Photographs selected by Jeff Campagna

It’s known as the Land of Fire and Ice for a reason. Sitting atop a volcanic hot spot, Iceland is a geographical contradiction. The frigid temperatures, icy landscape and glaciers coexist with some of the most active volcanoes in the world. A day of hiking up snowcapped mountains might end with a warm dip in a hot spring. Iceland also boasts one of the world’s few black sand beaches and its own equine breed. Curious yet? Satisfy that curiosity. Take a look.

2 - The Tungnaa River originates from the western slope of Vatnajokull Glacier, then flows southwest until it merges with the Thjorsa River, the longest in Iceland.
The Tungnaa River originates from the western slope of Vatnajokull Glacier, then flows southwest until it merges with the Thjorsa River, the longest in Iceland. Luigi Ruoppolo, Landmannalaugar, 2022
3 - A puffin, with its colorful accents in view, poses at the edge of a cliff in southern Iceland.
A puffin, with its colorful accents in view, poses at the edge of a cliff in southern Iceland. Beverly Houwing, Ingolfshofdi, 2023
4 - An aerial view captures the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, which last erupted in January 2024. Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hotspot, experiences an eruption every four to five years.
An aerial view captures the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, which last erupted in January 2024. Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hotspot, experiences an eruption every four to five years. Nathan Wood, Fagradalsfjall Volcano, 2021

5 - Often pony-sized, Icelandic horses, known for their muscular bodies and their ability to grow long hair in the winter and shorter hair in the summer, snack on sparse roughage seemingly unaware of the picturesque mountain view nearby.
Often pony-sized, Icelandic horses, known for their muscular bodies and their ability to grow long hair in the winter and shorter hair in the summer, snack on sparse roughage seemingly unaware of the picturesque mountain view nearby. Giovanna Dell’Acqua, Iceland, 2019
6 - A dimly lit shack stands on the shore on the west coast of Iceland.
A dimly lit shack stands on the shore on the west coast of Iceland. Luke Madden, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, 2022
7 - The power of water is evident at Hrafnabjargafoss, a waterfall in Skjalfandafljot River, which is one of the longest in Iceland.
The power of water is evident at Hrafnabjargafoss, a waterfall in Skjalfandafljot River, which is one of the longest in Iceland. Mike Eyett, Hrafnabjargafoss waterfall, 2022

8 - An Arctic fox hunts in the remote northwest corner of Hornvik Bay where the isolated landscape allows much of the wildlife to remain undisturbed.
An Arctic fox hunts in the remote northwest corner of Hornvik Bay where the isolated landscape allows much of the wildlife to remain undisturbed. Conrad Dickinson, Hornvik Bay, 2023
9 - Iceland’s ice-draped caves, created when water from the glacier melts parts of it away, change color depending on how the sunlight hits them.
Iceland’s ice-draped caves, created when water from the glacier melts parts of it away, change color depending on how the sunlight hits them. Agnieszka Wieczorek, Vatnajokull, 2021
10 - Iceland has nearly 50 hot springs, natural bodies of waters that are usually heated by underground volcanoes.
Iceland has nearly 50 hot springs, natural bodies of waters that are usually heated by underground volcanoes. Madhusudan Hari, Icelandic Highlands, 2023

11 - A drone captures the eerie eruption of a volcano in Iceland as fiery lava escapes and pours onto the earth.
A drone captures the eerie eruption of a volcano in Iceland as fiery lava escapes and pours onto the earth. Miki Spitzer, Iceland, 2021
12 - The Laugavegur long-distance trail runs from the Landmannalaugar geothermal springs to the Thorsmork nature reserve.
The Laugavegur long-distance trail runs from the Landmannalaugar geothermal springs to the Thorsmork nature reserve. Michele Discardi, Laugavegur trail, 2022
13 - The iconic Reynisfjara Beach is said to have waves 120 feet high. It’s also known for its black sand, basalt columns and arched cliff.
The iconic Reynisfjara Beach is said to have waves 120 feet high. It’s also known for its black sand, basalt columns and arched cliff. Luigi Ruoppolo, Vik i Myrdal, 2020

14 - Red craters and beautiful yellow-green mountains overlook the Hnausapollur crater lake in the Fjallabak nature reserve.
Red craters and beautiful yellow-green mountains overlook the Hnausapollur crater lake in the Fjallabak nature reserve. Luigi Ruoppolo, Landmannalaugar, 2022
15 - The orange hue caused by the setting sun complements the striking color of the Svortuloft Lighthouse—a vivid combo creating a beautiful landscape.
The orange hue caused by the setting sun complements the striking color of the Svortuloft Lighthouse—a vivid combo creating a beautiful landscape. Dan Scott, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, 2023

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Jeff Campagna

Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna.

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.