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Drone laws and regulations have become confusing in many parts of the world and Iceland is no exception to that. There is also a lot of really outdated information out there. However, as of January 1st 2024, new regulations on unmanned aircraft (drones) have been implemented in the EU and those same regulations are now also in effect in Iceland (as of December 5th 2024). Nevertheless, there are a bunch of local regulations you need to be aware of. In this blog, I focus on the regulations which apply to consumer/prosumer photographers & videographers who want to fly their drone in Iceland.

Last updated on October 4th 2025.

 

Disclaimer: While I have done & will do my best to keep this article with rules and regulations up-to-date, information may change in the future. Always make sure to check the accompanied links too if you are unsure about something!

Special thanks to Shari Asselberghs for the cover image of this blog.

Photo Workshop Report: Highlands of Iceland (Mads Peter Iversen)

Drone photography can add an exceptional value to your photography portfolio, especially in the Icelandic Highlands.

Volcanoes in Iceland

Some of my most compelling work has been taken using a drone, while flying above the various volcanic eruptions in Iceland during recent years.

Drone Laws & Regulations In Iceland

In Iceland, the European drone regulations are now also implemented. This means that everywhere in Iceland the same laws will apply as in the European Union. So what does this mean?

  • If you are licensed within the EU, your drone license will cover flying in Iceland as well and you should already be aware of these rules.
  • If you are not licensed yet, you can find the materials and take the basic A1/A3 exam online via the Icelandic Transport Authority’s drone website. Registration is valid for 5 years and will set you back a small fee. More information can be found on island.is.

There are, of course, also local regulations which apply in specific areas such as national parks and protected nature reserves, which I will delve into further into this article.

Which Drone Categories Are There Within The Regulations?

There are essentially two categories of drones according to the law: the Open and the Specific category. The Open category involves all low-risk drone operations involving drones below 25 kilograms, which is what all consumer and prosumer drone users fall under. Most drone photographers and videographers use C0, C1 or C2 classified drones, which are all below one kilogram.

The specific requirements to be in the Open category are:

  • The drone must weigh less than 25 kilograms.
  • The drone pilot needs to maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone at all times.
  • You can not fly higher than 120 metres above the ground (not above the take off point).
  • You can not fly over crowds of people.
  • Dangerous goods can not be flown with them.
  • You are not allowed to release objects from the drone.
  • The drone must be marked with the registration number of the drone operator.
Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove flying a drone

Drone rules and regulations can be quite confusing, especially when comparing different countries and even regions.

Which Subcategories Exist In The Open Category?

The Open category is divided into three subcategories: A1, A2 and A3. These categories are separated as follows:

  • Subcategory A1: Fly light drones (up to 900 grams) with few distance restrictions to uninvolved people.
  • Subcategory A2: Fly drones in built-up areas with a minimum of 50 metres from uninvolved people (30 metres with a C2 class drone).
  • Subcategory A3: Fly drones up to 25 kilograms with a minimum of 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.

Depending on which drone you own, and how you will use it, you will need a specific license.

Why Buying A DJI Mini 3 Pro Or Mini 4 Pro Is A Bad Idea In 2024!

Drones which are sold after January 1st 2024, must have a C-label. C0 drones weigh less than 250 grams & are flown in subcategory A1. C1 drones weigh less than 900 grams & are flown in subcategory A1. C2 drones weigh less than 4 kg & are flown in subcategories A2 or A3.

Which Drone License Do I Need?

In order to fly in the Open category, all drone pilots must be registered on the Icelandic Transport Authority’s website (flydrone.is). Depending on which drone you fly, you may need additional licensing:

  • If you are flying a sub-250 gram drone, such as the DJI Mini 3 Pro or the DJI Mini 4 Pro, you do not need further licensing. This only applies to drones with the C0 label.
  • If you are flying a drone which weighs more than 250 grams, you must pass the A1/A3 exam. After passing the exam, drone pilots can fly drones up to 900 gr in subcategory A1 and up to 25 kg in subcategory A3. Such drones are labeled with a C1, C2 or C3 label.
  • In subcategory A2 it is allowed to fly closer to people and therefore it is considered the subcategory in the Open category with the most risk. There are more requirements for pilot competency in the A2 subcategory and drone pilots must pass an additional A2 exam.

Click to enlarge!

The EASA published a handy table to explain all of the categories and when/how you can fly in them.

A more detailed explanation of the various drone categories and the accompanying rules and requirements, can be found on the Icelandic Transport Authority’s website.

If you are still looking into buying a drone, make sure to check out my drone buyer’s guide which details what you should buy as a photographer.

Where & When Can I Fly My Drone In Iceland?

