring avenue winds into the charming metropolis of Vik and divulges various the scenic villages all through the nation. With a church positioned excessive above the city (a terrific place for aurora!) and rows of seaside cottages, it’s a terrific mid-way stage to spend the evening. Vik Seaside is well-known for its jagged rock formations that leisure beneath the cliffs all through the ocean.
Inside the event you’re necessary about capturing among the many many most photogenic areas akin to Skogafoss and Reynisfjara Seaside, you’re greatest to make the most of Vik as your base to make sure you’ve acquired a roof over your head incase the native climate turns dangerous. Try in the marketplace Vik Resorts + B&Bs on Reserving.com…my choose is the Iceland Air Resort or Resort Kria which will be each positioned close to the Ring Freeway and all by means of 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, utterly completely different worldly cliffs of inexperienced mossy grass entwine alongside the banks of the Fjaðrá River.
*Change – 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 setting can stand as a lot as the subsequent variety of pals. It’s stated Justin Bieber’s music video that options this location launched a rise of 80% additional pals after it’s launch in 2015.
Foss a Sidu
After a protracted and flat drive all by means of glacier deltas from Vik, coming all by means of this stunning waterfall is a welcome sight. Tucked in behind a farm residence it’s price just a little little bit of {{photograph}} cease to stretch your legs nonetheless be mind-full of the personal properties.
Mount Lomagnupur
Rising at over 680m above the highway, Mount Lomagnupur is an environment friendly place to cease between Vik and Hofn and various the beautiful Iceland pictures areas. A shallow pool in entrance of the mountain reveals the breathtaking panorama and there’s furthermore a legend of an infinite that stood and watched from above.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier
With an unbelievable panorama of ice that has been frozen for plenty of of years, Svínafellsjökull Glacier defines journey. Situated on the flip off from the Ring Freeway to Skaftafell, you might want to hike alongside the outdated grime avenue to achieve the viewing home. Your first sight is the large chunks of ice on the underside of the glacier the place sounds of cracking may be heard on account of the ice falls into the water beneath. From there, let your eyes wander upward on account of the glacier rises into the mountains.
Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon
Whereas Jökulsárlón will get virtually your entire vacationers visiting it’s shores, Fjallsárlón is simply as dramatically stunning and is even nearer to the glacier! Situated merely 10km south of Jökulsárlón, furthermore it’s a part of the bigger Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. It’s a easy place to park (if the carpark isn’t full of snow!) after which it’s a brief hike over the hill the place you might be handled with unbelievable views all by means of the lagoon in course of the glacier. You might get appropriate up near the shore the place icebergs leisure and in summer season season season likelihood is you will even take a ship tour all through the lagoon. The mighty volcano Öræfajökull will even be seen from the lagoon and acts as a powerful backdrop for pictures!
Jökulsárlón Lagoon
Inside the event you might think about a winter wonderland, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon is it, an iconic Iceland pictures location and one that you simply simply NEED to see, it’s so inspiring. Icebergs float gently all through the chilly water as seals frolic and bathe all through the sunshine. Mountains lined in snow sit behind and likelihood is you will get appropriate up near the icebergs as they drift out to sea. There are quite a few vantage components likelihood is you will select between to view the lagoon and it’s furthermore attainable to stroll alongside the shoreline. Inside the event you’re like me, you’ll should see the lagoon from all angles so strive each side of the bridge. There are small automobile parks in the marketplace 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 Seaside
At Diamond Seaside, the wild North Atlantic Ocean crashes over icebergs sitting on the black volcanic sand. It’s a formidable sight to witness, notably at dawn and sundown when the glow of the picture voltaic shines by way of 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 hunt out your explicit individual iceberg to {{{photograph}}}! There’s icebergs on every side of the bridge so take your choose!
*Warning – the waves can will be present in fairly shortly so beware that your tripod my get knocked over by fast-paced water, or as you may need seen on the information currently, do you have to happen to’re posing on an iceberg, it’d get washed out to sea…with you on it! Merely preserve a watch out and as well as you’ll be high-quality 🙂
Waterfall Ice Cave – Vatnajokull Glacier
In winter it’s attainable to entry one completely different world; that of the ice caves beneath an important glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. Climbing down into the Waterfall Ice Cave isn’t for the fainthearted nonetheless when you’re inside, magic is all by means of you. A ceiling of glowing ice, a freezing waterfall dashing alongside a flooring of vibrant pebbles and additional shades of blue than you’ve ever seen. It’s important to have an house knowledge take you into the caves on account of they’re harmful and repeatedly shifting.
Hofn
A reasonably little fishing village with a harbour stuffed of trawlers and snow-capped mountains behind. It’s the right base for exploring the Vatnajokull house and has a small path that offers views all by means of the ocean in path of the glacier. By the port is Hafnarbudin Café which really reminded me numerous 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 correct proper right here do you have to happen to’re attempting to {{{photograph}}} aurora at Stokksnes, it’s solely a 10-15min drive away, good for a fast sprint as shortly as a result of the northern lights seem.
