Travel More With Nat contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase via these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

10 Best Reykjavik Instagram Spots For A Short Iceland Trip

ByNatalie Posted Updated

Key Takeaway

Reykjavik is packed with photogenic spots that are perfect for Instagram photos. Within a short journey time you can reach Harpa concert venue, Hallgrímskirkja Church & Rainbow Street (Skolavordustigur), the Sun Voyager sculpture, Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser, Kerid Crater, Bridge Between Continents, Narfakot Lighthouse and Sky Lagoon. These locations can be visited by hiring a car or using guided tours.

If you’re anything like me, your camera roll is your favourite kind of souvenir. It’s proof that you squeezed beauty and joy into every minute of your hard-earned time off.

Reykjavik makes that easy. Whether you’re there on a weekend getaway or making the most of a layover, you won’t have to waste hours chasing photo ops. As someone who travels around a full-time job, I’ve scouted the most convenient and stunning Reykjavik Instagram spots that let you snap envy-worthy photos without blowing your precious hours on long detours.

A woman in mint green coat and woolly hat stands on a rainbow striped road with coloured buildings to each side and a church tower in the background.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through Reykjavik photo spots that are quick to reach, effortlessly gorgeous. And they’re all perfect for travellers who want great memories, without needing a full-day itinerary to get them.

Plus, get my ready-to-go Google Map of all of the locations, to help save you even more time.

Iconic Landmarks in Reykjavik

These classic Reykjavik Instagram spots in the city centre are popular for good reason. They’re easy to walk to, full of character and look great in every season.

1. Harpa Concert Venue

  • The glass exterior is stunning, especially when it catches the light
  • Inside, the geometric shapes and reflections make for creative shots
  • Great for rainy day photography or dramatic evening shots
A modern, reflective sculpture made of metallic curves stands in front of the glass-paneled Harpa Concert Hall, mirroring the geometric design of the building. One of the most photogenic Reykjavik photo spots known for its futuristic style and artistic atmosphere.

I visited Harpa on a cloudy afternoon and loved how moody the reflections looked. It’s also lit up at night which adds another vibe entirely.

2. Hallgrímskirkja Church & Rainbow Street (Skolavordustigur)

  • Iceland’s tallest church and a total standout with its unique design
  • Ride the lift to the top for panoramic views over Reykjavik
  • The colourful rainbow path leads perfectly to Hallgrímskirkja
A towering view of Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik’s iconic church, with the statue of Leif Erikson in the foreground under a bright blue sky. A must-visit Reykjavik Instagram spot for its striking architecture and historical significance.

My tip: stand low on Rainbow Street and angle your phone up to capture the full church in the background.

3. Sun Voyager Sculpture

  • A striking steel sculpture on the waterfront
  • Symbolises dreams and exploration
  • Best at golden hour with the mountains behind it
The sleek, modern Sun Voyager sculpture gleams in the sunlight against the ocean backdrop and clear blue sky. A must-see Reykjavik Instagram spot located right on the city’s waterfront.

Bring a tripod if you’re shooting solo here. I managed to get a great self-timer shot with the sculpture in the background. Or ask another traveller, most people are happy to take a photo if you offer to return the favour.

Natural Wonders Near Reykjavik

If you have a hire car or join a Golden Circle tour, these Reykjavik photography spots are all within 1.5 hours drive of the city.

4. Þingvellir National Park

  • Dramatic rift valley where you can walk between tectonic plates
  • Lakes, rivers and mossy cliffs make it feel otherworldly
  • Great mix of wide landscapes and detail shots
A gently winding river cuts through a partially frozen plain with a snow-capped mountain range in the distance. A peaceful Reykjavik photo spot showcasing Iceland’s winter landscapes.

I walked down the Almannagjá fault and it genuinely felt like stepping into a fantasy movie.

5. Gullfoss Waterfall

  • Huge, powerful falls with multi-level viewing platforms
  • Misty rainbows often appear in the sunshine
  • Short hike gives varied photo angles
A massive waterfall thunders into a deep canyon, partially frozen with icy cliffs and flowing water under bright sunshine. A favorite Reykjavik Instagram spot for capturing Iceland’s raw natural power.

Top tip: wear waterproofs! I got soaked, but my photos were worth it.

6. Strokkur Geyser

  • Erupts every few minutes so you won’t be waiting long
  • Shoots up to 40m high – perfect for slow-mo or burst shots
  • Surrounded by steaming earth and bubbling pools
A powerful burst of boiling water erupts into the sky, surrounded by rising steam and shimmering sunlight. A dynamic scene popular among Reykjavik photography enthusiasts visiting geothermal areas.

Stand back to get a person in the frame with the geyser. Adds scale and drama!

Unique Geological Formations

These Reykjavik photo locations make for stunning and unusual backdrops that show off Iceland’s wild side.