You can fly anywhere, and anytime, in Iceland as long as you stick to the new European regulations. However, there are a few exceptions and things to keep in mind:

  • You can not exceed 120 metres of altitude above the ground. It’s good to know that the altitude shown on your drone’s remote controller is the altitude from the takeoff point, not from the ground. This means that, in some cases, it can be difficult to know exactly whether you’re within the letter of the law or not.
  • You can not fly within a 2 kilometre radius of airports. If you are using a DJI drone, these are well marked on the map and in most cases, they will even prevent you from flying there. If you need to fly within this two kilometre radius, you can ask for an exception via the Isavia website.
  • You can not fly your drone near any government buildings.
  • In Reykjavík, you are not allowed to fly higher than any of the building’s near your drone.
  • You are allowed to fly at night but need to have a green strobe light on the drone to maintain VLOS (visual line of sight).
  • You can not fly closer than 150 metres to any building in rural areas. In urban areas, this is limited to only 50 metres.
  • It is forbidden to fly your drone near bird cliffs, birds and other wildlife.
  • Taking off from private land is only allowed with permission from the land owner.
  • Finally, for some specific areas in Iceland additional permits are required, which I delve into further in this article.
Hnausapollur lake in the Central Highlands of Iceland

Iceland has some of the most stunning landscapes you can find on this planet. Photographing using a drone really puts the uniqueness into perspective.

Do I Need Any Additional Permits To Fly My Drone In Iceland?

The short answer is ‘yes’, but it’s a bit more complicated than that.

Aside from the European drone regulations, there are also many local regulations in effect. These can be found in certain protected areas and national parks around Iceland. Applying for a permit for drone flying can easily be done but can, in some cases, also cost you money. To help you figure out where and when you need permits, I have collected the four main entities with some explanations below.

It’s also important to note that many of the more popular locations may not have any specific drone regulations but might be visited by a large number of tourists. This means in many cases that you can not fly your drone as this would mean you are flying over a crowd of people. However, if you fly outside the most crowded times, you can fly your drone if no local regulations are enforced.

Aerial & Drone

There are many photography locations in Iceland that really shine when you witness them from an aerial perspective.

Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Iceland and stretches from the southeastern part of the country all the way to Ásbyrgi in the north. This enormous area protects all natural wonders surrounding Vatnajökull glacier. It contains many popular locations such as, but not limited to, Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon), Fjallsárlón, Fellsfjara (Diamond Beach), Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss, Selfoss, Askja, Langisjór, Eldgjá, and many other locations. A complete map of the whole Vatnajökull National Park is available on their website.

UPDATE 15/07/2024: For recreational use, a drone permit is no longer required. However, it is required to follow these guidelines, whilst also keeping in mind restricted areas:

  • Flight times should be kept to a minimum and flights should be avoided during the area’s busiest times of day. A drone must never be flown near or over people, unless approval has been obtained (e.g. in organized group tours). Disturbing the experience of tranquillity, guest safety and personal privacy should be avoided.
  • It is not allowed to disturb wildlife. If the flight unexpectedly disturbs birds or other wildlife, it must be stopped immediately.
  • The conductor of the drone is fully responsible for the use of the drone. It must not harm people, wildlife, or nature, and it must not leave any permanent traces. If a drone is damaged or crashes, it and all its components must be collected and removed. If it is dangerous to recover a crashed drone, or it cannot be found, it must be reported to the national park.
  • Many popular destinations in the national park are close to the national park boundary. The National Park has no jurisdiction outside of them, and therefore it is always the responsibility of the drone operator to check if a permission from landowners is needed.
  • In other respects, the flight of unmanned aircraft shall be conducted in accordance with regulation no. 990/2017, on the operation of remotely piloted aircraft and instructions on the Icelandic Transport Authority’ website.
  • Regional restrictions still apply. Please check the Vatnajökull National Park website for an updated list of restricted areas.

Applying for a drone permit for commercial use within Vatnajökull National park, can be done via a special online application form. All applications have to be made with at least 10 days notice, but recommends giving them at least 4 weeks.

Iceland

While I don’t find the aerial perspectives to be that interesting at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, some might want to put up their drones so it’s good to know what the local regulations are.

Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park

Thingvellir (Þingvellir in correct Icelandic) National Park is one of the most visited areas in Iceland, as it is considered to be a part of the Golden Circle. Regardless of this, the local rules in Þingvellir National Park are pretty straightforward. There are no specific permits required. There is, however, one restriction that covers the most popular locations within the park.

From the Service Centre at Leirar in the north to Þingvallavatn in the south of the national park, drone flying is not allowed between 9:00 and 18:00. This area is marked with a red circle on the map. This is due to the large amount of visitors in this area. This contains locations such as Hak, Almannagjá, Lögberg, Flosagjá, Öxarárfoss, the Þingvellir Church, Silfra and more.

In other areas of the national park, this limitation does not apply regarding drone flying. Though, they ask to keep in mind other visitors and especially animals.

More information can be found on the Þingvellir National Park website.

Click to enlarge!

This map, provided by Þingvellir National Park, illustrates where the local limitations are in effect (within the red circle).

