My Photography & Travel Guide to Reykjavík, Iceland
The first time I landed in Reykjavík, I stepped out into the quiet morning and saw steam rising from the hills in the distance. The air was sharp and salty, and the light hung in that blue hour space between night and day. That rising steam is what gave the city its name—Reykjavík means "Smoky Bay" in Old Norse. It was my first glimpse of a place that feels both ancient and alive.
That’s Reykjavík: wild, raw, and oddly serene. I have been to Iceland a half dozen times, but never spent much time in Reykjavik until my past 2 trips. It is a fun city to visit and photograph, and I would definitely recommend staying for a few nights.
The capital of Iceland is the northernmost capital in the world, and while it’s compact in size, its atmosphere is anything but small. Founded in the 9th century by Norse settlers, Reykjavík has grown into a quirky, artistic city where modernist architecture meets Viking history. Think colorful rooftops, massive murals, and warm cafés tucked between lava fields and the sea.
It feels like a frontier town perched on the edge of the world, but it is also filled with creativity, especially in its music, food, and design scenes. For photographers, it is all about mood and texture. The dramatic skies, soft light, ever-changing weather, and mix of stark and colorful backdrops make every hour feel new. Whether you are shooting long exposures of the harbor or capturing locals sipping coffee in knit sweaters, Reykjavík is a place where your camera (or phone) always feels like it’s in the right place at the right time.
In this Photography Guide to Reykjavík, you’ll find the best photo spots in town, pro tips for both iPhones and full-frame cameras, advice on where to stay, a relaxed itinerary, favorite places to eat, when to visit for the best light, and the kind of insider tips that only come from going back again and again.
P.S. If you're planning a more extended trip through Iceland, I’ve also written two more photo guides you might find helpful. One covers my favorite photography spots along the Southern Coast, and the other dives into the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Both are packed with personal tips, gear advice, and plenty of locations worth pulling over for photos.
How to Get There
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the main international airport in Iceland, but like many major airports, it’s not the most conveniently located. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes to drive from the airport to the city, so allocate that time in your travel plans. If you aren’t planning on renting a car or using a taxi service, you can book bus tickets to and from the airport and Reykjavik's main bus terminal (BSI) via Flybus; one-way adult tickets start at around $30 per person.
The Harpa
Where to Stay in Reykjavík for Photographers
The beauty of Reykjavík is that it’s walkable. That makes choosing the right neighborhood even more important if you want easy access to golden hour views and quiet streets. I recommend staying in one of three areas:
1. Miðborg (City Center) – This is where you’ll find Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and most of the best street photography. It’s ideal for early morning walks when the city is still half-asleep and the light dances off the water.
2. Vesturbær – A little quieter and more residential, with views over the bay and easy access to the old harbor. This area is great if you want a slower rhythm.
3. Grandi Harbor Area – Once industrial, now hip, Grandi is full of cool shops, food halls, and wide-open space to shoot Icelandic light.
Hotel Picks
Luxury:
The Reykjavík EDITION – Sleek and moody with harbor views and floor-to-ceiling windows. You can literally shoot the sunrise from your room. The only problem with the hotel is that it is the hotel that cruise ships use. So it can become very crowded.
Hotel Borg – Art Deco classic across from Austurvöllur Square. Beautiful interiors, ideal for low-light photography.
ION City Hotel – Modern Icelandic design, right on Laugavegur. Great for street and night photography access.
Boutique/Mid-Range:
KEX Hostel – Former biscuit factory turned hip hostel with vintage flair. Great vibes and even better people-watching.
Center Hotels Laugavegur – Right on Reykjavík’s main shopping street, with clean Scandi design and balcony views.
Fosshotel Reykjavík – Iceland’s largest hotel, but well-placed for photography and has fantastic upper-floor views.
Ideal Duration of Stay: Reykjavík in 4 to 5 Days
You don’t need to rush. Reykjavík isn’t about checking things off a list. Four to five days gives you time to ease into the light and catch the city in different moods. It will also give you time to venture out of the city to see the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon.
