2020 has become a year of reflection on past travels rather than looking forward to those to come. With the changing of the months its an ideal time to stare nostalgically at my travels in Iceland in September.
While reading a post from fellow adventurer Linda at Retired and Travelling on waterfalls and volcanoes in Iceland I was inspired to look into my own travels there. Despite suffering many setbacks on our trip to Iceland (a story that will be told on this blog soon), the sheer beauty of Iceland broke through in my photos. So much so I was inspired to share. It’s been a while since I dedicated a blog just to photos. If ever a place is deserving Iceland is it.
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Reykjavik
Reykjavik is most people’s first port of call on arriving in Iceland, and a good introduction to the country, and its friendly people. But it’s not like other capital cities, there are no skyscrapers, and no bustling shopping streets. With a tiny population of 120,000 this city is defined in other ways. Cute wooden houses and stores fill its centre. The 73 metres high tower of the Hallgrimskirkja church dominates the skyline. Taking the appearance of an upside down church its the memorable feature of this capital.
Reykjavik’s waterfront is distinguishable by the the Harpa concert building, and the stainless steel sculpture of the sun voyager boat. It’s through art that much of the city’s best features are seen; the street art scene is vibrant and echoes the voices of its townsfolk in its messages. September sees the city spring to life with the annual Reykjavik international film festival, which focuses on young up and coming talents.
While Reykjavik has its charms, Iceland is most certainly better known for those that lay beyond the city limits. It’s backdrop gives more than an inviting hint to the rugged landscape that lies beyond.
Iceland in September
There are two huge principal reasons that people book Icelandic trip for, the chance to see aurora borealis and to soak in its geothermal features such as the Blue Lagoon. We hoped by booking in September we would have the relatively warm weather of summer and the prospect of taking a northern lights tour. Turns out we were wrong and got neither. Iceland appears to have harsh September weather, defined by cold temperatures and incessant rain. Not the best conditions for seeing natures greatest show.
But the Blue Lagoon at least doesn’t care what month of the year you travel.
Its swimming pools are an ever reliable blue, and is one of those things that must be seen.
Golden Circle
In my opinion Iceland is all about hitting the road. Route one, Iceland’s ring road circumnavigates the country, giving access to the sights of the south coast, and to the distant Akureyki and Myvatn in the north, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the east also. There is certainly no greater way to see this unusual country. Driving conditions were perfect in September, and with this being the land of the midnight sun, the days were therefore perfectly long to cram them full. All good itineraries start with the Golden Circle, so that’s exactly what we did.
The typical drive begins firstly with a visit to Thingviller national park, where the division between 2 tectonic plates is seen. Oxarafoss waterfall is not to be missed after all that rain. One of the greatest things about Iceland travel then follows, the geyser park. After a few dormant geysers, Strokkur then brings the excitement every eight minutes. A majestic sight.
But the Golden Circle has one more powerhouse attraction. Gulfoss might not be Iceland’s biggest waterfall but it looks it. With those rainbows it could be from the realm of fantasy.
Waterfalls of Iceland in September
One of the greatest pursuits when visiting Iceland is chasing waterfalls. Its no understatement to say they are everywhere. But the attraction is those huge ones that dot the landscape. We began our waterfall tour of the south coast with Seljalandsfoss, the only one I know of where you have the pleasure of walking inside. The unmissable Skogafoss is nearby, and worth the hike over to see the the waterfalls above.
Features of the South Coast of Iceland
The south coast has a diverse selection of attractions from its sparsely dotted towns to those that lie in nature. Churches are one of the things about Iceland that will really catch your eye.
Known as Dranguinn i Drandshlio these shelters are built into a huge mound of rock. It appears that the rock grew around them, but as far as I know rock doesn’t grow.
The Solheimajokull glacier is one of the most easily reached in the country, as the road essentially drives up to it. Despite the cold and the starkness it was a thing of beauty.
Geothermal areas
Iceland’s geothermal areas are amongst its most fun. Where else can you possibly channel your inner dragon. The areas at Reykjadalur and Krysuvik were most unusual, as a result of their strange colours, bubbling mud, and the smoking landscape.
Vik
The town of Vik is a perfect resting point in South Iceland, and has more going for it than just a warm bed. The black sand beach at Reynisfjara is another volcanic wonder. With sea stacks, arches and basalt columns its particularly awesome to explore. Not the best for sunbathing though.
Landscapes of Iceland in September
Of course the landscapes of Iceland need their own credit. One word was in my mind through all my trip, raw. It’s definitely how I’ll undoubtedly always remember this untamed and wild country.
Icelandic Horses
Allow me to tame it all with some of Iceland’s most loved residents. Icelandic horses are a unique breed, kept pure as a result of a ban from travelling. Those that leave are never allowed to return. A radical way indeed to keep the breed safe.
If you enjoyed my photography then you may appreciate some of my other photo blogs:
What was your favourite part of Iceland? Let me know in the comments below.
37 Responses
I just love looking at Iceland pictures…there is something so raw and beautiful about the landscape there. We were planning to make a stopover there for a week on our way to visit relatives in England…will have to wait now for better times. Thanks for sharing these!
Great memories of our 2017 trip to Iceland. Thanks for sharing. Hope you and your family are staying well, John. Allan
After the Trans-Mogolian Rail from Beijing to Moscow and some time in St Petersburg, Iceland was to be the last port of call on our 2021 travels. But like a lot of people we are “staycationing” at home in Western Australia and have pushed Iceland to 20whoknowswhen. Thanks for reposting your trip. I really enjoyed your images as they reminded me of why we wanted to go there in the first place!
