Flying a drone in Iceland 2026: current rules and where still legal to fly
Martin & Tina•
04. 01. 2026
TravelEquipment
Planning a trip to Iceland and already packing your drone in your backpack? You’re doing well, but be prepared that the rules have changed over the years. Iceland’s landscape is hypnotic from a bird’s eye view, but due to a massive increase in tourism and a desire to protect bird nesting sites and the peace of mind of visitors, authorities have tightened surveillance considerably. In 2026, it’s no longer enough to just unpack the remote and take off. But if you know the current legislation and know where to go away from the main crowds, you can still get unique shots that will take your Icelandic diary to another level. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the responsibilities and show you the locations where droning is still allowed and visually absolutely stunning.
As a member of EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency), Iceland consistently enforces uniform European standards. Before you head to Keflavik Airport, make sure you meet these key points for the “Open” category (drones up to 25 kg):
Registration and marking: you must be registered as a drone operator in the EU/EEA. The operator’s registration number must be visibly displayed on the drone.
Visual Contact (VLOS): the pilot must have the drone in direct visual range at all times during flight.
Maximum height and crowds: you may fly up to a maximum height of 120 metres above the ground. It is strictly forbidden to fly over crowds.
National Parks and prohibitions:Flying is prohibited in the national parks (Vatnajökull, Snæfellsjökull and Þingvellir) without a special permit. Likewise, please respect the prohibition signs at the main waterfalls such as Gullfoss or Skógafoss.
Compulsory insurance: although not often mentioned in shortlists, liability insurance is required for 2026. You must have a valid certificate (ideally in English) confirming that your policy covers any damage caused by the operation of the drone to third parties.
You have a certain advantage if you are travelling with a lightweight machine under 250 grams, such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro. While you don’t have to take a pilot test for these models, registration, drone marking and valid insurance remain a requirement. This weight category does allow you to fly over individuals to a limited extent, but all the restrictions regarding national parks and protected waterfalls apply to you just as they do to large professional drones.
Road to Mount Vestrahorn, southeast Iceland (September 2021, DJI Mavic Air).
Where can you still get top shots in 2026?
Although the scope for legal flying is narrowing, Iceland is huge and the less popular spots often offer much more dramatic scenery without the crowds in the way.
Kvernufoss Waterfall: The hidden neighbour of the famous Skógafoss. While flying is forbidden at its bigger brother, the situation is much more relaxed at Kvernufoss Canyon and its steep walls look fantastic on a drone.
Black beach near VÃk: Instead of the exposed Reynisfjara, try the beach just outside the town of VÃk. The contrast of the black sand and white foam of the surf is breathtaking from here.
Grábrók Crater: Grábrók offers symmetrical views into the crater interior and the paths create a beautiful addition to the crater. This is one of our favorite places we’ve ever flown a drone.
Lava fields along the Ring Road: the entire ring road is lined with endless moss-covered lava fields. These are the perfect places to stop safely at a rest stop and catch a glimpse of the true Icelandic wilderness.
Flying a drone in Iceland in 2026 is about responsibility. If you respect the privacy of others and avoid restricted zones, you’ll take away the best memories. Then you can always find more up-to-date rules on the official Iceland.is website.
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