7 Famous Vatnajökull Film Locations You Can Explore
From the frozen planet in Interstellar to the icy wilderness beyond the Wall in Game of Thrones, Vatnajökull has appeared in some of cinema’s most memorable scenes.
The best-known Vatnajökull film locations include Svínafellsjökull glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the landscapes around Skaftafell and nearby Breiðamerkursandur. Many can be appreciated from established viewpoints, while exploring the glacier itself requires specialist equipment and professional guidance.
Here are seven film connections worth discovering on your next trip to Southeast Iceland.
Why Is Vatnajökull So Popular With Filmmakers?
Imagine looking for a location that could represent an alien planet, a remote Himalayan monastery or a frozen kingdom beyond civilization.
Around Vatnajökull, filmmakers have found all three.
The region contains enormous ice fields, steep mountains, glacier tongues, volcanic sand plains and lagoons filled with floating icebergs. Within a relatively small area, these landscapes create remarkably different settings.
Vatnajökull is not one single filming spot. It is a vast glacier system with numerous outlet glaciers, surrounded by distinctive landscapes. Understanding that difference helps when planning a visit.
For example, Svínafellsjökull is an outlet glacier associated with several famous productions, while Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon where major action scenes have been filmed.
The scenery also changes over time. Glaciers retreat, ice formations develop and disappear, and a location photographed twenty years ago may look very different today.
That is part of what makes visiting these places so interesting: you are seeing the real, changing landscape behind the movie magic.
1. Interstellar (2014) — Svínafellsjökull, the Frozen Planet
Filming location: Svínafellsjökull glacier, near Skaftafell
In Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, astronauts travel across space searching for a planet where humanity might survive.
One of the most memorable destinations is Dr Mann’s frozen planet, an apparently endless world of ice and harsh conditions.
The filming location was much closer to home: Svínafellsjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull in Southeast Iceland.
Its broken ice formations, surrounding mountains and dramatic glacial landscape helped create the appearance of an unfamiliar planet.
Can you visit the Interstellar filming location?
Svínafellsjökull is located near Skaftafell, just off Iceland’s Ring Road.
The surrounding landscape can be appreciated from permitted viewpoints, subject to current access restrictions. However, the glacier itself is not an ordinary hiking trail.
There is also an important detail for film fans: the ice has changed significantly since filming took place in 2014. Do not expect to find exactly the same formations visible in the movie.
If you want to experience the scale and textures of Vatnajökull’s ice firsthand, a guided glacier hike is a better option than trying to reach an old film set.
During summer, Local Guide offers Glacier Discovery and other guided glacier experiences on Falljökull, another outlet glacier in the same region.
It is the next door neighbour to the glacier outlet from the Interstellar filming location, but part of the same extraordinary ice-covered landscape of Vatnajökull, Europes biggest glacier.
2. Batman Begins (2005) — Bruce Wayne’s Himalayan Training Ground
Filming location: Svínafellsjökull and the surrounding Vatnajökull landscape
Before Christian Bale’s Batman appeared on the rooftops of Gotham City, Bruce Wayne underwent training in a remote mountain environment.
Although the story places these scenes in the Himalayas, parts of the sequence were filmed in Iceland.
Svínafellsjökull and its surrounding landscape provided the dramatic frozen setting for the League of Shadows training scenes.
This is an especially interesting location for Christopher Nolan fans because he returned to the same region years later to film Interstellar.
Two completely different fictional worlds were created using the landscape of one Icelandic glacier.
What makes this filming location special?
The mountains rising around Svínafellsjökull create a sense of isolation that is difficult to reproduce on a studio set.
But there is a difference between recognizing the setting and reaching the exact filming position.
Movie crews operate with specialist equipment, permissions and professional safety teams. Their routes are not necessarily accessible to visitors today.
For travelers, viewing the landscape from an authorized location is the appropriate way to appreciate its cinematic history.
