Experiencing Iceland in winter is something out of the ordinary. The weather on the island is always capricious and especially in winter. It helps to make the already magnificent scenery even more magnificent, and if the snow settles there is the possibility of minimalistic and graphic images.

We travel along the south coast eastwards and experience the dramatic coast’s exciting rock formations, black lava beaches and many waterfalls. We have a full three nights in Vatnajökull National Park to be able to be flexible depending on the weather conditions and this is also where we spend a day photographing the beautiful, blue shimmering ice caves under Vatnajökull.

The motifs are many and are always close by, we adapt the day’s layout according to prevailing circumstances to get as many good photo opportunities as possible. Here are all the conditions to develop your landscape photography – dramatic weather, magnificent views and exciting details. You receive individually adapted photographic guidance in the field.

VÍK, FJADRARGLJÚFUR AND SKÓGAR – COAST, RAVENIES AND WATERFALLS
Our trip goes southeast from Keflavik and we follow the coast. We adapt our motifs to the prevailing weather and light. We spend our first night in Vík. Here we are close to the beautiful coast with the well-known rock formations Reynis Drangar, the black lava sand Reynisfjara with mighty basalt columns and a huge basalt cave and Iceland’s southernmost point, the keyhole-shaped rock Dýrhólaey. Further, the journey goes east and along the way we can photograph the well-known waterfall Skógarfoss but also some lesser-known, but at least equally beautiful waterfalls. Here is also the mythical lava field Eldhraun with its exciting lava formations and some beautiful gorges such as Fjádrargljúfur. We will also spend our last night in Vík, so there is an opportunity to return to some of the motifs.

VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK – GLACIER LAGOONS AND ICE CAVES
We spend three nights in Vatnajökull National Park. Here we get several opportunities to photograph the beautiful glacial lake Jökulsárlón and the ice beach below. Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier and large icebergs and ice floes from it end up in the Jökulsárlón and Fjállsárlón glacial lagoons. It is an exciting environment to photograph as the subjects are constantly changing. It is not uncommon to see seals swimming around inside the lagoon. When the icebergs melt enough, they can flow out into the sea via a channel from Jökulsárlón. Some of them wash up on the black lava beach where they lie like glittering diamonds and ice sculptures against the black sand.

From Vatnajökull there are several huge glacier that stretch down towards the coast. We will be able to get up close to the glacier by super jeep and a local guide who will guide us on a private tour to some of Vatnajökull’s crystal blue ice caves and canyons. Here there are opportunities to photograph sections and graphic details as well as the chambers of the caves in their entirety. We will also go further east where we can photograph the rolling sand dunes of Stokksne and the beautiful Vestrahorn mountain.

Also here the weather and light will decide where and when we go, and the day planning is flexible. If the weather is clear, the chances of the northern lights are very good this year, and if there is a chance of the northern lights, we head to one of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoons or the nearby Fjallsárlón to get the nicest foreground possible.

Safirblå isgrottor och vinterlandskap på Island. Fotoresa med Wild Nature fotoresor. Foto Frida Hermansson
Safirblå isgrottor och vinterlandskap på Island. Fotoresa med Wild Nature fotoresor. Foto Frida Hermansson

Itinerary

Day 1 (25/2) (Dinner)
Arrival in Keflavik by afternoon flight. Frida meets you in Keflavik. Our trip goes towards Vík and the southern tip of Iceland, the trip takes about 3 hours and if the weather permits we make some photo stops along the way. Dinner and accommodation in Vík.

Day 2 (26/2) (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
Morning photography at Reynisfjara / Dýrholay. Back to our guesthouse for breakfast. After that we pack up our things and head east. We make photo stops along the way. Evening photography at Stokksnes/Vestrahorn or Jökulsárlón. Back to our guesthouse for dinner.

Day 3-4 (27-28/2) (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
These days we are open depending on the prevailing weather. One of the days we go to the ice caves by superjeep. Other motifs are the glacier lagoons Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, Stokksnes and Vestrahorn. If there is a chance to see the northern lights, we head to one of the glacier lagoons.

Day 5 (1/3) (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
We plan according to the prevailing weather, light and aurora borealis. Possibly morning photography at the ice beach, then back to our guesthouse for breakfast before we pack up our things and head back to Vík. There are chances for photo stops along the way and evening photography by the coast or a gorge.

Day 6 (2/3) (Breakfast)
Morning photography at Reynisfjara. We then return to our guesthouse for breakfast before packing up our things and heading to Reykjavik. We can make time for a photo stop along the way. Then it’s time to check in and take the afternoon flight home.

