Favourite Music Videos Shot in Iceland
It’s well known that Iceland is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, so it’s hardly surprising that so many music artists and bands over the years have chosen to shoot their music videos in Iceland. Top artists have used Iceland’s black sand beaches, lava fields, waterfalls and other famous features as their backdrops.
If you’d like to see these sights for yourself, you can do so with a car rental in Iceland. Booking a car with Lava Car Rental allows you to explore some of Iceland’s most stunning locations at your own pace, on your own schedule, as you craft the perfect Iceland road trip itinerary for your interests and needs.
Ready to get started with your planning, adding some amazing stops to that itinerary? Here are some of our favourite music videos shot in Iceland and the real-life locations featured in each.
Why Iceland is Perfect for Music Videos
But first — why exactly do so many popular artists and bands decide to film music videos in Iceland? There are a few key reasons.
First, there are the many different landscapes that artists have to choose from, when they shoot a music video in Iceland. Unlike some destinations that might only offer cityscapes or desert landscapes, Iceland offers a bit of everything. From charming villages to Reykjavik’s city streets to volcanoes to waterfalls to beaches to vast plains, there’s something to fit just about any music video vision.
Additionally, and maybe even more importantly, many artists find Iceland’s landscapes to be uniquely inspirational. Iceland’s dramatic scenery and rich culture provide them with an unforgettable experience.
Lastly, Iceland has its own artists who choose to highlight their home country in their music videos, showcasing both Iceland’s natural beauty and its natural talent.
You can have the same unforgettable experiences that have inspired countless artists, with a car rental in Iceland.
Explore Iconic Music Video Locations in Iceland
There are so many famous music video shooting locations in Iceland, with artists like Beyonce and Justin Bieber coming to the Land of Fire and Ice to create videos for some of their most famous tracks. Find one of your favourites among our list below, and be sure to visit these video music shooting spots during your Iceland trip — or drive to all of them in an Iceland music video-themed road trip!
- Justin Bieber – “I’ll Show You”
Justin Bieber’s single “I’ll Show You” came out in 2015, along with a music video that was largely shot in Iceland’s South Coast. Shooting locales included Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Fjadargljufur Canyon, Seljalandfoss waterfall, Reynisfara black sand beach and the famous Iceland plane wreckage on Solheimasandur.
Supposedly, the music video was shot in Iceland simply because Justin Bieber had always wanted to visit — we don’t blame him! — and that choice heavily paid off. The video received praise from publications like Billboard, which called the video “a beautiful clip full of nature’s glory.”
- Major Lazer ft. Justin Bieber – “Cold Water”
Apparently Justin Bieber had plenty of fun during his Iceland shoot for “I’ll Show You,” because he decided to return with Major Lazer when the two released their music video for 2016’s “Cold Water.” This music video features several different Iceland sites, including Sólheimajökull glacier, Sólheimasandur black sand beach, Skógafoss waterfall, Skaftárhraun lava field and Dyrhólaey.
Unfortunately there was some controversy surrounding this particular music video. The talent and team were accused of damaging Iceland’s fragile ecosystems during the shooting process. For example, when shooting in a lava field, dancers performed on delicate moss that would take multiple years to grow back.
If you decide to visit Iceland and see some of these amazing natural habitats, be sure to respect the landscapes and leave them in the same condition in which you found them.
- “Gerua” from the movie “Dilwale”
If you’re a Bollywood fan, then you’ll possibly recognise this music video. The 2015 Indian film “Dilwale” includes the Hindi song “Gerua,” and a music video for the song was shot in Iceland.
Again, producers used Iceland’s South Coast and all its dramatic scenery as the backdrop to their music video. Throughout the video, you’ll spot the airplane wreckage on the Solheimasandur black sand beach, the Reynisdrangar rocks, Vestrahorn mountain, Skogafoss waterfall, Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
The music video achieved massive success, both with critics and commercially, with the former saying that the video managed to capture the “mesmerising beauty” of Iceland. The video was also the first Hindi film song to cross 100 million views on YouTube.
- David Guetta ft. Sia – “She Wolf”
Like the “Cold Water” video, this music video was also controversial, but for a totally different reason. Released by David Guetta and Sia in 2012, in some countries, the video was broadcasted with a warning for violence and nudity, as the music video depicts a woman/wolf being hunted across the Icelandic landscapes. Chosen spots for the video included Langjokull glacier, Reykjanes peninsula and the areas near Reykjanesviti and Krysuvik.
- Zara Larsson ft. MNEK – “Never Forget You”
Released in 2015, this music video from Zara Larsson and MNEK shows a young girl and her imaginary friend, in an Icelandic setting. As was the case with “She Wolf,” “Never Forget You” also features the Reykjanes peninsula.
