Day 1: Arrival to Iceland and Reykjavik

Individual arrival in Keflavik and transfer to the hotel in the heart of Reykjavik.

The modern capital of Iceland with its lively city centre offers small, colourful houses in the old part as well as modern attractions such as the new Harpa concert hall. The city’s landmarks, such as the Perlan restaurant built on huge water tanks, the Hallgrimskirche church visible from afar and the skeleton of a Viking boat right on the harbour promenade, can easily be visited on foot during the long days.

Day 2 and 3 – Snæfellsnes

The journey starts in a westerly direction. We travel through the lovely Borgarfjord to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, which is also known as “Iceland in miniature” due to its diverse landscape. The charming fishing villages and wide sandy beaches invite you to linger. The mighty Snaefells glacier towers above the island. Snaefellsjökull in particular is the focal point, which was the starting point for Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth”.

Kirkjufell, Kirkjufellsfoss, Budir Church, Arnarstapi, Gattklettur and Longdrangar are just some of the many attractions on the peninsula.

Day 4: Flatey and ferry passage Breidafjord, Latrabjarg

Off the north side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula stretches the Breidafjord with an endless number of islands and an incredible variety of birds. You take the boat to the small island of Flatey. From here, we take the ferry through the wide archipelago of the Breidafjord to the lonely Westfjords, which impress with their tranquillity, solitude and incredible birdlife.

Day 5: Latrabjarg

In the far west of the fjords lie the steep bird cliffs of Latrabjarg, one of the most important bird breeding grounds in the world and are great photo motifs.

Day 6 and 7: Westfjords and Isafjördur

The journey continues into the lonely Westfjords to the Dynjandi waterfall, which cascades down into the depths. A visit to the old Hrafnseyri farm is also planned, as are excursions around the largest town in the Westfjords, Isafjördur.

Day 8 and 9: Drangsnes, Grimsey Djupavik

The route leads through the magnificent fjord landscape, over lonely plateaus and mountain passes to the remote Strandir area in the eastern part of the Westfjords. This deserted area is the perfect place to find peace and quiet, photograph beautiful landscapes and discover enchanted farmsteads.

Djupavik, with its herring factory ruins that have been abandoned for decades, lies at the end of a deep fjord. You continue to the end of the road and take pictures of the unique, barren landscape.

Day 10: Drive along the fjords to the northwest of Iceland

Before continuing our journey, you have the option of visiting the offshore bird island of Grimsey. Thousands of puffins breed here in summer.

You leave the lonely Westfjords and drive to the northwest of Iceland. You cross one of the loneliest areas of the island. Passing small farms and along the deep fjords, you reach our destination for the day at Hvammstangi.

On the way, there is the opportunity to photograph Arctic foxes at the conservation station and free-living seals.

Day 11: Vatnsnes peninsula Hvitserkur

A tour around the Vatnsnes peninsula with seal banks and the bizarre basalt rock Hvitserkur is on the program. You try to capture the summery light moods at sunset and sunrise.

Day 12: Drive through the highlands (if possible*)

As we drive along the desert-like Kjölur highland road, we have a good view of the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. In the highlands there, we have the opportunity to bathe in the natural hot spring of Hveravellir or take a short hike in this nature reserve. The Kerlingarfjöll are a volcanic mountain range in Iceland and reach a height of 1,477 m with the Snækollur. They are located in the Icelandic highlands approx. 25 east of the Kjölur route. Towards evening you will reach our accommodation in Selfoss.

*The trip through the highlands is always decided shortly before the day of travel. This depends on road closures, road conditions and weather conditions.

Day 13: Geysir and Gullfoss

You visit the Gullfoss waterfall, whose water cascades over two cascades into a deep canyon. After visiting it, you arrive in the Haukadalur valley, the large thermal area where the large geyser and its smaller, very active brother Strokkur are located.

Day 14: Selfoss, Pingvellir and drive to Reykjavik

After the visit of the historical site of Pingvellir we drive back to Reykjavik later in the day. We spend the last night of the tour on the Reykjanes peninsula.

Day 15: End of the photo tour

The photo tour ends today. A transfer will take you to Keflavik Airport, from where you will start your individual journey home.

For whom is this photo tour suitable?

This photo tour is aimed at both beginners and advanced photographers. You have a basic knowledge of shutter speed, aperture and ISO and are be able to set these on your camera. On this photo tour, you will be individually supervised according to your photography skills.

Weather

In June, the Westfjords of Iceland are characterized by long days and relatively mild weather. The average temperature is 6-12 degrees. At night it can cool down to 3-5 degrees. The Westfjords are one of the wetter regions of Iceland, so it can often rain or drizzle. Fog is common, especially in the fjords and on the coast. It can also be stormy on the coasts. The sun hardly sets in June, so there are almost 24 hours of daylight.

Iceland’s forces of nature

Iceland is one of the most active geological regions in the world, characterized by powerful forces of nature. It is precisely these natural phenomena that make Iceland a very special travel destination. With rapidly changing weather and often dramatic lighting conditions, fantastic photos are possible. The country is known for its geothermal activity, which is visible through geysers and hot springs. Northern lights and the midnight sun make the forces of nature visible in the sky. Our local guide is very familiar with the forces of nature in Iceland. Our daily program will be adapted to the current weather conditions and our route may be changed slightly to make the most of the photo tour.

Fitness level

You have a good basic level of fitness to take part in short, moderate hikes. Depending on the weather, we will go on short, easy hikes of up to one hour.

Clothing

Due to the changeable weather in Iceland, you need to be prepared for all weather conditions. We therefore recommend breathable functional clothing based on the layer principle, which transports sweat to the outside without losing heat and dries quickly.

Half double room

Single travellers can book half of a double room. If there is no other guest who wants to share the room, the single room surcharge will apply.

Insurance

We strongly advise you to purchase insurance for cancellation and return journey costs, which will be needed in the event of a secluded region being evacuated, a local hospital stay or return travel costs to your home country.

Travel information FDFA

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) regularly publishes information on countries where there are potential security or other risks. The FDFA’s travel advice is based on its own sources of information that are considered to be trustworthy. This travel advice can be found on the FDFA website: www.eda.admin.ch

The Terms and Conditions

TCs of Amazing Views Adventure Tours apply, as well as all other conditions which are listed in the descriptions for the respective trips.

Prices

We reserve the right to change prices (especially due to exchange rate fluctuations).

Organization

This trip is organised by our partner Freiraum Fotografie.