These documentaries about Iceland, a land of mesmerizing landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural heritage, capture the imagination of travellers to the country.
Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, this island nation is a place of stark contrasts, where volcanic fury meets glacial serenity, and where ancient sagas echo through its dramatic terrain.
Documentaries About Iceland
In this selection of documentaries about Iceland, you will discover the wonders and mysteries of the country, a land often described as a realm of fire and ice. From the breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers to the intriguing stories of its Viking past, Iceland’s allure is undeniable.
On a personal note, I have visited Iceland two times for a total of 8 weeks in the country, once in winter and once in summer, and it’s truly one of the most magical places I have been to.
Some of these documentaries are free to watch on YouTube whereas others you will have to find online to watch such as Amazon, etc.
Tip: You can get a 1-month free trial of Amazon Prime (get with that link) where you can watch some of these documentaries about Iceland if you don’t already have an account.
Iceland: Land of Ice and Fire (2016)
Iceland: Land of Ice and Fire is one of the best documentaries about Iceland and explores the stunning landscapes, geology, and natural wonders of Iceland.
The film showcases Iceland’s unique features, including its glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines. It delves into the geological processes that have shaped the country and highlights the dynamic forces of nature at work in this remote island nation.
Iceland: Land of Ice and Fire not only focuses on the natural beauty of the country but also provides insights into the cultural and historical significance of Iceland’s landscapes. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the land’s contrasts, where ice and fire coexist in a delicate balance.
This documentary is an excellent choice for anyone interested in Iceland’s geology, natural wonders, and the sheer magnificence of its untamed landscapes. It’s a visual feast that captures the essence of Iceland’s unique character.
Iceland With Alexander Armstrong (2021)
This documentary series follows the presenter Alexander Armstrong as he travels across Iceland exploring the landscapes, meeting the locals, and learning about the unique culture of the country.
This is an excellent and up-to-date series that gives really good insights into Iceland and is great fun to watch.
Under an Arctic Sky (2017)
Under an Arctic Sky follows a group of surfers as they embark on a journey to the remote and icy waters of Iceland in search of the perfect wave.
The documentary captures the challenges and the breathtaking beauty of surfing in the Arctic Circle, where the surfers encounter extreme weather conditions, freezing temperatures, and the unique landscapes of Iceland.
The film not only showcases the surfers’ quest for adventure but also explores the environmental and cultural aspects of the region. It blends elements of adventure, nature, and the human spirit, making it a great watch for both surfing enthusiasts and those interested in visually striking scenes of Iceland in winter.
This is a personal favourite of mine. The cinematography of Iceland in winter is simply breathtaking.
Watch on Amazon:
Trailer:
Fire & Iceland (2022)
Fire & Iceland is one of the more recent documentaries about Iceland that shows the people who live in the shadows of the mighty volcanoes of the country.
They talk about the challenges involved and the sheer beauty of the volcanic life that Iceland is famous for. This documentary has some excellent volcano scenes to watch.
Watch on Amazon:
Trailer:
BBC – Volcano Live, Iceland Erupts (2010)
Volcano Live: Iceland Erupts is a documentary that was part of a BBC series exploring volcanic activity and eruptions. The program specifically focused on the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland in 2010.
The documentary aimed to capture the unfolding events and the scientific aspects of the eruption. It included live broadcasts and interviews with experts to provide viewers with a real-time and in-depth understanding of the volcanic activity.
The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull led to the closure of airspace over many European countries for several days, affecting millions of travellers.
Iceland – Majestic Natural Paradise on Top of the World
There are some great full free documentaries about Iceland on YouTube that you can watch, with many about nature given the stunning scenery and unique geological formations in the country.
This is one of the best for nature:
Iceland, Experiencing the Raw Forces of Nature
Iceland, Experiencing the Raw Forces of Nature follows some Icelanders in the country as they explore different landscapes and show how having a sense of freedom and self-sufficiency that is truly unique is a way of life for the local people.
Some amazing raw nature scenery in this one.
Another free documentary to watch on YouTube:
The Ancient Sagas of Iceland
Another one that is free on YouTube and is especially good if you want some of the history of Iceland from the time of the Vikings.
Description from the video: Hundreds of years ago in faraway Iceland the Vikings began to write down dozens of stories – called sagas. These sagas are priceless historical documents which bring to life the Viking world.
This is one of the best documentaries about Iceland for the history of the Vikings in Iceland.
Breathtaking Iceland – The Stunning Beauty of Vatnajökull National Park
Europe’s largest glacier, the gigantic Vatnajökull, is located in Iceland and covers an area of around 9,000 square kilometres. Beneath it lie the world’s most active and dangerous volcanoes.
This extreme landscape is as dangerous as it is fascinating: glistening white glacier tongues, lagoons covered with icebergs, bizarre green lava mountains, snow-covered volcanic cones, solidified lava flows and imposing waterfalls overwhelm everyone who gets to see them.
In 2008, Icelanders declared the glacier and adjacent areas a national park, the largest in Europe. In this documentary, the team meets people who live, work or do research here: a life with the dangers of fire and ice in the overwhelming landscape of Vatnajökull National Park.
This is another free one on YouTube to watch:
Nat Geo Wild Islands Iceland
Another free one to watch on YouTube, and again about the wild nature in Iceland.
Iceland
These documentaries about Iceland offer a captivating glimpse into the enchanting world of the country. They take us from the rugged beauty of its untamed landscapes to the heart of its ancient myths and modern challenges.
Also, have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Norway.
For more on Iceland take a look at the 10 best books about Iceland to read.
Whether you seek the thrill of volcanic eruptions or the serenity of icy vistas, the tales of the Viking sagas or the modern struggles of its people, Iceland continues to be an extraordinary and endlessly fascinating destination for both filmmakers and travellers alike.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland you can find hotels in Reykjavik here.
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