Capturing Iceland: A 12-Day Ring Road Adventure
With Icelandair’s direct flights between Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and Keflavik International Airport, we couldn’t resist the chance to explore Iceland. This trip was not only a photography journey, but also an adventure filled with exceptional food, Viking heritage, unique wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
We visited during the shoulder season, from late May to early June, and experienced Iceland’s famously unpredictable weather—from warm, sunny days to hurricane-level winds, sleet, and snow with minimal visibility—all in just 12 days on our round-the-island road trip. We came prepared with rain jackets and pants, layered clothing, waterproof hiking boots, ice cleats, warm socks, and sleep masks for the endless daylight.
We mostly followed the Ring Road counterclockwise from Reykjavik, with detours for bird-watching, scenic photography stops, and a memorable stay at a guesthouse run by local chefs. While a four-wheel drive isn’t strictly necessary, we recommend it—weather changes can quickly affect road conditions. Alongside our photo gear, we packed a mini first-aid kit, a compact auto repair kit, and a Jetboil (thankfully, none of these were needed).
Late May to June is peak breeding season for many migratory birds—puffins included! We enjoyed several “non-waterfall” highlights:
Hafnarhólmi Puffin Rock – On Iceland’s eastern coast, this is perhaps the most accessible Atlantic puffin colony in the country. We also spotted eider ducks, gulls, and seagulls nesting here. To catch the puffins during their most active time (sunset), we stayed at Lake Hotel Egilsstadir, enjoyed an early dinner, and made the one-hour drive to the coast.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Famous for its diverse landscapes—volcanoes, glaciers, and black-sand beaches. This is also where you’ll find the striking black wooden church on a lava field (Búðakirkja).
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Known for massive icebergs breaking off from a nearby glacier and drifting to sea. Nearby Diamond Beach sparkles with pieces of ice scattered across black sand. We chose the zodiac boat tour, which brought us close to the icebergs and gave us the chance to spot playful seals.
Falljökull Glacier – An easy-access glacier with otherworldly terrain. On our guided hike, we discovered “glacier mice”, “rainbow in the dirt”, and the Icelandic way of sipping fresh glacier water. Photographing here was tricky in the bright daylight, but the hike—led by our cheerful Swedish glacier guide—was unforgettable.
Hverfjall Volcano – A steep, windy 300-foot climb leads to the crater rim and stunning views of Lake Myvatn. Nearby is the lava cave Grjótagjá, home to a geothermal spring and famously featured in Game of Thrones.
Every Icelandic waterfall has its own magic. Moisture often brought rainbows—sometimes double rainbows—into our shots, if we were patient enough for the sun to peek out. Be prepared to get soaked when hiking behind or near the falls, even with rain gear. Some of our favorites:
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi – Seljalandsfoss is loved for its unique trail that goes behind the waterfall. Just 10 minutes away, Gljúfrabúi hides in a mossy gorge and feels like a secret.
Skógafoss – Known for misty rainbows on sunny days. We were lucky to catch a double rainbow with no other tourists in sight—just seconds to capture the magic.
Dettifoss – Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Double rainbows greeted us again here. The lower trail wasn’t open until June, but we still felt the immense force of the water and got soaking wet.
Goðafoss – “Waterfall of the Gods,” named after a chieftain who threw pagan statues into its waters. An easy hike gives views from both sides.
Kolugljúfur – Said to be carved by the troll Kola. Trails on both sides of the river offer spectacular canyon views.
Kirkjufellsfoss and Mt. Kirkjufell – Known as the “sorting hat” mountain, this is one of Iceland’s most photographed spots. We stayed nearby to catch both sunset and sunrise shots.
Svöðufoss – Less famous but magical, with the snowy Snæfellsjökull glacier as its backdrop.
Book Recommendations:
Photography: Somewhere in Iceland by Páll Stefánsson
Icelandic culture and food: Into the North, Live Well, Eat Well - the Icelandic Way by Inga Elsa Bergþórsdóttir
Our Favorite Food Experiences:
Fish soup and Arctic char (Old Iceland Restaurant or any restaurant in Iceland)
Geyser bread made by geothermal heat (Vogafjos Farm Resort)
Iceland Styr Cake
Reindeer burgers (Kaffi Hornio)
Licorice, dandelion, or rhubarb ice-cream
Chef’s three-course set menu at Brimslóð Atelier, served at a communal table with other guests around the world
Once-Is-Enough Experiences:
Fermented shark with a shot of Brennivin
Lamb hot dog (Reykjavik’s famous stand)
Travel Tips for Next Time:
The Costco gas station 30 minutes from the airport has the cheapest fuel.
Some rental car companies offer discounted fuel at partner stations (e.g., N1)—ask at pickup.
Gravel protection insurance can be useful, but careful driving goes a long way.
If you’ve been to Yellowstone, geysers and mud pots here can be skipped on tight itineraries.
The Blue Lagoon is overrated and crowded after 10 a.m.—we’d try Vök Baths or Sky Lagoon next time.
No need to exchange cash; cards and Apple Pay work everywhere.
Eiderdown is luxuriously soft, warm, and light—it’s the world’s most expensive down. We’d love to visit an eider farm in the future.