10 Day Northern Lights and Ice Caves Photo Workshop in Iceland

On your second day in Iceland, you will be picked up in Reykjavík at 9 AM before being whisked away to the Snæfellsnes peninsula; home to some of the most photogenic scenery in all  of Iceland. Awaiting you are wild coastlines, the columnar basalt and spectacular cliffs at Arnarstapi, the charming black church of Búðir, the Búðahraun lava field and the impressive and peculiarly shaped sea stacks, Lóndrangar. Snæfellsnes also happens to be one of the best places in Iceland to seek one of nature‘s absolute wonders, the Northern lights, so keep a good look-out and have your camera ready. You will spend the night at accommodation in Snæfellsnes.

On your third day in Iceland, you will be exploring and photographing the remaining sights to see in Snæfellsnes not covered the day before. You‘ll cover the rugged coastline, see several charming villages as well as the mighty mountains that divide the northern and western part of the peninsula. A particular highlight is mount Kirkjufell by Grundarfjörður, with its peculiar pyramid shape, when observed from the right angle. This is one of the most photogenic mountains in Iceland as it always offers something new and exciting in terms of angle, light and shape. Nearby is a beautiful waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss; the combination of the mountain and the waterfall with the further contrast of the village and fjord makes for some great pictures. In winter, further clarity is added by glistening snow and ice as well as the ever-present hope for the aurora which lend a particular grace to this stunning area. You will spend the night once more in accommodation on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

On this day you'll be heading towards the South Coast of Iceland. You‘ll start the day by visiting two of Iceland‘s most picturesque and beloved waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. The former is a narrow waterfall that cascades from 63 meters and has the rare distinction of one being able to walk behind it. Skógafoss is well known as one of Iceland‘s most beautiful waterfalls and can be shot from the top, as there is a staircase leading up there and beyond towards other amazing falls. Skógafoss is also known to produce a spectacular double rainbow when the light is right. Later on, you will travel towards the mainland‘s southernmost point to witness the dramatic scenery of the famous Reynisfjara beach. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the black sands of the shore, the waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, the basalt column pyramid of Garðar and the rich birdlife all result in this being one of the most photogenic sites of all you will encounter on your journey. Please note that the waves of the sea at Reynisfjara are highly unpredictable so it is recommended you proceed with the utmost caution and follow all safety instructions to the fullest. The South Coast is home to some of the most amazing scenery you could hope to photograph the Northern Lights in, should they appear. Your night will then be spent at the charming nearby village of Vik.

On this day you will head towards Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe‘s largest glacier. The park and the Snæfellsnes peninsula share the trait of offering a little bit of everything that Iceland has to offer. Focusing on the park‘s southern and eastern regions, you will witness mighty glaciers and glacier tongues, as well as dark sandy beaches. In addition to this fantastic scenery, you will continue the hunt for the Northern Lights, lending a further otherworldly feel to the scenery. This is a particularly good time of year for photographing the aurora, as the nights are long. Accommodation for the night will be found in the nearby area.

On this day you will have plenty of time to photograph the stunningly beautiful Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, at the eastern part of Vatnajökull National Park. Massive icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier riddle the lagoon, each unique in shape and colour as they float out to sea. The amazing view, the display of light, multiple reflections and glistening ice and snow which are then contrasted by dark sands, all combine in making the area a photographer‘s dream. Walk among the ancient chunks of ice on the Diamond Beach and seize further photogenic opportunities. Still more wonders await you as you will have the unique experience of shooting photos within a subglacial ice cave deep below the massive Vatnajökull glacier. Here you‘ll find phenomenal natural sculptures and cavities of crystal-clear blue ice, as we stand in awe against nature and feel as if time had stopped. Wide-angle lenses are recommended here for shooting unforgettable photos. Afterwards, keep a lookout for the Northern Lights, which particularly complement this wonderful area. Your accommodation for the night will be near the lagoon.

On this day you will have ample opportunity to shoot the mighty Vestrahorn mountain, that stands at 454-meters above the black lava beach of the Stokksnes peninsula. The mountain is made of unstratified plutonic rock (gabbro and granophyre) and it is a marvel to photograph as it is very interestingly shaped. Vetsrahorn consists of several steep peaks, the most oddly formed of which is the Brunnhorn outcrop, which stretches all the way eastwards to the sea. The wild waves of the North Atlantic Ocean make the scenery all the more photogenic and sunset and sunrise are particularly recommended for great photos. Aurora may then further grace the sky at nighttime, blazing their enchanting trails across the arctic sky. Your night will be spent in the Vatnajökull area.

On this day you‘ll be photographing the beautiful scenery of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The area is home to the Kristínartindar volcanic peaks, stunning glacier lagoons and the majestic glacier outlet, Svínafellsjökull. After visiting Skaftafell you will get more time to shoot the fascinating area of Reynisfjara. Evening photography at this site, accompanied by the rays of the setting sun, is sure to result in some particularly amazing pictures, as well as further opportunities for aurora photography. Your night will be spent in accommodation in the village of Vík.

On your last full day in Iceland, you‘ll visit “the big three“ of Icelandic natural attractions, considered essential for all visitors of the country and referred to as 'The Golden Circle'. These three attractions are Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, all located in southwest Iceland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir National Park is one of Iceland‘s most important sites. It was here that the old national assembly was founded, and the current parliament in Iceland, Alþingi, still bears its name. The area is situated in a rift valley and evidence of the movement of the tectonic plates may be seen at the impressive Almannagjá gorge, into which the beautiful waterfall Öxarárfoss falls. The park is certainly one of Iceland‘s most picturesque sites and we also recommend photographing the surrounding mountain ring and lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland‘s largest lake, and its islets. The famous spouting hot spring Geysir in Haukadalur valley lends its name to geysers all over the world and the surrounding geothermal area is also widely known simply as the Geysir geothermal area. This is our next destination. Geysir seldom erupts anymore, but its neighbour Strokkur does so with gusto, spouting water as high as 15-20 meters. Also of interest are the geysers Smiður and Litli-Strokkur. To the north colourful fumaroles may be found and to the south is a range of mud pots. They may boil or steam depending on the weather. Nearby is an old natural pool. It can be entered but it is still very fragile, so visitors need to take extra care not to disrupt it.  Finally, there is the“golden waterfall“ Gullfoss, widely held to be the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland and certainly the most sought after by nature photographers and nature lovers alike. Gullfoss belongs to the Hvítá glacier river and falls 32-meters into the narrow river gorge. Snow and ice are likely to once more add an extra touch of splendour to the scenery, the sun may even lend it a rainbow and you may feel the spray of the falls on your face. After visiting “the big three“ attractions of the Golden Circle and having seen many of Iceland‘s greatest natural wonders, you‘ll head back to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland. This day will also be your final chance to spot the Northern Lights photography, so keep a lookout and keep your camera ready.

This will be the day of your departure. You will return home, taking with you photos and memories of an extraordinary adventure.