The walls of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon are believed to have formed around 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age.
Photograph by Andre Kohls, Redux
Skaftatell is a preserved wilderness within the Vatnajökull National Park. Home to the largest ice cap in Iceland, the park is a popular tourist destination for hikes and guided glacier walks.
Photograph by Fernando Moleres, Panos Pictures, Redux
Within central Iceland’s Kerlingarfjöll mountains lies Hveradalir, the “valley of the hot springs,” one of the largest geothermal areas in Iceland. A photographer’s dream, Hveradalir stuns with its colourful hot springs, steaming vents, and mountainous landscapes.
Photograph by Martin Zwick, Visum, Redux
Höfn, meaning 'harbour' in Icelandic, is an idyllic fishing village in southeastern Iceland, with stunning views of Vatnajökull—the largest ice cap in the country. Though just over two thousand people live there, many more visit throughout the year while travelling the famous Ring Road.
Photograph by Michele Borzoni, Terraproject, Redux
An array of many gentle cascades, Hraunfossar stems from cold springs under Hallmundarhraun, a solidified lava field. The moss and vegetation growing from the volcanic rock look drastically different from season to season.
Photograph by Andre Kohls, Visum, Redux
On the eastern shore of Lake Myvatn, the Námafjall Geothermal Area is a vast landscape of boiling mud pots and sulfurous springs called fumaroles. Though the acidic soil allows little vegetation, colored mineral deposits give the area a vibrant look. If you can get over the smell of rotten eggs, take on the small hiking trail up to Námaskarð pass and Námafjall Mountain.
Photograph by Andre Khols, Visum, Redux
One of the westernmost points of Iceland, Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known for its vast array of dramatic landscapes, from black sand beaches to glaciers. Legends surround many of the natural wonders here, especially Snaefellsjökull—a 700,000-year-old, glacier-capped stratovolcano.
Photograph by Anika Buessemeier, Laif, Redux
One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, the mighty Gullfoss lies a mere 90-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. Created at the end of the last Ice Age, its crevasse continues to widen each year under the pounding water’s constant erosion. Head to the viewing platform for a vantage over the double cascade.
Photograph by Andre Kohls, Visum, Redux
Literally meaning “glacial river lagoon,” Jökulsárlón is the largest of its kind in the country—and due to melting glaciers, it’s still growing, having almost doubled from 1970. Though a winter visit promises more icebergs and chances to see the northern lights, boat tours are only offered in the summer, when the bright afternoon light creates a glittering contrast between the sky, ice, and water.
Photograph by Andre Kohls, Visum, Redux
A notoriously challenging road, the Öxi Pass is a Ring Road alternative that saves time driving between Höfn and Egilsstaðir. A mountain pass with winding turns and steep drops, it should be avoided outside of summer or during inclement weather.
Photograph by Andre Kohls, Visum, Redux
Arguably Iceland’s most well-known attraction, the Blue Lagoon is a series of man-made pools carved into the rocky landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The warm, silica-rich waters mix seawater and freshwater from a nearby geothermal power plant. Travellers from all over the world come to bathe in its rejuvenating, milky waters.
Photograph by Taylor Glenn, Redux
Grjótagja is an eerie lava cave and hot spring created from eruptions of the Krafla volcanic system. Though visitors are no longer able to swim here, you can still explore the cave and dip your toes in the water.
Photograph by S.E. Arndt, Picture Press, Redux
Ring Road, or Route 1, is a national highway looping Iceland, making it the easiest way for tourists to see the entire country. More than 800 miles long, it connects all major towns and cities.
Photograph by Brooks Walker, Laif, Redux
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is an ideal day trip from Reykjavik with stunning views at every turn and plenty of place to stop along the way, from unique rock formations to picturesque fishing villages.
Photograph by Christian Kerber, Laif, Redux
Visible from the Ring Road that winds around it, Krossanesfjall is a volcanic mountain on the east coast near Höfn. Below Krossanesfjall lies a vast black sand beach called Eystrahorn—a good under-the-radar location for capturing breathtaking photos.
Photograph by Andre Kohls, Visum, Redux
Once a fishing hub, the small village of Arnarstapi is now a popular place for tourists to visit and rest, as it sits on the cusp of Snæfellsjökull National Park. Gatklettur, a natural stone arch rising from the waves, is not to be missed.
Photograph by Anika Buessemeier, Laif, Redux
A short drive from Höfn, eight mountains make up a small peninsula, the highest peak being Klifatindur. The Ring Road takes daring drivers through a pass reasonably close to the summit.
Photograph by Andre Kohls, Visum, Redux
The Dyrfjöll mountains are named for the famous gap in the middle of the range called the Dyr, or door. These inactive volcanoes are home to a notoriously challenging hiking trail to the mountain of Ytra-Dyrfjall, first summited in 1952.
Photograph by Stanislas Fautre, Figarophoto, Redux
Once known to passing sailors as “Cape Portland,” Dyrholaey, or Door Hill Island, is the mainland’s southernmost point. Its signature enormous rock arch resulted from centuries of erosion.
Photograph by Stefan Boness, VISUM creative, Redux
A small church off the main road of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the black church of Búðir is popular with photographers drawn to the stark contrast of its minimalist appearance against the natural surroundings.
Photograph by Martin Zwick, Visum, Redux
