Iceland’s government has submitted a bill for public consultation that would introduce a mandatory infrastructure fee at three major state-owned attractions: Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir National Park. The fee is set at ISK 4,500 for non-tax-resident visitors aged 18 and over, with a reduced rate of ISK 3,000 applying from 1 November to 31 May. A single payment would cover all three sites for one year, and existing parking charges at these locations would be abolished when the system launches.
Why this matters for photographers
Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir are among the most visited locations on the Golden Circle and are popular year-round with photographers seeking geothermal activity, waterfall long exposures and the dramatic rift valley landscapes of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fee structure means winter visits — often preferred for lower crowds, ice formations and northern lights context shots — carry the lower ISK 3,000 rate. Photographers planning multi-day itineraries should note that one payment covers repeat visits to all three sites within a twelve-month period.
What photographers should do
- Check the current status of the bill before travel, as it is at public consultation stage and the confirmed launch date is 1 May; verify whether the fee system is live and how payment is made on arrival or in advance.
- Budget for the fee when costing your trip — ISK 4,500 is approximately €30 at current rates — and factor in that parking will no longer be charged separately at these sites.
- If visiting all three locations in one trip, keep your payment confirmation accessible, as it serves as proof of entry for all sites for twelve months from the date of purchase.
For full guidance, see our Leave No Trace in Iceland: A Photographer’s Guide.
For full guidance, see our Planning a 10-Day Iceland Photography Trip: A Real Itinerary.
Source: RÚV English — https://www.ruv.is/english/2026-09-24-tourists-to-pay-isk-4500-infrastructure-fee-at-major-attractions-487970/