Day 1: Arrive, check in, and take a golden hour walk up to Hallgrímskirkja. Shoot from the top for views over the rainbow rooftops, then wander Laugavegur for storefronts and street scenes.
Day 2: Wake early for harbor shots, then walk along the Sæbraut path to Sun Voyager and Harpa. Use your phone for quick snapshots when the clouds shift. In the evening, return with a tripod and go for a long exposure.
Day 3: Explore Grandi, the Reykjavík Maritime Museum, and shoot the city from across the harbor. Break for coffee at Kaffivagninn. In the afternoon, consider booking a Whale or Puffin Watching Tour, depending on the season. Puffin tours are especially rewarding for photographers in late spring and summer — fast shutter speeds and a zoom lens will help.
Day 4: Day trip on the Golden Circle! (See next section.)
Day 5 (Optional): Circle back to favorite spots. Try shooting them at a different time of day, or bring only your iPhone and see how your eye changes.
Day Trip: Golden Circle Photography Adventure
If you have one extra day (or even better, two), set aside time to explore the Golden Circle — Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route. It is absolutely worth seeing, but in my opinion, the magic of Iceland happens the further you get away from the crowds. However, you should be aware that it is very popular, so you will find numerous tour buses in each location.
The loop includes three to four major stops:
1) Thingvellir National Park
Þingvellir sits in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are literally pulling apart. You can walk between the plates in the Almannagjá gorge, and the cracks and cliffs make for incredible wide-angle or drone photography.
Kerið, a volcanic crater lake situated in the Grímsnes area of southern Iceland, is one of the most visually stunning geological wonders in the country. It is 6,500 years old, making it one of the three most recognizable volcanic craters in Iceland.
The word “geyser” comes from Geysir, the name of the original hot spring in this area. While Geysir itself erupts less frequently now, its neighbor Strokkur puts on a reliable show, blasting hot water 20–30 meters (65–100 feet) into the air roughly every 5 to 10 minutes.
One of Iceland’s most powerful and iconic waterfalls, Gullfoss plunges in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon. On sunny days, you can often catch a rainbow in the spray. There are multiple vantage points, from above and alongside, that make it a dream for landscape photography.
If you can, book a small-group or private Golden Circle tour for more time to frame your shots. I recommend finishing the day at Friðheimar, a tomato farm with a greenhouse café. The soup is excellent, and the natural light is made for Instagram.
Best Time to Visit Reykjavík for Photography
Winter (Nov–Feb): Long shadows, snow-dusted rooftops, and the chance to photograph the Northern Lights right from the city. Fast lenses and tripods are a must.
Spring (Mar–May): Light fog in the mornings and a slower rhythm to the city. The blue hour seems to last forever. Excellent for harbor scenes and moody skies.
Summer (Jun–Aug): The midnight sun creates magical golden light late into the night. This is when iPhone photographers can shine too — the light stays soft and even.
Fall (Sept–Oct): My favorite season. Crisp air, fewer tourists, and bold autumn colors against Reykjavík’s steel-and-glass buildings.
Getting Around Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a walkable city, which is a gift when you’re carrying gear. For longer trips or when your legs need a break, the Strætó bus system is efficient. The Reykjavík City Card offers access to buses, museums, and pools.
There’s no metro, and Uber doesn’t operate here, so you’ll find yourself on foot or using taxis (which are pricey). If you want to explore nearby areas with ease and stop frequently to take photos, consider renting an e-bike or small car.
Watch for slippery sidewalks in winter and be cautious about gear safety in crowded areas — especially downtown in summer.
Where to Eat & Drink in Reykjavík (Photographer-Friendly Picks)
Cafés:
Reykjavík Roasters: Soft window light, artisan coffee, and photogenic locals.
Kaffibrennslan: Warm and cozy. Ideal on a rainy afternoon.
Sandholt Bakery: Gorgeous pastries and perfect natural light. Great for close-ups and mood shots.
Restaurants:
Apotek Kitchen + Bar: Housed in a former pharmacy. The design is chic, the food beautiful, and the atmosphere golden at sunset.
