My 10-day photographer’s itinerary in South Iceland (fall 2024)

At the end of September and beginning of October 2024, I spent 10 days exploring Iceland for the very first time. My goal was simple: capture the beauty of the Icelandic landscapes through my lens. I focused mainly on the west and south of the country, chasing dramatic light, unique compositions, and peaceful moments in nature.

In this article, I’m sharing my full 10-day itinerary, designed for landscape photographers. You’ll find Google Maps links to the photo spots I visited, tips about accommodations, and practical advice to plan your own trip. I also include insights about the Northern Lights, lesser-known places, and my favorite ways to compose a scene.

This guide is based entirely on my personal experience and preferences, no affiliate links or sponsored content, just honest and useful details from the field.

Quick recap: key links and highlights

Top landscape photography spots
➜ Stokksnes/Vestrahorn
➜ Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
➜ Breiðamerkursandur (Diamond Beach)
➜ Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
➜ Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
➜ Kirkjufell Mountain (Snæfellsnes Peninsula)
➜ Sæljós GK-2 shipwreck (Sandgerði)

Northern lights (Aurora borealis)
➜ My Aurora Forecast : a must-have for chasing auroras
➜ Read my northern lights blog article to get all the tips to photograph the northern lights

Accommodations I recommend
➜ iStay Cottages – Sandgerði (Reykjanes Peninsula)
➜ Skýjaborg apartments – Höfn (near Stokksnes)
➜ Borg Apartments – Hvolsvöllur (Golden Circle)
➜ Stöð Guesthouse and Apartments – Grundarfjörður (near Kirkjufell)

Car rental 
➜ Lava Car Rental – Reliable and perfect for self-drive trips

Getting the car and heading to Sandgerði

Our flight landed at 2:30 PM in Reykjavík. After picking up our luggage, we went straight to Lava Car Rental to get our vehicle. For this first half-day, we decided to take it easy and settle into our cozy cabin at iStay Cottages in Sandgerði. We also stopped at Bónus for groceries to prepare for the long drive the next day.

➜ Lava Car Rental 
➜ iStay Cottages

First photo stop: Hvalsneskirkja Church

Even though the weather was cold and rainy with poor light, we made a short visit to Hvalsneskirkja, a charming stone church built in 1886–87 on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

➜ Photo spot Hvalsneskirkja 

Dinner in Sandgerði

For dinner, we tried Sjávarsetrið, a family-run seafood restaurant just three minutes from our accommodation. The fish and chips were excellent, and the warm atmosphere made it a perfect start to our trip.

➜ Sjávarsetrið restaurant

Long drive and first drone stop at the braided rivers

Today was the longest driving day of the trip. We decided to start with the farthest point: the town of Höfn, about 6.5 hours from Sandgerði. From there, we planned to head slowly back over the next days, visiting the Golden Circle and the Vík í Mýrdal region on the way.

One of my goals was to photograph a braided river from the air. Just before Selfoss, there’s a bridge crossing a beautiful river I had spotted on Google Maps. There’s a safe place to stop right before the bridge where I could launch the drone. The cloudy weather was perfect. It reduced reflections and gave the water a soft, even tone. The river looked amazing, with turquoise and yellow tones weaving through the dark sand.

➜ Braided river photo spot 
➜ Rules to fly your drone in Iceland

Arrival at the Skýjaborg Apartments in Höfn

After hours of driving, it was a relief to reach our apartment. At first, we weren’t sure about the location since it’s in an industrial area, but as soon as we stepped inside, we loved it. The place was nicely decorated and very comfortable.

➜ Skýjaborg apartments

First visit to Stokksnes and Vestrahorn

Even though we had just arrived, we headed straight to Stokksnes for sunset. The black sand beach is about 25 minutes from Höfn. Please note that there’s an entrance fee to access the beach: 800 ISK per person in 2024. You can buy your ticket at the little café in the car park. I bought two, just in case there were northern lights and I wanted to return later. We tested it: the QR code only works once, so you do need a second ticket if you go back.  

