Chasing Light Across Iceland: Our 21-Day Adventure
An Epic Road Trip Through Glaciers, Volcanoes, Waterfalls, and Wild Beauty
Introduction
For years, Iceland has been at the top of my photography bucket list, a land where fire meets ice, where glaciers carve deep canyons, and where every bend in the road reveals a landscape more surreal than the last.
In September 2025, we’ll finally make it happen: a 21-day road trip circling the entire island counterclockwise. Three weeks, one car, endless light, and endless possibilities.
We’ve spent months researching, mapping, and planning this journey, pulling together every bit of advice we could find. One resource stood above the rest: the Mads Peter Iverson Iceland Photography Playlist. His insights into location scouting, light, and composition helped shape nearly every stop on our itinerary.
🎥 Watch the Mads Peter Iverson Iceland Playlist
And to make it even more special, our kids surprised us with a gift certificate to the Blue Lagoon. We’re kicking off this adventure in style, soaking in the warm, milky-blue geothermal waters before setting out to explore one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Bring the Beauty of Iceland Into Your Home
Many of these locations are available as museum-quality fine art prints for homes, offices, and collectors.
Explore the Iceland Collection →
If you’re planning your own photography journey through Iceland, I recently published a detailed guide covering the best locations across the island.
See the Ultimate Iceland Photography Guide here:
https://waynemoranphotography.com/blog/ultimate-iceland-photography-guide/
Day 1 – Arrival, Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik
Land at Keflavík International Airport
Pick up the rental car and head straight to the Blue Lagoon. After the long flight, there’s no better way to start than relaxing in those legendary geothermal pools surrounded by surreal volcanic landscapes.
Drive into Reykjavik for the evening: wander the colorful streets, grab an authentic Icelandic dinner, and rest up for the days ahead.
Day 2 – The Golden Circle
The classic Golden Circle is touristy but a must for first-time visitors and a photographer’s dream.
Öxarárfoss – A beautiful waterfall tucked inside Þingvellir National Park. Best shot in morning light from below with a wide-angle lens.
Geysir & Strokkur – Steaming geysers erupt every few minutes. Visit late evening for moodier light and fewer crowds.
Gullfoss – One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Expect mist, rainbows, and challenging light inside its deep gorge. Bring ND filters and experiment.
Brúarfoss – A hidden gem with icy-blue cascades. A drone will capture incredible patterns here.
Day 3 – Hot Springs & Scenic Hikes
A slower-paced day to relax and explore.
Flúðir & Selfoss – Quaint villages with local charm and bakeries worth stopping for.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Hike – A scenic hike into hills filled with natural hot rivers where we can soak in wild Icelandic beauty.
Reykjanestá Cliffs – Jagged sea cliffs, steam vents, and crashing waves. Perfect for drone work and dramatic compositions.
Day 4 – Into the Highlands
We trade pavement for adventure, heading into Iceland’s wild heart.
Þjórsárdalur Valley – Vast volcanic plains and winding rivers.
Háifoss & Granni Waterfalls – Twin cascades plunging into a stunning canyon.
Gjáin Gorge – A hidden fairytale location filled with moss, ferns, and waterfalls.
Landmannalaugar – Rhyolite mountains glowing with color if conditions allow.
Iceland offers an incredible range of landscapes for photographers. If you’re looking for a full overview of the best places to photograph across the island, you may enjoy my Ultimate Iceland Photography Guide, which highlights many of the most spectacular locations.
Day 5 – Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
The South Coast is a dream for photographers with its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and volcanic sands.
Seljalandsfoss – Walk behind this legendary waterfall for magical sunset shots.
Skógafoss – A towering curtain of water perfect for long exposures. Rainbows are common here.
Kvernufoss – A short hike leads to this hidden waterfall tucked into a quiet canyon.
Overnight in Vík, the gateway to Iceland’s southern coast.
Day 6 – Reynisfjara & Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey – A small peninsula with sweeping views, an iconic lighthouse, and dramatic cliffs. Sunrise here can be unforgettable.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – World-famous basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Watch for sneaker waves.
Explore caves, reflections, and moody light as the Atlantic roars around us.
Day 7 – Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon & Skaftafell
Heading east, we’ll explore glacier-carved canyons and hidden trails.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – A winding green gorge perfect for drone panoramas.
Lómagnúpur – A massive, photogenic cliff that dominates the landscape.
