Beyond Trapped: Our Favourite Filming Locations in Iceland

Iceland’s dramatic landscape and 24-hour daylight in summer continue to make it the ideal location of shooting TV and film.  Do you recognise these iconic backdrops below? For your own cinematic experience, we’ve rounded up the movies and TV series that were shot in the most awe-inspiring locations in Iceland.

Batman Begins (2005) Svínafellsjökull Glacier

One of the most epic fight scenes shot on the Svínafellsjökull Glacier on the south coast of Iceland. Often called the “Hollywood Glacier”, Svínafellsjökull is in an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. To witness this stunning phenomenon in nature, you only need to drive a few kilometres east from Skaftafell.

Prometheus (2012) Dettifoss

Surrounded by a dystopian aesthetic, Dettifoss starred in Ridley Scott’s science-fiction epic. The raw power of the waterfall amplifies its beauty. Tons of water, slush, and foam whirled in a furious torrent, cascading from a height of 44 meters. Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe and the perfect location for the opening scene of Prometheus.

Trapped (2016) Siglufjörður

Rugged, vast landscapes surround the historic fishing town by the fjord, Siglufjörður. Located in the far north, this beautiful town plays a prominent role in Trapped. Nestled in a narrow fjord and isolated from the rest of the country, it’s the perfect location for two things. A peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle…and murder!

Captain America: Civil War (2016) Vík

One of the most popular destinations in South Iceland is the village of Vík. Situated in the foothills of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Vík could be described as the capital of the Black Sand beaches. Few other places in Iceland offer as many contrasts in nature as Vik. The peaceful seafront is set along a dramatic stretch of coastline, poised between glacier topped mountains. The contrast in nature reflects the film’s storyline perfectly.

The Tree of Life (2011) Krafla volcano and Námafjall

The epic drama The Tree of Life is about the origins and meaning of life. Iceland served as the perfect location to represent the ‘young earth’. Filmed at the picturesque area around the Krafla volcano in Northern Iceland, this otherworldly place is extremely active with bubbling mud pots. Terrence Malick seems to have a penchant for the Mývatn region as he is back shooting a new film in Northern Iceland.