Famous Movie Locations in Iceland and Where to Find Them

Quick Guide to Iceland Movie Locations

• Over 50 famous movies filmed in Iceland, including Interstellar, Batman Begins, Die Another Day, and Rogue One
• Most locations are accessible via the Ring Road with standard car rental—GPS coordinates provided for each site.
• South Coast offers the highest concentration of locations: Jökulsárlón, Svínafellsjökull, and Skógafoss, all within a 3-hour drive.
• Best seasons: Summer (June-August) for full access, Winter (November-March) for frozen landscapes matching many films

Although Iceland has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, it has attracted filmmakers from Hollywood and beyond for much longer. The country is a favoured filming location thanks to its breathtaking, dramatic landscapes and small population. This means filming is less likely to be interrupted or to draw complaints from locals. If you are a movie buff, then there are plenty of locations in Iceland that you might want to visit on your trip. We have put together a list of some of the most famous movie locations in Iceland and where you can find them.

Why do Filmmakers Choose Iceland?

Iceland's rise as a premier filming destination isn't accidental. The country offers unique advantages that major studios simply can't find elsewhere:

Landscape Diversity in a Compact Area: Within a few hours' drive, filmmakers can access glaciers, black sand beaches, volcanic deserts, waterfalls, and lava fields. This geographic concentration means crews can shoot multiple 'planets' or locations without expensive relocations. Interstellar, for example, filmed both its ice planet and water planet within Iceland's southeast region.

Experienced Local Crews: Production companies like True North and Saga Film provide professional crews experienced with international blockbusters. After decades of Hollywood production experience, Icelandic camera operators, gaffers, and location scouts understand the demands of major studios.

Government Film Incentives: Iceland offers a 25% rebate on qualifying production spend, making it financially competitive with other European filming destinations. This, combined with the visual value delivered per dollar spent, makes Iceland attractive for budget-conscious productions.

Unique Natural Lighting: The midnight sun (May-July) provides extended 'golden hour' shooting windows, whilst winter's limited daylight creates naturally dramatic lighting. This reduces the need for artificial lighting setups and gives films their distinctive otherworldly atmosphere.

Low Population Density: With only 401,000 residents across a landmass the size of England, Iceland offers vast uninhabited areas. Crews can film epic wide shots without worrying about background traffic, buildings, or curious onlookers—a luxury impossible in most countries.

The Most Famous Movie Locations in Iceland

Some of the most recognisable movies filmed in Iceland include:

• Die Another Day – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake – GPS: 64° 2'34.94"N 16°10'25.70"W
• Interstellar – Svínafellsjökull Glacier – GPS: 64° 0'29.22"N 16°52'52.86"W
• Fast & Furious 8 - Lake Mývatn – GPS: 65°38'30.20"N 16°54'41.20"W
• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Borgarfjörður Eystri – GPS: 65°32'19.79" N -13°46'31.79" W
• Prometheus – Detifoss Waterfall – GPS: 65°49'8.19"N 16°22'45.43"W
• Thor: The Dark World – Skogafoss Waterfall – GPS: 63°31'39.67"N 19°30'44.86"W
• Batman Begins – Vatnajökull Glacier – GPS: 64°23'59.99" N -16°47'59.99" W
• Rogue One - Mýrdalssandur Beaches - GPS: 63.4550° N, 18.6553° W

Die Another Day (2002)

Location: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake – GPS: 64° 2'34.94"N 16°10'25.70"W

One of the most recognisable film scenes in Iceland is the car chase in the twentieth instalment of the James Bond series, Die Another Day. Unlike many films, it also credits Iceland as the location, although the scene does include a non-existent ice hotel. Filming took place on the surface of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which was frozen at the time of filming. The lagoon is not frozen all year round, though, so you might not recognise it instantly. Fewer people know that the region was also used for another Bond film, A View to a Kill (1985), where a ski chase took place. This isn't common knowledge as the area represented Russia in the film. It is a great place to visit with plenty to see and do on hikes around the region.