➜ Café to buy your entry 

The place is stunning, no matter the weather. There are several small parking areas and photo spots along the beach. Depending on the tide, you might get a beautiful reflection of the mountain in the water. We arrived at low tide, and although there was no colorful sunset, the moody clouds gave us a magical blue hour. After our photos, we went home to cook a nice meal.

Northern lights alert

At midnight, my Aurora app sent me a notification. The northern lights were dancing. We jumped in the car and drove back to Stokksnes. This is when I was happy to have bought that second ticket — the café was closed, and without it, we would have had to walk a long way in the dark.

We made it in time. For more than two hours, we watched the green lights dance across the sky. It was cold and windy, but absolutely worth it.

➜ My article on how to photograph the northern lights

Breiðamerkursandur, also known as Diamond Beach 

For this third day, we explored the glacier region. After a late night chasing the auroras, we decided to sleep in and left mid-morning for our first stop: the famous Breiðamerkursandur, often called Diamond Beach. But when we arrived, there were only a few pieces of ice on the sand. Slightly disappointed, we decided to head to Fjallsárlón first and come back later in the day.

Fjallsárlón glacier

Located just a bit west of Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón is easy to access by car. There’s a large parking area, and after a 10-minute walk, you reach the edge of the lagoon. In many places in Iceland, you have to pay for parking. Some lots accept payment through the Parka app, which lets you enter your rental car’s license plate.

When we arrived, the weather was cloudy with low fog. You could barely see the glacier in the distance, which gave the whole place a mysterious, quiet feeling. What’s really striking here is the brown color of the lagoon water. On the shoreline, chunks of black ice sit quietly on the sand. It’s very different from other glaciers and incredibly photogenic.

➜ Car park Fjallsárlón glacier
➜ List of paid car parks in Iceland
➜ Parka App

Back to Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach

Later in the afternoon, we returned to the Jökulsárlón area. First, we walked along the edge of the lagoon. The icebergs floating in the water were massive, and we even spotted a few seals playing in the distance. It’s a peaceful place, with slow-moving ice and soft sounds that feel like whispers.

We then drove over to Diamond Beach. The great thing is that the same parking ticket works for both the lagoon and the beach, so you don’t need to pay twice.

Unfortunately, the beach still didn’t have many ice chunks, but I did find a few smaller pieces that were perfect for close-up compositions. I tried some semi-long exposures to create movement in the waves around the ice. If you go, I definitely recommend taking two pairs of shoes, because your feet will get wet really fast.

➜ Car park Jökulsárlón Lagoon
➜ Car park Breiðamerkursandur
➜ Photo spot Diamond Beach

Ice cubes at Diamond Beach

Today, we’re heading to our new accommodation in Hvolsvöllur, where we’ll stay for four nights. From there, we plan to explore the Vík í Mýrdal region and the Golden Circle in a “star-shaped” route. The drive from Höfn to Hvolsvöllur takes about 4.5 hours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to make several photo stops.

As we passed Breiðamerkursandur again, I noticed that there were many more ice blocks on the shore than the previous day. So we turned around and headed back to the beach. I had originally planned to visit a church on the way, but we ended up spending almost two hours at Diamond Beach. The ice was so beautiful, I couldn’t resist taking the time to capture it properly. It had always been a dream of mine to photograph this place.

➜ Car park Breiðamerkursandur
➜ Photo spot Diamond Beach

Drone photography at Lómagnúpur

This iconic mountain was one of my drone priorities. On the way west, we stopped near a wild river with a clear view of the mountain. I wanted to capture a panoramic shot showing the mountain’s striking shape along with the braided river flowing nearby. The scene felt vast, untouched, and timeless.

➜ Car park Lómagnúpur

Drone photography at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

About 40 minutes from Lómagnúpur, we stopped at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, one of Iceland’s most photogenic landscapes. The site is well marked and easy to reach. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk to the main viewpoint. I took some aerial shots with the drone, hoping to highlight the winding river and dramatic cliffs from above. The weather was cloudy, which helped soften the light and bring out the textures of the canyon. 

