I have just finished an incredible Iceland road trip. Iceland enjoys daylight for 24 hours a day during the summer, and I have just had the privilege of embarking on an exhilarating adventure road trip to Iceland in a campervan, capturing the enchanting beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. With daylight gracing this beautiful, diverse island for a full 24 hours, I knew I was in for a full on, but fantastic experience.
I have tried to capture this incredible location on several occasions, especially the Kirkjufell Mountain, but each time I was thwarted by the changeable Icelandic autumn weather. But this time the trip was blessed with beautiful summer sunshine that provided me with all the opportunities I needed to capture the photographs I was hoping for.
My Iceland road trip began on the longest day of the year, June 21st, where I, together with my nephew Josiah, eagerly set off to photograph the mesmerizing landscapes around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, known as “Iceland in Miniature,” is on the west coast of Iceland and promised an array of breathtaking sights, including the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, the haunting black church at Budir, beautiful beaches, lava fields, waterfalls and even an Icelandic shipwreck that lay battered by the wild waves.
Our Iceland road trip involved renting a campervan, which allowed us the freedom to explore this remote region at our own pace. The compact yet cozy living space offered us the comfort, flexibility, and the chance to immerse ourselves in nature. We relished the simplicity of campervan life, awakening each morning to the sound of the waves crashing on the shoreline. This was a dream for me! I love the coast and find the mental health benefits of listening to the sound of the waves to be so calming. If you’re planning an Iceland road trip, a campervan is a fabulous way to connect with nature.
One of our first stops was the legendary Kirkjufell mountain, standing tall and proud with its unique shape and two waterfalls so wonderfully situated in the foreground. We photographed the mountain at midnight on the longest day of the year, and the midnight sun bathed the mountain in an ethereal glow, with the low sun just above the horizon.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula continued to unveil its wonders as we ventured deeper into its heart. The black church at Budir was an enchanting place to visit. This small wooden church exuded a haunting beauty that seemed to echo the rich history and folklore of Iceland. It was an incredible sight to behold, and I couldn’t resist capturing it with a backdrop of looming storm clouds.
Read how to master woodland photography here
Driving through Iceland is an experience in itself, as the landscape continues to reveal one stunning landscape after another. The winding roads led us through vast stretches of moss-covered lava fields and barren landscapes, and I felt a deep connection to the raw power of nature that is so easily felt in Iceland.
We stumbled on an incredible ship wreck close to Hellissandur, washed up on the beach. Against the backdrop of the vast mountains, the fishing boat was fabulous to photograph. I love it when Iceland delivers these kinds of features. It never disappoints!
We had an incredible moment one evening walking by the coast, when suddenly an Arctic Fox appeared and walked passed us. We were stunned and spent a few moments photographing it before it rushed away. What a moment!
Another feature we discovered on our Iceland road trip was a beautifully situated white church, with the backdrop of mountains creating a stunning scene. We were lucky as since it was summertime, the purple Lupins were in full bloom too, creating a beautiful foreground.
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During my Iceland road trip through the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, I discovered that Iceland’s unique blend of dramatic landscapes, untamed beauty, and the ethereal glow of the midnight sun creates a photographer’s paradise. The campervan lifestyle allowed me to intimately connect with this remarkable land, enabling me to keep moving on to the many staggeringly beautiful landscapes on offer.
If you’re planning your Iceland road trip, I can definitely recommend the Snaefellsnes Peninsula as it has so much to offer.
