Youāve seen those perfect aerial shots taken by drones in Iceland, right?
Of course, you have!
(Thatās probably why youāre here! š)
I bet youāve spent hours scrolling through stunning footage, daydreaming of capturing your own epic shots.
But hereās the catch: drone flying in Iceland isnāt as simple as it seems.
Between unpredictable weather, strict regulations, and a growing number of no-fly zones, it can be a bit of a gamble.
So is it really worth bringing one along?
And how do those photographers seem to nail those perfect shots despite Icelandās tricky lighting?
(No, itās not magic – though sometimes it sure feels like it!)
Icelandās landscapes are some of the most breathtaking in the world, which is why so many travelers are eager to capture them.
But before you toss your drone into your travel bag and take to the skies, hereās what you need to knowā¦
Letās get into it!
Table of Contents:
- 5 Things to Consider Before Flying Drones in Iceland
5 Things to Consider Before Flying Drones in Iceland
With views like Icelandās, itās no wonder drones are at the top of every travel photographerās packing list.
Especially if youāre hoping to get those beautiful aerial shots.
Here are a few things to help you decide whether bringing a drone to Iceland is the right choice for you.
1. Understand No-Fly Zones, Permits + Regulations
The first thing you need to know is that there are a lot of āno-fly zones.ā
By āno-fly zones,ā I mean that drone flying is strictly prohibited in certain areas.
These zones are popping up more and more all over the country, so itās something to keep in mind.
Luckily, these zones are usually clearly marked, so it’s quite clear where flying is off-limits.
Popular no-fly zones include SkĆ³gafoss, Vatnajƶkull and Ćingvellir National Parks, JƶkulsĆ”rlĆ³n glacier lagoon, and Reynisfjara Beach, to name a few.
Why the Restrictions?
Itās any traveler’s dream to capture Icelandās insanely beautiful landscapes from above, so why the strict rules?
Noise Pollution: Letās be honest, a drone buzzing loudly overhead is sometimes just plain annoying. Especially when all you want to do is take in the natural beauty Iceland is known forā¦ in peace!
Preserving the wildlife and nature: Youāll find a lot of birds and other animals around popular spots. Drones can be a danger to them, disrupting their habitat and behavior, especially around nesting areas.
Bottom line: If itās signposted not to fly your drone, donāt fly your drone!
Permits + Drone Regulations in Iceland
Even though Iceland has its own set of rules around flying drones, it must also comply with European Union drone laws.
Drones are grouped into three categories based on their weight and how theyāre used. And each category has its own set of regulations to legally fly a drone in Iceland.
If your drone weighs over 250 grams, youāll need a drone permit in Iceland.
This is done through the Icelandic Transport Authority (ITA).
Also, note that the maximum allowed altitude is 394 feet (120 meters).
Commercial or research use pilots will need to get permission before flying their drones in Iceland.
There are also regulations for drone use in urban areas.
If you want to snap aerial shots in the capital. One ReykjavĆk drone law states that youāre not allowed to fly one higher than any of the closeby buildings.
Pro tip: Thereās a whole list of regulations, so ALWAYS check with the Icelandic Transport Authority for up-to-date guidelines on Icelandās drone laws to avoid fines or worse, arrest!
2. How Extreme Weather Conditions Affect Flying Drones in Iceland
It wouldnāt be an Iceland blog unless we mentioned the weather at least once!
Yes, the weather here can be intense. You can expect wind, rain, and cold. Not quite the best combination when operating electronics.
Thankfully, I have a few tips up my sleeveā¦ youāre welcome! š¤
Choosing the Best Drone for Icelandās Windy Weather
When it comes to choosing a drone, there are quite a few options to choose from.
Youāll find everything from lightweight, portable travel drones to mid-range models and even those big, expensive, cinematic rigs.
For the average traveler, a mid-range drone or something on the lighter, more compact side will be your go-to.
Personally, my drone falls right in the middle.
Now, hereās the thing:
Iceland is windy!
Even on seemingly calm days, a gust can come out of nowhere, sending your drone spiraling out of control.
