Yes. You should go to Iceland. This country is so beautiful it’s stupid. In about a week, I did a round trip drive from Reykjavik to the eastern town of Höfn – about 300 miles one way. I kept a good pace, but left plenty of time to explore. If you’re planning a trip, I suggest a similar plan and I hope a few of my pictures of Iceland will help. Despite its rising popularity, this is still a country of relative isolation. Go and enjoy that feeling.

Need an itinerary? Check out my 7-day guide to roadtripping Iceland.

 

Thingvellir National Park is within 45 minutes of Reykjavík. This site is where Iceland’s parliament – one of the oldest in the world – established itself in 930. I didn’t forget a one. During a visit, you will walk between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. These giant rock walls are the edges of Earth.

I have no idea.

Waterfalls are a constant feature of the landscape due to Iceland’s numerous glaciers. The popular fall of Seljalandsfoss is an opportunity to go behind the water.

The geothermal area near Strokkur is a popular stop on the Golden Circle. This geyser erupts every six minutes, one of the world’s only reliable, frequent geysers. Stay for a couple rounds of eruptions. But the chase for a perfect picture may keep you longer.

Iceland’s best photos often come on the side of the road.

Vik is a good stopping point. This remote fishing village is a two-hour drive from the capital and has numerous hostels and hotels. You’ll find a few grocery stores too: Kronan, Kjarval, and Kr Supermarket.

This is some Brokeback Mountain shit right here.

 

Dogs don’t go to heaven. They go to Iceland.

A bus driver gets some fetch in with the farm dog. By the way, don’t take a tour bus. Rent a car. You’re in Iceland, don’t let other tourists dictate what you’re doing.

Sólheimajökull glacier once expanded beyond the lake, but rising temperatures have made quick work of the ice.

A glacier hike was the only paid activity I did in Iceland. If you have enough money, get on the ice with a good tour guide.

 

Sólheimajökull is between two volcanos, hence the blue ice and black ash.

Long, one-way bridges are common on Iceland’s ring road, but they’re nothing to worry about.

The glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón is among Iceland’s most surreal sights. As the temperature warms, large chunks of ice break off and float out to sea, where they soon wash back up on shore.

This glacial lagoon was an unexpected long stop, as I watched the tide and ice roll in over the black-sand beach.

The DC-3 crash is a long walk. If you go near dusk, prepare to go back in the dark. But, there’s no better place to watch a sunset.

The abandoned aircraft is a popular spot for leaving a mark (please don’t).

For a flight even cheaper than WOW Air. You can find my budget airline compliant backpack in the gear section.

Iceland has one city with over 100,000 people. Everywhere else looks something like this.

The iconic spire of Vik’s black-sand beach.

A small hill behind my Höfn hostel offered a pleasant vantage point. Enjoy a refreshing Gull while you’re at it.

This sunset comes from the unworldly beach near the DC-3 crash.

You can’t do an Iceland album without the Northern Lights.

All of these photos were taken on my road trip along the eastern coast of Iceland. I’ve made my custom Iceland Google map available, so you can visit all these spots with ease.