It’s hardly surprising that movie location scouts love Iceland. With dramatic waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes, the country often doubles as alien planets, Artic wastelands, and epic battlefields.
If you want to see famous movie scenes with your own eyes, an Iceland self-drive road trip is the best way to do it. Here are the top 10 movie locations in Iceland, all reachable by car and perfect for travelers renting a car in Iceland.
1. Húsavík
Movie: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Will Farrell’s love letter to Eurovision brought global attention to Húsavík, Iceland’s charming whale-watching capital. Many scenes were filmed around town, including the now-famous “movie bus stop,” which is actually a small shelter next to the local football pitch.
Húsavík is easy to reach on a North Iceland road trip and makes a great overnight stop when driving the Ring Road.
2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Movie: Die Another Day
One of Iceland’s most famous filming locations, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon appeared in James Bond car chase scene. Although the lagoon never freezes solid due to seawater mixing in, the production team temporarily blocked the river to create ice thick enough for driving
Today, It’s one of the most visited stops on a South Coast self-drive itinerary, especially in winter.
3. Dettifoss
Movie: Prometheus
Europe’s most powerful waterfall delivers cinematic drama without any special effects. Dettifoss appears in the opening scene of Prometheus, where an alien dissolves into the rushing water.
Located in North Iceland, Dettifoss is accessible by car in summer and is a must-see stop when driving the Diamond Circle.
4. Geirabakarí Kaffihús, Borgarnes
Movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
In this Ben Stiller classic, a small café near Borganes was transformed into a pizzeria. In real life, Geirabakarí Kaffihús is a popular coffee stop just an hour from Reykjavík on the Ring Road.
It’s a perfect break point on a West Iceland road trip, with great pastries and scenic coastal views.
5. Landmannalaugar
Movie: Thor: the Dark World
Landmannalaugar’s colorful rhyolite mountains doubled as Svartalfheim, the realm of the Dark Elves. Located near the Hekla volcano, this area is only accessible in summer via F-roads, meaning a 4×4 rental is required by law.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, guided tours are available from Reykjavík.
6. Vík í Mýrdal
Movie: Captain America: Civil War
The dramatic coastline and glaciers around Vík í Mýrdal make it one of Iceland’s most cinematic villages. Scenes from Captain America: Civil War were filmed here, and it’s easy to see why.
Vík is a highlight on any South Coast self-drive tour, with black sand beaches and glacier views right off Route 1.
7. Lake Mývatn
Movie: The Fate of the Furious
Lake Mývatn stood in for the Russia Arctic during an intense car-and-submarine chase scene. Filmed in winter, this North Iceland location offers lava fields, geothermal areas, and snowy landscapes perfect for film settings and photography.
8. Sandvik
Movie: Letters from Iwo Jima
Just minutes from Keflavík International Airport, Sandvík’s black sand beach was used to recreate the volcanic islands of southern Japan. The follow-up film, Flags of Our Fathers, was also shot here.
It’s an easy stop if you’re picking up your rental car at KEF and starting your road trip immediately.
9. Eyjafjallajökull
Movie: Star Wars: the Force Awakens
This famous volcano became part of Starkiller Base during Rey and Kylo Ren’s climactic battle. Eyjafjallajökull is visible from the Ring Road in South Iceland and can be viewed safely from nearby viewpoints.
10. Seydisfjördur
Movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Ben Stiller’s skateboard descent into Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most iconic movie scenes. The real-life drive over Fjarðarheiði mountain pass is just as impressive, especially in summer.
Seyðisfjörður is a highlight of East Iceland, known for colorful houses, fjords, and creative culture.
FAQ: Iceland Movie Locations & Self-Drive Travel
- Can you visit Iceland movie locations by car?
Yes. Most famous movie locations in Iceland are accessible by car, especially those along the Ring Road. A self-drive tour gives you the flexibility to visit filming locations at your own pace.
- Do I need a 4×4 rental to visit movie locations in Iceland?
- What is the best time of year to visit Iceland filming locations?
- Are Iceland movie locations signposted?
Some are, but many are not officially marked. Using Google Maps, GPS coordinates, or local travel guides makes it easier to find exact filming spots.
- Is renting a car the best way to see movie locations in Iceland?
Yes. Renting a car in Iceland is the most flexible and coast-effective way to visit multiple filming locations, especially if you plan to explore beyond Reykjavík.
Conclutuion
From dramatic glaciers and powerful waterfalls to black sand beaches and remote fjords, Iceland’s landscapes have played a starring role in some of the world’s biggest films. Visiting these famous movie locations isn’t just for film fans; it’s one of the best ways to experience the country’s natural diversity on a single trip🎞️
With a well-planned Iceland self-drive itinerary, you can follow in the footsteps of Hollywood crews, stop where and when you like, and reach places that tours often miss. Whether you’re driving the Ring Road, exploring the South Coast, or heading north to Lake Mývatn, having your own rental car gives you the freedom to turn cinematic moments into real-life memories.
If you’re planning your road trip, booking your cheap car rental in Iceland in advance helps secure better prices and the right vehicle for your route, season, and travel style. The scenery is already blockbuster-worthy – all that’s missing is your behind the wheel🚗