3. Game of Thrones (2011–2019) — Beyond the Wall
Filming locations: Vatnajökull outlet glaciers and the Skaftafell region
Winter is coming. Or, in this case, winter was already here.
For the early seasons of HBO’s Game of Thrones, Iceland provided many of the frozen landscapes north of the Wall.
Scenes involving the Night’s Watch and the Wildlings were filmed around Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers, including Svínafellsjökull, and other locations in Iceland.
The combination of snow, glacier ice and rugged mountain scenery made the region a convincing setting for the dangerous territory beyond the Seven Kingdoms.
A little Game of Thrones connection from our own team
At Local Guide, we’ve been following Game of Thrones closely over the years. In fact, we’re such fans that we’ve even named our Super Jeeps after characters from the series!
With Vatnajökull practically being our backyard, we’ve also had the occasional glimpse of filming activity around places like Svínafellsjökull. It’s not every day that the landscapes we explore for work become part of one of the world’s biggest television shows.
And the connection doesn’t stop there. We’ve even guided a Game of Thrones-inspired wedding on the glacier, helping couples bring a little Westeros magic into their own Icelandic adventure.
Where can Game of Thrones fans go?
The Skaftafell region is a good starting point for appreciating the landscapes associated with these scenes.
You can explore designated walking routes, enjoy mountain and glacier viewpoints, and learn more about the national park.
Keep in mind that not every famous Game of Thrones location is near Vatnajökull. Grjótagjá, Dimmuborgir and Kirkjufell, for example, are in other parts of Iceland.
If your main interest is the frozen landscapes beyond the Wall, Southeast Iceland is particularly relevant.
For an additional adventure, summer visitors can explore the ice with a certified glacier guide on Falljökull. The experience doesn’t recreate a specific television scene, but it offers a chance to discover the real glacier landscapes that helped bring the world of Westeros to life.
4. Die Another Day (2002) — James Bond at Jökulsárlón
Filming location: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Few Icelandic filming locations are as recognizable as Jökulsárlón.
In the James Bond film Die Another Day, starring Pierce Brosnan, the lagoon became the setting for an elaborate action sequence involving vehicles racing across ice.
The production used the frozen lagoon as part of its spectacular icy setting.
Today, visitors encounter a very different experience: floating icebergs, shifting reflections and water flowing toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Can you walk on the ice at Jökulsárlón?
No. Visitors should never attempt to walk onto floating icebergs or frozen sections of the lagoon.
Icebergs can overturn unexpectedly, and the water is extremely cold. A location used by a professional film production is not automatically safe for independent exploration.
Instead, enjoy the lagoon from designated viewing areas and established paths.
Jökulsárlón is also the winter meeting point for Local Guide’s glacier adventures, making it a convenient place to combine sightseeing with a pre-booked guided experience.
For a deeper look at how conditions affect winter visits, read our latest Iceland ice cave conditions and seasonal updates.
5. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) — An Arctic Adventure at Jökulsárlón
Filming location: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Before James Bond’s icy car chase, Jökulsárlón had already appeared in another major action-adventure film.
Parts of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie, were filmed at the lagoon, which stood in for an Arctic environment.
It is a wonderful example of how Iceland’s natural scenery can represent somewhere entirely different on screen.
The enormous icebergs and mountain backdrop need very little cinematic transformation to look remote and extraordinary.
What should you look for when visiting?
The icebergs themselves are the main attraction.
Some appear bright white, others show deep blue sections, and some carry dark bands of volcanic sediment.
Their appearance depends on the ice, light and weather conditions, so two visits can look completely different.
Across the road from the lagoon, Diamond Beach offers another perspective as pieces of glacier ice wash onto the black sand.
Enjoy the scenery from a safe distance and keep well away from the surf.
6. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) — Vatnajökull as Greenland
Filming locations: Vatnajökull glacier and Breiðamerkursandur
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is famous for its beautiful Icelandic scenery, although the story often presents these locations as other countries.
Some scenes representing Greenland used the Vatnajökull glacier, while the broad black sand landscape of Breiðamerkursandur stood in for Afghanistan.