We’d planned to be there late in October definitely colder but hopefully clearer skies.
What absolutely incredible photos of your trip to Iceland in September! I went in late-January where the days were short, dark and cold. I love that there’s still so much color in in the landscape!
Bit harsh on the horses with the travel ban and all, but love all the fabulous pictures!!
Spot on John. 2020 has definitely been a time of reflection. These photos are spectacular! I really fancy doing the drive right around one day. Our eldest was lucky enough to go with school last year!
I am glad to bring back memories of Iceland! Your post reminds me there is so much more to see that we got on our first visit. We will definitely plan a return trip. Maybe later in the year and catch the Northern Lights.
Beautiful photos of Iceland! I’d love to step behind that waterfall and try the blue lagoon waters. Well, I’m not making too many travel plans right now.
The Icelandic horses were such a treat for me. Gentle, wild and just beautiful to watch. We didn’t make it to Vik on our last trip; September looks like a great time to visit.
Loved this post! Your photos are beautiful and make me want to plan a trip there as soon as possible! My favorites were the bubbling geysers and the adorable Icelandic horses!
What a wonderful guide and stunning photos! I loved every single attraction mentioned in this guide especially the highlands landscapes, street arts of Reykjavik and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.
Love this photo blog…stunning images! Before the pandemic hit, I was looking into a trip to Ireland with a planned week stopover in Iceland. Especially like the raw and untamed landscapes you captured. Thanks for the virtual tour!
Wow! Love your photos! I felt like I was in Games of Thrones and a dragon would fly over! I haven’t been to Iceland, but you’ve introduced to me to some new waterfalls to explore!
Spectacular photos John! The landscape in Iceland is so pretty with all those waterfalls and rugged coastline. You captured the beauty of Iceland so well transporting me there until I can visit for myself one day!
I love Iceland, it’s such a magical place! There’s a surprisingly large number of things to see and do there. I can’t wait to go back!
What an incredible country. Some of the shots remind me of Scotland but I bet it was impossible trying to choose the right shots with so many options.
A great tour of Iceland from my work desk this morning!
What an amazing place, with so much natural beauty. I really loved looking at your photos – it’s made me want to go!
I’ve wanted to visit Iceland for a long time, like a lot of people. The churches are beautiful, the waterfalls look magnificent and it sounds like a great place to spend a holiday. I know it’s a popular place now so I see why you went for an out of season time, and although disappointing about the Northern Lights it still seems like you had a great time. I might try and plan for a trip there on the way back from Canada to the UK as I like that Icelandair has that free layover idea built into their tickets
Your photos are STUNNING! Iceland is so beautiful and it’s so interesting to see it at different times of year. I’ve been in October and in January and it was completely different. Would love to go back and see it in the summer to capture some of the greenery you have here. Especially love that rainbow you saw over Gullfoss!
Such amazing photography John! You have certainly captured the magic of the landscape. I think you are right that Iceland lends itself to roadtrips and I really want to go in the motorhome, now more than ever!
Wow what an incredible landscape, a bit like an extreme version of northern Scotland. We have our own geothermal area in NZ but I quite like the idea of bathing in hot pools when it’s freezing cold and snowing. And those grass roofs, how awesome 🙂 It’s not surprising that such a dramatic landscape inspires dramatic art and architecture too.
Really enjoyed reading this and your photos are incredible John. Especially love the rainbows 🙂
I’m itching to get back to Europe to see this stunning landscape for myself.
Iceland is just the most photogenic place! Absolutely breathtaking photos, particularly the waterfalls. I’m still yet to go but I get major envy when I see gorgeous photos like these 😍
What a cool trip! This has long been on top of our list! This is the information we need for our ‘eventual’ holiday. I’ve bookmarked it for later – your visit looks like it was incredibly fun!
Iceland – one should never get fooled by how this northern island sounds. More than ice, the land sparkles with glaciers, abundant hot geysers and a wild landscape all brimming with vivid contrasts of climate, geography and culture. Thanks for sharing this nostalgia of the northernmost inhabited places on the planet 😉
Wow – just love your post & stunning photos!! Iceland is a place I am very much looking forward to returning to & reading your post is making me want to go back now! Really am drawn to photos of the churches- really does catch my eye! Iceland, we will be back.
I can see that Iceland looks like many opportunities for photography. A walk behind the waterfall would be awesome.
I love Iceland ! I went in March so it’s so weird to see Skogafoss so green ! I really liked Vik and Keflavik 🙂
Wow!!! Incredible photos, John. I haven’t even heard of that first waterfall, Oxararfoss. I would really love to go back to Iceland as I went in 2013 (or 2014?) and the weather wasn’t great and my camera wasn’t great, and I had a lovely time anyway but I feel like I’d have a better time now if that makes sense!
The weather was awful in 2016 too. Imagine how it would look in a nice summer. Wow.
I’d love to go back in the summer and road trip properly!
What a gorgeous collection of photograph. You make Iceland look so inviting. Thanks for posting this pictorial.
Thank you so much for reading.
Iceland is definitely on my bucket list. Not at the top yet, but it is getting there. Thanks for your lovely pictorial post.
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Thank you for taking the time to read.