Behind the Scenes in Iceland: Locations, Logistics, and Production Services

Iceland has become one of the hottest filming destinations for producers worldwide. The island offers some of the most varied filming locations imaginable, from vast glaciers to black sand beaches and volcanic landscapes. Are you considering shooting in Iceland? Well, here is all you need to know for your production to succeed.

Why Iceland?

With its unique natural features, Iceland provides the ideal setting for film productions that require both epic landscapes and intimate natural beauty. Various productions, including Game of Thrones, Star Wars: Rogue One, and Interstellar, have utilized Iceland’s breathtaking vistas.

What really sets Iceland apart, however, is not merely the diversity of locations but the country’s production-friendly infrastructure. Equipped with highly skilled crews, modern equipment, and a 25% to 35% reimbursement scheme for production costs, Iceland has become one of the ideal destinations for both independent filmmakers and blockbusters emanating from Hollywood.

Top Filming Locations in Iceland

Iceland can be a very versatile shooting hotspot because it can emulate varied environments. Whether you need a stand-in for another planet or a cold and isolated wilderness, here are several of the most iconic locations:

• Vatnajökull Glacier
  Featured in: Batman Begins, Interstellar
  Known for its vast, icy landscape, Vatnajökull Glacier has doubled as an otherworldly backdrop, offering dramatic and surreal scenes that resemble alien terrains.

• Black Sand Beaches of Vik
  Featured in: Rogue One, Game of Thrones
  These hauntingly beautiful beaches, with their stark black sand and jagged basalt sea stacks, have represented distant, mystical lands in numerous productions.

• Snæfellsjökull National Park
  Featured in: Journey to the Center of the Earth
  Known for its glacier-capped volcano and otherworldly caves, Snæfellsjökull is the ultimate choice for fantasy and sci-fi settings.

• Þingvellir National Park
  Featured in: Game of Thrones
  With its unique rock formations and dramatic rift valleys, this UNESCO World Heritage site provided the backdrop for some iconic scenes, perfectly capturing a rugged, medieval feel.

• Hvitserkur Sea Stack
  Featured in: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
  This dragon-like rock formation rising out of the sea adds an intriguing, fantasy-inspired element to scenes set in wild coastal settings.

• Lake Myvatn
  Featured in: Game of Thrones
  With its stunning lava formations, geothermal areas, and surreal landscapes, Lake Myvatn was used to film various scenes set in icy, desolate lands.

• Kirkjufell Mountain
  Featured in: Game of Thrones
  One of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, Kirkjufell’s distinctive shape, and surrounding waterfalls created a picturesque yet haunting setting for fantasy scenes.

• Dettifoss Waterfall
  Featured in: Prometheus
  One of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, Dettifoss lent its sheer power and scale to create a mesmerizing and dramatic backdrop for sci-fi landscapes.

• Reynisfjara Beach
  Featured in: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
  This black sand beach, with its towering basalt columns, creates an eerie and alien shoreline ideal for fantasy and science fiction scenes.

• Landmannalaugar
  Featured in: Oblivion
  Known for its colorful rhyolite mountains and vast lava fields, Landmannalaugar is ideal for creating scenes set on uncharted or alien worlds.

• Eyjafjallajökull Volcano
  Featured in: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
  The area around this famous volcano, known for its 2010 eruption, has been a dramatic, rugged backdrop with breathtaking glacial and volcanic features.

Sorting Out Permits and Logistics

Filming in Iceland is relatively smooth, especially if you are working with established production service companies like Polarama. You will need to obtain the correct permits; if you are filming in special nature reserves or national parks, you are more likely to be granted a permit.

• Main Permits: Most shoots will have to obtain permits from local municipalities, and it is recommended that you work with a local provider to navigate this process with as little problem as possible.
• Protected Areas: For places like Þingvellir National Park or Vatnajökull, special permissions are required, which take more time to process due to environmental guidelines.

The Importance of a Local Production Service

You should work with a local production service company such as Polarama to maximize your Icelandic shoot. From crew management to equipment rentals and logistics, local experts ensure that everything goes smoothly and stays within budget. They can also assist in applying to Iceland’s reimbursement scheme, saving production up to 35% on expenses.

The Impact of Tax Rebate in Iceland

The Icelandic government offers one of Europe’s most competitive incentive programs, with a rebate of up to 35% on qualified production costs. This applies to feature films and television series. Productions that spend at least ISK 350 million, approximately €2.5 million, may claim the highest level of this rebate, which has attracted many large-scale productions to the country.

Sustainability in Filmmaking

Iceland is committed to sustainable filmmaking. Many production companies, including Polarama, prioritize green filming practices. Thanks to these geothermal energy sources and the effort put into reducing environmental impact, Iceland proves to be an ideal destination for eco-friendly productions.

Let’s talk

Filming in Iceland offers everything from stunning natural landscapes to generous tax incentives and experienced local crews. With a production partner like Polarama, your project will be executed efficiently and with the best Iceland offers. Want to get started on your next job? Give us a call today to start planning your shoot in the land of fire and ice.