Photographer's guide: Best scenic drives for capturing Iceland's beauty

Iceland is a dreamland for photographers. With its dramatic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and surreal geothermal activity, it offers endless opportunities to capture nature at its rawest and most beautiful. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just looking to snap stunning shots on your travels, there's no better way to explore Iceland’s photogenic corners than with a road trip.

At Zero Car Rental, we make it easy to hit the road. With fully automated pick-up, full insurance included, and roadside assistance at no extra cost, your focus can stay where it belongs: on the viewfinder.

Here’s our photographer’s guide to the best scenic drives in Iceland—routes that blend convenience, variety, and sheer jaw-dropping beauty.

1. The Golden Circle – Classic Icelandic drama in one loop

📍 Route: Reykjavik → Þingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss → Reykjavik
📷 Highlights: Þingvellir National Park, Strokkur geyser eruption, Gullfoss waterfall

This compact 300 km route packs a punch for photographers. Capture the continental rift at Þingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes, and frame the iconic double cascade of Gullfoss from various angles. Come early or late in the day for softer light and fewer crowds—especially at Gullfoss, where golden-hour shots are truly magical.

Pro tip: Bring a tripod for long exposure waterfall shots and ND filters to manage midday glare.

2. South Coast – Iconic waterfalls and black sand beaches

📍 Route: Reykjavik → Vík → Höfn (or return)
📷 Highlights: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Diamond Beach

Iceland’s South Coast is a paradise for landscape and nature photographers. Snap behind-the-waterfall shots at Seljalandsfoss, catch rainbows at Skógafoss, and play with contrast on the volcanic black sand beaches of Reynisfjara. Keep going to the luminous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the iceberg-strewn Diamond Beach.

Pro tip: Use a drone for wide shots of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon or the glacial lagoon—just make sure to check local drone regulations.

3. Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Iceland in miniature

📍 Route: Reykjavik → Snæfellsnes loop → Reykjavik
📷 Highlights: Kirkjufell mountain, Snæfellsjökull glacier, Arnarstapi cliffs, black churches, lava fields

Often called “Iceland in miniature,” Snæfellsnes has it all. For photographers, Kirkjufell is a must. It's one of the most photographed mountains in the world, especially when framed with the adjacent waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss. Explore coastal cliffs, sea arches, mossy lava fields, and charming fishing villages—all within a day’s drive from Reykjavik.

Pro tip: Sunset is prime time at Kirkjufell. Arrive early to secure your tripod spot.

4. The Eastfjords – Untouched beauty and local charm

📍 Route: Höfn → Egilsstaðir
📷 Highlights: Vestrahorn, coastal roads, remote fjords, reindeer herds, small fishing towns

Far less visited than the South, the Eastfjords offer serenity and spectacular scenery. Capture Vestrahorn, a jagged mountain rising from the sea, especially atmospheric in the mist. Wind your way through coastal fjords with near-empty roads, stopping in sleepy villages for real Icelandic charm.

Pro tip: Pack a telephoto lens—you might spot reindeer roaming freely through the region.

5. North Iceland – Geothermal wonders and Arctic landscapes

📍 Route: Akureyri → Mývatn → Húsavík → Dettifoss
📷 Highlights: Goðafoss, Mývatn geothermal area, Hverir, Húsavík harbor, Dettifoss waterfall

In the North, geology takes center stage. Shoot the “Waterfall of the Gods” at Goðafoss, bubbling mud pots and steaming vents in Hverir, and the raw power of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. In summer, the light never truly fades, giving you long shooting windows.

Pro tip: Visit Húsavík for potential whale-watching shots—bring a zoom lens and waterproof gear for the boat!

6. The Westfjords – Iceland’s final frontier

📍 Route: Ísafjörður → Dynjandi → Látrabjarg
📷 Highlights: Dynjandi waterfall, dramatic fjords, puffins at Látrabjarg, endless empty roads

Remote and wild, the Westfjords feel like another world. Dynjandi is one of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls, spreading like a bridal veil across basalt rock. The cliffs at Látrabjarg are home to puffins in summer, often just a few feet away from your lens. And the fjord views? Out of this world.

Pro tip: Bring wide-angle and zoom lenses—this region is vast and varied.

7. The Highland roads – Iceland’s rugged heart

📍 Route: Only accessible in summer with 4x4 vehicles (e.g., F35, F208, F26)
📷 Highlights: Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, Hveravellir, volcanic craters, colored rhyolite mountains

If you’re driving a 4WD vehicle, the highlands open up a whole new canvas. Think colorful mountains, steaming vents, and Martian terrain. Landmannalaugar is a favorite among landscape photographers, with multi-colored peaks and lava fields. Just make sure you're well-prepared—the Highlands are remote, and the weather can shift fast.

Pro tip: Zero Car Rental includes full insurance with no excess. If you're headed to the Highlands, roadside assistance is included—giving you confidence to explore these off-grid wonders.

Photo tips for Iceland road trips

Mind the light: Iceland’s light shifts constantly. Shoot early and late for golden light. In summer, the midnight sun means surreal lighting well past 10 p.m.
Weatherproof your gear: Bring lens wipes, plastic bags, and weather-sealed camera bags. Rain, mist, and wind are regular companions.
Don’t rush: Iceland is meant to be experienced slowly. Stop often, explore side roads, and take time to frame your perfect shot.
Stay safe: Always park safely off-road (never on vegetation), and be cautious near cliff edges and waterfalls.

Why photographers love Zero Car Rental

When you're traveling with precious gear and chasing the perfect light, simplicity, security, and flexibility matter. Here’s why Zero is a top pick for photographers in Iceland:

✅ Fully covered insurance – no excess, no worries
✅ Airport keybox pickup – no waiting in line
✅ 24/7 roadside assistance included – even in the Highlands
✅ Transparent pricing – no hidden fees, ever
✅ Smooth, fast bookings – land, grab, drive

Whether you're driving the Ring Road or venturing into lesser-known fjords, you deserve a car rental experience that supports your creative journey—not slows it down.

Final thoughts

Iceland is a canvas of extremes. From steaming geothermal vents to iceberg lagoons, from black beaches to rainbow-colored mountains, it's a place where every turn reveals something new. As a photographer, there’s no better way to explore than by car—setting your own pace, chasing the light, and capturing Iceland’s soul through your lens.

So grab your gear, pick your route, and let Zero Car Rental help you explore Iceland with zero stress and all the beauty.

Want help picking the perfect car for your photography road trip? Explore our fleet here or reach out—we’re always happy to help.