*Shock horror!*
When that happens, you basically have two options: either donāt fly at all or keep your drone low and slow to reduce the risk of it getting damaged.
If you have one of those really lightweight travel drones, you might want to rethink bringing it to Iceland, or at least manage your expectations.
The reality is, you might not get as many flying opportunities as youād like because those small drones just donāt hold up well against the strong winds.
Better to know that now, than to find out the hard way once youāre here!
Iāve found that the DJI Mavic 3 Classic is a solid drone choice for Iceland. You can check it out on my Amazon storefront along with my other favorite š photography gear.
Pro Tips for Flying Drones in Icelandās Windy Conditions:
- Avoid lightweight travel drones, theyāre going to struggle with Icelandic winds.
- Keep your drone low and slow if you must fly in windy conditions.
- Be ready to land immediately if the wind speed picks up.
Your drone isnāt the only thing that needs to be ready for Icelandās unpredictable weather – you do too!
Thatās why I put together my š Iceland Packing Guide.
Iāve included packing lists for all seasons, plus suggested items I personally recommend.
Youāll also find packing tips and a layering cheat sheet to make sure youāre always prepared for Icelandās ever-changing weather!
Download the FREE PDF here.š
How to Protect Your Drone in Rain + Wet Weather
The rain here is more of a constant, drizzly, misty kind of rain that just always seems to be there.
If youāre bringing an expensive drone (they arenāt cheap to start with), you probably donāt want to risk flying it when itās raining.
Even drizzle can affect your droneās performance, and repeated exposure to moisture isnāt great, especially for the lens.
That said, if itās just a super light mist, you might get away with a quick flight.
But overall, itās better to play it safe and protect your gear.
Pro Tips for Flying a Drone When Itās Raining:
- Consider water-resistant drones or protective covers.
- Keep flight time short to avoid overexposing your drone to the elements.
- Wipe your drone dry immediately after using it.
Learn more about my recommended rain gear in Iceland here.š
ā”ļø READ: Best Rain Gear for Iceland: 5 Must-Have Items if You Want to Stay Dry
How Cold Temperatures Affect Your Droneās Battery Life
One thing that might catch you off guard in Iceland is how the cold affects your droneās battery life.
If you didnāt already know, cold temperatures can really zap batteries, whether itās your phone, camera, or drone.
You might find that your battery life is cut in half – or at best, down to about three-quarters of what youād normally expect.
Thatās why itās super important to plan ahead!
I always bring at least three batteries when Iām flying my drone in Iceland.
My system is simple: one battery is powering the drone, while the other two are charging.
That way, I always have a backup ready to go.
Pro Tips for Managing Drone Battery Life in Cold Weather:
- Bring multiple batteries.
- Rotate charged batteries during flights.
- Expect battery life to be halved in colder temperatures.
Depending on your drone model, you can expect anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes of flight time per charge, so having extras on hand can really save the day!
3. Know How Daylight Hours in Iceland Affect Drone Photography
Not only are daylight hours key to planning your itinerary, but they also affect how much time you have to fly a drone in Iceland.
Depending on the time of year, daylight hours vary dramatically.
Summer in Iceland brings nearly 24 hours of light, and while that sounds greatā¦there’s a catch.
With the sun comes harsh, direct light. I always recommend using ND filters to reduce glare and overexposure.
On the other hand, winter brings low light, which means fewer shooting hours, sometimes as little as 4 hours!
Pro Tips for Photography and Filming
- In winter, make the most of limited daylight by planning your shooting locations in advance.
- Opt for drones with good aperture control to handle low light in winter.
- Use ND filters – theyāre a must in Iceland!
If you want more tips for taking great pictures in Iceland, check out this post.š
ā”ļø READ: Photography in Iceland: Gear & Tips on How to Capture Stunning Photos
4. What Icelandās Rugged Landscapes Mean for Drone Flyers
Obviously, Iceland isnāt lacking in dramatic scenery.
There are waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers – you name it, weāve got it!
