By Chris Ayliffe, Arctic Meta
Introduction
So, if you’ve click on this blog, I have a sneaky suspicion that you’re keen to check out some Lupines while you explore Iceland! If so, you came to the right place.
If you’re a fan of vibrant colors, stunning landscapes, and the magic of nature, then Iceland during lupine season is an absolute must-visit. Living here, I’m lucky enough to see these spectacular plants in the most scenic of spots every summer, and let me tell you, the lupine fields are a sight to behold.
In this travel blog, I’m excited to share with you the 11 best spots to photograph lupines in Iceland. So grab your camera, pack your bags, and let’s dive into the world of Icelandic lupines!
What Are Lupines?
First things first, let’s talk about what exactly lupines are.
Lupines are beautiful, tall, flowering plants that belong to the legume family. They come in a variety of colors, but in Iceland, you’ll most commonly see them in shades of purple and blue, but the variety in Iceland is purple.
These hardy plants are known for their vibrant, spiky flowers and lush green foliage, making them a favourite among photographers and nature lovers alike.
Not only are lupines visually striking, but they also play an important ecological role.
They have a unique ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps improve soil quality and promotes the growth of other plants. This makes them a valuable addition to the Icelandic landscape, where the volcanic soil can often be lacking in nutrients.
Which Variety of Lupines Grows in Iceland?
In Iceland, the variety of lupines that you’ll encounter is called the Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis).
Originally from North America, this resilient plant was introduced to Iceland in the 1940s as a means to combat soil erosion and improve soil quality.
Little did they know, these lupines would thrive in Iceland’s unique climate and terrain, creating stunning fields of purple that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The Nootka lupine is particularly well-suited to Iceland’s harsh conditions. It can withstand cold temperatures, strong winds, and poor soil, making it an ideal plant for the Icelandic environment.
Over the years, the lupine has spread across the country, becoming a common sight in both rural and urban areas.
What Time of Year Will You Find Lupines in Iceland?
Timing is everything when it comes to photographing lupines in Iceland. These gorgeous flowers typically bloom from late June to early August, with the peak season being in July.
During this time, you’ll find the fields covered in a sea of purple, creating the perfect backdrop for your photos. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like seeing these flowers in full bloom under the Icelandic summer sun.
The best time to visit for lupine photography is during the golden hour, which occurs just after sunrise and just before sunset (often a tricky game under the Midnight Sun!)
The soft, warm light during this time enhances the vibrant colors of the flowers and creates a magical atmosphere for your photos. If you’re lucky enough to be in Iceland during the midnight sun, you’ll have even more opportunities to capture the beauty of the lupines in the stunning light.
Where Are the Best Spots to Photograph Lupines in Iceland?
Now that you know when to go, let’s talk about where to go.
Iceland is filled with incredible locations to capture the beauty of lupines, and I’ve rounded up the top 11 spots for you. Each of these locations offers something unique, so get ready for an adventure when you get to check these spots out for yourself.
1. Skógafoss Waterfall
One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Skógafoss, is a must-visit for any traveler. During lupine season, the area surrounding the waterfall is dotted with these beautiful flowers, adding an extra layer of magic to your photos.
The contrast of the vibrant purple lupines against the powerful, cascading water is simply breathtaking. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a rainbow in the mist!
The best vantage point for photographing lupines at Skógafoss is from the base of the waterfall short walk back into the shrouds of Lupines you can’t miss.
From here, you can capture the full height of the waterfall with the lupines in the foreground, creating a stunning composition. For a different perspective, climb the stairs to the top of the waterfall and look down at the lupine-covered landscape below.
2. Lupine Fields Outside of Húsavík
Húsavík, often referred to as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, is also home to some incredible lupine fields. Just a short drive outside of the town, you’ll find expansive fields of lupines set against the backdrop of rolling hills and mountains.
This spot is perfect for capturing the serene beauty of Iceland’s countryside, with the added bonus of potentially spotting some whales off the coast.
One of the best places to photograph lupines near Húsavík is along the road to Ásbyrgi Canyon. This scenic drive takes you through lush valleys and along the coast, with plenty of opportunities to stop and photograph the lupine fields along the way.
Be sure to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full expanse of the fields and the stunning landscape beyond.
