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Where to see lupine in Iceland | Best time + locations

If you travel to Iceland in early summer, you'll see vast fields of lilac flowers that look like something out of a postcard. This is the lupine from Alaska, a flower that has colonized a good part of the country and that Every year it colors the Icelandic landscapes delayed.

Although its beauty is indisputable and has conquered thousands of photographers, the Lupin is not a plant native to Iceland, and its expansion has generated considerable controversy among environmentalists. Below, we'll tell you about this interesting fact, along with everything you need to know about when lupine blooms and the best places to see lupine in Iceland.

What is the lupine and where it comes from

El Alaskan lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis) is a lilac-flowered plant that was introduced to Iceland in 1945The intention was for it to have practical purposes, to prevent soil erosion and help regenerate arid areas, but it spread so rapidly that it is now a highly invasive species, spreading by invading areas of native vegetation, especially Icelandic moss.

Although there has been much debate about what to do with lupin, for now you will be able to see it during the early summer. Iceland tinged with lilac, giving an even more beautiful touch to the landscapes if possible.

👀 Do not miss: What is the best time to go to Iceland?

Best time for see lupine in Iceland

La lupine season in Iceland It only lasts a few weeks. These flowers usually begin to bloom in early June and reach their full bloom between end of June and beginning of JulyAlthough it may depend a bit on the year, the region, and how long it took for winter to leave.

As July draws to a close, the color begins to fade and many lupins lose their petals. Another place where we have been fortunate to see lupin fields is in the southern New Zealand During the month of November, in places like Lake Tekapo it is a real spectacle.

Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo in November

Where to see lupine in Iceland

Although lupine has conquered almost the entire country, there are certain places where the blooms are especially spectacular. You'll find them especially in the south iceland, but also in areas in the north and east. Here are some of the best places to see fields of lilac flowers in Iceland:

Where to see lupine in Iceland
Lupine by seyðisfjörður

SkogafossThe area surrounding the country's most famous waterfalls is filled with the color purple. From the parking lot, you'll have to walk or take a small dirt detour to the left of the waterfall before reaching the parking lot.

Vík Church On the hill above the village, the typical Icelandic church with its red roof is framed by a purple carpet when the lupine is in bloom. One of the most famous postcards of the south.

Vestrahorn and StokksnesThe silhouette of Vestrahorn reflected on the black beach is a spectacle in itself… but if you visit in late June, the nearby lupine field adds even more magic to the landscape. You'll find it very close to the parking lot at Stokksnes Beach.

Where to see lupine in Iceland
Lupine in Vestrahorn

Skaftafell: In the southeast of the country, this area of ​​Vatnajökull National Park has trails and viewpoints from which to see the glaciers surrounded by lupine.

Hellissandur (Snæfellsnes Peninsula)To the west, near Ingjaldshóll Church, you will find lupine fields framing Snæfellsjökull and the ocean.

HúsavíkurfjallIn the north, near Húsavík, there are mountains and hillsides covered in flowers that you can easily see from the carback with the fjords in the background.

Seydisfjordur: in the East Icelandic fjords You'll also find lupine fields among small towns and breathtaking landscapes. One of the many places is the charming village of Seydisfjordur.

Many points on the Ring Roaddriving through the carOn Route N1 (or Ring Road) between Selfoss and Höfn you will see places with many lupine fields on the sides. In this article I wanted to leave you some of the best places to see lupine in Iceland, but we are sure that you will find epic places during your trip.

Where to see lupine in Iceland
Lupine in Iceland along trails and parking lots

We hope that this guide on Where to see lupine in Iceland has it helped you to plancar Plan your trip at the best time and enjoy one of the most photogenic landscapes of the Icelandic summer. Feel free to leave any questions or comments below 😊. To continue planning your adventure, you can read the other [articles/guidelines]. Guides for traveling to Iceland.

Happy journey!

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