Visitor Information: Located on Route 1 (Ring Road), approximately 5 hours east of Reykjavík. Free parking is available. The lagoon is spectacular year-round: summer brings floating icebergs and amphibious boat tours, whilst winter occasionally freezes sections (though never safe to walk on). Visit the nearby Diamond Beach where icebergs wash ashore on black sand. Access: Any vehicle. Best time: June-August for boat tours, November-March for dramatic ice formations.

Interstellar (2014)

Location: Svínafellsjökull Glacier – GPS: 64°00’29.22"N 16°52’52.86"W

Another big Hollywood blockbuster that was filmed in Iceland is the epic science fiction film Interstellar. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, the film is set in a dystopian future where a group of astronauts heads into space in search of a new planet. With its awesome and barren landscapes, Iceland made the perfect location for filming otherworldly scenes. Taking place at Svínafellsjökull and Máfabót Glacier, Iceland represents two different planets in the film. You can actually hike over the Svínafellsjökull Glacier, which represents the ice planet and can be found in the southeast of Iceland. Máfabót is where the water planet was filmed and is actually a lowland between the open sea and a river that is often flooded.

Visitor Information: Svínafellsjökull is part of Vatnajökull National Park, accessible via a well-marked turnoff from Route 1 (about 4.5 hours from Reykjavík). A parking fee applies. NEVER attempt glacier walking without a certified guide and proper equipment—crevasses are invisible and deadly. Multiple operators run glacier hikes ranging from 2-hour beginner walks to advanced ice climbing. The glacier tongue is visibly retreating; photos from Interstellar's 2013 filming show noticeably more ice than today. Access: Any vehicle to the car park, then guided tour only. Best time: Year-round, though summer offers longer daylight.

Fate of the Furious (Fast & Furious 8 – 2017)

Location: Lake Mývatn – GPS: 65°38'30.20"N 16°54'41.20"W

Somewhere else that might seem familiar on your travels in Iceland is Lake Mývatn, which was used as the filming location for scenes in the 8th instalment of the Fast & Furious franchise. Scenes were filmed on ice in the depths of winter over the frozen lake, and it is instantly recognisable. If you are driving on the Ring Road around Iceland, then you will end up passing the lake. There were also other scenes filmed around Iceland, including a car chase around the harbor and the large cement factory in Akranes.

Visitor Information: Lake Mývatn sits in North Iceland, approximately 6 hours from Reykjavík via Route 1. The area offers geothermal activity, dramatic lava formations, and exceptional birdwatching (summer). IMPORTANT: The lake NEVER freezes solid enough for vehicle traffic—the film used special permissions and safety measures. Do not attempt to drive on ice. The Mývatn Nature Baths nearby offer a less-crowded alternative to Blue Lagoon. Access: Any vehicle. Best time: May-September for nature, December-February for northern lights and snow-covered landscapes (matching the film's aesthetic). Combine with the nearby Dettifoss Waterfall.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Location: Borgarfjörður Eystri – GPS: 65°32'19.79" N -13°46'31.79" W (and multiple other locations)

This film is one that features Iceland most heavily, with several scenes filmed at a number of different locations around the country. It is also one of the few films to actually credit Iceland as the location and even uses Iceland to film scenes meant to represent both Greenland and the Himalayas. The film stars Ben Stiller as the title character as he travels across the country. One of the most memorable scenes from the film is when Walter skateboards on the road, which can be found in Borgarfjörður Eystri in the East of Iceland. You might also remember a scene in Nepal at a large waterfall. Well, this was filmed at Skogafoss Waterfall in Iceland, and you can visit the location yourself.

