Few places in the world look as cinematic as Iceland. The country’s volcanic landscapes, glaciers, black sand deserts, and waterfalls have made it one of the most popular filming locations for Hollywood movies.
From science fiction blockbusters to action movies and adventure films, Iceland has doubled as alien planets, frozen battlefields, and remote fantasy worlds.
If you are planning an Iceland road trip, visiting these famous movie filming locations is an incredible way to explore the country. Many of these places are easy to reach with a rental car while driving the Ring Road (Route 1) or exploring popular regions like the South Coast, North Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Here are 10 famous filming locations in Iceland from well-known movies that you can visit on a self-drive adventure.
1. Fast and Furious 8 (2017)
Lake Mývatn, Skútustaðir and Akranes
One of the most dramatic scenes in Fast & Furious 8 takes place on a massive frozen lake during an intense car chase.
That scene was filmed at Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, one of the country’s most fascinating volcanic regions. The lake and surrounding lava fields create an eerie and otherworldly landscape.
Additional scenes were filmed nearby at Skútustaðir famous for its pseudocraters formed by volcanic eruptions, and in the coastal town of Akranes in West Iceland.
Best rental car
- Summer: standard rental car
- Winter: 4×4 rental vehicle recommended
2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Mýrdalssandur and Yoda Cave
The opening scenes of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story feature sweeping aerial shots of black sand deserts and isolated green mountains.
These scenes were filmed near Vík in South Iceland on the vast Mýrdalssandur black sand plain
Another memorable location is Gýgagjá cave, often called Yoda Cave because its entrance resembles the famous Star Wars character.
Nearby mountains Hafursey and Hjörleifshöfði create the dramatic background for these scenes.
Best rental car
- Summer: standard car
- Winter: 4×4 recommended depending on weather conditions
3. Interstellar (2014)
Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Svínafellsjökull Glacier
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar used Iceland to represent two completely different planets.
Two filming locations were used:
Kirkjubæjarklaustur: A surreal moss-covered lava landscape.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier: An outlet glacier of Vatnajökull that appears as the frozen alien planet.
What makes this even more remarkable is that the two filming locations are only about one hour apart.
Best rental car
- Summer: standard car
- Winter: 4×4 recommended
4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Few films showcase Iceland’s landscapes as beautifully as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Filming locations stretch across the entire country, including:
These locations highlight Iceland’s incredible variety of landscapes, from fjords to glaciers and colorful fishing villages.
Best rental car
A 4×4 rental car is recommended if you want to explore multiple locations.
5. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
The Marvel movie Thor: The Dark World used several iconic Icelandic locations to portray the mythical world of Asgard
Key filming locations include:
- Landmannalaugar in the Icelandic Highlands
- Dettifoss waterfall in North Iceland
- Skógafoss waterfall on the South Coast
Best rental car
- Landmannalaugar requires a 4×4 vehicle and is accessible only in summer.
- Skógafoss and Dettifoss can usually be reached with a standard car in summer.
6. Prometheus (2012)
Ridley Scott’s science fiction film Prometheus needed a mysterious and dramatic landscape.
Iceland provided the perfect setting with two key filming locations:
- Dettifoss waterfall, Europe’s most powerful waterfall
- Hekla volcano, one of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes
These locations helped create the film’s alien world atmosphere.
7. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
The famous Jules Verne novel Journey to the Center of the Earth begins at Snæfellsjökull volcano, making Iceland a natural filming location for the movie adaptation.
Snæfellsjökull sits at the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature” because it features many of the country’s landscapes in one region.
8. Batman Begins (2005)
The glacier scenes in Batman Begins were filmed at Svinafellsjökull, one of the most accessible outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park.
This glacier landscape provided the dramatic setting for Bruce Wayne’s training scenes.
9. James Bond: Die Another Day (2002)
The famous ice palace in Die Another Day was filmed at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
This lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that break away from Vatnajökull glacier, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in Iceland.
It remains one of the most popular stops along the South Coast road trip.
10. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
The action movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider also used Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon as a filming location.
Although the scene was meant to portray Siberia, the icy glacier lagoon provided the perfect environment.
Explore Iceland’s Movie Locations on a Self-Drive Road Trip
Many of Iceland’s most famous movie filming locations are surprisingly easy to reach with a rental car.
Driving allows you to:
- Explore the Ring Road
- Visit waterfalls, glaciers and black sand beaches
- Travel beyond tour bus routes
- Stop whenever you want for photos
With a cheap rental car from Firefly Iceland, you can explore Iceland’s cinematic landscapes at your own pace.
Book your cheap car rental in Iceland today and start your movie-inspired road trip.
FAQ: Visiting Movie Filming Locations in Iceland
- Can you visit famous movie locations in Iceland?
Yes. Many famous filming locations in Iceland are open to visitors. Popular sites like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Skógafoss waterfall, and Lake Mývatn are easy to reach by car.
- What is the best way to visit Iceland filming locations?
The best way is by taking a self-drive road trip in Iceland. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore filming locations along the Ring Road and remote regions at your own pace.
- Do I need a 4×4 rental car in Iceland?
It depends on the season and location. Many places along the Ring Road can be reached with a standard car in summer. A 4×4 rental is recommended in winter or for destinations in the Highlands.
- What movie was filmed at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
Several movies were filmed at Jökulsárlón including James Bond: Die Another Day and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
- What Star Wars movie was filmed in Iceland?
Scenes from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story were filmed near Vík in South Iceland, including the black sand plains of Mýrdalssandur and Yoda Cave.
Conclusion
From frozen lakes and towering glaciers to black sand plains, volcanic landscapes, and powerful waterfalls, Iceland has become one of the world’s most popular destinations for movie filming. The country’s dramatic scenery can easily transform into alien planets, mythical worlds, and remote wilderness, which is why filmmakers continue to return here again and again.
Many of these famous filming locations are easy to visit on a self-drive trip in Iceland. By following the Ring Road (Route 1) or exploring regions like the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and North Iceland, travelers can experience the same landscapes seen in some of cinema’s most memorable scenes.
Driving around Iceland also allows you to travel at your own pace, stop at waterfalls, glaciers, and scenic viewpoints, and explore beyond the typical tour routes. Whether you are visiting iconic locations like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Skógafoss waterfall, or Lake Mývatn, the journey through Iceland’s landscapes is just as unforgettable as the destinations themselves.
With a cheap rental car from Firefly Iceland, you can easily turn your trip into a cinematic road trip and explore some of Iceland’s most famous movie locations along the way.
