Iceland is a dream destination for drone pilots: dramatic coastlines, black sand beaches, waterfalls, glaciers, and endless mountains. But it’s also a fragile environment with strict rules to protect nature and privacy. Knowing where you can (and can’t) fly is essential—both for safety and to avoid fines.
Below is a practical guide to flying drones in Iceland, with a special focus on the west and north‑west regions where Ourhotels.is operates: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
First, a quick overview of the rules. In Iceland, drones are regulated by the Icelandic Transport Authority and, for many areas, by the Environment Agency of Iceland. In general, you must:
– Keep your drone within visual line of sight
– Stay below 120 m (400 ft) above ground level
– Respect no‑fly zones around airports, heliports, and some harbours
– Avoid flying directly over crowds, private homes, and busy roads
– Follow special rules in national parks and protected areas (often no drones at all, or only with a permit)
Always check the latest regulations before you fly, as rules can change and some areas have seasonal restrictions due to nesting birds or sensitive wildlife.
West Iceland is one of the best regions to base yourself if you want varied drone locations within easy driving distance of Reykjavík. Ourhotels.is’ Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður is a great starting point. Surrounded by open countryside, rivers, and mountains, it offers plenty of opportunities to capture Iceland’s rural landscapes—often with fewer crowds than the south coast.
From Hvítá Inn, you can explore:
– Borgarfjörður countryside: rolling farmland, braided rivers, and distant glaciers. In many open rural areas, drone flying is allowed as long as you respect private property, livestock, and local signage.
– Waterfalls and hot springs in the region: some sites are on private land or protected areas, so always check on‑site signs and official websites. Where drones are allowed, fly early or late in the day to avoid disturbing other visitors.
– Coastal viewpoints near Borgarnes: dramatic shorelines and islands can be filmed from legal take‑off points away from traffic and houses.
The staff at Hvítá Inn are used to hosting photographers and drone enthusiasts and can often point you toward lesser‑known viewpoints where flying is permitted and conditions are safe.
For many drone pilots, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a highlight of their trip. It’s sometimes called “Iceland in Miniature” because you get a bit of everything: cliffs, lava fields, beaches, mountains, and small fishing villages. Ourhotels.is’ Stykkishólmur Inn is perfectly placed for exploring this region.
From Stykkishólmur Inn, you can reach:
– The town of Stykkishólmur itself: colourful houses, a picturesque harbour, and small islands just offshore. Drone flying may be restricted directly over the harbour and residential areas, so choose take‑off points on the outskirts, respect privacy, and avoid flying over people and boats.
– Coastal viewpoints and islands in Breiðafjörður: many viewpoints along the coast are suitable for drone flights, provided you stay clear of bird cliffs during nesting season and follow any local restrictions.
– The wider Snæfellsnes Peninsula: black beaches, sea stacks, and lava fields. Some areas near Snæfellsjökull National Park have stricter rules or bans on drones, so always check whether you’re inside a protected zone before you fly.
Stykkishólmur Inn makes it easy to plan sunrise or sunset flights, with comfortable rooms and quick access to the harbour and nearby viewpoints. After a day of shooting, you can recharge, back up your footage, and plan the next day’s locations.
If you’re looking for truly wild, dramatic landscapes, the Westfjords are hard to beat. Steep fjords, remote villages, and towering cliffs make this region a paradise for aerial photography. Ourhotels.is’ Ísafjörður Inn is an ideal base for exploring the area with your drone.
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can access:
– The town of Ísafjörður: surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords, it’s incredibly photogenic from the air. As with other towns, be mindful of privacy and avoid flying directly over residential areas or busy streets.
– Nearby fjords and mountain passes: many roadside viewpoints offer safe places to launch your drone with sweeping views of the fjords. Always watch the wind—gusts can be strong and unpredictable in the Westfjords.
– Remote coastal areas: depending on the season and road conditions, you can reach quiet beaches and headlands where you can fly without crowds. Some bird cliffs and nature reserves have strict no‑drone rules, especially during nesting season, so check local information boards and official websites.
The team at Ísafjörður Inn can help you understand local conditions, including weather, road closures, and any known restrictions in nearby nature areas, which is especially valuable in such a rugged region.
Wherever you fly in Iceland, a few best practices will help you stay safe and respectful:
– Check official maps and apps for no‑fly zones and protected areas before you launch.
– Avoid flying near wildlife, especially nesting birds and marine mammals.
– Keep a safe distance from people, buildings, and vehicles.
– Fly during off‑peak hours at popular sites to minimise disturbance.
– Always carry spare batteries and be prepared for rapid weather changes.
By basing yourself at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can cover a huge variety of drone‑friendly landscapes in West and North‑West Iceland. Ourhotels.is properties give you comfortable, well‑located bases with easy access to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery—so you can focus on capturing the shots you came for while respecting Iceland’s nature and rules.