Snæfellsjökull National Park

Snæfellsjökull National Park is located on the western side of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This national park is under the maintenance of the Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun). Within Snæfellsjökull National Park, drone flying is prohibited between April 15th and September 15th, within the area between the road (Nesvegur) & the ocean, unless you have a permit from the Environment Agency of Iceland. Outside of those dates, and that specific area, you do not need a permit to fly your drone.

Requesting a drone permit can be done on the website of the Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun). Please be aware that requesting such a permit is quite costly and comes with a set of rules you will need to follow!

Click to enlarge!

Snæfellsjökull National Park is located on the western side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and encompasses a large part of the area.

Other Protected Areas by the Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun)

Outside of these national parks, there are many other protected areas such as nature reserves, known breeding grounds for specific bird species, and more. Not all these areas have limitations in regards to drones and not all of them have limitations that apply all year.

Popular areas include, but are not limited to, the following locations in Iceland:

  • West Fjords: Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Látrabjarg, Dynjandi (banned between May 1st and September 15th)
  • West Iceland: Flatey, Arnarstapi (banned between April 15th and September 15th), Hellnar (banned between April 15th and September 15th), Snæfellsjökull National Park (as mentioned before)
  • South Iceland: Dyrhólaey, Skógafoss, Gullfoss, Geysir
  • North Iceland: Góðafoss, Hverfjall (Mývatn), Mývatn, Dimmuborgir (Mývatn)
  • Central Highlands: Þjórsárdalur (Háifoss, Gjáin, …), Þjórsárver (banned between May 10th and August 10th), Fjallabak nature reserve (banned between June 15th and September 15th), Landmannalaugar (banned between June 15th and September 15th)
  • Reykjavík: Grótta (Reykjavík)
Aerial photograph of Tungnaá river in Iceland

For all the photo workshops I (co-)host, where we visit protected areas, I take care of all the required permits for our participants so you don’t have to delve into all of these specific rules.

A more complete list can be found on the website of the Environment Agency of Iceland. There is also a map available of all protected areas.

Requesting a drone permit can be done on the website of the Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun). Please be aware that requesting such a permit is quite costly and comes with a set of rules you will need to follow!

Temporary Restrictions & Regulations

On occasion, temporary and regional drone bans may also be enforced in Iceland. On several occasions such a ban has been invoked in the past when, for example, a prominent individual visits Iceland or when authorities want to clear the area for rescue and scientific efforts (such as during the disaster in Grindavík on November 10th or the first hours of a volcanic eruption).

While it’s difficult to stay updated on those specific drone bans, they are generally communicated via the Transport Authority of Iceland or on the Isavia website.

Behind the Shot - New Earth

For example, during volcanic eruptions there may be temporary restrictions in place on drone flying when scientists are performing scientific surveys.

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Discover Jeroen’s Photo Workshops in Iceland, Greenland & Beyond

Ready to take your photography to the next level? Join me, Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, on unforgettable photo workshops in Iceland, Greenland, Antarctica and other exciting destinations. Whether your passion is wildlife photography, bird photography, landscape adventures, or mastering drone photography, each workshop is designed to give you hands-on guidance in some of the world’s most spectacular locations.

From puffins in the midnight sun to Arctic foxes in the wild, from glaciers and volcanoes to dramatic coastlines seen by drone – these journeys are more than workshops; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Group sizes are kept small, ensuring personal mentoring and plenty of shooting opportunities.

Looking for something specific? Check out Jeroen’s…

 

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What Previous Participants Shared About Their Experience

I can't say enough about the fantastic time my son and I had with Jeroen! I had taken his Masterclass on drone photography and then booked a personal tour/class while visiting Iceland. I learned so much between the Masterclass and the tour. Especially regarding the capabilities of my drone and how to handle it when flying in adverse conditions! If you can't make it to Iceland check out his drone Masterclass! You won't be sorry!

Larry R.Private Photography Day Tour (September 2025)

Fantastic workshop in West Greenland! Very well organized and planned to make the most of an epic photography journey in this unbelievable polar enviroment. All was great, from accommodation, to food, and to all the locations we visited, between icebergs, glaciers, and small local village and settlements. I have to thank Jeroen and Mads for their great work. Apart from being exceptional photographers and share their knowledge to us, they really made their best to give us a truly enjoyable and amazing experience. As a group, it was really great fun to expend time with other committed and passionate photographers, and, above all, very nice people.

Ivan S.West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2025)

Ten Stars. OK, Twenty Stars. A phenomenal journey and experience. Jeroen was beyond my expectations. Way beyond. His knowledge of the area Western Greenland) and photography (drones and camera) was superb. I highly recommend any trip with Jeroen. Seriously. Just go. You won't regret it.