Visitor Information: The iconic longboard scene was filmed on Route 953 in Seyðisfjörður (East Iceland, 7 hours from Reykjavík). The 'Greenland' scenes use Skógafoss and Höfn. The 'Himalayas' sequence was shot at Vatnajökull. This film essentially provides a Ring Road itinerary. Multiple locations require a minimum of 4-5 days to visit. Borgarfjörður Eystri is remote but offers puffin colonies (June-August) and colourful mountains. Access: Mix of paved roads and F-roads (4x4 required for highlands). Best time: June-August for full access, May/September for fewer crowds.

Prometheus (2012)

Location: Dettifoss Waterfall – GPS: 65°49’8.19"N 16°22’45.43"W

Although Iceland is not heavily featured in this prequel to Ridley Scott's popular Alien franchise, the opening sequence is shot at Detifoss Waterfall in the north of the country. The iconic sequence sees an alien standing at the top of the waterfall before falling into its icy waters. Although we wouldn't recommend getting this close, you can experience the extreme power and volume of water at this waterfall for yourself with just a short drive from Lake Mývatn. If you are heading here during the winter, though, you should check to make sure the site is open. In bad weather of snow and ice, it can be closed to the public.

Visitor Information: Dettifoss is Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume, accessible via two routes: East side (Route 864, paved, easier) or West side (Route 862, gravel, rougher but better views). From Lake Mývatn: 45 minutes. Parking fees apply. The viewing platform is NOT where the alien stood (that was likely filmed with a drone/helicopter and safety crew). The mist creates constant rainbows in the summer sun. The path can be icy/muddy. Access: The east side is suitable for any vehicle; the west side requires confident driving. Best time: June-August (road closures possible outside these months). Combine with Ásbyrgi Canyon (30 mins north).

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Location: Skógafoss Waterfall – GPS: 63°31’39.67"N 19°30’44.86"W

Seeing as Thor’s origin lies within ancient Nordic religion, it makes sense that the crew chose to film sequences in Iceland. This instalment in the Marvel series was partially filmed in Iceland, with some of the most notable scenes once again taking place at Skogafoss Waterfall. There were also scenes shot elsewhere in the country, with some dramatic scenes taking place deep into the Icelandic Highlands that will be difficult to reach without a guide. Iceland is once again used to paint a picture of distant planets and powerful gods.

Visitor Information: Skógafoss is Iceland's most accessible major waterfall, located directly beside Route 1 (2 hours from Reykjavík). Free parking, visitor centre, and café on-site. You can walk right up to the waterfall base (prepare to get wet from the mist) or climb 500+ steps to the top for aerial views. The waterfall is photogenic in all seasons: summer sees verdant surroundings, winter brings frozen edges. Nearly every South Coast tour stops here. The nearby Skógar Museum showcases traditional Icelandic life. Access: Any vehicle, wheelchair-accessible viewing platform. Best time: Year-round, though summer mornings (before tour buses) offer the best photo opportunities.

Batman Begins (2005)

Location: Vatnajökull Glacier – GPS: 64°23'59.99"N 16°47'59.99"W

The first instalment in the popular Christopher Nolan trilogy takes place in the mountain ranges of Nepal, but the filming was actually done in the much more accessible Vatnajökull Glacier right here in Iceland. The film also takes place at Skaftafell. Computer-generated imagery is used to create a temple and other scenes, which make the region look much more like Tibet. 

Visitor Information: Vatnajökull is Europe's largest ice cap, covering 8% of Iceland. The specific Batman Begins filming sites span the Skaftafell area. Access to the glacier requires a guided tour (glacier hiking, ice caving, or snowmobiling). The Skaftafell visitor centre offers excellent hiking trails with glacier views, including the 90-minute round-trip to Svartifoss Waterfall (basalt column backdrop). Multiple glacier tongues offer different experiences: Svínafellsjökull for hiking, Fjallsárlón for quieter lagoon views. Access: Any vehicle to Skaftafell, guided tours only onto the glacier. Best time: Summer for hiking, winter for ice caves.

