Iceland Winter Highlands & Ice Caves
Overview
What a wonderful, magical trip! –Emily C., 2022 Iceland Winter Highlands and Ice Cave participant
Spectacular trip! –Dede P., 2022 Iceland Winter Highlands and Ice Cave participant
Thanks again for a phenomenal trip. Still buzzing from it as I thumb through and begin to process some of my images. The aurora shots are looking pretty good. Great job by you, and our drivers! It was a true expedition in every sense of the word, with excellent photography possibilities at every turn. –Ralph R., 2022 Iceland Winter Highlands and Ice Cave participant
The Visionary Wild Iceland Expedition was an extraordinary and wonderful experience. The locations were superb and unique and the instructors are technical experts who offered great instruction. I literally could not have asked more from the trip – it exceeded all my expectations. I would recommend Visionary Wild to all photographers and aspiring photographers who want experiences off the tourist path and to take their photography to the next level. –Alex E., Iceland Highlands expedition participant
Our journey to the inner highlands of Iceland was beyond anything we could have imagined. Every day was unique and awe-inspiring, featuring starkly beautiful landscapes of volcanic rock and glacial ice. We would highly recommend Visionary Wild for serious photographers; traveling with experienced guides who shared our passion to explore and photograph the world was invigorating, educational – and tremendous fun. The mentorship and organizational planning from our group leaders, Justin Black and Chris Linder, was truly world class. We are already planning our next adventures with Visionary Wild!” – Ray M. and Leona D., Iceland Highlands expedition participants
You may think you know Iceland… but on this winter workshop to the remote Highlands region, we will be exploring sublime snow-covered landscapes accessible only using custom-built Superjeeps driven by highly experienced guides.
Iceland in winter is a landscape photographer’s dream: snow-covered highlands, prolonged sunrises and sunsets, long nights perfect for the aurora borealis, frozen waterfalls, deep blue ice caves, and fewer tourists, particularly when we escape into the highlands in our caravan of Superjeeps.
The bulk of this spectacular island is still remote, uncrowded, and unspoiled, though the typical visitor wouldn’t know it given Iceland’s popularity as an international travel destination. The middle of this country is home to the largest wilderness area in Europe—the vast Highlands—where, according to Icelandic legend, outlaws, dragons, and evil spirits once lurked, and some believe elves are still in residence. This expedition is intended for those who want to get off the beaten track—literally and figuratively—to make truly unique photographs in the otherworldly landscape of the “land of fire and ice.” Getting into Iceland’s rugged Highlands is a challenge in itself. There are no paved roads or bridges over the rivers. To find your way through this wilderness, a competent 4WD vehicle and experience is mandatory.
Chris Linder and Justin Black will lead this twelve-day/eleven-night small-group photo expedition. The itinerary has been carefully crafted based on Chris and Justin’s numerous prior assignments and explorations in Iceland, and features incredible locations that can be accessed only by 4WD vehicle. Chris and Justin’s extensive knowledge of the Icelandic landscape and environment makes them the perfect fit for getting to the best locations for prime photographic opportunities. We will travel in comfort in four “Superjeeps” — heavily customized Toyota Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols with 44-inch tires — driven by experienced Icelandic mountain guides who we’ve worked with on several prior trips. Every participant will have a window seat and ample space for their equipment. In the Highlands, we will spend two nights at hotels in the highlands, two nights at the Landmannalaugar Mountain Hut (with a wonderful natural hot spring pool), and two nights at a private mountain hut in Fjallabak Nature Preserve, all in spectacular locations close to our photo locations. As always, we will make the most of light and weather conditions each day. On the coast near Jökulsarlón Glacier Lagoon and the ice caves in the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier descending from the Vatnajökull icecap, we will spend three nights nearby at the excellent FossHotel. We plan two sunrise excursions into the ice caves, and this area offers an array of other incredible landscape photography opportunities.
Our accommodations will be a mix of excellent hotels and comfortable, warm, tidy, well-maintained mountain huts at Landmannalaugar and Hungerfit in the undeveloped interior highlands. The mountain huts, which we will have to ourselves, are Scandinavian-style bunk houses with comfortable beds, large kitchens and dining areas (in which our guides prepare and serve tasty meals). The relaxing natural hot spring pool at Landmannalaugar Hut is not to be missed!