The contrast between white glacier ice and dark volcanic terrain illustrates why filmmakers are drawn to this part of Iceland.
Within the same region, the landscape can appear polar, volcanic or almost extraterrestrial.
Where is Breiðamerkursandur?
Breiðamerkursandur is the coastal sand plain around Jökulsárlón and the famous Diamond Beach.
It is easy to appreciate its scenery while traveling along the Ring Road.
Offroad driving is illegal in Iceland. Stay on established roads and park at the designated visitor areas rather than attempting to follow movie scenes across open terrain.
For travelers exploring the wider southern coast, this landscape makes a fascinating contrast to the waterfalls, green valleys and mountains farther west.
7. Dilwale (2015) — Bollywood Romance at Fjallsárlón and Vestrahorn
Filming locations: Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Vestrahorn
Hollywood is not the only film industry to discover Southeast Iceland.
The Bollywood film Dilwale, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, used spectacular locations around Vatnajökull, including Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Vestrahorn mountain area.
The romantic scenes showcase the contrast between glacier ice, water and dramatic mountain scenery.
Fjallsárlón lies west of Jökulsárlón, beneath the mountains and outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull. The little brother of the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon but at least as scenic and one of the perfect Vatnajökull film locations.
Vestrahorn, near Höfn, is farther east and is known for its sharply rising peaks above black sand. Many don’t know there is a movie set viking village, of a movie that was never filmed.
Can you visit both filming locations?
Yes, both are established sightseeing destinations, easily accessible on your ring road trip around Iceland.
Fjallsárlón offers lagoon viewpoints as well as scenic boat tours, while the Vestrahorn area includes access through Stokksnes, where a fee may apply.
Importantly, some scenes were created using professional arrangements that visitors must not attempt to reproduce, including standing on floating ice.
These locations are best appreciated from established viewing areas.
How to Plan Your Own Vatnajökull Film Location Road Trip
The good news is that several famous Vatnajökull film locations are accessible from Iceland’s Ring Road.
You do not need to visit every location in a single day. In fact, giving yourself enough time to appreciate the scenery often makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Suggested route from west to east
- Skaftafell: Explore established trails and enjoy views of the surrounding glacier landscape.
- Svínafellsjökull: Recognize the landscape associated with Interstellar, Batman Begins and Game of Thrones.
- Fjallsárlón: Visit the glacier lagoon featured in Dilwale.
- Jökulsárlón: Discover the setting of Die Another Day and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
- Breiðamerkursandur and Diamond Beach: Appreciate the black sand scenery associated with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
- Vestrahorn: Continue toward Höfn for the dramatic mountain scenery featured in Dilwale.
For most travelers, this works best as part of a longer South Coast itinerary rather than a rushed day trip from Reykjavík.
Before leaving, check road conditions, weather forecasts and access restrictions. Icelandic weather can change quickly, especially in winter.
For practical travel warnings, consult SafeTravel Iceland.
Can You Actually Walk on a Movie Glacier?
Seeing a glacier from a viewpoint and stepping onto its surface are two very different experiences.
The glacier scenes in Interstellar and Batman Begins were created in an environment containing moving ice, crevasses, steep slopes and changing conditions.
These hazards are not always visible to an inexperienced visitor.
That is why glacier exploration requires appropriate equipment, knowledge and careful route selection.
At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, our guides work with these changing conditions throughout the operating seasons. You can not explore a glacier by yourself. Tours need daily adjustment, glacier guides are extensively trained and safety equipment needs to always be maintained at the highest standards.
Which guided glacier experience should you choose?
Visiting May to September?
Our summer glacier hikes take place on Falljökull, with Glacier Encounter offering a shorter introduction to the ice and Glacier Discovery providing a longer exploration. Ice climbing is also available during its summer operating season.
Summer tours meet at Freysnes.
Visiting October to April?
