Are you planning to visit Iceland for the first time? Kick off your journey with a dose of travel inspiration! This curated list features handpicked books, novels, and podcasts—plus TV series and movies filmed in Iceland—that spotlight the country’s rich history, Nordic charm, and breathtaking natural beauty.
From the majestic Skógafoss waterfall to the vast Vatnajökull National Park and the soothing Blue Lagoon hot springs, you’ll catch a glimpse of everyday Icelandic life and uncover must-see destinations across the land of fire and ice.
Happy exploring!
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Movies Set
or Filmed in
Iceland
Interstellar
Director Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi, post-apocalyptic epic starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway filmed in Iceland’s South Coast. Production crews used Máfabót as the water planet and Svínafellsjökull Glacier as Mann’s icy world—transforming real Icelandic landscapes into breathtaking alien terrain.
Ben Stiller’s The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
You’ll cheer for Ben Stiller’s hero in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, a poignant and visually stunning globe-trotting tale of self-discovery. The movie explodes out of a dreary office and onto a cinematic adventure, with Iceland’s raw landscapes serving as the backdrop for Walter’s epic metamorphosis. Keep an eye out for a memorable performance by Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson. The film featured iconic places in Iceland:
- Höfn Airport
- Kálfafellsdalur Valley and Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- The iconic longboarding scene on Seyðisfjarðarvegur
- Plus scenic stops in Garður, Grundarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and along the South Coast
Which Star Wars movies were filmed in Iceland?
Two movies from the Star Wars franchise—Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Episode VII – The Force Awakens—filmed scenes in Iceland, where the crew captured the country’s otherworldly landscapes. Specific locations include Iceland’s wild south, with the black sand beaches of Mýrdalssandur and Reynisfjara, as well as Hjörleifshöfði, Hafursey, and even Eyjafjallajökull, the infamous volcano that stopped all air travel in 2010.
What James Bond movies were filmed in Iceland?
A View to a Kill (1985) and Die Another Day (2002) movies both utilized the dramatic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for spectacular action. In the latter, Pierce Brosnan’s final Bond, sees the spy drive an Aston Martin across the frozen surface of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon for one of the most spectacular action sequences in the franchise’s history. Additional filming for Die Another Day took place in the town of Höfn and around Vatnajökull National Park, while A View to a Kill went all the way to the Blue Lagoon.
Prometheus
Ridley Scott’s Prometheus utilized Iceland’s raw geological features to represent the origins of life on Earth. The movie crews captured stunning footage at Dettifoss waterfall, one of Europe’s most powerful, and the active Hekla volcano.
The Deep
The gripping Icelandic drama is based on the true story of Guðlaugur Friðþórsson, a fisherman who miraculously survives a shipwreck in freezing waters. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, it explores human resilience and the haunting isolation of Iceland’s unforgiving seas.
Of Horses and Men
Of Horses and Men is a darkly comic mosaic of love, death, and equine devotion in a remote Icelandic valley. Featuring beloved Icelandic actors Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson and Helgi Björnsson, it captures the laconic humour of Icelanders through a series of interconnected tales about human-animal bonds. It was Iceland’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards.
Woman at War
Meet Halla: choir director by day, eco-terrorist by night! This movie is the perfect example of Icelandic cinema with its signature quirkiness and astute intelligence. It’s an exhilarating rush of dark comedy and environmental activism, showcasing Halla’s personal drama set against the tension between Iceland’s conservation and industry. It was selected as the Icelandic entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards ceremony.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
This hilarious Netflix comedy, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, is a vibrant celebration of Icelandic culture. Filmed across the charming streets of Reykjavík and the scenic town of Húsavík, it’s the perfect feel-good tour of the country’s quirky spirit.
Noah
Darren Aronofsky’s biblical epic Noah spent 16 days filming across Iceland, utilizing famous tourist attractions along the south coast of Iceland including the Blue Lagoon, Skógafoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Landmannalaugar highlands, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Strokkur geyser to create the movie’s dramatic flood narrative.
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Iceland
Music
Björk
A global icon of avant-garde pop, Björk blends raw emotion with bold experimentation. Her album Homogenic fuses harsh techno beats with sweeping Icelandic strings, showcasing her fearless creativity. She’s not just famous—she’s a force of nature.
Ólafur Arnalds
This BAFTA-winning composer crafts cinematic soundscapes where classical meets electronica. With delicate strings, minimalist piano, and ambient textures, Arnalds channels Iceland’s quiet beauty into deeply moving music.
Sigur Rós
Masters of post-rock, Sigur Rós creates ethereal, otherworldly soundscapes. Frontman Jónsi’s falsetto and bowed guitar evoke emotion beyond language—sometimes sung in their own invented “Hopelandic.” Go ahead and play their albums while you’re planning your trip. This will set the mood!
Of Monsters and Men
This indie-folk phenomenon absolutely exploded onto global charts in the early 2010s with rousing, joyful anthems like Little Talks. Driven by powerful choruses and the energetic dual vocals, their debut album, My Head Is an Animal, is the perfect soundtrack to kickstart your adventurous road trip around the island.
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Books
and Novels
Set in
Iceland
How Iceland Changed the World
This witty non-fiction book makes a bold case: Iceland punches far above its weight on the world stage. From Viking voyages and literary brilliance to shaping modern democracy and weathering the 2008 financial crisis, it celebrates the island’s quirky resilience and enduring ingenuity.
Independent People
Meet the stubborn hero, Bjartur! Halldór Laxness’s Nobel-winning epic throws you into the brutal, yet breathtaking, early 20th-century countryside. Follow his relentless quest for self-reliance, even when it means making devastating sacrifices. It’s a powerful, raw story about freedom battling the forces of an unforgiving land.