The focus of this expedition is photography in the field. Chris and Justin will provide generous hands-on mentorship, sharing their expertise and professional insights on developing creativity and personal vision, composition, working with various qualities of light and changing weather, and working landscape scenarios to best effect.
Constructive critiques will be included in the schedule to help participants identify where they are succeeding and how they might focus their energies to advance their vision and skills. During critiques, emphasis is first placed on identifying what participants are doing right with regard to chosen subject and composition, followed by discussion of ways to improve the execution of the image in light of the emotional response, concepts, and aesthetics that led the photographer to make the image in the first place.
Attentive group support during the workshop will be provided by experienced Icelandic mountain guides and camp staff. Sleeping bags are provided for use at the mountain huts.
All meals are included throughout. After being picked up and transferred from Keflavik Airport to the conveniently located Hotel Holt, one of our favorites in Reykjavik, we will enjoy a festive group dinner at one of the capital’s fine restaurants. On the last evening of the overland itinerary, we’ll return to the southwestern town of Selfoss, enjoy a final celebratory dinner, and spend the night at Hotel Örk. Our drivers will transfer guests to Keflavik airport for flights home the next day.
Itinerary
February 15 – ARRIVAL DAY IN REYKJAVIK
Fly in to Keflavik International Airport (KEF), where a driver will meet you and transfer you to Reykjavik’s city-center Hotel Holt. During the afternoon, we will host a group meeting for introductions and orientation at the hotel. Our first dinner as a group will be held at one of our favorite restaurants in Reykjavik.
Overnight Hotel Holt (D)
February 16 – INTO THE HIGHLANDS
Our Superjeep drivers will pick up the group at Hotel Holt, for our drive into the remote interior and the snow-covered Sprengisandur volcanic plateau.
Overnight at Hrauneyjar Highland Hotel. Private rooms. (B, L, D)
February 17 – SPRENGISANDUR
Visit Kerlingafjoll mountain range and geothermal area, Setur mountain, and the gorges and waterfalls of Hrauneyjar
Overnight at Hrauneyjar Highland Hotel. Private rooms. (B, L, D)
February 18 – LANDMANNALAUGAR
Drive to Landmannalaugar’s beautiful geothermal area, unique lava formations, and snow-covered hills.
Overnight in spacious mountain hut bunkhouse accommodations at Landmannalaugar Hut. Large spring-fed hot pool. (B, L ,D)
February 19 – FJALLABAK
Day tour through some of Iceland’s most iconic geothermal and mountain scenery.
Overnight Landmannalaugar Mountain Hut. (B, L ,D)
February 20 – FJALLABAK EXPLORATION
Landmannalaugar to Hungurfit, exploring the many mountains, rivers, and lakes in the area.
Overnight Hungurfit Private Hut (B, L, D)
February 21 – FJALLABAK
Special day tour through the east side of Fjallabak Reserve.
Overnight Hungurfit Private Hut (B, L, D)
February 22– JOKULSARLON AND VATNAJOKULL
South coast to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Visit the glacier lagoon and the black-sand iceberg beach Breidamerkursandur at sunset. Northern lights over the lagoon if weather permits.
Overnight at Glacier Lagoon Fosshotel. (B, L, D)
February 23 – ICE CAVE AND AURORA BOREALIS
Sunrise private tour to a large blue glacial ice cave with local guides. Image review today at the hotel, to prepare to make the most of our return visit to the ice cave the following day. Various options for photography in the afternoon, including Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (and another little-visited nearby lagoon), and the “Diamond Beach” at Breiðamerkursandur. Northern lights over the Lagoon if possible.
Overnight at Glacier Lagoon Fosshotel. (B, L, D)
February 24 – ICE CAVE AND AURORA BOREALIS
Sunrise private tour to a large blue glacial ice cave with local guide. Exploration and photography of the local landscape. Northern lights over the Lagoon if possible.
Overnight at Glacier Lagoon Fosshotel. (B, L, D)
February 25 – ALONG SOUTH COAST TO SELFOSS
Photographing some of our favorite locations along the south coast we will make our way to Selfoss for our celebratory final group dinner.
