If you’ve ever seen photos of Iceland in the summer and wondered why the country suddenly turns purple and where you can see them too, welcome to the article that will answer all your questions. Lupines flowers were imported from Alaska in 1945 to combat soil erosion and they have taken over much of Iceland with a success that was not really expected. Today, they divide Icelanders : some love them for their photogenic beauty, while others fight them as an invasive species by tearing them off vigorously when they bloom… In any case, one thing is certain : as a landscape photographer, I’m a HUGE fan of these little purple flowers.
Here, I’m sharing the places where I found the most beautiful lupine scenes, along with the best photography tips for each one. Of course, all of these spots and many more are on my interactive map of Iceland with +500 spots.
When can you see lupines in Iceland ?
Lupine blooms in Iceland generally begin in early June and peak between late June and early July. Starting in mid-July, the flowers begin to fade and lose their petals. In the fall, you’ll see remnants of dried flowers along the trails or the roads. The ideal time to visit is therefore the last week of June, when the lupines are in full bloom and the puffins are still here. The blooming period can vary by one to two weeks depending on the year and region (areas further north and at higher elevations generally bloom later).
⚠️ Lupines are officially classified as an invasive species in Iceland. They threaten certain native mosses and plants that take decades to regrow. So it’s okay to pick them to make bouquets 😉 However, be sure to stay on the paths when walking through the flower fields because you might crush the delicate plants growing among the lupines underneath.
Where can you photograph lupines in Iceland ?
Vik’s church : the most famous spot
The church in Vík in the south of Iceland, perched on its hill with its distinctive red roof, is probably the most iconic photo of lupines in Iceland. When the purple flowers bloom, they create a blanket on the slopes around the church in June and July. The compositions practically create themselves. It’s one of the most photographed spots in southern Iceland, and for good reason!
👉 Photography tips : look for an angle at the bottom of the hill (below the church) to capture the church from a low angle with a dense foreground of lupines, then head up above the church to get a higher view of the church, the village, and Reynisdrangur. The late-afternoon light (sunset) is ideal because it’s soft and colorful. If there are clouds, the sky can look epic. The blue hour works very well too, and if you have a beautiful sky with clouds, it’s definitely worth it!
Stokksnes : lupines and mountain on the black sand beach
A loooong time ago, I saw photos of the lupines in Stokksnes, and I think I fell in love with these flowers virtually before I went there in the summer of 2027 to finally see them against the mountain. It became my favorite combination I’ve ever photographed : the purple color of the lupines contrasting with the black, jagged cliffs of Vestrahorn. During the golden hour (at sunset is the best), it’s so beautiful it will bring tears to your eyes.
👉 Photography tips : look for angles that include both the lupines in the foreground and the mountain in the background. A wide-angle lens (14-24mm) works very well here. The reflections in the small lake along the beach are also very photogenic if it has rained recently and it’s not too windy. Since there’s an admission fee (1000ISK / 7€) at the Viking Café, try to stay there for a few hours to make it worth your money 😉
Ingjaldshólskirkja in Snaefellsnes peninsula
Although less well-known than Vík, this spot offers a much more spectacular scene, in my opinion : you get a small red and white church surrounded by purple lupines fields, with the Snæfellsjökull glacier and a road forming a beautiful leading line, the compositions are usually just perfect.
👉 Photography tips : there are plenty of little paths through the fields, so take your time finding the right composition and feel free to frame your shot a little wider so you can crop it later. Be sure to include Snæfellsjökull in the background.
Skógafoss : the perfect Iceland postcard
For me, this is the most beautiful place to see lupines. It’s the perfect postcard view of Iceland, with one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls and the little flowers in the foreground. When I arrived at the field, it was 2AM, so there was no one around, and having Skógafoss all to yourself is a bit magical. As you can see, the golden hour isn’t an absolute must for photographing lupines, an overcast sky works just fine 😉
👉 Photography tips : include a person to tell a story and add even more depth to your photo. It’s your Pinterest moment 😅
There are plenty of other spots to photograph lupines in Iceland, I’ve listed more than a dozen. You’ll find them all on my Iceland Photography Map, along with 500 other photo spots. In the description for each location, you’ll find :
- practical access info
- the best light
- which gear you should bring
- where to park and the price
- when to go (season)
- useful links
Just like in this article, each location comes with my own photography tips and composition ideas (just in a more concise format so it’s easy to read and gets right to the point!).
My map lets you plan a coherent itinerary without wasting hours cross-referencing vague information found here and there.
Your trip and your photos could look like this thanks to my map ⤵️
Enjoy the lupines fields in Iceland and feel free to send me your photos on Instagram. Have a nice trip to the land of ice and fire !
Marie