But when you add wind plus mountains… Well, you can do the mathā¦
It can seriously damage your drone!
One time, after an amazing hike up into the mountains to find a waterfall, I decided to send up my drone.
(His name is Floki – a.k.a. the other man in my life! š)
Suddenly, a huge gust of wind almost slammed Floki into the cliffside.
My heart nearly stopped!
So, between the weather conditions and the rugged landscapes, these accidents can happen, and you can lose a drone.
With the recent volcanic activity, many visitors are eager to fly their drones over the Icelandic volcanoes. But some have learned the hard way that flying too close to the magma can be risky.
The intense heat can cause drones to melt or malfunction, sending them straight into the crater.
Could you imagine?!
Pro Safety Tips:
- Always scout the area before launching your drone.
- Avoid flying close to volcanoes; the heat and gas can damage your drone.
- Be mindful near cliffs and mountainous areas because itās usually windy in Iceland.
Iāve been raving about Icelandās epic views and breathtaking scenery.
So you might be wonderingā¦ where exactly are all these epic places I keep going on about? š¤
Youāll find them all (and so much more!) in my š Iceland Map + Guidebook.
It includes each regionās must-see highlights, hotel and restaurant recommendations, and practical info like where to find gas stations, restrooms, and grocery stores.
Even better? Every location is pinned on a digital map, so you can plan your route with ease and focus on capturing the beauty around you.
From iconic viewpoints to off-the-beaten-path photo spots, my map is full of locations you wonāt find in a regular guidebook.ā¦featuring lesser-known spots that let you skip the crowds and snap some incredible, one-of-a-kind shots.
Psstā¦ if you love a good discount, my guides are packed with them ā on everything from tours to car rentals!
5. Wildlife Considerations
Drones can disturb local bird species and other wildlife in Iceland, especially around nesting areas and coastal cliffs.
To protect the natural habitat, make sure to keep your drone grounded when wildlife is present.
Plus, thereās the risk of flying your drone out too far, losing signal, and having it drop into a river.
Now you have a lost drone in Iceland AND a battery leaking somewhere in a river.
Please donāt be that person.
FAQs
Here are a few more questions Iām often asked about using drones in Iceland.
Are drones allowed in Iceland?
Yes, they are. But flying one comes with restrictions.
Many iconic locations in Iceland are strictly no-fly zones, including popular sites like:
- Seljalandsfoss
- SkĆ³gafoss
- Gullfoss
- JƶkulsĆ”rlĆ³n Glacier Lagoon
- Reynisfjara BeachĀ
Some areas may be prohibited like Vatnajƶkull and Ćingvellir National Parks.
Where can I fly my drone in Iceland?
In Iceland, there are specific spots where you can fly drones, like Reykjavik City Airport and a few smaller airports.
Some national parks and nature reserves also have designated drone zones.
Check out this link to check more areas š Environmental Agency.
When time is limited, it helps to have a guide who knows exactly where to go for the best shots.
You could join an Iceland photo tour and maximize your chances of capturing some amazing images. Check it out here.š
ā”ļø TAKE A TOUR: Photography tours in Iceland
Is it Worth Bringing Your Drone to Iceland?
Between the regulations, unpredictable weather, and other hazards, flying a drone in Iceland takes serious preparation and patience.
Youāve got to decide whether the footage is worth the risk of losing or damaging your gear.
And we definitely donāt want that, do we?
But if you know what youāre doing, the footage can be…
*chefās kiss*
I fly my drone here, and thatās how Iāve managed to capture some seriously epic shots.
If getting aerial footage is a must for your trip, make sure you thoroughly research the regulations set out by the Icelandic Transport Authority and check the weather ahead of time.
But before you pack your camera gear and jet off to Iceland, make sure that youāre packing everything you need and ditching what you donāt.
(Thereās only so much luggage space after all!)
If you want to know the monthly weather averages, see detailed packing lists, and get the exact products I bring for Icelandās wild weather, rugged terrain, and capturing epic shots, then download my š Iceland Packing Guide.
Grab your FREE PDF below.š
Happy planning,
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