Stokksnes and Vestrahorn
A mighty mountain fluctuate that meets the ocean in dramatic vogue merely east of Hofn. Rising up from the water, the cliffs of Vestrahorn are actually mesmerising. Stroll by way of the black sand dunes to find a pristine volcanic seaside and in winter, it’s the easiest place to have a look at the inexperienced waves of aurora dance all by means of the sky. Alongside the grime avenue to the seaside are paddocks of the light and pleasant Icelandic Horses.
To enter Stokksnes you might want to pay a price of 600ISK to the land proprietor on the outfitted and cosy Viking Café. Ómar the proprietor is massive good and really happy with the land so make certain that to cease by and have a chat too.
Filth Freeway at 64°18’14.3″N 14°59’58.5″W
Driving earlier the flip off to Stokksnes you’ll enterprise by way of a tunnel…after the tunnel there’s a mud avenue on the left side that leads in path of a mountain fluctuate that’s totally aligned with the highway. Good for these pictures of a avenue principal off into the outlet. It’s furthermore an impressive spot to have a look at the auroura, I actually found it whereas in quest of someplace to cease the automotive when the aurora was dancing above. It’s attainable the highway results in a garbage dump nonetheless…it’s stunning and there may be in fact no garbage in sight, merely mountains and atmosphere with out one completely different sole spherical. This was various the accessible nonetheless distant areas I discovered, notably at evening 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 atmosphere with rivers flowing into the ocean, light waterfalls and on a relaxed day, all of it reveals into the water the place swans float slowly all by means of the bottom. You in all probability will be taught additional about my day exploring this home correct proper right here. Beneath the peaks of Eystrahorn on the jap side of the valley (Eyst which means East) there’s barely place to cease the automotive on the coordinates of 64.422960, -14.611382 and from correct proper right here likelihood is you will wander alongside a shore of giant ice chunks and {{{photograph}}} reindeer all through the fields.
Eystrahorn Seaside
Driving beneath the jagged cliffs you’ll encounter a seaside so large it’s virtually laborious to focus your imaginative and prescient. Waves roll all through the extent, the Krossanesfjall Volcano sits above and there’s nothing nonetheless a protracted black sandy seaside in sight. The excellence between the mountain atmosphere and the shoreline makes this positively definitely considered one of my favorite views in all of Iceland, I used to be completely awe struck by this panorama.
Djúpavogshreppur
Inside the event you’re okay with the prospect of boulders falling down from the steep cliff above, that’s in all probability considered one of many greatest locations for coastal panorama pictures! The steep cliffs fall straight into the ocean beneath and the tiny ring avenue feels favor it’s delicately balancing on the sting. Ocean birds hover from their nests making good issues to incorporate in your composition. You in all probability can see in course of the jap fjords on account of the shoreline juts out and in and the colors widespread by minerals all through the sand has tones of reds and pinks.
Exploring Iceland is all about making the journey your explicit individual. It might be full of journey actions like mountaineering on glaciers, exploring ice caves, snorkelling between continents and climbing volcanoes or likelihood is you will sit again and take your time discovering the customized and distinctive Icelandic delicacies.
A super itinerary to incorporate all the gadgets talked about on this knowledge might presumably be 3-5 days since you nonetheless should drive as soon as extra to Reykjavik and it’s so tempting to cease as quickly as further at every spot on the return journey! Depart fairly a number of time for side of the highway stops…this knowledge is by no means inclusive of each location chances are you’ll have to cease, there’s tons of additional that don’t have a reputation which are price visiting.
When travelling spherical Iceland by automobile make certain that to take care of conscious of the native climate. As an area climate geek this was definitely considered one of many highlights of my journey as storms handed by way of I checked wind gusts that may sometimes exceed 120kmph. Don’t be the one which may get caught in a storm and ought to be rescued, all the time affirm the native climate earlier than heading out every morning as situations can change very quick! You’ll uncover in every petrol station and a few cafes/supermarkets they’ll have a tv with the up to date avenue situations well-known and any native climate alerts which should be taken critically.
Verify avenue.is for avenue closures, situations and notably in winter this web page is nice for letting you understand how tons snow is on the highway and whether or not or not or not it’s secure to enterprise out. For native climate forecasts affirm vedur.is which is up to date each few hours with anticipated wind, rain and snow forecasts.
Research Furthermore:
Photographing Skogafoss Waterfall
Inside an Ice Cave – Vatnajokull Glacier
Snorkelling Silfra Between Tectonic Plates
I hope this knowledge has helped spotlight among the many many stunning pure wonders of Iceland’s Southern house, preserve a watch out for my knowledge to the West Coast of Iceland coming shortly…
Good day! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as educated journey and panorama photographer, all suggestion discovered on this web page is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful to your personal travels and want to take heed to all through the options about your journeys and experiences world huge.