Current updates for photographers planning or travelling in Iceland — volcanic activity, road closures, new conservation rules, drone regulations, and wildlife protection notices. Curated for photographers, not tourists.
Route One (the Ring Road) will close to eastbound traffic at Hellisheiði later today, according to a report from RÚV. Hellisheiði is the lava plateau southeast of Reykjavík that forms a key gateway for photographers travelling toward the South Coast, including locations such as Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and Jökulsárlón. Why this matters for photographers: Hellisheiði … Read more
Daytime traffic restrictions have resumed on the Ring Road bridge crossing Jökulsá á Fjöllum in Northeast Iceland, near Grímsstaðir. According to Vegagerðin (the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration), maintenance work paused for the busy summer season restarted on August 17, and the bridge is now closed to traffic from 08:00 to 19:00 on dry weekdays. … Read more
E. coli bacteria has been detected in the drinking water supply in Borgarfjörður Eystra, a remote East Iceland fjord that is a key destination for photographers visiting the Atlantic puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi. Visitors should not drink tap water in the area until authorities confirm it is safe. Why this matters for photographers: Borgarfjörður Eystra … Read more
Icelandic authorities have reported that nearly 30 million cubic metres of magma have accumulated beneath the Svartsengi volcanic system on the Reykjanes Peninsula, raising the likelihood of another eruption in the area that has seen repeated volcanic activity since December 2023. Why This Matters for Photographers The Svartsengi system — which feeds the eruption fissures … Read more
Icelandic meteorological authorities have issued a warning for strong winds on Breiðamerkursandur, the vast glacial outwash plain located between Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the sea. This black sand area is one of the most visited photography locations in Iceland, home to the famous Diamond Beach where ice chunks wash ashore. Why This Matters for Photographers … Read more
Icelandic meteorological authorities have issued yellow wind warnings for Wednesday, signalling potentially hazardous wind conditions across parts of Iceland that photographers should be aware of before heading out on location. Why this matters for photographers: Strong winds in Iceland can make shooting extremely challenging and dangerous. High gusts can destabilise tripods, damage equipment, and make … Read more
A significant storm warning has been issued for South Iceland, with wind gusts forecast to reach up to 30 metres per second (108 km/h). Photographers planning to be in the field in this region should take this warning extremely seriously and review their plans before heading out. Why This Matters for Photographers South Iceland is … Read more
The Grótta Nature Reserve in Reykjavík has been officially expanded, meaning photographers visiting this popular coastal and birdwatching location need to be aware of updated boundary and access rules before heading out with their cameras. Why This Matters for Photographers Grótta is one of Iceland’s most accessible and rewarding photography spots, offering stunning coastal light, … Read more
Access to Reykjafoss waterfall and the popular Fossalaug hot spring has been closed, affecting photographers and visitors who had planned to shoot these scenic locations in Iceland. Why This Matters for Photographers Both Reykjafoss waterfall and Fossalaug hot spring are well-known photography destinations in Iceland, attracting landscape and travel photographers seeking dramatic waterfall shots and … Read more
Icelandic meteorologists have issued forecasts warning of strong winds and wet weather sweeping across Iceland, conditions that photographers in the field should take seriously when planning shoots. Why this matters for photographers: Strong winds pose a direct risk to camera equipment, tripods, and personal safety — especially when shooting on exposed cliff edges, mountain ridges, … Read more