If you’re into Instagram, Iceland should be your next destination. Nowhere in the world will you find as many Insta-friendly locations as on the volcanic island. This has not gone unnoticed, with visits from celebrities no less than Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian and the Beckhams, who all posted beautiful snapshots taken in Iceland to their Instagram accounts. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacial lakes, dramatic mountains, Iceland has it all. Do you want to be Instagram famous and are you looking for the best eye-catchers, then do read on.
Stokksnes
Stokksnes is a peninsula in Southeast Iceland, about 460 kilometres from Reykjavík (5 hours and 40 minutes by car). It’s home to the spectacular mountain Vestrahorn, a stunning 454 metres tall mountain, that is standing proudly next to the ocean and is surrounded by black beaches. You have probably seen pictures of the area on social media already, since it’s such a magnificent location for Instagrammers and photography lovers. And it’s dazzling in every season, it doesn’t matter if dark skies are hovering above the snow-covered mountain, or if the midnight sun is turning the whole landscape pink.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is a waterfall on the south coast, close to the ring road, and about 150 kilometres from Reykjavík. This impressive tourist hot spot has a drop of 60 metres and a width of 25 metres. For many, this waterfall is the most beautiful they have ever seen. Walk very close to the waterfall to truly experience its power. You can also walk up the stairs next to it to get a view from above. And when the sun is shining, a rainbow forms in front of the waterfall. This is exactly the dramatic effect that will get you more Instagram followers. Can it get any better?
Seljalandsfoss
Not far from Skógafoss waterfall, on a 25-minute drive in western direction, you will find another sublime waterfall: Seljalandsfoss. It is located just off the ring road, close to the road to Þórsmörk Nature Reserve. The best thing about this waterfall is, is that in summertime it’s possible to walk behind it. But beware, the path leading behind the waterfall can be slippery, you will have to climb a bit and wearing waterproof clothing is highly recommended. Trust us, this is all worth the unique experience of seeing tons of water splash down right in front of you.
You can’t go behind the waterfall in winter, but this season has its own perks. Stunning ice sculptures are formed all around the area. All year round you can get to this impressive waterfall as a part of the south coast tours.
Reynisfjara and Dyrhólæy
Reynisfjara is an extremely popular black sand beach close to the small town Vík, the southernmost village of the mainland. The wild ocean, black sand and impressive basalt columns make this one of the most photogenic places of Iceland (also popular for wedding photography). Be careful of the unexpected sneaker waves in this area though, and don’t get too close to the ocean to shoot the perfect picture.
From Reynisfjara you can see Dyrhólæy in the distance. This is a small arch-shaped peninsula. You can hike to the top of Dyrhólæy to a picturesque lighthouse that will do great on Instagram. And in summertime, you will find flocks of puffins breeding at the seaside cliffs. Click away!
Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lake in Southeast Iceland (370 kilometres from Reykjavík), formed by meltwater from Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier of Europe. Icebergs drift in the lake, slowly heading towards the ocean. On these big ice blocks you can often spot seals resting and sunbathing. If you walk along the lake to the ocean, you reach a place called Diamond Beach. There, the ocean pushes small icebergs and ice blocks back onto land. The black beach is therefore covered with “diamonds”, both small and huge. You can easily take the perfect Instagram picture here.
Mt. Kirkjufell
In West Iceland (about 2 to 2.5 hours from Reykjavík by car), the Snæfellsnes peninsula has a lot to offer for Instagrammers. The Snæfellsnes peninsula has some of the most diverse landscapes in Iceland, with waterfalls, caves, black beaches, and most importantly, the internet famous Mt. Kirkjufell. It rapidly gained popularity in recent years, because it has been used as a filming location for several movies and series, like Game of Thrones. However, it has been a tourist attraction for decades, and it’s one of the most photographed mountains of Iceland. It’s so wonderful, you don’t even need a filter.