Robert M.West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2025)

Going the Extra Mile... This was the second of Jeroen’s drone workshops I have attended. That in itself should tell you how good he is. This workshop was held under the most difficult conditions, with the aftermath of hurricane Erin sweeping across Iceland, resulting in very high winds, rain and road closures. Despite that, not a minute of our time in Iceland was wasted, as Jeroen took us from one superb location to another, flexing plans around the weather. Flying drones in high winds and rain can be difficult, but Jeroen’s expertise made us all feel calm and able to fly anywhere. If it wasn’t enough to find suitable locations in the worst of conditions, Jeroen also drove a 7-hour round trip to get a replacement drone when mine fell out of the sky. The only way Jeroen can now improve is to reach god status, so he can control the weather too. What an experience. Thank you Jeroen.

Paul G.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands (August 2025)

The 'Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands' (22-29 Aug '25) was my second drone trip with Jeroen. Despite the very challenging weather conditions, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Erin over Iceland, it was a superb week. Jeroen is a first-class tour leader who not only gets you to the 'right place at the right time' but he also provides excellent guidance and gives you a great deal of confidence for drone flying. He's raised my skill set substantially. On arriving at a location, Jeroen will fly his drone to highlight the possible landscape opportunities (most of which cannot be seen at ground level). He then supports you during flights and is always on hand in case of any difficulties. Jeroen really goes the extra mile to make sure that everyone in the group gets the best experience possible. I enjoyed this second trip with Jeroen so much that I will be booking another.

Milt I.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands (August 2025)

Jeroen is a top-notch pro photographer and will be my go-to for any future photo workshops I do in Iceland/Greenland. Don't hesitate to sign up for any of his workshops. He's legit. I've been with him on 2 photo trips now, and I'm sure I'll be on more in the future!

Paul O.East Greenland Sailboat Photo Expedition (August 2025)

Just finished my third workshop with Jeroen on a sail boat in East Greenland. Again a fantastic experience. These workshops aren't only about improving my drone and photography skills, but I also learn about exciting parts of the world. Since my last two workshops, I have continued to explore the places that Jeroen first showed me. This might not be so easy in East Greenland! Again, I highly recommend Jeroen's workshops - they are probably some of the best available.

Jon A.East Greenland Sailboat Photo Expedition (August 2025)

Just returned from back to back workshops with Jeroen (Aerials and East Greenland) and can highly recommend his workshops! I appreciate how he provides highlights of each photo location and is consistently asking “how are you doing”. Staff and food on the Greenland sailboat was outstanding! Finally, he makes the trips fun! I will attend more!

Alan B.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Drone Photo Workshop (August 2025)

I've been on a couple of workshop with Jeroen before, and I keep doing more and will continue to do more. Simply put: my favorite photos I've ever taken have been on workshops with him. His knowledge of the weather and environmental conditions, various compositions to try, and the area we are shooting help ensure that you are taking photos you can be proud of when you get back home. He is always helpful and goes out of his way to check in with you to make sure you're getting the shot. Also, as a bonus, he is incredibly funny and there are always lots of laughs on these workshops. Can't wait for our next one!

Heather H.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Drone Photo Workshop (August 2025)

Just got back from an incredible drone photography workshop in Iceland with JVN Photography, and wow—what an experience! Jeroen, our fearless leader, made the whole trip a blast with his great sense of humor and awesome teaching style. He was always checking in, making sure we were safe and confident while flying our drones (even when the wind was doing its best to carry us away!). One wild day we found ourselves in a full-on sandstorm, and I’ll admit—I was totally freaked out. But with Jeroen’s encouragement, I stepped out of the car, faced the storm, and ended up capturing some of my favorite shots of the trip. I learned so much, had tons of fun, and would 100% recommend this workshop to anyone wanting to level up their drone photography in one of the most stunning places on Earth. Thanks, Jeroen!

Carrie C.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Drone Photo Workshop (July 2025)

My dad and I just returned from the BEST arctic fox adventure in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve with Jeroen. Jeroen made a comment at the beginning of our trip that stuck with me. He said that even though this is a photography workshop, the experience of everything is what it is all about, and the photos we hoped to take were the icing on the cake. That could not have been more accurate. "Living" with the foxes, the friendships we made, the moments we experienced together and alone with our furry friends, the knowledge and expertise gained, being off the grid, and some epic photo moments made this trip an incredible and memorable adventure of a lifetime. I would sign up for every upcoming workshop Jeroen has on the books if I could and I will certainly be back for more.

Megan G.Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir Photo Workshop (June 2025)

After spending a week in the magnificent Hornstrandir Nature Reserve alongside Jeroen and seven other passionate photographers, I return home with a head full of magical memories. Taking part in a workshop with Jeroen is more than just a photographic journey — it’s a deeply human experience. With his professionalism, deep knowledge, and unmistakable sense of humor, he creates a warm, welcoming, and cohesive atmosphere for everyone involved. Jeroen is also incredibly attentive and thoughtful. Always approachable and available, he takes time for everyone, offering guidance, answering questions, and encouraging without ever being overbearing. Photographing Arctic foxes in the raw and untouched beauty of Hornstrandir was an unforgettable experience. We were incredibly lucky to encounter several of them, including their cubs — a rare and precious privilege I’ll never forget. If you're passionate about photography and want to discover Iceland in a truly unique way, I wholeheartedly recommend Jeroen’s workshops. You won’t regret it.