- Jonas Blue ft. RAYE – “By Your Side”
Premiering in 2016, this Iceland music video features a woman walking through an Icelandic landscape and along the cliffs. The natural setting is juxtaposed against a party scene.
- Bon Iver – “Holocene”
This music video has been lauded for its depictions of so many different aspects of Iceland. Again, producers chose South Iceland for their setting, featuring black sand beaches, lagoons, volcanoes and basalt columns near Vik. The video’s story centres around a small boy wandering the vast, giant landscapes. The video was heavily praised by myriad media outlets, with one even saying that it was proof that the art of the music video was not yet dead.
- Marco Mengoni – “Ti ho voluto bene veramente”
This Italian music video features Reynisfajra and Grotta in Reykjavik, as well as various Icelandic geographical features like glaciers, black sand beaches and mossy landscapes.
- Avril Lavigne – “Head Above Water”
The music video for this 2018 single from Avril Lavigne has achieved more than 100 million views on YouTube. The video follows Lavigne walking on a rocky beach near Vik I Myrdal, as well as in a few more oceanside settings in Iceland. The video’s end features a call to action for Lavigne’s nonprofit, which works to fund treatment for Lyme disease.
- Woodkid – “I Love You”
This unique black and white video shows off the South Coast as well, including Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, Solheimajokull glacier and geothermal areas in the Reykjanes peninsula.
H3: Music Videos from Iceland Artists
Beyond international artists’ music videos shot in Iceland, you can also find an array of music videos shot in Iceland, for and by Icelandic creators.
Check out the below for a taste of Iceland’s music scene.
- KALEO – “Save Yourself”
This Icelandic band shot its music video on a moving iceberg in Fjallsarlon Glacier Lake. The time-intensive endeavour was well worth it, as the resulting video is admittedly magnificent.
- Ásgeir - King And Cross
This music video shows off Iceland’s rocky, mossy and remote countryside.
- Sigur Rós – “Glósóli”
This Icelandic band’s music video features black sand beaches and Iceland’s more remote landscapes.
- Björk – “Jóga”
If you know any Icelandic musician, you probably know Bjork. Check out her video for “Joga,” which heavily features Icelandic landscapes.
Why Book with Lava Car Rental?
Feeling inspired to travel across Iceland now that you’ve witnessed the island’s beauty paired with the power of music? You’ll need a car rental in Iceland to get you around — and that’s where Lava Car Rental is perfectly positioned to help.
Here’s what you can expect when you book with Lava Car Rental.
Freedom to Explore: Our wide range of vehicles ensures that there’s something for everyone, no matter what type of traveller you are. Whether you’re a travelling couple on a budget, a group of friends, or a family, we have a vehicle that will suit your needs — and give you the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace. From smooth coastal roads to rugged mountain paths, you can go where you want, when you want. All of Iceland awaits.
Comfort and Reliability: If you’re planning on a long Iceland road trip, such as a 10-day trek around the Ring Road, you’ll need a vehicle that’s comfortable and reliable at every turn. Our well-maintained vehicles can handle just about any terrain, with 4x4 options for the Highlands in the summer months or anywhere in the winter months, and camper vans outfitted with all the gear you’ll want for an Iceland camping trip. All the while, you’ll stay comfy thanks to vehicle amenities like heated seats and large dash monitors with all the modern connectivity you might need.
24-hour availability: It doesn’t matter when you arrive in Iceland. You can pick up your rental car at any time, thanks to our handy self-service option. Prefer a more hands-on approach? Our team can pick you up at the Keflavik airport after your flight arrives and transport you to the nearby rental office, where we’ll ensure you’re well-equipped to take to the road for your Iceland adventure.
Insurance included: When you book your Iceland car rental right on the Lava Car Rental website, you’ll enjoy extra peace of mind. Insurance is included with all rentals, including TPL, CDW, SCDW, theft protection and gravel protection. Want even more coverage, like sand and ash coverage? We have extra options to choose from.
Top-Rated: Don’t just take it all from us, though. Lava Car Rental is highly rated by real travellers, with a 4.7/5 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.6/5 rating on Google, out of more than 3,000 reviews on each platform.
Experience Iceland Like Never Before
Experience Iceland with new eyes — by seeing it through the eyes of some of the world’s most famous artists. Then, plan your own excursion and enjoy Iceland as you find your own inspiration. An Iceland road trip will take you to all of the top spots and more.
Find that you’re more of a movie person than a music fan? See how Iceland’s inspiring landscapes have been used in numerous movies, with our list of favourite movies shot in Iceland.
However or whenever you visit, book a car with Lava Car Rental for the most convenient, easiest and most enjoyable Iceland road trip possible. Iceland’s iconic landscapes — many featured in favourite music videos and movies — await!
