Iceland is an absolute paradise for landscape photographers. In autumn, fascinating natural sites such as active volcanoes, ice caves, and the Highlands are accessible, beautiful autumn colors are visible, along with the opportunity to experience the most astonishing spectacle the North has to offer: the Northern Lights!
Ideal conditions to capture unique moments day and night in breathtaking locations like Þórsmörk, the active Fagradalsfjall volcano if it erupts, Vestrahorn, and countless waterfalls such as Brúarfoss and Háifoss, all under the guidance of night/landscape photographers Riccardo Schläger and Stefan Liebermann.
This photo tour includes beautiful accommodations like the Aurora Lodge Hotel where you have the opportunity to bathe under the Northern Lights.
The sun is at the maximum of its current eleven-year solar cycle – the phase in which it produces particularly strong radiation outbursts and solar storms. This means increased chances of geomagnetic storms, which lead to spectacular Northern Lights in all imaginable colors and forms on our Earth. So what better place to be than Iceland to photographically capture this unique opportunity!
Experience and photograph the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights during the solar maximum. You will receive help and tips from a renowned
night photographer. Another highlight: relaxation at the Aurora Lodge Hotel with observation and photography of possible Northern Lights in the hot tub!
Since the Fagradalsfjall volcano is very often active, there is a possibility to discover and photograph it in September and October if it is active!
Climb into the azure ice caves of Vatnajökull Glacier on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure tour!
Discover the true gem of Iceland: the Highlands! On Super Jeep tours with spectacular river crossings, you will visit Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar, and photograph at one of the most spectacular photo locations our world has to offer.
The trip is aimed at all photography enthusiasts and lovers of the region around the Arctic Circle. The difficulty of the trip is moderate and sufficient fitness is required (hike: 5-10 km, altitude profile +-400m). It is a trip with a focus on photography in which we have to be flexible in order to be in the perfect location when the northern lights appear. You will visit and photograph the most beautiful places in Iceland, alternating at sunrise, sunset and night. During the trip you will learn everything related to landscape photography from the theory of image capture, planning to post-production. We start with the theoretical and technical basics and apply them to one of the most beautiful places on earth. We evaluate the recordings together and then get to know the post-production workflows based on the existing files.
The goal of the trip is to return home with great memories and captivating landscape shots.
Information:
Program changes may occur due to sudden and severe weather changes, volcanic eruptions, and geomagnetic storms.
If you are arriving on Day 1, please arrive at Keflavik Airport no later than 2 PM so we can still experience the sunset at Kirkjufell. For a smooth trip, I recommend arriving one day before the tour starts.
Day 1
Pickup from Keflavík Airport (KEF)
2-hour drive to West Iceland to the accommodation.
Sunset at the beautiful Kirkjufell.
Dinner and subsequent Northern Lights photography.
Day 2
Sunrise in the Kirkjufell region.
Breakfast
Drive towards South Iceland with stops at iconic photo spots such as Budir Church or Lóndrangar.
In case of an active volcanic eruption, we can spend the day exploring and photographing the volcano.
Hike to Brúarfoss waterfall, where we will spend sunset.
Drive to the Aurora Lodge Hotel
Dinner
Relaxation in the hot tub or Northern Lights photography at the hotel, Skógafoss waterfall, or Black Sand Beach (depending on weather conditions)
Overnight stay
Day 3
Opportunity for sunrise at Seljalandsfoss.
Breakfast (included) at the hotel.
4x4 tour to Þórsmörk.
Hike up to the magical Valahnúkur, where we will spend sunset.
Dinner
Relaxation in the hot tub or Northern Lights photography at the hotel, Skógafoss waterfall, or Black Sand Beach (depending on weather conditions)
Overnight stay
Day 4
Opportunity for sunrise at Seljalandsfoss.
Breakfast (included) at the hotel.
Drive towards the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with the possibility of stops at well-known
spots such as Skógafoss, Kvernufoss, and Reynisfjara.