➜ Car park Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Mossy Lava Fields

Mossy lava fields had been on my list since the beginning. I love their softness and how surreal the landscape feels. In some spots, little red and yellow leaves had started to appear, adding subtle touches of autumn color. You’re not allowed to walk on the moss itself, but there are gravel roads that let you get close without damaging anything. Composing a photo here takes time. I had to walk around quite a bit before finding the right angle and balance.

After that, we drove straight to our accommodation at Borg Apartments in Hvolsvöllur. It’s a simple place, but ideal as a base for the next few days.

➜ Mossy Lava Fields area
➜ Borg Apartments

Reynisfjara black sand Beach

We started the day with a visit to Reynisfjara, one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland. It has a bit of a reputation because of its strong waves, so I stayed cautious. The waves weren’t huge that day, but they did come surprisingly close to the shore. I kept my backpack on and made sure to stay alert.

I had a few shots in mind: some long exposures with the sea stacks, a vertical shot of the iconic rock with crashing waves, and a self-portrait in a red dress on the basalt stones at the cave entrance. This beach is extremely popular, so it’s best to go early or late to avoid the crowds. Also, don’t forget to check the tide times depending on the composition you’re aiming for.

➜ Car park Reynisfjara
➜ Tide information
➜ Photo spot self-portrait

Dyrhólaey viewpoint

A little further west, Dyrhólaey offers a beautiful elevated view over the coast. The access is very easy by car, and the short walk to the viewpoint is worth it. I loved the dramatic perspective of the endless black sand beach disappearing into the fog. With different weather, I’m sure this place would also look amazing at sunrise.

➜ Dyrholaey lighthouse parking top
➜ Photo spot black sand beach

Arnardrangur sea stack

Just below Dyrhólaey, you’ll find the Arnardrangur sea stack. It’s one of the spots I was most excited to photograph. You can park nearby, and from the viewpoint, you get a stunning panorama of Reynisfjara beach. Depending on the tide, the beach looks completely different, so I think this is a location you could easily revisit and always find new compositions.

➜ Dyrhólaey View Parking Lot
➜ Photo spot Arnardrangur

Kvernufoss waterfall

Later in the afternoon, we still had time for one last stop. Even though the wind had picked up and we were getting tired and hungry, we decided to visit Kvernufoss. It’s located right next to Skógafoss but feels way more peaceful. You walk along a small gorge, and at the end, you reach the waterfall. The best part? You can walk behind it for a magical view through the curtain of water. It’s a fantastic place for wide shots and unique compositions. I’d really recommend taking your time here.

➜ Car park Kvernufoss
➜ Kvernufoss access info

Blue hour at Skógafoss

The day began early, as we wanted to visit Skógafoss with fewer people around. It’s one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, so it often gets very crowded. Luckily, that morning, only a few photographers were there. I took some photos of Paolo in his yellow jacket in front of the waterfall, just to capture its beauty and power.

➜ Car park Skógafoss
➜ Skógafoss photo spot

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls

Next stop: the famous Seljalandsfoss. It’s a must-see and especially impressive because you can walk behind the waterfall. People often say it’s magical at sunset, but we didn’t get the right weather. It’s also a very busy spot, so I recommend going at off-peak hours if you want to take your time.

From there, a short trail leads you to Gljúfrabúi waterfall. You need to walk through a narrow canyon to reach it, which makes the place feel hidden and mysterious. That’s where I took a self-portrait in my red dress. It was absolutely freezing, and the dress got soaked. I was cold all day, but I have no regrets. Luckily, we arrived when there weren’t many people around.  

➜ Car park Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls
➜ Gljúfrabúi photo spot

Braided river and drone photography

Right next to Seljalandsfoss, there’s a large wild river. A little farther down the road, we found a safe place to pull over and launch the drone. Despite the rainy weather, the light was perfect for a moody aerial panorama. I captured a 10-photo panorama showing the river’s curves and the mountains in the background. A beautiful mix of scale and detail.

➜ Car park braided rivers
➜ Braided river photo spot

Þjóðveldisbærinn from the air

Since the rain was getting heavier, we left the waterfalls behind and drove to Þjóðveldisbærinn, a reconstructed Viking farm. You have to pay to enter, but it’s a great subject for drone photography, especially with the fall colors all around. We also visited the little museum, which lets you try on Viking clothes and step back in time for a few moments.