Valentin R.Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir Photo Workshop (June 2025)

I highly recommend Jeroen for anyone seeking a top-tier workshop or private photography tour experience. His organizational skills are exceptional—he carefully plans every detail, from tailored itineraries to seamless logistics, ensuring that each session runs smoothly and meets the unique interests of his clients. His deep knowledge of photography, local culture, and hidden locations provides participants with both technical growth and memorable adventures.
Beyond his expertise, his warm personality, sense of humor, and excellent communication skills make every workshop engaging and enjoyable. He listens to participants’ needs, remains patient and positive, and fosters a supportive learning environment. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, personable, and highly organized photographer, you won’t find anyone better than Jeroen.

Tomas A.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Photo Workshop (June 2025)

I have just returned from a photography workshop organised by Jeroen on the Isle of Grimsey. I am very impressed by his personality - he is able to provide a great atmosphere in the team and make everyone feel at ease. The workshops are perfectly organized, from the first e-mail contacts to the farewell at the airport. Jeroen has a very individual approach to each participant, he is able to politely point out mistakes and, above all, show how to fix them. Critical sessions are real photography workshops, I learned a lot from them and all this in a very nice and friendly atmosphere. The entire week-long stay on Grimsey Island was prepared very professionally, including the optimal weather. I highly recommend workshops with Jeroen, especially if someone is looking for a great teacher, guide or friend in one person.

Ewa S.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Photo Workshop (June 2025)

I am delighted to recommend Jeroen for his exceptional leadership and expertise in conducting photography workshops.
I recently had the privilege of participating in a photo workshop in Greenland lead by Jeroen, and I can say without reservations that he has a rare blend of photographic talent and organizational prowess. Jeroen is a master photographer, and generously shares this knowledge with workshop participants. Whether it's mastering the technical aspects of photography or exploring creative compositions, Jeroen provides invaluable insights that elevate the skills of all the participants. His meticulous planning and organizational skills are unmatched; the workshop was flawlessly executed, with every detail thoughtfully considered. He fostered a collaborative environment where participants felt free to ask questions, experiment, and learn from one another; always providing positive feedback and encouragement. I wholeheartedly recommend Jeroen for any photography workshop or related endeavor. His passion for photography, attention to detail, and outgoing personality, make him an outstanding leader.

Tomas A.West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2024)

Jeroen’s and Mads’ West Greenland Workshop was simply the best photo workshop I’ve ever attended. The days were full from dawn to dusk and even later for nioghtime photography. Jeroen and Mads made themselves available during any free time for coaching, editing and general questions. They focused on hands on coaching for each of us in the field. Workshop logistics were seamless, transport via coaches and boats were in good condition with competent crews and were ready when scheduled, accommodations were very good. I look forward to joining Jeroen and Mads again in the future.

Kelly E.West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2024)

I had the pleasure of being part of a Highlands workshop in August with Jeroen and Mads Peter Iversen as photo guides and professionals. I had already met them both on a workshop in Antarctica. The small group was perfect for guidance and attention. It is now sinking in how much I learned on this trip and how breathtaking Iceland is. We encountered some strong winds, rain and fog. Nevertheless, Jeroen found alternatives and safety was always paramount. He’s a conscientious guy and can be seriously funny too. Not only did our group gain knowledge, we had a lot of fun. Thanks for a memorable week to everyone on this workshop. I’d recommend Jeroen without hesitation.

Cindy B.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

I was recently on an Iceland Highlands photo tour, my first trip with Jeroen. It will not be my last! It exceeded my expectations to the point that I've now booked a trip next year with Jeroen. My priority was to learn how to fly my new drone (Mavic 3 Classic) for quality stills photography. I started the trip with 'drone anxiety' and ended with confidence and a new set of skills in aerial photography. Jeroen's drone flying skills are impressive. But, importantly, he puts his clients first. He gives full support, both in terms of the essential skills needed to fly a drone safely, and also the skills needed to produce quality images. Jeroen's knowledge of Iceland and its hidden beauties, his organisational skills and photography expertise is second to none. I'm certainly looking forward to travelling with him again.

Milt I.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

... Jeroen really really knows his stuff, not only about Iceland in general and the specific photo locations but he is also an absolute master with a drone. We were a pretty unexperienced group, regarding drone flying and drone photography and Jeroen helped and pushed us a lot, to really get the best out of our skills, equipment and the locations. I damaged my drone propellers on the third day, forgot the spare and there was no way to organize a replacement. I was really worried i was now missing out, but Jeroens expertise and support gave me confidence to use my drone during the rest of the workshop and there were no issues at all. Additionally his personality and his humor really made this trip and the group special. I highly recommend this workshop!

NicoHighlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

I highly recommend taking one of Jeroen's workshops. You can just tell that he has a great passion for leading them. He lives in Iceland and brought a wealth of knowledge and useful facts about the area, and had an answer for just about everything we asked him. He also has a great sense of humor so he made it entertaining as well. Thank you, Jeroen, for a great experience in the Highlands.

Chris G.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

Really great trip - I learned a lot and we certainly got to photograph many places that would otherwise be very difficult for me to access. Jeroen and Mads always had answers/suggestions for my questions, and both were instrumental in forming compositions. Many times when we stopped I could not see the principal subject, but a drone would be launched and after watching one of their screens, something amazing would appear. I had never flown a drone before the trip, but Jeroen got me up and running in minutes; he made it very easy and relaxed. Also, my drone had a strange issue on one flight (it would not descend) but Jeroen got it back - flying it for over 2 minutes on no battery. He got it down just before all power was lost. It was wobbly on the way down, but it came down safely. Highly recommend these guys and their trips.

Paul K.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

Going to the Icelandic Highlands means you have to know what you’re doing, and you have to be flexible with the ever changing weather. I was so fortunate to attend a workshop with Jeroen, as his expertise and knowledge of the numerous highland locations was critical to knowing where we could go based on the weather, road conditions, and time it would take to get everywhere. Our trip was filled with incredible locations I’ve only dreamed of going to, and many others that I had no idea existed. I’d highly recommend going on a workshop or even a private tour with Jeroen!

Mark S.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

The trip I took with Jeroen to the Icelandic Highlands is the most memorable trip I’ve taken since I became serious about photography. It was incredible! Jeroen took us to the places I only dreamed about and never expected to see with my own eyes. Everything was well planned and executed – all we needed to do was concentrating on our photography. Thank you, Jeroen, for such a treat and good luck on all your endeavors!

Svetlana G.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (July 2024)

I had a wonderful time at the workshop with Jeroen. Jeroen is a wonderful, very inspiring photographer, an excellent teacher, very sensitive to the beauty of Nature and empathetic, with a refined sense of humor. I felt very taken care of during the workshops and I will definitely come back next year

Doris M.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Photo Workshop (June 2024)

I took a 3 day photography workshop with Jeroen to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and had a wonderful experience. Jeroen has an infectious enthusiasm for photography and it really shows in his love of these Icelandic locations and the way he provides instruction on the best perspectives and techniques to get the shots. I appreciate that Jeroen is fully licensed to guide these workshop. This gives me peace of mind knowing that he’s prepared to handle most scenarios that may occur out in the field. Time to save up for my next workshop with Jeroen! Thanks so much, Jeroen!

Jarrick L.Private Workshop in October 2023

Well organised workshop with multiple stunning locations providing plenty of opportunities to capture great photos. When the opportunity arose to capture the Northern Lights, Jeroen’s knowledge made sure we were in the right locations to capture the lights at their best. Jeroen was always willing to help and pass on his knowledge to be able to have the best possible composition to capture stunning photos. I can’t thank Jeroen and Mads enough for a great workshop and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to doing more workshops in the future with Jeroen and highly recommended anyone interested in a photography workshop to do it and learn from the best.

Jordan G.Iceland in Winter Workshop in November 2023

Worked with Jeroen during a photo tour of Iceland and had a fantastic experience. Jeroen is a great photographer, a great instructor, an organized and conscientious tour guide, and is a lot of fun to spend time with. I very much appreciate his love of Iceland and its geology and nature. Highly recommended.

Art J.Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (March 2025)

I had the privilege of going on the Puffins in the midnight sun workshop which was an amazing experience. Anja and Jeroen were both absolutely amazing hosts and the workshop exceeded my expectations. Both were very approachable with any questions and provided the appropriate level of advice, allowing me to improve my photography.

Jeff M.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Workshop in June 2023

Somehow five stars doesn’t seem sufficient! What an amazing week with Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove and Mads Peter Iversen in one of the most photogenic locations I have ever visited. Nothing challenges an organiser’s ability like a cancelled flight, but even though we were delayed by a day in Reykjavik, Jeroen managed to pack in all the planned activities in to the remaining 5 days, starting with a six hour sunset boat trip through the magnificent bergs of the ice fjord. And that was just the start, every day there were new adventures and new locations. With so much to photograph, we all called on the expert guidance by Jeroen and Mads - from finding pleasing compositions in the chaos of the ice or life in the tiny settlements, to aerial HDR panoramas with the drones - the boys were always on hand to offer advice and suggestions (and to rescue my drone as I tried to land it where our boat had been 20 minutes earlier)!

Adrian V.West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2024)

Absolutely top notch workshop. The thought and effort that went into the schedule and the accommodations made the trip, the shots and the experience simply amazing. Jeroen and Mads were great Pro Guides, sharing their expertise and offering guidance whenever asked making sure that we had the best opportunity to capture great photographs. They were fun, personable, and such great teammates, it made for such a wonderful week. Highly recommend!

