30 Fantastic Photos Of Iceland’s Rugged Landscapes

Published November 30, 2013
Updated November 9, 2023

While Iceland’s population of 321,000 makes it the most sparsely populated country in Europe, the island nation makes up for it in its density of absolutely stunning landscapes.

Lakes and glaciers comprise around 14% of the island’s surface, and geysers–including Geysir, the geyser for which all others are named–dot the rugged terrain and add an almost mystical volatility to the otherworldly atmosphere as evidenced by these fantastic photographs of Iceland:

Iceland Photos Hot Springs

Volcano Lake In Iceland

Goat In Iceland Photo
Source: Wordpress

Iceland Aurora Borealis Photo
Source: On Sight

Sunset Rocks Iceland

Sunset Lodge In Iceland

People At Waterfall

Iceland Peninsula

Iceland Ice Beach
Source: Aspect2i

Glacier Lagoon

Waterfall

Volcano Erupting In Iceland

Iceland Sunset Photo
Source: Wordpress

Stone Valley
Source: Komar

Rock Island

Pools In Iceland

Ponies In Front Of A Volcano

Mud Pits
Source: Wordpress

Beautiful Photographs Of Iceland

Green Pasture

Extinct Volcano

Crystal Lake Iceland Photos

Rocky Coast Landscape

Iceland Coast

Iceland

Despite the pristine Iceland photos above, itis not immune from environmental degradation: years of deforestation and overgrazing courtesy of imported fauna have taken their toll, and many farms are now being abandoned. Not all is lost, though.

In efforts to reunite man with his maker, Icelanders have made good use of geothermal power, which allows them to acquire heat, electricity and water at little to no cost to them...or the environment.

If you enjoyed these amazing pictures of Iceland's landscapes, be sure to check out our other posts on amazing facts and haunting abandoned structures around the world!

author
Savannah Cox
author
Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.
editor
Savannah Cox
editor
Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.