7. Kerid Crater

  • Volcanic crater with a deep lake at the bottom
  • Bright red rock contrasts with green moss and blue water
  • Easy path to walk around the rim or down to the lake
A wide, ice-covered volcanic crater surrounded by rocky cliffs and patches of snow under a sunny sky. One of the more dramatic Reykjavik photo spots for nature lovers.

I shot this with a wide-angle lens and it looked incredible in both sunshine and overcast skies.

8. Bridge Between Continents

  • A symbolic bridge over the Mid-Atlantic Rift
  • Short walk and very unique photo opportunity
  • Desert-like landscape with black sand and jagged rock
A narrow footbridge spans a dramatic gap in black volcanic rock under a moody, cloudy sky. This unique Reykjavik Instagram spot symbolizes the divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

I visited this on the way back to the airport and it was so quiet – great for dramatic portraits. It’s also free to visit and park at – perfect if you’re visiting Iceland on a budget.

Scenic Coastal Spots

These Reykjavik photo spots are perfect for peaceful sunrise or sunset shots, or capturing the Northern Lights (if you’re lucky!).

9. Narfakot Lighthouse (Gerðistangaviti)

  • Tiny lighthouse on the Reykjanes Peninsula
  • Peaceful with sweeping views of the coastline
  • Less crowded than more famous lighthouses
A striking orange lighthouse stands on jagged volcanic rock near the ocean, bright against a deep blue sky. A bold and colorful Reykjavik photo spot with coastal charm.

I took a flask of coffee and stayed to watch the ocean waves crashing against the shore. Super serene

10. Sky Lagoon

A person relaxing in a steamy geothermal pool with the sun setting directly behind them, casting a golden glow over the water. A serene moment often captured at top Reykjavik photography locations.

Pro tip: book ahead, as far in advance as you can, and use a waterproof phone case. I got some amazing shots with just my phone!

Practical Tips for Capturing the Best Shots

I highly recommend brushing up on your photography skills before visiting Iceland, to capture the best possible photos.

There are so many Iceland-specific photography tips on Instagram and YouTube, so be sure to check out some tutorials. And to start you off, here are a few quick pointers:

  • Use a wide-angle lens for landscapes and dramatic scenes
  • Bring a tripod for stable low-light or waterfall shots
  • Aim for golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for that unique glow
  • Reflections in lakes and puddles make interesting compositions
  • Try long exposures for waterfalls and night skies
  • Be respectful – stay on marked paths and don’t disturb any wildlife
  • Use editing apps like Lightroom Mobile to tweak colours and contrast

One extra tip: turn around! Some of my favourite shots came from looking the other way after everyone else took their pictures.

Getting Around

There are two main ways to get around Reykjavik and the surrounding area, given that taxis are super expensive and not widely available in Iceland – car hire and guided tours.

Car Hire

We hired a car to reach these locations, and found driving is super easy in Iceland with similar road layouts to the UK, wide open country roads and little traffic.

We used Enterprise (via the Paapm Paapm website), and found the cost of hiring a 4-wheel-drive vehicle was very reasonable. Plus the process was quick and easy as we were able to collect the car inside the airport terminal building.

A sleek SUV parked on a gravel pull-off with rugged, snow-dusted mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. A scenic stop en route to one of the Reykjavik Instagram spots outside the city.

Having a car meant we could cover the sights exactly when and how we wanted. It also meant we could stay in accommodation outside of Reykjavik and away from light pollution, which was perfect for watching the Northern Lights. Overall, this worked out cheaper.

Guided Tours

If you prefer not to drive, there are many excellent tours that cover most of the sights mentioned in this post. While you’re tied to a set itinerary, the advantage of a tour is that you can relax during the time spent on the road.

Get Your Guide is my go-to site for tours and experiences due to their free cancellation policy and option to reserve now and pay later. Check out some top recommended options below.

You don’t need to go far to find epic photo spots in Reykjavik and nearby. Think dramatic churches, bubbling geysers or hidden lighthouses – there’s something for every type of photographer.

These Reykjavik Instagram spots are perfect for a short trip, especially if you want to combine city sights with natural wonders. Plan your timing, get creative with your angles, and don’t forget to actually enjoy the view while you’re there! I’m definitely guilty of that sometimes!

If you’re planning a longer Iceland trip, check out my Iceland bucket list for even more ideas, or this comprehensive 8-day road trip itinerary to help you see even more of this spectacular country. Or, if you want to know what time of year to go, read my Best Month to Visit Iceland post next.

Location Map

Get your ready-to-go Google Map of all the Reykjavik Instagram spots showcased in this blog post and save time and effort on your Icelandic break.

Travel Blogger & Content Creator

A UK-based travel blogger, content creator and full time digital platform manager. Shares her own experiences of combining travel adventures with a career and home life to help make travel more accessible and enjoyable for others, using only annual leave and weekends.
From tight itineraries to budget travel hacks, Natalie focuses on giving readers the tools they need to see more of the world on their own terms.

Posts You Might Like