{"id":79888,"date":"2019-06-25T13:03:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-25T13:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.icelandaurora.com\/phototours\/?p=79888"},"modified":"2023-04-14T13:42:16","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T13:42:16","slug":"south-iceland-photo-adventures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.icelandaurora.com\/archive-phototours\/south-iceland-photo-adventures\/","title":{"rendered":"South Iceland photo adventures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

South coast photo adventures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black sand beaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Southern part of Iceland can be the basis for a great photo adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After exploring the south coast of Iceland, it is easy to understand why it is so popular with photographers. Its towering sea cliffs, volcanic stacks, black sand beaches, and glacial lagoons provide a stunning backdrop for stunning imagery. Not only that, but the region’s unique geology and diverse wildlife make it a great destination for nature-lovers, too. If you’re looking for a place to take amazing photos, look no further than Iceland’s south coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The South coast is rich with endless black sand beaches. The Reynisdrangur sea stacks can be seen from the beaches at\u00a0Vik and Reynisfjara<\/a>. The black sand continues East to\u00a0J\u00f6kulsarlon\u00a0<\/a>where you can photograph glacier icebergs on the black sand. Further East and you should find the\u00a0Vestrahorn Mountain<\/a>\u00a0surrounded by black sand. The surrounding landscape at Stokksnes has an interesting interaction of black sand and grass tussocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Black
Black sand beach in Vik.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

South Coast Locations:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A South Iceland trip could include Seljalandsfoss<\/a> Waterfall, Skogafoss<\/a> Waterfall, Vik and Reynisfjara<\/a> comfortably in a day tour from Reykjavik. It is even possible to squeeze in a Superjeep ride to the Katla ice cave<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further East you could include Skaftafell<\/a> National Park.  J\u00f6kulsarlon<\/a> Glacier Lagoon & Ice beach could be achieved on an overnight trip. The Fja\u00f0r\u00e1rglj\u00fafur River Gorge<\/a> is a rewarding leg stretch on a long drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

H\u00f6fn and Vesturhorn Mountain would need another day. An extra day would also be useful if you wanted to add activities on the glaciers and lagoons, such a Zodiac rides and Ice Caves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Glacier
Glacier ice black sand beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Northern
Northern lights over a glacier lagoon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Planning your trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The time spent photographing each place will depend on the length of the tour, the time of year and the weather. For excellent landscape photography, it is worth spending a few days in each part of South Iceland to experience it with different weather and different times of the day. If you are planning an Iceland self drive, my travel guide to planning a self-drive<\/a> might help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One Day tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A one day adventure will take you as far as the black sand beaches at Vik and back to Reykjavik comfortably. You will have time to explore the big waterfalls and sea cliffs. There might even be time to visit the glacier and take a hike at S\u00f3lheimaj\u00f6kull Glacier. The route is straight forward with plenty of bathroom facilities along the way and at main locations. There are great places to eat if you are prepared to explore a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"#Iceland<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Self Drive South Iceland<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Two days<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A 2 day drive along the South coast to J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rl\u00f3n is a fairly tight schedule. It is about 5 hours driving each day, but you should be able to include about 5 hours of photography within each day also. Because you will be travelling the same route (but in reverse), it is wise to select around half the locations you want to see on day one then visit the remainder on the second day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having an over-night stay near the glacier lagoons will give you a chance of Northern lights reflected in the glacier lake. You could also enjoy a sunrise on the Jokulsarlon Ice Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Northern<\/figure>\n\n\n
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Sponsored<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotels Near J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rl\u00f3n <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Use the sponsored links below to find and book hotels close to the J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rl\u00f3n and Fjalls\u00e1rl\u00f3n Glacier Lagoons My strong recommendation is Hotel Hali<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Map<\/h6>\n\n\n\r\n \r\n Booking.com<\/a>\r\n<\/ins>