3. Stjórnarfoss Waterfall in Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Stjórnarfoss is a hidden gem located in the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. This smaller waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and, during lupine season, you’ll find plenty of these flowers scattered around the area.
The peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty make Stjórnarfoss a fantastic spot for some tranquil lupine photography.
To get the best shots of lupines at Stjórnarfoss, explore the area around the waterfall and look for clusters of flowers that provide a good foreground for your photos.
The soft light during the golden hour will create a beautiful, ethereal effect, highlighting the vibrant colors of the lupines and the surrounding landscape.
4. Vík í Mýrdal Church
Vík í Mýrdal is a picturesque village on Iceland’s southern coast, famous for its black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs. One of the most iconic sights in Vík is the charming red-roofed church perched on a hill, overlooking the village.
During lupine season, the hill is covered in a blanket of purple flowers, creating a stunning contrast with the red church and the surrounding landscape. It’s a picture-perfect spot that you won’t want to miss.
For the best photos of lupines at Vík í Mýrdal, position yourself on the hill below the church and use the flowers as a leading line to draw the viewer’s eye toward the building.
This composition creates a sense of depth and adds an extra layer of interest to your photos. Don’t forget to experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the beauty of the scene from all sides.
5. Near Vatnajökull Glacier
Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland, is a breathtaking sight in itself. But did you know that the areas surrounding the glacier are also home to some beautiful lupine fields?
The combination of the massive ice cap, rugged terrain, and vibrant lupines makes for some truly unique and captivating photos. Be sure to explore the area around the glacier to find the best spots for lupine photography.
One of the best places to photograph lupines near Vatnajökull is the Skaftafell National Park. This park offers a variety of hiking trails that take you through lush valleys, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside the glacier.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of lupine fields that provide a stunning contrast to the icy landscape. Be sure to bring a sturdy tripod and a polarizing filter to capture the full beauty of this incredible location.
6. Vestrahorn
Vestrahorn, also known as the Batman Mountain, is one of Iceland’s most photogenic mountains. Located on the southeastern coast, this stunning peak rises dramatically from the black sand beach below.
During lupine season, you’ll find fields of these flowers at the base of the mountain, creating a striking contrast with the dark sands and towering cliffs. It’s a photographer’s paradise, made even more enticing when the horses ride across the flat beach reflecting perfectly in the shallow waters (just saying!)
To get the best shots of lupines at Vestrahorn, arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to catch the soft, golden light.
This light will enhance the colors of the lupines and create a beautiful, atmospheric effect. Be sure to explore the area around the mountain and experiment with different compositions to capture the full beauty of the scene.
7. Reykjanestá Lighthouse
The Reykjanes Peninsula is known for its rugged coastline, geothermal activity, and historic lighthouses. One of the standout lighthouses in the area is Reykjanestá, which sits atop a cliff overlooking the ocean.
During lupine season, the cliffs around the lighthouse are adorned with these vibrant flowers, creating a beautiful and serene setting for your photos.
For the best photos of lupines at Reykjanestá Lighthouse, position yourself on the cliffs below the lighthouse and use the flowers as a foreground element in your composition.
This perspective creates a sense of depth and adds an extra layer of interest to your photos. Be sure to visit during the golden hour to capture the soft, warm light that enhances the beauty of the scene.
8. Laugarvatn
Laugarvatn is a small village located in the Golden Circle region, known for its geothermal lake and natural hot springs. The area around Laugarvatn is also home to some lovely lupine fields, providing a peaceful and picturesque backdrop for your photos.
After a day of exploring and photographing lupines, you can relax in the hot springs and soak in the natural beauty of the area.
To get the best shots of lupines at Laugarvatn, explore the fields around the village and look for clusters of flowers that provide a good foreground for your photos.
The soft light during the golden hour will create a beautiful, ethereal effect, highlighting the vibrant colors of the lupines and the surrounding landscape. Don’t forget to experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the full beauty of the scene.
9. Faxifoss Waterfall
Faxifoss is a lesser-known waterfall located near the famous Gullfoss waterfall in the Golden Circle. This charming waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and, during lupine season, you’ll find plenty of these flowers adding a pop of color to the scene.
The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make Faxifoss a great spot for some serene lupine photography.
To get the best shots of lupines at Faxifoss, explore the area around the waterfall and look for clusters of flowers that provide a good foreground for your photos.