Winter experiences operate from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Blue Ice Discovery combines glacier hiking with available blue ice features. The Ice Cave Tour focuses on a suitable natural ice cave or alternative ice formations, rather than promising a substantial glacier hike.
For a longer experience, Ice Cave Discovery is offered during selected winter months when daylight and conditions allow.
Public tours have a minimum age of 10 years. Families with younger children can enquire about suitable private experiences.
The precise route, formations and appearance of the ice always depend on conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vatnajökull Film Locations
Films associated with Vatnajökull and its outlet glaciers include Interstellar, Batman Begins and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. The surrounding region also appears in productions such as Die Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raiderand Dilwale.
The frozen planet scenes in Interstellar were filmed at Svínafellsjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull near Skaftafell in Southeast Iceland.
Yes. Parts of the early seasons, particularly scenes set beyond the Wall, were filmed around Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers and the Skaftafell region. Other Icelandic filming locations are spread across the country.
Die Another Day (2002), starring Pierce Brosnan, used Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for its famous icy action sequence. The lagoon is also associated with A View to a Kill (1985).
You can visit the Svínafellsjökull area where filming took place, subject to current access restrictions. However, the exact ice formations have changed since 2014, and glacier travel should not be attempted independently without appropriate expertise and equipment.
Several established viewpoints, including Jökulsárlón, can be visited in winter when road and weather conditions permit. Some trails and glacier approaches may be restricted or unsuitable. Always check conditions before traveling.
Not necessarily. Local Guide’s summer glacier hikes operate on Falljökull, while winter tours explore suitable ice features from the Jökulsárlón area. These experiences offer an opportunity to explore the same wider glacier region, but they are not dedicated film-location tours.
Experience the Real Landscape Behind the Movies
There is something special about standing in a place you have already seen on screen.
But Vatnajökull is much more than a collection of famous filming locations.
The glaciers continue to move and change, new ice formations develop, and the scenery never stays exactly the same.
Whether you are drawn here by Interstellar, Game of Thrones or simply the extraordinary landscape, take time to explore the region beyond the camera angles.
If you would like to experience the glacier itself, explore Local Guide’s glacier hikes and ice cave tours to find an adventure suited to your season and interests.
The movie scenery brought you here. The real glacier might be what you remember most.
About the Author — Local Guide of Vatnajökull
This article was prepared by the team at Local Guide of Vatnajökull, a family-owned glacier guiding company operating in Southeast Iceland since 1991.
Our articles draw on decades of guiding experience, firsthand glacier observations and knowledge shared by our certified glacier guides. We aim to provide accurate, practical information to help travelers plan their Iceland adventures.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026
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Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike in Iceland: Which Is Best?
Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike in Iceland: Which Is Best? Planning a glacier adventure in Iceland but not sure whether to explore a natural ice cave or hike across the ice? The ice cave tour vs glacier hike decision depends on more than which activity looks best in photographs. Your travel season, fitness level and interests all make a difference. At Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier, the experiences change with the seasons. Summer is the time for traditional glacier hiking on Falljökull, while winter brings opportunities to discover natural ice caves and blue ice formations on Breiðamerkurjökull. But winter visitors don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. Some adventures combine glacier hiking with blue ice exploration, offering a different experience from a focused ice cave visit. At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, we’ve been guiding visitors since 1991. Here’s how the experiences compare, what to expect in each season and which adventure is right for you. Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike: What’s the Difference? The main difference between an ice cave tour vs glacier hike is the focus of the activity. A glacier hike takes you onto the glacier’s surface to explore its terrain, ice formations and surrounding landscapes. An ice cave tour focuses on visiting a naturally formed cave, tunnel or another accessible blue ice feature. At Local Guide, there is also an important seasonal difference. In summer (May–September), we offer dedicated glacier hikes on Falljökull, near Skaftafell. In winter (October–April), our tours operate on Breiðamerkurjökull, near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Visitors can choose a focused ice cave experience or an adventure combining glacier hiking with blue ice exploration. Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike: Quick Comparison Feature Ice Cave Tour Glacier Hike Main focus Natural ice cave or blue ice formation Walking and exploring glacier terrain Experience Focused ice feature exploration Active glacier walking Walking Approach walk; varies with conditions A central part of the activity Photography Ice caves, tunnels and blue ice textures Landscapes, ridges and ice formations Local Guide’s season Winter Summer, plus combined winter adventures Glacier Breiðamerkurjökull Falljökull in summer; Breiðamerkurjökull in winter Best for Travellers prioritising natural blue ice Travellers interested in hiking and exploration The key takeaway: If you’re visiting Iceland in summer, a traditional glacier hike is an excellent way to explore Vatnajökull. If you’re travelling in winter, you can choose between a focused ice cave visit and a glacier hike combined with blue ice features. What Is a Glacier Hike in Iceland? A glacier hike is a guided walk across the surface of a glacier, using specialised equipment such as crampons to travel over ice. Rather than visiting one particular formation, the experience focuses on exploring the glacier itself. Your guide leads you through a landscape shaped by ice movement, melting and changing weather. Along the way, you may encounter fascinating ice formations, ridges, crevasses viewed from suitable positions and remarkable mountain scenery. Glacier hikes can vary in difficulty, from shorter introductory walks to longer adventures involving more elevation gain. Summer Glacier Hiking on Falljökull From May to September, Local Guide operates its dedicated glacier hikes on Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull near Skaftafell National Park. This glacier is known for its dramatic icefall, rugged terrain and impressive glacial landscapes. Our summer experiences include: Glacier Encounter — A shorter, approximately three-hour introduction to glacier hiking, ideal for first-time visitors and families who want to experience walking on glacier ice. Glacier Discovery — A more active, approximately four-hour glacier hike exploring farther up Falljökull towards its impressive icefall. Both experiences introduce visitors to the glacier’s natural environment, with different amounts of walking and physical commitment. Summer glacier hiking is an excellent option for travellers who enjoy outdoor activities, want to learn about glaciers and prefer exploring wide landscapes rather than concentrating on entering a cave. For a more detailed explanation of glacier terrain and equipment, read our Ultimate Guide to Glacier Hikes in Vatnajökull. What Is an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland? An ice cave tour focuses on exploring natural formations within or along a glacier, rather than hiking extensively across its surface. These formations develop as meltwater, glacier movement and seasonal conditions reshape the ice. Depending on the location, visitors may encounter tunnels, cave passages, sculpted blue ice walls or other remarkable features. Natural ice caves are constantly changing. Their size, colour, accessibility and shape can differ significantly between seasons, and even from one week to the next. Winter Ice Cave Tours on Breiðamerkurjökull From October to April, Local Guide’s winter operations move to Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Our Ice Cave Tour is designed primarily around visiting the best safely accessible natural ice cave or blue ice formation available on the day. After meeting your guide at Jökulsárlón, you’ll travel towards the glacier in a modified 4×4 vehicle. From there, you continue on foot to reach the selected formation. An important distinction: our Ice Cave Tour is not a dedicated glacier hike. Although walking is required, and the route may occasionally involve travelling across glacier ice, the main purpose is to explore a natural ice cave or another suitable blue ice feature. Walking distances depend on the season, weather and glacier access. Visitors should still be prepared for uneven, slippery or snowy terrain. The experience normally lasts approximately 2.5–4 hours in total, including transport and preparation. This is a good choice for visitors who are particularly interested in natural blue ice formations and prefer a focused experience rather than a longer glacier hike. If you’re researching an ice cave tour vs glacier hike for a winter visit, this distinction is especially useful: the Ice Cave Tour prioritises the ice formation, while our other winter adventures include more substantial glacier hiking. Can You Go Glacier Hiking and Visit Blue Ice Caves in Winter? Yes. You can enjoy a guided glacier hike and explore blue ice formations during the same winter adventure. This is where the ice cave tour vs glacier hike comparison becomes