Iceland Geothermal Craters From Above | Limited Edition of 10

Turquoise Geothermal Craters In Icelandic Mineral Landscape

From above, parts of Iceland look less like a landscape and more like a living canvas of earth and water slowly reshaping itself. This aerial photograph captures two geothermal craters surrounded by mineral-stained ground in one of the most geologically active regions of northern Iceland. The terrain here is constantly shifting, colored by centuries of volcanic heat rising from below the surface.

The first thing that caught my attention was the pair of turquoise pools sitting inside these weathered geothermal craters. Their edges are rough and fractured, shaped by heat and mineral deposits over time. Around them, the earth changes color in subtle gradients—burnt orange, gray, and pale sand tones that spread outward like brush strokes across the ground. These tones come from iron, sulfur, and other minerals that accumulate around the hot-water vents scattered across the area.

Photographing this scene from the air completely changes the way the land reveals itself. Standing on the ground, it’s difficult to see the broader patterns forming across the geothermal field. But from above, the shapes become almost abstract. The two craters feel like anchors in the composition, surrounded by layers of texture that stretch across the landscape in irregular circles and soft ridges. The contrast between the cool blue water and the warm mineral earth creates a striking balance that immediately drew my eye while flying the drone overhead.

I captured this photograph during an exploration of the geothermal areas surrounding Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland. It’s one of the most unusual landscapes I’ve ever photographed—quiet, steaming in places, and constantly colored by the mineral activity below the surface. Seeing these formations from the air felt like looking down at a geological map in motion.

Each print of this photograph is produced using archival pigment inks on museum-quality paper and personally signed by me as part of a limited edition of ten. A certificate of authenticity accompanies every print, confirming its place within the edition and the original location where the photograph was created.

Because of its natural abstract qualities, this image works particularly well in contemporary interiors, where color and texture play a role in the room's overall design. The turquoise pools immediately draw attention, while the surrounding earth tones keep the composition grounded and calm. It’s the kind of image that invites a closer look, the longer you live with it.

If you enjoy dramatic volcanic landscapes photographed from the air, you can explore more images from this region in my Iceland geothermal landscape photography collection.

© Dan Kosmayer, 2022