Denise B.Winter in Iceland Photo Workshop (December 2024)

Value & Safety. If you are wanting to tour Iceland, Jeroen is your guy! Knowledgeable, capable, and kind, this guy has your best experience in mind. I spent a week visiting some EPIC locations under his guidance and it is well worth the money!

Robert W.Winter in Iceland Photo Workshop (December 2024)

I recommend this wonderful photography workshop. In just a few days I understood how to improve my skills and where to point the lens. Jaroen is an excellent, patient and attentive teacher who shares his knowledge, adapting it to each participant individually.

Elzbieta G.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Photo Workshop (June 2025)

In July 2023 I decided to book a 5 days private tour with Jeroen to the highlands. This was a complete different experience. We visited remote and amazing locations, I could not find this locations without Jeroens guidance. Jeroen has a incredible local knowledge, a great enthusiasm, a perfect planning and also very important, a lot of patience. I enjoyed the 5 days with Jeroen very much, he is a very accommodating person with agreat sense of humor. During our tour we had a lot of fun and with his assistance I made my best Iceland shots ever, most of them with my Mavic 3 Pro drone. Thank you very much Jeroen for this unique experience, I hope we will plan the next tour in 2024 together.

Wolfgang S.Private Highlands Workshop in July 2023

I really enjoyed guided hike with Jeroen. He knows a lot about the volcanos so you won't have only amazing experience but you can also learn a lot from him. Perfect and easy communication. Thank you again for this "stillcantbelievethatitwasreal" experience!

Veronika S.Private Eruption Hike in August 2023

… The itinerary was well thought out, but allowed for flexibility of weather conditions and the eruption of Meradalir! Jeroen is knowledgeable, helpful, thoughtful & has a great sense of humour. He regularly checked-in with us to all make sure we were happy and offered assistance in our photography, especially for drones. I felt safe, entertained & learned so much during the workshop. The accommodation & food during the trip were also amazing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or attend another workshop.

Rhiannon L.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

Greenland 2023 was an incredible experience, in a truly epic location with an amazing group of people. Andy and Jeroen are true professionals in every sense, with a passion for photography that is infectious to the group. I felt challenged to explore styles of photography that pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone, and having their guidance as well as the group to share ideas with helped me grow as a photographer. Andy seems to have a knack for creating an inclusive environment around him that brings the group together, inspires, builds friendships, and elevates the experience to an enjoyable and unforgettable one. Jeroen is very knowledgeable, easy going, and talented photographer and it was a pleasure spending the week with him. I truly cannot recommend highly enough.

Chris D.Greenland Photo Workshop in March 2023

… It was one of the most wonderful trips of adventure, exhilaration mixed with wonder and awe of the surrounding beauty. None of that would have been possible without the expert guidance, local knowledge, sense of enthusiasm and detailed planning by Jeroen. We were lucky to him as an expert driver while we wondered over terrain that is unfamiliar to most people, but Jeroen made us feel confidant that we were in safe hands. Moreover his love for photography, landscape and culture of Iceland is contagious and made the trip all the more special. Whether you call him the “Volcano man” or the “drone man” his photography is extraordinary. I would go back in a heartbeat to spend time exploring more of Iceland with him.

Sarfraz D.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

… Everything about it was excellent – it is clear that Jeroen puts huge effort into ensuring he provides a first class experience for his participants – the itinerary was thorough, but flexible to get the best out of the weather and volcanic eruption conditions. Jeroen ensures that everybody is safe (important in such an environment) as well as maintaining a pace that works for all. On top of this, his knowledge about Iceland is broad and deep making him an excellent tour guide as well as an accomplished photographer. I can highly recommend a workshop or tour with Jeroen and I do hope that I get to enjoy another workshop with him in the future.

Jon A.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

I was fortunate to accompany both Andy Mumford and Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove to Ilulissat, Greenland. I've done guided photography tours before, but this was without a doubt the most enjoyable experience. The comradery of the group combined with the positive attitude and humor of both Andy and Jeroen was fabulous. Lodging + food were a step above what I was expecting and were memorable experiences in and of themselves. Zero regrets and while in Greenland, I discussed what other tours I could add my name onto the waitlist for. Recommended without hesitation.

Michael M.Greenland Photo Workshop in March 2023

It became clear that Jeroen is very familiar with the beauty of Iceland, but also with the possible dangers of its natural elements. He took us to the highlights, but also guided us to a number of hidden marvels. And always he knew something interesting to tell about the location. On the creativity side, Jeroen did not intervene at all on location – unless requested for. So we all could explore our own creativity. This definitely tastes for more. And I will definitely call Jeroen again.

Koen D.Private Photography Tour in March 2016

It was a pleasure to have a look behind the scences on how Jeroen works. His photos look so natural as he knows where to be in the right place at the right time. I’ve received a lot of professional advice and feedback on how to create stunning landscape images. You did an amazing job and I can’t thank you enough!

