Iceland from a Bird's Eye View

Iceland is a true geologist's dream. In addition to volcanoes, this small island country boasts glaciers, rocky coastlines, amazing geysers, thermal springs, and other natural wonders. However, you don't have to don geologist boots to explore the landscape of this amazing country. Recently, Italian photographer Sandro Santioli captured a series of photographs of Iceland from above.







The Hviuta River with its strange palette of colors and unusual landscapes. It looks like a tree. (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)

Naumafjall, Iceland, is a place of high thermal activity. These photos look like they're from another planet. (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)



"Aerial photography has always inspired me. These landscapes seem incredible from the ground, but from a bird's eye view they're simply stunning," says the photographer. "I especially love places like seas, lakes, mountains, and volcanoes." Pictured: Landeyjasandur. (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)



"I faced many challenges during my work. First, the weather. I had to fly in a tiny plane, which was constantly buffeted by the air currents." Photo: The Tungnaa River. (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)



For most of the flight, the plane's windows had to be open. So it was incredibly cold in the cabin. Photo: The Tungnaarfjöll Mountains. (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)



"It was especially cold in the glacier area." Pictured: Skaftarjökull glacier. (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)



"Very soon your hands become so cold that you can barely move them. Meanwhile, something incredible is happening in your stomach." Pictured: Tungnaa River area. (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)



"One of my favorite photos is the Blue Lagoon," says Sandro. "It's a lagoon with hot springs surrounded by lava, where people often come. It looks absolutely stunning from above." (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)



During this project, the Italian photographer spent 70 hours in the air. Colorful lakes in Iceland. (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)



Skeiðarrsandur, Iceland. (Sandro Santioli, Solent News & Photo Agency)