25 Photos That Prove That Iceland is Magical

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When it comes to “hot” and “trending” destinations, in recent years Iceland has been right up there near the top of all the lists.

What used to be one of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe suddenly became much more affordable after a financial collapse in 2008. And, while financial crisis is never something to be joyful about, tourists have certainly benefitted from the affects of Iceland's struggles. While the country still isn't “cheap” by any standards, it's now much more affordable for the average person to visit.

I planned my first visit to Iceland in early 2012, when Iceland was slowly getting back on its feet but before it became an “it” destination. I remember people asking me why the hell I wanted to go to Iceland (and in winter, no less). But as soon as I came home and showed them photos, they got it.

Iceland is wild and raw; it truly is the Land of Fire and Ice, where Mother Nature reigns supreme.

And it's also one of the most magical places on earth.

Don't believe me? I think these photos should prove it:

Jokulsarlon in Iceland
Jokulsarlon, the glacier lagoon where huge chunks of blue ice calve off Vatnajokull (Iceland's largest glacier) and eventually float out to sea.
Djúpalónssandur Beach in Iceland
Sometimes, it just looks like the moon.
Sunset in Iceland
In the winter months, sunsets can last for an hour, painting everything the light touches orange and pink.
Sunrise at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
Sunrises can be equally as colorful, like this one at the famous Blue Lagoon.
Arnarstapi on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland
There are tiny fishing villages that look like something directly off a postcard. This is Arnarstapi on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall in Iceland
There are hidden waterfalls.
Hraunfossar in Iceland
And waterfalls that flow out through the porous rock of lava fields.
Behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland
And other waterfalls that you can walk behind, like Seljalandsfoss.
Ice cave beneath Vatnajokull glacier
There are also ice caves in the glaciers, like this big blue beauty beneath Vatnajokull.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula coastal walk
Are you convinced that Iceland is magical yet?
Iceland lava field
A rainbow stretching over the thick green moss that covers a lava field.
Volcanic crater in Iceland
You'll find signs of volcanoes everywhere, like this colorful crater.
Glacier ice beach in Iceland
The beaches are mostly black, but that's not sand you see – it's volcanic ash. (And yes, that's bits of glacier on this beach near Jokulsarlon, too.)
Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland
The colors are all at once muted and neon.
Sunset at Gerðuberg basalt columns in Iceland
Could you ask for a better sunset than the sun slowly dipping behind the Gerðuberg basalt columns?
Mýrdalsjökull glacier in Iceland
In Iceland, you find glaciers on top of active volcanoes, covered in a thin layer of black ash.
Strokkur geyser in Iceland
You'll also find geysers! Strokkur, pictured here, erupts every 6-7 minutes, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Snorkeling Silfra in Iceland
You can also snorkel the clear blue water of Silfra, the rift caused by the separation of two of earth's tectonic plates. EPIC.
Arnarstapi on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland
Again, those postcard views…
Djúpalónssandur Beach in Iceland
The beaches here aren't for sunbathing. They're where Mother Nature shows her true power. On Djúpalónssandur Beach, you'll find the remains of more than one shipwreck.
Gatklettur arch in Iceland
Along the coast, you can find beautiful sea arches like Gatklettur.
Reynisfjara beach in Iceland
You'll also find these basalt columns everywhere – they're formed when hot lava meets the sea and cools.
Iceland landscape
No matter where you are, you can count on rounding a corner and coming face to face with a view like this.
Gullfoss in Iceland
Another of Iceland's famous waterfalls. This is Gullfoss, part of the famous Golden Circle.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Even the capital city of Reykjavik looks magical, especially under a dusting of fresh snow.

So, are you convinced? Do you understand why everyone who's visited Iceland has gone so crazy over it?

Iceland is definitely magical, and it has certainly cast its spell on me. Even after two trips there, I know I'm not done.

I'll be back.

For further reading:

And if you're planning an adventurous trip around Iceland, be sure to invest in a good travel insurance policy! That way everything from lost luggage to a bad accident is covered – because you just never know! I recommend World Nomads for basic (and really affordable) travel insurance.

Who's ready to book a trip to Iceland?

 

Photos of Iceland

 

"It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might get swept off to." - JRR Tolkien

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93 Comments on “25 Photos That Prove That Iceland is Magical

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  1. Hi Amanda! My name is Micah Travis and I was needing pictures of Iceland for a calender I am creating, would you give me permission to use said photos? I can put your name in the Bibliography and front of the calender to credit your amazing work!

      Hi Micah. Feel free to send me an email to discuss photo usage (my email is adangerousbusiness[at]gmail[dot]com. If you’re going to be selling said calendar for profit, I can send you my rates for photo licensing.

    The most perfect pictures that i’ve ever seen. (I’m from Brazil)

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