Adında M.Private Photography Tour in November 2017

... Jeroen has great ability as a teacher as well as a photographer. His priority is the participant, not taking his own pictures. Jeroen is good at checking in with the introvert photographer to make sure they are getting the most from the scene, but without looking over your shoulder. Knowing that group dynamics impacts everyone’s experience, he also builds a camaraderie with his humour and manner.

Stewart L.Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (March 2024)

… Imagine being taken to locations so amazing that the erupting volcano wasn’t even one of the top 5. This was an EPIC adventure through a place traversed by few people. We had the guidance and support needed to capture amazing photos and learn to use our drones effectively, incredible food and accommodations, and access to Jeroen’s incredible wealth of knowledge to keep us safe in face of unstable cliffs, weird weather, and other craziness. I can’t wait to join another tour with Jeroen.

Richard S.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

If you want to explore Iceland with your camera you’re blessed with a guide like Jeroen. He knows and understands the country so well. He really makes an effort to visit every location at the best possible moment of the day. He knows so many beautiful locations so that he’s also able to improvise when the weather conditions are not that great. He will bring you to lots of beautiful places that are less touristic and where you can take the time to fully explore your camera trying to capture this unique landscape.

Stefaan M.Private Photography Tour in March 2016

… And my expectations of his guided tour were indeed the highlight of my short vacation. Not only the sights where breathtaking but also Jeroen’s personal anecdotes and explanation in an easy way over this ever changing landscape building itself was a great surplus to my hiking experience. He is not only passionate about telling you the story behind the views that unfolds before your eyes during the hike, but he lets you also walk at your own pace without looking to his watch as on many other organised larger tours. So folks if you look for an unique guided personal tour, I would really recommend this great guide. From me personally he earns withouth doubt 5* !

John V.Private Guided Eruption Hike in October 2021

Jeroen was a huge part of what made this trip so successful. His local knowledge, adaptability to changing weather conditions (gale force winds and blizzards to warm, springlike days) and relationships with local providers made the trip an absolute pleasure. From the first evening meeting in Reykjavik to the final dinner everything proceeded without a noticeable hitch. The privilege of spending almost five hours exploring ice caves, coming face to face with Arctic Foxes and experiencing an amazing aurora display made the trip one for the record books. Such a smooth operation does not happen without a significant amount of pre-planning and the selection of hotels, shooting locations and restaurant stops showed that all eventualities had been considered. We were so engrossed in shooting that a scheduled critique session had to be postponed to a post trip online meeting - again showing Jeroen's commitment to the satisfaction of his clients. In short - I can highly recommend a workshop with Jeroen and hope to be a part of many future trips.

John M.Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (March 2025)

Support Jeroen’s Work

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Thank you for considering!

Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove

Jeroen is an award-winning Belgian photographer based in Iceland. The past years, he dedicated his photography to the Central Highlands & volcanic eruptions. Most recently, he received international attention for his work at the Fagradalsfjall volcano.


24 Comments

  • Alexandra says:

    Hey Jeroen, thanks for a great article! So if I understood this right, if I am a registered drone operator in Denmark for example or any other EU state, that would be valid in Iceland as well, right? Or do we still need to register on flydrone.is?

    Thanks and all the best! Alexandra

  • Pushpa jayachandran says:

    Hi Jeroen,
    Hope u r doing good..I am from India and will be traveling to Iceland in the first week of December this year …..I hv DJI Mini 2drone …will I need to take permission…..if yes can u please guide me in this regard. My son is a nature photographer and loves to capture the beauty of Mother Nature in Iceland.
    Thanks,
    Pushpa

  • Alex Zarco says:

    This is just the BEST post ever about recs and details about flying our drones, with al the necessary maps, links, info etc. Evermore I just discover that there is an aerial workshop of my dreamy goal.. the highlands with my drone! I just want to say THANK YOU!!!

  • Dan says:

    Thanks so much for such a useful post! One issue, the map at korstasjá(dot)ust(dot)is doesn’t seem to load any of the graphics, even when every category is selected on the legend. I’ve tried a few different browsers, and reached out to the help email address posted on the website. Is it just me?

  • Jon Ames says:

    Oh, you are kidding me! I was in Fjallbak / Landmannalaugar on June 14. So I could have flown my drone. Why oh why didn’t I re-read your blog before the trip!

  • Mario says:

    Hi Jeroen,

    I am Mario from Belgium and i will be traveling to Iceland in july 2024.
    I will take my DJi Mini 4Pro drone with me to try to create some fantastic video footage (not for commercial use). I have a drone licence (needed for my previous drone).
    My question is, is there any kind of Drone Map like we have in Belgium (Map Droneguide).
    Or can i trust the Fly/No fly zones from the DJI Fly app?
    I also found a kind of map from Iceland with some zone’s marked in red and green. is this a map to be trusted?

    Thanks in advance?
    Mario Somers

    • Hi Mario, we don’t have an app like that here in Iceland but all locations with additional restrictions, other than the overall law, are mentioned in this article. There are no other local restrictions to think about.

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