Forget Iceland and Visit These 9 Northern Atlantic Islands with Stunning Scenery

Iceland is a landscape photographer’s dream. With its rugged landscape and dramatic waterfalls, it’s no wonder Iceland is often at the top of photographers’ bucket lists. However, the North Atlantic is home to many other stunning islands with incredible natural beauty.

The islands featured in this article offer stunning landscapes and rich culture perfect for photography. Best of all, these islands provide opportunities to capture unique photos of landscapes that most viewers have never seen, unlike many of Iceland’s most popular spots.

1. Faroe Islands

Located between Norway and Iceland, the Faroe Islands boast a rugged beauty marked by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys. This archipelago of 18 islands offers countless angles for capturing dramatic seascapes and secluded villages that seem frozen in time. The weather can be unpredictable, adding an element of surprise to your journey and ensuring that no two visits are ever the same.

The Faroe Islands also provide opportunities to photograph wildlife. The islands are home to a variety of bird species, including the captivating puffins that nest along the coastal cliffs during the summer months. Also, the islands’ sheep, which outnumber human residents, can provide charming foreground elements in landscape shots.

👉 Related reading: Photographer’s Guide to the Faroe Islands

Photography Highlights

• Mulafossur Waterfall: A stunning waterfall that plunges directly into the ocean, framed by the charming village of Gásadalur.
• Saksun: A picturesque village surrounded by steep mountains and a tidal lagoon, offering serene reflections.
• Tjornuvik Bay: Famous for its unique sea stacks, Risin and Kellingin, this bay provides dramatic coastal scenery.
• Kalsoy Island: Known for its rugged terrain and Kallur Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the North Atlantic.

2. Greenland

Greenland is a land of extremes, where massive glaciers meet colorful tundra and icebergs float silently past ancient fjords. For photographers, Greenland provides a remarkable opportunity to capture raw, untouched wilderness. The vastness of its landscapes offers endless potential for creative compositions, from the Arctic night sky to the dynamic ice flows.

Venturing into Greenland’s expansive wilderness, photographers will encounter majestic glaciers that carve through towering mountains. And the small, colorful towns scattered along Greenland’s coast, such as Nuuk and Ilulissat, offer a striking contrast to the stark natural surroundings.

Photography Highlights

• Ilulissat Icefjord: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colossal icebergs and striking light conditions.
• Disko Island: Offers unique basalt formations and the chance to photograph humpback whales in the surrounding waters.
• Sermermiut Valley: Rich in Inuit history, with dramatic views of the icefjord and Ilulissat glacier.
• Nuuk Fjord: Known for its stunning fjord landscapes and the colorful capital city of Nuuk.

3. Isle of Skye

Off Scotland’s west coast, the Isle of Skye is known for its dramatic mountains, medieval castles, and mystical landscapes. The island’s weather is as varied as its terrain, often changing rapidly, providing photographers with diverse lighting and mood opportunities. From the iconic Quiraing landslip to the enchanting Fairy Pools, Skye is filled with incredible spots to capture the magic of the Scottish Highlands.

Venturing further into the island’s interior, photographers will find themselves surrounded by soaring cliffs, sweeping moorlands, and peaceful lochs. The folded terrain of the Quiraing and the sharp peaks of the Cuillin Mountains present endless opportunities for exploring abstract and minimalist photography themes, with unique shapes and shadows formed by the changing light.

👉 Related reading: Photographer’s Guide to the Isle of Skye

Photography Highlights

• Old Man of Storr: Iconic rock pinnacles rising sharply from the landscape, ideal for dawn or dusk shoots.
• Fairy Pools: Crystal-clear pools and waterfalls set against the backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains.
• Neist Point Lighthouse: Perched on dramatic cliffs with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Quiraing: A landslip offering surreal landscapes with striking rock formations and sweeping vistas.

4. Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands, situated off the coast of Norway, are known for their dramatic peaks, sheltered bays, and charming fishing villages. This archipelago is an ideal location for capturing the Northern Lights, as well as the midnight sun during summer.

The islands’ sharp mountain peaks that rise magnificently from the sea are often shrouded in mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for moody and atmospheric images. The rough-hewn beauty of the landscape, punctuated by snow in the winter months and lush greenery in the summer, allows for year-round exploration and diverse photographic possibilities.

During winter, the elusive Northern Lights often dance across the night sky, creating a magical spectacle. Conversely, the summer months bask in the glow of the midnight sun, casting a golden light that transforms the landscape, presenting ideal conditions for capturing long exposure shots and experimenting with different creative techniques.

Photography Highlights

• Reine: A picturesque fishing village with dramatic mountain backdrops perfect for capturing sunrise.
• Hamnøy: Known for its iconic red cabins, set against majestic peaks and the fjord.
• Kvalvika Beach: A hidden gem, accessible by a short hike, offering pristine sands and turquoise waters.
• Svolvær: A vibrant town with unique rock formations and stunning harbor views.

5. Newfoundland

Newfoundland, located off Canada’s east coast, offers diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to serene inland forests. Photographers will find opportunities to capture everything from puffins and icebergs to the rugged beauty of Gros Morne National Park.

The island’s unspoiled nature and dramatic vistas make it a paradise for outdoor photographers. The dramatic coastlines with towering cliffs and the ceaseless rhythm of the Atlantic Ocean provide breathtaking settings for capturing rugged seascapes.

