Blooming Lupines at Stokksnes

This month's image was taken last year by the end of June. As you may notice, the lupine flowers were not in their full peak by then yet. Unusual cool weather in spring have resulted in a somewhat delayed bloom along Iceland's south and east coast. The lupines here at Stokksnes as well as the ones at Vatnajökull National Park only hit peak bloom by early July. So we visited these place a little bit too early. But we can assure you it is definitely better than being there past the peak when half of the flowers and most of the purple and blue is already gone. Usually there will not be much left besides a lot of large lupine pods (containing the seeds) and mostly green fields.

This year we visited Iceland again by the end of June and the funny thing is: This time we were too late. But at least we were just right in time to catch them in full bloom at the Snaefellsnes peninsula. So as you can see, it is not easy to predict the perfect days. Things will definitely be different each year. So if you are planning to visit Iceland to see and photograph the lupines, be sure to be there by mid June and if you want to be on the safe side, do not leave before early July. We wish you best of luck! ;-)

You can find out more about the lupine bloom in Iceland in our blog -> "Best time and places to see lupines in Iceland". 

And btw Stokksnes is also a fantastic spot to shot the Aurora Borealis. We wrote quite a few words about that too -> Stokksnes - Aurora over Vestrahorn Mountains.

Image data: 1/2 s at f/16, ISO 100; Canon EF 16-35 mm 1:4 L IS USM at 20 mm (focus-blended), Canon EOS 5D Mark IV