➜ Car park Þjóðveldisbærinn 
➜ Þjóðveldisbærinn information

Icelandic horses

To end the day, we stopped to photograph some of the famous Icelandic horses. They’re everywhere in the countryside, so it’s easy to find them if you keep an eye out. Just make sure to stop safely and never disturb them. Don’t feed them or enter the fields. But often, they’re curious and come close to the fence by themselves. As a horse lover, I couldn’t resist spending a few moments with them.

Back to Reykjavik to change car

We had a small issue this morning when we left. The car suddenly lit up with all the warning lights. After contacting Lava Rental Car, we drove back to Reykjavik to exchange it. Thankfully, the team was super helpful and gave us a new vehicle right away. Big thanks to them. We lost part of the day, but we were still able to enjoy the soft light in the afternoon.

Heading for the geysers via Þingvellir National Park

Since we had to drive anyway, we decided to make the most of it. After leaving Reykjavik, we took the scenic route through Þingvellir National Park. The fall colors were amazing, with orange and red leaves everywhere. I found a little tree with the perfect shape and colors for a photo. It felt like the whole landscape was glowing.

Then we continued toward the geysers. We arrived just before sunset and were lucky to witness Strokkur erupting with a soft pink sky behind it. The scene was magical and, even better, there weren’t too many people around. 

➜ Þingvellir national park information

Then it was back on the road to the geysers. We got there just before sunset and were able to see Strokkur Geyser in full eruption with the pinkish sky in the background. Frankly, it was perfect. There weren’t too many people either, so we really got to enjoy it.

➜ Car park Geysirs
➜ Photo spot Strokkur

Blue hour and northern lights at Gullfoss waterfall

Only eight minutes from the geysers, Gullfoss was our next destination. The blue hour was about to begin and the My Aurora app showed promising KP index levels. We didn’t hesitate and drove straight there. When we arrived, the car park was empty. We bundled up against the freezing wind and headed for the lower viewpoint, where I wanted to take a shot from the front. There are several different spots along the path, so it’s worth scouting a little in advance. We settled in, enjoyed the peace of blue hour, and waited for the aurora to appear.  

➜ Car park Gullfoss
➜ Photo spot Gullfoss

Charming little church Úlfljótsvatnskirkja and drone photography

Today we’re heading northwest to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for our final stop. Our accommodation is Stöð Guesthouse and Apartments, right in front of Kirkjufell. We can’t wait to get there. On the way, I planned a first stop at Úlfljótsvatnskirkja, a lovely little church by a lake. Seen from above in autumn, with the yellow trees and soft light, it’s perfect for a few beautiful photos and videos before we hit the road again.

➜ Car park Úlfljótsvatnskirkja 

Unplanned stop at Selvallafoss and volcano views

About thirty minutes before arriving, we spotted some incredible light over a group of volcanoes. We stopped at a rest area, and that’s when we heard the sound of a waterfall. It turned out to be Selvallafoss, and we could even go behind it. I took some photos from behind the waterfall while Paolo posed on a rock in the distance. On the way back to the car, I also stopped to capture the volcanoes during golden hour. The textures and reddish-brown tones looked stunning from the sky, so I flew the drone. The light was amazing, and even if Paolo stayed warm in the car, I was thrilled with the result.

➜ Car park Selvallafoss
➜ Photo spot volcanoes

Sunset and northern lights at Kirkjufell

We finally arrived at our guesthouse and received a warm welcome. The room was simple and cozy. As soon as we had the key and dropped off our bags, we headed straight to Kirkjufellsfoss for the iconic photo of the waterfall and Kirkjufell mountain at sunset. It was definitely busy, but the view was absolutely worth it. After freezing there for more than an hour, we returned to the hotel for dinner. Just as dessert arrived, the My Aurora app sent us a notification: a chance of auroras. We quickly finished eating, paid the bill, and rushed to the seafront. There, we caught an incredible green aurora dancing right above Kirkjufell. It lasted just fifteen minutes before the clouds rolled in, but it was enough. Mission accomplished.  