Rogue One (2016)

Several of the original Star Wars films contained Icelandic scenery, and this was continued into the later spin-offs from the series. Rogue One included imagery from all over the world, including locations like the Maldives, to create its alien planets. Locations across Iceland became the settings for multiple Rogue One scenes, including black sand beaches, volcanic craters, and rocky terrain. The black sand setting of the planet Eadu, included in the opening scene of the movie, was shot at Mýrdalssandur near the town of Vik.

Visitor Information: Mýrdalssandur is the vast black sand outwash plain between Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and the ocean, stretching from Vík to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Unlike Reynisfjara (Vík's famous beach), Mýrdalssandur is genuinely remote with minimal facilities. The area represents post-volcanic moonscapes. Reynisfjara itself also appeared in Rogue One and offers safer access with parking, café, and marked paths. WARNING: Reynisfjara has deadly 'sneaker waves'—never turn your back to the ocean, stay off wet sand. Access: Reynisfjara is accessible with any vehicle (10 mins from Vík), Mýrdalssandur requires a 4x4 for off-road sections. Best time: Year-round, though winter storms make beaches more dramatic (and dangerous).

Planning Your Movie Locations Road Trip

South Coast Highlights Route (1-2 Days): The most efficient movie locations tour covers Iceland's South Coast via Route 1. Starting from Reykjavík, visit Skógafoss (Thor), Reynisfjara black beach (Rogue One), Svínafellsjökull (Interstellar/Batman), and Jökulsárlón (James Bond) in one direction. This 300km route takes 5-6 hours driving time, though plan a full day to actually explore each location. Overnight in Vík or Höfn to break the journey. A standard car is suitable for all stops except glacier walking (which requires a guided tour regardless).

North Iceland Circuit (2-3 Days): Lake Mývatn (Fast & Furious) and Dettifoss (Prometheus) sit in North Iceland, requiring either a separate trip or part of a full Ring Road circuit (7-10 days minimum). From Reykjavík to Mývatn via Route 1 is 470km (6 hours). The area rewards longer stays: Goðafoss Waterfall, Ásbyrgi Canyon, and Dimmuborgir Lava Formations (Game of Thrones) all within 1 hour of Mývatn. Mývatn Nature Baths offer post-hiking relaxation.

Full Ring Road (7-10 Days): To visit Walter Mitty's locations across Iceland requires a complete Ring Road circuit. The 1,300km route connects all regions. Add extra days for Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, and the interior Highlands. Visit during the summer only for Highlands; winter brings challenging driving conditions.

Car Rental Recommendations: A standard 2WD is sufficient for Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón, Reynisfjara, and the Mývatn area (summer only). A 4x4 is required for Highland F-roads, winter driving, and gravel road 862 to Dettifoss west side. All glacier activities require joining a guided tour, regardless of the vehicle. Iceland Car Rental offers 4x4s from our Keflavík airport location with comprehensive insurance and 24/7 support.

Seasonal Considerations: Summer (June-August) provides full access to all locations, the midnight sun extends photography hours, and it is the warmest weather, but also the busiest crowds. During winter, many films' snow-covered aesthetic can be enjoyed, ice caves are accessible, and Northern Lights are possible, but Highland roads are closed, and daylight is limited (4-6 hours). Spring/Autumn (April-May, September-October), also known as shoulder season, offers smaller crowds, still-accessible roads, and dynamic weather, creating dramatic skies.

Why Choose Iceland Car Rental for Your Movie Locations Tour

• Airport pickup/drop-off: Start your journey immediately upon landing at Keflavík
• 4x4 fleet: Access remote locations safely with our Suzuki Jimnys, Dacia Dusters, and Toyota Highlanders
• Comprehensive insurance: Drive Iceland's variable roads with confidence
• Unlimited mileage: No penalties for extended Ring Road trips
• 24/7 roadside assistance: Support in English throughout your journey
• Free GPS systems: Navigate to precise GPS coordinates effortlessly
• Local expertise: Our team provides insider tips on the best viewing times and avoiding crowds