Iceland by Drone: Capturing the Land of Fire and Ice from the Sky
There’s nothing quite like seeing Iceland from the air. As vast as it feels on the ground, it’s from above that you start to understand just how wild, textured, and otherworldly this place really is. From braided glacier rivers snaking through black sand to razor-sharp mountain ridgelines and crashing coastal cliffs—flying a drone here feels like stepping into another planet.
But it’s not just about sending your drone up and hitting record. Iceland demands more than that. Here’s what I learned from filming aerial footage across this insane landscape—and what you need to know if you’re thinking about doing the same.
It’s a Drone Paradise… but Not a Free-for-All
Let’s get this out of the way first: you can’t fly your drone just anywhere in Iceland. National parks like Þingvellir, Vatnajökull, and Snæfellsjökull have strict no-fly zones, and flying in certain protected areas or near wildlife can not only get you fined—but can also mess with fragile ecosystems.
Do your research before you go. Seriously. Check with Iceland’s Environment Agency or local park authorities. Some places require permits, and others are just completely off-limits. Apps like “Airmap” or “Drone Assist” can help, but always double-check with official sources.
Best Types of Locations to Fly (Legally)
Even with the restrictions, there are plenty of mind-blowing locations where you can fly legally:
Black sand beaches (away from crowds and puffin nesting zones)
Mountain passes and remote valleys
Coastal cliffs with dramatic ocean spray
Lonely stretches of the Ring Road where the landscape just unfolds for miles
One of my favorite moments was flying at Hvalnes, with storm clouds rolling in over the mountains and waves crashing below. The drone captured something I just couldn’t from the ground—the sheer scale of it all.
Wind, Weather & Battery Life: Iceland's Flying Curveballs
If you’re new to flying in extreme conditions, Iceland will teach you fast. The wind can go from calm to “are we about to lift off ourselves?” in seconds. I had a few moments where I questioned whether my drone was coming back—or just becoming a permanent resident of the North Atlantic.
Here are a few tips:
Always calibrate your drone before flying in a new spot.
Keep your flights short and controlled—cold temps eat battery fast.
Don’t risk it in high winds, especially along cliffs or near the ocean.
Use ND filters or CPLs (I used PolarPro filters) to manage light shifts on the fly.
Story Over Spectacle
It’s tempting to just chase epic shots—but the best drone footage tells a story. In Iceland, that story is often about contrast: land vs. sea, fire vs. ice, isolation vs. movement. Think about how your aerial shots connect to the ground footage, or how they show a change in perspective.
Sometimes it’s the simplest moment—a slow push forward over a winding road or a rising shot through fog—that hits the hardest.
Final Thoughts
Flying a drone in Iceland is unforgettable. It's one of the few places where you feel like you're capturing something truly raw and untouched. But with that comes responsibility—respect the land, the laws, and the people who call this place home.
Take the time to research. Choose your spots wisely. And when you finally lift off and see those Icelandic landscapes unfold from above, you’ll understand why it’s worth doing it right.