DEIG: Fun, friendly, and full of personality. Shoot their burgers, bagels, or cinnamon buns in natural window light.
DILL: Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Intricate plating, moody light. Bring a fast prime or lean on your phone’s Night Mode.
Messinn: Casual seafood spot with big windows and cozy ambiance.
Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron): Rustic harbor vibes, famous for lobster soup. Great for golden hour shots.
Book a walking food tour.
A walking food tour is at the top of the must-do list. One of the best ones is Reykjavik Food Walk, which allows you to “dive into Icelandic food culture” and meet some locals along the way.
Photography Gear to Bring
DSLR/Mirrorless Kit:
Weather-sealed camera body
24–70mm for everyday street and architecture
70–200mm for portraits, details, and compressed landscapes
ND filters and a lightweight tripod for long exposures
Lens cloth (spray is real near the coast!)
iPhone & Android Tips:
Use Portrait Mode for street portraits and café scenes
Shoot RAW with Halide or Lightroom Mobile for editing flexibility
Use Ultra-Wide for architecture like Harpa or dramatic skylines
Carry a portable tripod or clamp for night and long exposure shots
Top Photography Spots in Reykjavík
Hallgrímskirkja:
Reykjavik’s crown jewel. Hallgrímskirkja is recognized as one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks. The church itself is free to enter, but a fee of about $10 is required if you plan to climb the tower. Shoot from below with Ultra-Wide or go to the top for panoramic rooftop shots.
Harpa Concert Hall
Designed by Henning Larsen Architects and Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, Harpa's geometric glass façade changes color with the light, reflecting the sky, the sea, and even the northern lights. The honeycomb-like structure gives you tons of opportunities for creative compositions.
Harpa is especially photogenic during golden hour and blue hour when the glass panels catch the changing sky.
Sun Voyager
Designed by Icelandic sculptor Jón Gunnar Árnason, the Sun Voyager looks like a Viking ship at first glance, but it’s actually meant to represent a dreamboat or ode to the sun, symbolizing hope, progress, and freedom. Its skeletal, stainless-steel form curves upward like it’s about to sail into the Arctic light. It’s both elegant and strong, and the clean lines photograph beautifully.
Shoot at sunrise or sunset for soft light and layered tones in the background. If you’re lucky, you might get the northern lights dancing behind it in winter.
Old Harbor:
This isn’t just for show. Reykjavík’s harbor is alive with fishing boats, whale-watching tours, ferries, and even small cargo vessels. There’s a raw, authentic feel here that balances nicely with the city’s modern touches. If you enjoy photographing boats, maritime textures, and everyday local life, this is the perfect place for you.
You’ll find splashes of color everywhere: red and blue trawlers, yellow cranes, bright murals, and charming seaside buildings painted in cheerful tones. It’s a great contrast to Iceland’s moody skies and natural palette.
Grandi District: Wide
The Grandi District in Reykjavík is one of those places that sneaks up on you. At first glance, it might seem like a bunch of old warehouses by the docks—but spend a little time there, and it quickly reveals itself as one of the most creative, photogenic, and character-rich corners of the city. If you’re into travel photography with a sense of place, Grandi absolutely deserves a spot in your camera roll.
Festivals & Events to Photograph
Winter Lights Festival (February): Light installations, outdoor art, and music.
Culture Night (August): City-wide celebration with fireworks and concerts. Arrive early for prime shooting spots.
Iceland Airwaves (November): Urban music scene at its coolest. Great for edgy portraits and moody venues.
New Year’s Eve: The entire city lights up with fireworks. A tripod and a wide-angle lens are essential.
Final Thoughts
Reykjavík rewards the curious and the patient. The light moves fast, the weather changes by the hour, and the most magical images often come from quiet moments you didn’t expect. And just when you think you’ve captured Reykjavík, it changes its light, shifts the wind, and invites you to start again.
If this guide helped you plan your Reykjavík photography trip, I’d love it if you could share it or tag me in your shots. And if you're thinking about a future photo workshop in Iceland, sign up here to be the first to know when it launches.
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