It’s hardly surprising that movie location scouts love Iceland so much. After all, the scenery is extraordinary. If you’re keen to see some big screen moments with your own eyes, then head to these top 10 movie locations to visit on your Iceland self drive.
1. Húsavík
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Will Ferrell’s hilarious take on the Eurovision Song Contest kept us amused as we watched it. Many of its scenes were filmed in Húsavík, Iceland’s pretty whale watching capital. Some take a bog of detective work, such as the bus stop in the movie which is actually a shelter beside the town’s football pitch.
2. Jökulsárlón
Die Another Day
Back when Pierce Brosnan was Bond, Iceland’s most famous lagoon was used for a car chase. But if you visit as a tourist, even in winter, the only ice on the water will be the icebergs, as its ability to freeze over is impacted by sea water. To create ice thick enough to drive on, the set team had to block off the river.
3. Dettifoss
Prometheus
Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, and also one of the biggest cascades in Europe, deserves big screen status. It got it in Prometheus: the movie opens with a breathtaking scene filmed at Dettifoss where an alien in human form drinks a liquid which leads it to dissolve into the waterfall.
4. Geirabakarí Kaffihús, Borgarnes
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
In this Ben Stiller movie, the Geirabakari Kaffihús on the outskirts of Borgarnes was reimagined as a pizzeria. In real life, it’s a convenient coffee stop on the ring road which you’ll reach about an hour after leaving Reykjavik. Not only are the pastries delicious, the views over the water are excellent too.
5. Landmannalaugar
Thor: the Dark World
This popular Marvel film showcased several Icelandic destinations, one of which was Landmannalaugar. This part of Iceland, close to the volcano Hekla, doubled as Svartalfheim, the Realm of the Dark Elves. To reach this colourful part of the highlands yourself, drive yourself in summer or take a tour.
6. Vík í Mýrdal
Captain America: Civil War
Vík í Mýrdal is the stunning setting for scenes from this spectacular movie. Even if a film crew isn’t in town during your visit, you can’t help but imagine how impressed a cinematographer would be with its glacial backdrop and dramatic coastline.
7. Lake Mývatn
The Fate of the Furious
Fans of the Fast and the Furious series were treated to a fantastic car and submarine chase scene. It was filmed at a wintry Lake Mývatn in north east Iceland, which doubled as the Russian Arctic for the purposes of the movie.
8. Sandvik
Letters from Iwo Jima
You won’t have to venture far from Keflavik Airport to visit this filming location from the Clint Eastwood vehicle, Letters from Iwo Jima. Location scouts needed a place which had black sand just the same as in southern Japan’s Volcano Islands where the story was set, and Sandvik’s beach was ideal. The follow up, Flags of our Fathers, was also shot here.
9. Eyjafjallajökull
Star Wars: the Force Awakens
Several Star Wars movies have been shot in Iceland. This one features the famous volcano Eyjafjallajökull. It becomes the location for The Force Awakens‘ epic battle between Rey and Kylo Ren on Starkiller base.
10. Seydisfjördur
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Back to Ben Stiller: in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the Hollywood A-lister rides his skateboard down the long drop into Seydisfjördur in East Iceland. You too can have the thrill of descending Fjarðarheiði – which you’ll find it’s just as impressive by car. Just don’t expect to see empty tables outside the Hotel Aldan if the sky’s as blue as it is in the film!
Ready for your Iceland self-drive road trip? Book your cheap car in Iceland today before it’s too late!