The spring and early summer months bring the phenomenal sight of icebergs drifting along “Iceberg Alley,” where photographers can capture these massive ancient ice formations against the vibrant turquoise sea.

Venturing inland, Gros Morne National Park presents a stunning showcase of Newfoundland’s geological diversity. The park’s towering fjords, sweeping meadows, and diverse ecosystems offer photographers a multitude of scenes to explore. The Tablelands, a UNESCO World Heritage site within the park, feature a surreal landscape of orange-hued barren rocks formed by the Earth’s mantle, providing unique backdrops for creative compositions.

Wildlife photography is another exciting prospect in Newfoundland. The island is famous for its large puffin colonies, offering chances to photograph these charismatic seabirds amid stunning coastal settings. Whale watching is equally rewarding, as humpbacks and other species frequently grace the coastal waters, breaching dramatically against the horizon.

Photography Highlights

• Gros Morne National Park: Features striking fjord landscapes and the impressive Tablelands, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Twillingate: Known as the iceberg capital of the world, offering unique opportunities to photograph icebergs up close.
• Cape Spear: The most easterly point in North America, with dramatic coastal views and a historic lighthouse.
• Bonavista: Offers stunning coastal vistas and opportunities to capture puffins and other seabirds.

6. São Miguel, Azores

São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, is a lush oasis in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The island’s volcanic origins have created stunning crater lakes, hot springs, and rolling hills covered in vibrant greenery. Photographers will appreciate the island’s diverse landscapes that provide virtually endless opportunities.

The island’s natural beauty is accentuated by dramatic cliffs and coastal views. For landscape photographers, the Sete Cidades region is a must-see. This area features twin crater lakes, one blue and one green, surrounded by lush foliage, which presents a striking contrast against the volcanic backdrop. The views from the surrounding rim are breathtaking, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Photography Highlights

• Sete Cidades: A twin lake set within a volcanic crater, providing stunning reflection shots and panoramic views.
• Lagoa do Fogo: A breathtaking volcanic lake surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for capturing moody landscapes.
• Furnas: Known for its geothermal activity, including boiling mud pots and hot springs.
• Ponta Delgada: The capital city with vibrant street scenes and picturesque harbor views.

7. Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands, off the northern tip of Scotland, feature rugged cliffs, windswept beaches, and Neolithic sites. Photographers visiting the Orkney Islands will find a landscape that combines stark natural beauty with a compelling sense of history. The islands are rich in archaeological sites, such as the Ring of Brodgar and the ancient village of Skara Brae. These Neolithic wonders stand against a backdrop of windswept moors and dramatic skies.

Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers are also drawn to the Orkney Islands. The sheer cliffs and rocky bluffs are home to bustling colonies of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots.

Aside from wildlife and ancient relics, the Orkney Islands boast a wealth of picturesque villages and charming landscapes. The traditional stone cottages, grazing sheep on the hillsides, and quaint harbors filled with fishing boats are perfect photo subjects.

Photography Highlights

• Ring of Brodgar: A Neolithic stone circle set in a dramatic landscape, ideal for capturing ancient history.
• Skara Brae: An exceptionally well-preserved prehistoric village offering insights into ancient life.
• Yesnaby Cliffs: Stunning sea cliffs with dramatic rock formations and ocean views.
• St. Magnus Cathedral: A striking Romanesque building in Kirkwall with beautiful architectural details.

8. Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands‘ dramatic landscape is shaped by towering cliffs and expansive moorlands, providing a captivating backdrop for photographers. The turbulent North Sea accentuates the starkness of the coastal scenery, with waves crashing against sheer rock faces.

Known for their rich biodiversity, the Shetlands are an outstanding destination for wildlife photography. The islands host a variety of bird species, including puffins. Grey seals and otters are frequently spotted along the shorelines, while the surrounding waters are home to orcas and porpoises. And of course, the islands are famous for the iconic Shetland ponies.

Photography Highlights

• Sumburgh Head: A prime location for bird photography, with puffins nesting on the cliffs.
• St Ninian’s Isle Tombolo: A stunning sand tombolo connecting the mainland to St Ninian’s Isle.
• Eshaness Cliffs: Dramatic cliffs that showcase the power of the North Atlantic Ocean.
• Lerwick: The islands’ capital, offering charming harbor scenes and historic architecture.

9. Lewis and Harris

Lewis and Harris (a single island divided by mountains), part of the Outer Hebrides, boast some of the most stunning beaches and landscapes in the UK. With its rich Gaelic culture and history, this island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural intrigue.

The beaches of Lewis and Harris are well known for their beauty. Luskentyre Beach, with its golden sands and turquoise waters, looks almost tropical on a sunny day. In contrast, the windswept Seilebost Beach provides a rugged, untamed experience with sweeping dunes and dramatic skies. Harris’ coastline, dotted with secluded bays and rocky outcrops is perfect for seascape photography.

Photography Highlights

• Luskentyre Beach: A white sandy beach with turquoise waters, ideal for capturing sunrises or sunsets.
• Callanish Standing Stones: An ancient megalithic site with a mystical atmosphere, especially under the setting sun.
• St. Kilda: A remote archipelago and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic landscapes and seabird colonies.
• Butt of Lewis: A rugged headland with imposing cliffs and a historic lighthouse.

Final Thoughts

While Iceland remains a popular destination, these lesser-known gems provide equally stunning backdrops for capturing breathtaking images. Whether you’re seeking raw, untouched wilderness or vibrant cultural scenes, these islands offer endless possibilities.