Cool Cuisine: Traditional Icelandic Cuisine
Craving a taste of Iceland? Let beloved food writer Nanna Rögnvaldardóttir be your guide. This vibrant cookbook serves up the soul of Icelandic cooking—think melt-in-your-mouth lamb, just-caught Arctic fish, and silky skyr. With every recipe, you’re not just cooking—you’re stepping into a rich, time-honored culinary tradition.
The Little Book of the Hidden People
Did you know many Icelanders won’t outright deny the existence of elves? In her witty and insightful book, Alda Sigmundsdóttir explores the enduring belief in huldufólk—hidden people—and how these age-old tales still quietly shape modern life, even influencing road construction. It’s folklore meets real-world charm, and it’s pure Icelandic magic.
Miss Iceland
Set in the 1960s, this novel by bestselling author and Icelandic sensation Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir follows a young woman with literary ambitions who struggles to find her place in an Icelandic society that demands women conform to traditional roles.
Snowblind
As a cornerstone of modern Icelandic literature, Nordic Noir is an essential read, and the acclaimed Dark Iceland series by Ragnar Jónasson is where to start! The first book, Snowblind, introduces Ari Thór Arason, a young policeman posted to a remote, snowbound northern town where a seemingly idyllic community hides dark, gripping secrets beneath the surface.
The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland
Think of it as a witty crash course in Icelandic manners. Alda Sigmundsdóttir’s hilarious guide to local etiquette is your passport to being a thoughtful guest on the island, from respecting nature to decoding quirky customs.
Here is Iceland
Here Is Iceland, written by Margrét Tryggvadóttir and illustrated by Linda Ólafsdóttir, is a beautifully crafted, nearly 100-page gem for all ages. With vibrant visuals and engaging insights, it explores Iceland’s geology, wildlife, farming traditions, and rich folklore—offering a captivating journey through the island’s natural and cultural wonders for curious minds young and old.
A Puffin Called Fido
Ready for a heartwarming escape? A Puffin Called Fido by Brian Pilkington shares the delightful true story of a family who rescues and raises a baby puffin on Iceland’s Westman Islands. Brimming with charm and the gentle spirit of Icelandic wildlife, it’s a keepsake-worthy tale you’ll treasure—and read to your children again and again.
Stunning Iceland: The Hedonist’s Guide
This luxe travel guide unveils Iceland’s wild beauty with five-star flair. Packed with stunning photography, it steers you off the beaten path to hidden geothermal spas, gourmet dining gems, and jaw-dropping landmarks only locals know. It’s Arctic adventure reimagined—elegant, exclusive, and unforgettable.
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Documentaries
and Videos
About
Iceland
Volcanic Ash Chaos: Inside the Eruption
This gripping documentary revisits the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which disrupted global air travel. It explains how volcanic ash clouds form, their impact on aviation, and the science behind Iceland’s volatile geology—offering insight into nature’s power and unpredictability.
Nat Geo Wild Islands: Iceland
Discover Iceland’s raw beauty and ecological complexity in this nature documentary. From volcanic forces and glacial landscapes to wildlife and energy innovation, it paints a vivid portrait of a country balancing ancient geology with modern sustainability.
Iceland’s Vegetable Boom
This ARTE.tv documentary showcases Iceland’s surprising agricultural revolution. Using geothermal energy and greenhouse technology, farmers grow fresh produce in extreme conditions. It’s a fascinating look at innovation, sustainability, and the future of food in the Arctic.
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Podcasts
About
Iceland
The Reykjavík Grapevine’s Almost Completely True History of Iceland
A hilarious, tongue-in-cheek crash course in Icelandic history. This podcast blends fact with satire, offering quirky insights into sagas, volcanoes, and Viking lore—perfect for curious travelers who enjoy learning with a side of laughter.
The Love Iceland Travel Podcast
Hosted by locals and travel pros, it covers everything from hidden gems and road trip tips to cultural etiquette—ideal for planning your adventure or dreaming of your next visit.
Deep North: Stories from Iceland
A beautifully produced narrative podcast sharing powerful, real-life stories from Iceland. From folklore to modern struggles, it captures the soul of the nation through intimate storytelling and immersive soundscapes. Thoughtful, emotional, and deeply human.
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TV Series
Set In
Iceland
Game of Thrones famous filming locations in Iceland
Iceland’s striking glaciers and volcanic fields were the perfect filming location for bringing Game Of Thrones’ darkest tales to life! Used across several episodes, including season 3’s Kissed by Fire, season 7’s Beyond the Wall, and season 8’s Winterfell, notable spots in Iceland include:
- Thingvellir National Park (as The Bloody Gate)
- Kirkjufell Mountain (as Arrowhead Mountain)
- Reynisfjara black sand beach on the south coast of Iceland (as Eastwatch-by-the-Sea)
- Glaciers in Vatnajökull National Park and Svínafellsjökull
- Other significant spots are Grjótagjá cave, Dimmuborgir lava field, Skógafoss waterfall, and the Þjórsárdalur valley.
Netflix’s Trapped
Craving gritty Nordic noir? This hit Netflix series, filmed in Seyðisfjörður’s stunning eastern fjords, stars Icelandic actors Ólafur Darri Ólafsson and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson. When a blizzard traps a remote town, a small police team must unravel a chilling crime. Atmospheric, intense, and highly bingeable—consider yourself warned before you hit play.
Black Mirror
The chilling and suspenseful episode Crocodile from Black Mirror was mainly shot in the desolate southern region of the Reykjanes peninsula, notably Lake Kleifarvatn. The intrigue revolves around an insurance investigator that must unravel the truth behind a deadly hit-and-run using a device that visualizes memories.