More information

  • PHOTOGRAPHIC LEARNING
    On all our trips we have different theoretical photography workshops. These workshops are always related to the specific trip and can be anything from teaching different photography techniques or tips and tricks for image editing to talking about image composition or preparing for special photo opportunities on the trip.

    Throughout the trip, our photography leader provides active photography advice when we are out in the field. Everything for you to develop as a photographer and take fantastic pictures home with you.

  • PHOTOGRAPIC EQUPIMENT
    The landscape offers great variety and there are motifs both large and small. Therefore, we recommend that you bring a wide angle (14-24 mm or similar, a wide angle is necessary in the ice caves), a normal zoom e.g. 24-70 alternatively some fixed optics such as 24mm / 35mm / 50mm and a shorter telephoto e.g. 70-200mm which is good for the big views. Even a macro can come in handy for details.
    Tripods are recommended and necessary in the ice caves! And preferably some kind of remote trigger (even a timer works well).
    ND filters and polarizing filters can be good to have with you. Also rain cover for the camera.
  • CLOTHES
    The weather in Iceland is variable regardless of the season. At this time of year, we should be prepared for snow storms, rain showers and a lot of wind, although calm days with clear skies also occur. The cooling effect of wind should not be underestimated. Layer upon layer of clothing is recommended, warm underwear in e.g. merino wool and really good rain gear, warm jacket, hat, gloves, woolen socks (at least 2 pairs) and sturdy boots and possibly boots as much of the photography takes place near water. A headlamp is good to have in the early morning / northern lights. Spikes are recommended as it can be very icy and slippery in the places we visit. (At the ice caves, the local guide provides proper glacier boots, crampons, helmets and other safety equipment).
  • ACCOMMODATION
    We stay in hotels of middle standard.

  • ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE DISABLED
    The accommodations are reasonably accessible, with a bit of help. The nature of the tour means that the environments may be less accessible in case of reduced mobility. When visiting the ice caves, it can be an easier hike of about 3-10 km. If you have any questions or doubts, please contact us first so we can discuss what the possibilities look like.
  • INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
    Share in a double room, meals according to the itinerary, permits and guiding at ice caves, local transport, photo guiding, photography lessons and support

  • NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
    Return flights to Reykjavik (NOTE! Please contact us for information about flight tickets before you book your flights), travel insurance, cancellation protection, drinks, eventual gratuities and items of a personal nature.

  • PAYMENT TERMS
    The registration fee shall be paid after an invoice from us, right after your booking. The remaining amount shall be paid no later than 30 days before the trip. Payment will be in Swedish crowns (SEK). Amount in Euro and US dollars mentioned above are just reference amounts.

  • MEETING PLACE
    The tour starts and ends at Reykjavik airport. Our tour guide will meet you there. Exact time will be announced later.

  • PASSPORT AND VISA
    If you are an EU citizen travel within the EU or to the Schengen countries Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Lichtenstein, you must always bring your passport or national ID card issued by the police. When checking in for a flight, a passport is required.

    For citizens outside of the EU please check if you need a visa to enter Iceland.

  • INSURANCE
    Contact your insurance company to see that you are properly covered for travel insurance and cancellation protection.

  • HEALTH
    The TOUR is not physically demanding. If you have any medical concerns, contact your doctor and ask for advice.
  • GROUP AND LANGUAGE
    Our tours are open to all nationalities, which means that the group is often international.
    Our tour guides speak both Swedish and English, and sometimes also more languages.

  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
    Terms and conditions

Photographic leader

Frida Hermansson
Lives in Roslagen. Frida has had a fascination and love for animals and nature since childhood. She also works as an AD and graphic designer and that has shaped her image creation.
In her photography, she is curious and constantly strives for new ways to portray her subjects, whether it is animals, landscapes or graphic details.

Frida has had several photo shows and exhibitions and also participated in SVT’s Mitt i Naturen, “The art of photographing nature”.
Frida’s pictures are published in Fotosidan Magasin, in articles and reports on Natursidan.se, the book “Experiences in Stockholm’s Nature”, and local press.

As a photographic guide on trips and workshops, Frida is passionate about sharing knowledge and inspiration, and the goal is always for the participants to come home with new knowledge, memorable experiences and really good pictures.

Website: www.fridahermansson.com

    Book the tour

    Sapphire blue ice caves and winter landscapes in Iceland 25th February - 2nd March 2025

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