➜ Stöð Guesthouse and Apartments
➜ Car park Kirkjufellsfoss
➜ Photo spot Kirkjufellsfoss
➜ Photo spot Kirkjufell northern lights

Morning at Ytri Tunga seal beach

We began our day at Ytri Tunga Beach, a place known for its seal population. If you’re lucky, you might spot a few lounging on the rocks. It’s important to keep a respectful distance of at least 100 meters and not disturb them. A telephoto lens or binoculars will help you get a better view, as the seals are usually far away. The rocks are slippery, so be careful while walking. We ended up staying longer than planned, watching them quietly in the golden morning light. 

➜ Car park Ytri Tunga

Mid-morning stop at Búðir black church

Our next stop was the iconic black church at Búðir. We made sure to arrive early to avoid the usual crowds, which was definitely worth it. The area offers several beautiful compositions for photography, from minimalist to dramatic. Even if it’s a popular site, the surrounding landscape still feels peaceful.

➜ Car park Búðir

Lunch and photo session in Arnarstapi

In the early afternoon, we drove to Arnarstapi, a charming fishing village famous for its little white house overlooking the cliffs. The sun was very harsh, which made shooting the arch a bit tricky, so I focused on capturing the house instead. After the photo session, we treated ourselves to fish and chips on a sunny terrace. A little break in the sun is always welcome in Iceland.

➜ Car park Arnarstapi
➜ Arnarstapi white house photo spot
➜ Arnarstapi fish and chips

Afternoon adventure at Hólahólar and Svörtuloft

Later in the day, we headed to the dormant Hólahólar volcano, where you can actually drive inside the crater. It’s not very high, but it’s definitely a unique experience. From there, we continued to Svörtuloft Lighthouse. The road is rough but manageable, and the lighthouse stands out beautifully with its bright orange color against the coastal cliffs. It’s a perfect photo spot, especially with autumn tones all around.

➜ Car park Svörtuloft lighthouse

Sunset at the Sæljós GK-2 shipwreck

On the way back, we stopped at the wreck of the Sæljós GK-2 in Sandgerði. I’ve always loved photographing shipwrecks, and this one was accessible on foot. Paolo climbed the ladder to explore the structure, while I captured the scene at sunset and blue hour. The sky was painted in pink and purple hues, adding a surreal touch to the composition. 

➜ Car park Sæljós GK-2 from SANDGERÐI

Evening northern lights at Ingjaldshólskirkja

After dinner in Hellissandur, we checked the aurora forecast and saw that activity was strong. The sky was completely clear, so we grabbed our gear and went aurora chasing. I had already scouted several photo spots, and we ended up stopping at four different ones. From the shipwreck to the volcanoes and the coastline, each backdrop offered a different mood. We spent nearly three hours outside, cold but thrilled, shooting timelapses and photos of the Northern Lights dancing above us. 

➜ Car park Ingjaldshólskirkja

Morning at Kolgrafarfjörður Bridge

It’s our last day on Icelandic soil. We left Grundarfjörður in the early morning, heading slowly toward Keflavík Airport. But before saying goodbye, I couldn’t resist one final drone flight over Kolgrafarfjörður Bridge. This iconic curve, stretching above calm waters with the surrounding mountains in the background, is one of those timeless Icelandic scenes. Capturing it from the sky was the perfect way to close our journey.

➜ Car park Kolgrafarfjörður

Back to Switzerland

With hearts full of memories and memory cards full of photos, we made our way to the airport. As always after a trip like this, we’re already dreaming of the next adventure. I hope this itinerary will help you plan yours, inspire you to chase the light, and maybe even make you fall in love with Iceland just like we did.

Final thoughts

This 10-day itinerary through South Iceland is designed to help you explore the country’s most photogenic locations while leaving space for creativity and slow travel. From iconic waterfalls to remote black sand beaches, each stop invites you to pause, feel the landscape, and tell your own visual story.

And most of all, enjoy the moment. Happy shooting!

Published on January 18, 2025 by Jennifer Esseiva