Svartifoss – A basalt-column waterfall requiring a moderate hike but worth every step.
Day 8 – Glaciers, Lagoons & Diamond Beach
A day dedicated to Iceland’s icy wonders.
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon – Icebergs drift through turquoise waters. Sunrise long exposures will be magical.
Diamond Beach – Glittering chunks of ice scatter across volcanic black sand.
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Less crowded but equally breathtaking.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier – A must-see for patterns, textures, and abstract aerial compositions.
Day 9 – Vestrahorn & Stokksnes
One of Iceland’s most iconic photography spots.
Stokksnes Peninsula & Vestrahorn Mountain – Jagged peaks, black dunes, and reflective tidal pools make this a paradise for landscape photographers.
If skies are clear, this is a top spot for capturing the northern lights.
Day 10 – The East Fjords
Rugged, remote, and wild, the East Fjords are made for exploration.
Eystrahorn – One of my favorite planned stops. Waves crash below towering cliffs with mountains rising behind.
Endalausidalur Valley – Remote, moody, and cinematic, straight out of Lord of the Rings.
Overnight in Egilsstaðir.
Day 11 – Borgarfjörður Eystri & Vök Baths
A hidden gem with mountain-framed harbors and quiet fishing villages.
Puffins may be gone by September, but the landscapes here are unforgettable.
End the day soaking in Vök Baths, a thermal escape on the edge of a lake.
Day 12 – Dettifoss & Ásbyrgi Canyon
Iceland’s northern wilds bring unmatched drama.
Dettifoss – Europe’s most powerful waterfall with thundering mist and roaring sound.
Selfoss – Nearby cascades worth exploring.
Ásbyrgi Canyon – A peaceful horseshoe-shaped oasis carved by ancient floods.
Day 13–14 – Lake Mývatn Region
Two days to explore geothermal landscapes and volcanic wonders.
Hverfjall Crater – Hike the rim for panoramic views.
Grjótagjá Cave – A secret geothermal pool hidden beneath lava rock.
Aldeyjarfoss – Hexagonal basalt columns frame this remote waterfall, a dream shot if accessible.
Soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, Iceland’s quieter, less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
Day 15 – Goðafoss & Tröllaskagi Peninsula
Goðafoss – “Waterfall of the Gods,” named for the Viking conversion to Christianity.
Drive along the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, where mountains plunge into the sea.
Overnight in Siglufjörður, a charming fishing town surrounded by fjords.
Day 16–18 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” this area captures the country’s essence in one stunning sweep.
Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss – Iceland’s most photographed mountain, a must at sunset.
Búðir Black Church – A minimalist icon framed by volcanic fields and open skies.
Arnarstapi – Basalt arches and dramatic sea cliffs.
Lóndrangar Sea Stacks – Towering volcanic spires perfect for wide-angle landscapes.
If skies are clear, this is prime aurora territory.
Day 19–20 – Hraunfossar, Barnafoss & Glymur
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss – Lava-filtered streams cascading into turquoise pools, surreal and endlessly photogenic.
Glymur Waterfall Hike – Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall with adventurous trails and epic views.
Begin heading back toward Reykjavik.
Day 21 – Farewell, Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon (Optional Encore)
Back where it all began. We’ll spend the day wandering Reykjavik’s streets, shopping, relaxing, and reliving the journey. If time allows, we might stop at the Blue Lagoon one last time before heading to Keflavík for our flight home.
If Iceland is on your travel list, you may also enjoy my detailed guide:
The Ultimate Iceland Photography Guide
https://waynemoranphotography.com/blog/ultimate-iceland-photography-guide/
This article highlights many of the most spectacular photography locations across the island.
Sacred architecture became another unexpected highlight of our journey. Explore our photographic guide to 15 beautiful churches in Iceland.
Closing Thoughts
This 21-day adventure is more than a road trip. It’s a photographer’s pilgrimage. From roaring waterfalls to silent glaciers, volcanic deserts to lush mossy valleys, Iceland’s beauty is endless and humbling.
With the guidance of Mads Peter Iverson’s photography insights, a carefully plotted route, and a deep sense of awe, we’re ready to chase the light and bring home stories and images we’ll treasure forever.
Chasing Light Across Iceland: Our 21-Day Adventure
Written by Wayne Moran - Visit Website
moran.wayne@gmail.com
Beautiful Scenery !
Thank you.