This photograph of an Icelandic landscape in B&W was taken in Landmannalaugar. Black sand dunes and jagged volcanic lava rock are a key feature of the volcanic desert landscape there. Vibrant green moss covers them in many places. Time gradually eroded the hardened lava rocks and, as a result, created the black sand.
The photo illustrates the rugged nature of the Icelandic Highlands landscape. It was quite foggy that day. This, created a striking contrast between the dark rugged foreground and the soft silhouette of the Landmannalaugar hill in the back. This Icelandic landscape scene begged for a black & white treatment. It, without a doubt, adds to the mood of the photo in many ways.
Landmannalaugar is part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Southern Highlands of Iceland. It is located at the edge of the Laugahraun lava field, formed in an eruption around 1477. It is well-known for the geothermal hot springs and otherworldly Icelandic mountain landscape.
Landmannalaugar also has various notable hiking trails. One of them is the path onto the mighty Mt. Brennisteinsalda. Make sure to check it out when you get the chance! Visiting Landmannalaugar is worth it, even if you don’t want to do one of the hikes. Makes sure to bring a 4×4 for the ride to the trail head though, as the gravel roads are quite rough!
Please check out our Nordic Landscape Photography portfolio for more landscape photos from the Nordics. The portfolio also includes more Icelandic landscapes in B&W. Alternatively, visit our Black & White Photography portfolio for a large collection of photographs in B&W.
George Wright –
Awesome contrast between the mountain and the volcanic rock in the foreground!
Johan Peijnenburg –
Hey George! Thanks. That’s exactly what excited me about this scene. Iceland can offer many surprising moments …. even on a gloomy day. Nice to see you around again 🙂
Wim Sanders –
Ruig! Mooi 😊
Johan Peijnenburg –
Dank je Wim!
Mitch Kolowsky –
Hope you also had some nice weather there!? There is something haunting about this one. I love it. Shows that any weather is good photography weather … except pouring rain maybe 🙂
Johan Peijnenburg –
Thanks! Actually, I have a few Icelandic landscapes coming soon that were shot in heavy rain 🙂