The soft light during the golden hour will create a beautiful, ethereal effect, highlighting the vibrant colors of the lupines and the surrounding landscape. Be sure to experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the full beauty of the scene.
10. The Westfjords (Þingeyri)
The Westfjords region of Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and remote beauty. One of the best places to photograph lupines in this region is near the village of Þingeyri.
The fields around Þingeyri are filled with these vibrant flowers, set against the backdrop of towering mountains and the sparkling fjord. It’s a truly magical place to capture the beauty of Icelandic lupines.
To get the best shots of lupines in the Westfjords, explore the fields around Þingeyri and look for clusters of flowers that provide a good foreground for your photos.
The soft light during the golden hour will create a beautiful, ethereal effect, highlighting the vibrant colors of the lupines and the surrounding landscape. Don’t forget to experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the full beauty of the scene.
11. Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell, also known as Church Mountain, is one of Iceland’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this striking mountain rises sharply from the surrounding landscape, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene.
During lupine season, the fields around Kirkjufell are covered in these beautiful flowers, adding an extra layer of charm to your photos. It’s a must-visit spot for any photographer.
To get the best shots of lupines at Kirkjufell, position yourself on the fields below the mountain and use the flowers as a foreground element in your composition.
This perspective creates a sense of depth and adds an extra layer of interest to your photos. Be sure to visit during the golden hour to capture the soft, warm light that enhances the beauty of the scene.
Top Tips For Photographing Lupines in Iceland
Now that you know the best spots to find lupines in Iceland, let’s talk about some tips for capturing the perfect shot.
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, these tips will help you make the most of your lupine photography experience.
Get a Low Angle Shot
One of the best ways to capture the beauty of lupines is to get down low and shoot from a low angle. This perspective allows you to highlight the height and vibrancy of the flowers, creating a more immersive and dynamic photo. Plus, it gives you a chance to play with different compositions and create some truly unique shots.
When shooting from a low angle, try to position yourself so that the lupines fill the foreground of your photo, with the landscape or other elements in the background.
This creates a sense of depth and adds an extra layer of interest to your photos. Don’t be afraid to get down on the ground and experiment with different angles to find the perfect shot.
Photograph From a Scenic Spot
Iceland is filled with stunning landscapes, so why not use them to your advantage? When photographing lupines, try to find a scenic spot that offers a beautiful backdrop for your photos.
Whether it’s a waterfall, mountain, or coastline, incorporating the natural beauty of Iceland into your lupine shots will make them even more captivating.
When choosing a scenic spot, look for locations that offer a good balance of lupines and other elements in the landscape. This will help create a more dynamic and visually interesting composition.
Be sure to explore different angles and perspectives to capture the full beauty of the scene.
Shoot Your Pictures During Golden Hour Under The Midnight Sun
The golden hour, which occurs just after sunrise and just before sunset, is the best time to photograph lupines in Iceland.
The soft, warm light during this time creates a magical atmosphere and enhances the vibrant colors of the flowers. Plus, if you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll have the added bonus of the midnight sun, which provides extended hours of beautiful light for your photography.
To make the most of the golden hour, plan your shoots around the times when the light is at its best. This may mean getting up early or staying out late, but the results are well worth it.
The soft, warm light will add a beautiful, ethereal quality to your photos, making the lupines and the landscape look even more stunning.
Why the Panorama Glass Lodge is a Great Place to Base Yourself For Great Lupine Photography Spots
Staying at the Panorama Glass Lodge not only promises a unique and breathtaking experience with its panoramic views but also places you in an ideal position to explore the best lupine photography spots along Iceland’s stunning south coast, including Vík, Skógafoss, and Vatnajökull.
Alternatively, if you opt for our West lodges, you’ll find yourself just a short drive from Kirkjufell mountain, another iconic photography location.
Whichever on of our lodges you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure filled with natural beauty and photographic opportunities galore.
Conclusion
Iceland is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers, and the lupine fields are a true highlight of the summer season. From the powerful Skógafoss waterfall to the serene Westfjords, there are so many incredible spots to capture the beauty of these vibrant flowers.
By following these tips and exploring the best locations, you’ll be able to create stunning photos that showcase the magic of Icelandic lupines.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Iceland. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the lupine fields of Iceland are sure to inspire and amaze you. Happy shooting and let us know how you get on.