Sunset at the world-famous Diamond Beach.
Check-in at hotel in Höfn and dinner
Opportunity for night photography at the beautiful Vestrahorn.
Day 5
Breakfast
Adventure tour to the ice caves and on the Vatnajökull glacier (if there are accessible and safe caves – dependent on our Icelandic local guide)
Alternatively: Photography at Eystrahorn and subsequent image editing course at the accommodation
Sunset at the Lagoon / Diamond Beach / Vestrahorn.
Dinner in Höfn.
Opportunity for night photography at Vestrahorn or Diamond Beach.
Overnight stay
Day 6
Opportunity for sunrise at Vestrahorn.
Breakfast and check-out from the hotel
Drive to Vik with stops at the fascinating Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Svartifoss or the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.
Sunset at Black Sand Beach, Dyrholaey or Seljalandsfoss.
Check-in and dinner at the accommodation near Vik.
Opportunity for Northern Lights at Black Sand Beach.
Day 7
Drive to the Highlands with possible stops at Maelifell, Huldofoss, Ofaerufoss and Sigöldugljúfur Canyon
Sunset at the impressive Háifoss waterfall or Sigöldugljúfur Canyon.
Check-in and dinner at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar
Opportunity for Northern Lights at Sigöldugljúfur Canyon and Bláhylur
Day 8
Breakfast (Included)
4x4 tour through the Highlands towards Landmannalaugar with stops at
Sigöldugljúfur Canyon and Bláhylur.
Drive towards Keflavík (airport)
Accommodation nearby
Opportunity for Northern Lights on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Day 9
Transfer to Keflavík Airport (KEF)
To provide the best care, the maximum number of participants has been limited to 7 people.
The minimum number of participants for the tour is 4 people.
Participation is possible with English or German language skills.
The costs include:
-Accommodation
-Meals if mentioned in the photo tour itinerary.
-Transfers with own van
-Support by the tour guide
-Accompanying documents
The costs do NOT include:
- Travel insurance covering health/luggage insurance
- International flights
- Local costs
- Other meals
- Single room supplement (500 Euros)
- Anything not explicitly mentioned as "included".
The recommended photography equipment consists of an SLR or system camera with at least two lenses, a fast wide-angle lens (F<2.8) and a medium telephoto lens as well as a tripod.
Optionally recommended: photo filter, remote shutter release and laptop.
- Extra batteries as temperatures are low
- Several cloths for cleaning the lenses
- Replacement memory cards
Iceland has very unpredictable weather; it can change completely every 30 minutes, so waterproof hiking boots and a shell jacket are essential. It's best to choose clothing that allows you to add or remove layers depending on the weather. For example: thermal underwear,
a wool or fleece mid-layer, a wind- and waterproof shell jacket that also covers your legs. Spare socks and hiking boots are necessary.
- Passport/ID card valid for international travel
- International health insurance
- The national currency is the Icelandic krona.
- Credit cards are accepted.
- You can withdraw Icelandic króna at any ATM with an EC card.
The total price of the trip is 4300 EUR.
To book the trip, a deposit of 800 EUR is required, and the remaining balance must be paid 30 days before the start of the trip.
The single room supplement is 500 EUR
If a participant decides to cancel his reservation, he can do so at any time by communicating this as soon as possible via the official email address of one of the two organizers.
However, you should keep in mind that cancellation by a participant will cause administrative difficulties
The minimum number of participants leads to the bookings and the risk
not achieving the trip (and consequently the need to look for a new person).
For this reason:
- If cancellation
If submitted MORE than 60 days (prior to departure), you may receive a refund.
- If cancellation
If submitted LESS than 60 days before departure, it is NOT
possible to receive a refund.
*Unless the customer who wishes to cancel his booking brings another person willing to take his place by paying the total amount of the trip himself.
The entire amount paid (deposit or full fee) will be fully refunded if the event is canceled
For further information do not hesitate to contact me.