Overnight at Hotel Örk. (B, L, D)
February 26 – DEPARTURE DAY
Transfer to the airport to catch flights home.
Instructors
Justin Black
- JUSTIN BLACK is a photographer, writer, editor, expedition leader, photo workshops instructor, a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Writers (ILCW), a former executive director of the International ...
Chris Linder
- Chris Linder is an award-winning professional photographer, filmmaker, workshop leader, and lecturer. Chris earned a master’s degree in oceanography from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods ...
Gallery
Pricing
PRICING AND OCCUPANCY
All costs are per person
Participants booking on a single-occupancy basis will have their own private room in Reykjavik, Hrauneyar, Jokulsarlon and Selfoss. When staying in mountain huts, our group will share large private bunk rooms or double-occupancy rooms.
INDIVIDUAL TRAVELERS
Individual travelers are welcome to book at the double occupancy rate and we will pair you with another guest. We will attempt to pair you with a guest of the same sex, but given the small group size we cannot guarantee this. If we are unable to pair an individual double-occupancy booking with a roommate, a single-occupancy supplement will be charged.
PAYMENT POLICIES
- 30% deposit upon booking
- 30% deposit due July 15, 2025
- 40% final payment due October 15, 2025
Please note that due to significant financial commitments required to offer this unique expedition, all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If the expedition is sold out as of the start dates, refunds for cancellations will be offered as a courtesy. All other terms and conditions apply. Please review our terms and conditions even if you have participated in previous Visionary Wild trips so that you are aware of current policies
INCLUDED
- Photographic instruction throughout by Chris Linder and Justin Black
- All ground transfers
- Eleven nights’ lodging
- All meals and beverages (including wine and beer with dinner) from dinner on February 15 to breakfast on February 26.
- 4WD group transportation to field locations
- Expert guides
NOT INCLUDED
- R/T airfare to and from our starting and ending point at Keflavik Airport, Iceland
- Additional hotel nights, meals or other costs for arrivals prior to the start date or departures after the end date
- Cost of passports, any necessary entry visas or reciprocity fees, vaccinations, or other personal travel expenses
- Travel insurance, emergency medical insurance and evacuation insurance/coverage (Strongly recommended)
- Alcoholic beverages other than those offered at dinner
- Telephone or internet charges
- Any private excursions, massages, activities, or services not included in the itinerary
- Personal purchases, souvenirs, additional activities, and anything else not listed as included
- Gratuities for the drivers
Highlights
- Timed for dramatic light, photogenic weather conditions, and a good chance to photograph the Aurora Borealis
- Top-notch photographic instruction throughout by Chris Linder and Justin Black
- Creativity and visualization: learn to find new and unexpected compositions
- Breaking through creative block and making great photographs in challenging situations
- Four experienced guides driving four heavily modified Superjeeps for 11 days on our customized route to rarely-visited locations of the snow-covered Icelandic winter interior
- Dramatic glaciers, ice caves, mountains, icy steam-vent towers, craters, and volcanic formations
- Frozen waterfalls
- Limited to ten participants
- Inclusive of excellent lodging and dining, including meals prepared at our mountain huts by a chef using fresh ingredients
- First-rate logistical support
Accommodations
- Hotel Holt in Reykjavik’s city center (single- or double-occupancy available) – one night
- Hrauneyjar Highland Hotel (single- or double-occupancy available) – two nights
- Landmannalaugar Mountain Hut (large private group bunk rooms) – two nights
- Hungurfit Private Hut (private group bunk house)– two nights
- Glacier Lagoon Fosshotel (single- or double-occupancy available) – three nights
- Hotel Örk, Selfoss (single- or double-occupancy available) – one night
Please note: the single-occupancy booking option for this trip refers to hotels at Reykjavik, Hrauneyjar, Jokulsarlon, and Selfoss only. In other locations, single-occupancy accommodations are not available, and will be in a private mountain hut bunkhouse at Hungurfit, or in a spacious bunkhouse room private to our group at Landmannalaugar (we expect to be the only guests at Landmannalaugar, but we can’t guarantee it).
Travel
