Overview

Join award-winning conservation photographer Chris Linder for a small-group wildlife photography workshop focused on Iceland’s charismatic arctic fox in the remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Hornstrandir is a 220 square mile expanse of glacially-carved valleys, towering sea cliffs, wildflower meadows, legions of seabirds, and Iceland’s only native terrestrial mammal, the arctic fox. With its rounded ears, thick fur, and legs and snout that are shorter than other foxes, the arctic fox is supremely adapted to an unforgiving climate. Since the island’s settlement over a thousand years ago, Icelanders have hunted this small (less than 10 pound) carnivore, at first for its fur and later to protect lambs and other livestock. Hornstrandir is one of the few regions in the country where the fox is fully protected from hunting, so they have little fear of humans. In Iceland’s Westfjords, 80% of foxes are of the ‘blue morph’ variety that retains their blue-grey coat through the winter. It is possible to also find white-coated fox in this region, though we expect to  predominantly encounter blue morph foxes.

If you are wondering about winter weather in Iceland, there is a good chance it is not nearly as cold as you might think, as the Atlantic Ocean significantly moderates this marine-influenced climate. Average daytime temps in the Westfjords at this time of year are around freezing, and nighttime lows in the low 20s Fahrenheit. The extreme temperature range at this time of year is from about +40ºF to +15ºF. Of course, indoors our accommodations are nice and warm.

This workshop has been deliberately capped at five photographers, providing a more private and comfortable experience for both participants and the wildlife. The workshop has been timed for late winter, when abundant snowfall creates the opportunity for epic photographic backdrops. With over nine hours of night, there is of course also the potential for seeing the aurora borealis, which at this latitude can occur to the north, to the south, or directly overhead. Each participant will have their own private room in a historic lodge – the only structure in this expansive landscape – overlooking the spectacular Jökulfirðir fjord. Hearty meals will be prepared by the lodge chef.

The focus of this expedition is photography in the field. Chris, a specialist in polar ecosystems and fauna, will provide generous hands-on mentorship, sharing his 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. Chris has spent months in the field photographing polar stories, resulting in numerous accolades, including winning three categories of the Nature’s Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International awards: Conservation Story (2019), Birds (2015), and Indigenous Cultures (2009). He has also published several feature articles in national magazines on Icelandic wildlife, with more in the works. His knowledge of animal behavior and enthusiastic, generous, and supportive teaching style will help you to get the best possible images.

Constructive critiques will be included in the schedule when time allows 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.

Itinerary

February 4th – ARRIVAL DAY IN REYKJAVIK

Fly in to Keflavik International Airport (KEF), where a driver will meet you and transfer you to Reykjavik’s Hotel Holt. During the afternoon, there will be group introductions and orientation in the hotel’s lobby. Our first dinner as a group will be held at one of our favorite restaurants in Reykjavik.

Overnight Hotel Holt (D)

February 5th – DRIVE TO THE WESTFJORDS

Today we will drive along picturesque fjords and over mountain passes to the town of Ísafjörður, the capital of the Westfjords. Time permitting, we will make a few stops for photography along the way, such as at the massive 330-foot Dynjandi waterfall.

Overnight Hotel Horn (Ísafjörður) (B,L,D)

February 6th – 11th: KVIAR LODGE – HOME OF THE ARCTIC FOX

At noon on the 6th, we will board a Borea Adventures boat for the one-hour trip to our main destination: Kviar Lodge in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. This idyllic location is in a valley encircled by cliffs and with a jaw-dropping view of the fjords and mountains to the south. We will have five nights at the lodge to allow the best possible chance for optimal weather conditions and fox behavior to come together. We will keep a look out for the Aurora Borealis each night. For details on the Kviar Lodge amenities, please refer to the accommodations and packing section.

Overnight five nights at Kviar Lodge (B, L, D)

February 11th: RETURN TO ÍSAFJÖRÐUR

Today we pack up our gear and return to Ísafjörður, where we can catch up on email and downloads at the Hotel Horn.

Overnight Hotel Horn (Ísafjörður) (B,L,D)

February 12th: RETURN TO REYKJAVIK

Drive back to Reykjavik, making a few stops at compelling photography locations along the way. We will celebrate the trip with a final dinner out in Reykjavik.

Overnight Hotel Holt (B, L, D)

February 13th: DEPARTURE DAY

Transfer provided to Keflavik airport. (B)

Instructors

    • 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 ...

Pricing

Single Occupancy $12,950 (Waitlist)

Select number of spots
Deposit $6,475
Full $12,950

Double Occupancy $12,400 (Waitlist)

Select number of spots
Deposit $6,200
Full $12,400

PRICING AND OCCUPANCY

All costs are per person

For the time-being, we are not pairing up individual travelers in double-occupancy. Individual travelers must book at the Single-Occupancy rate.

PAYMENT POLICIES

  • 50% deposit upon booking
  • 50% final payment due October 4, 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 date, 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
  • All ground transfers
  • Nine nights lodging
  • All meals and beverages (including wine and beer with dinner) from dinner on Feb 18 to breakfast on Feb 28, 2024.
  • Group transportation
  • 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 cancellation 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

Highlights

  • A unique opportunity to travel with award-winning photographer, Chris Linder
  • Accessible, abiding wildlife in the remarkable Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
  • Timed for the best possible photographs of foxes in winter conditions
  • Dramatic landscapes and the possibility of fantastic aurora borealis displays
  • Small group of five participants
  • Inclusive of all lodging, dining, and transportation
  • Excellent lodging selected for logistical ease of itinerary and superior hospitality
  • First-rate local guides and logistical support from owners and managers of our accommodations
  • Generous and insightful instruction throughout

Accommodations

Our accommodations will be a mix of comfortable hotels when we are in “civilization,” and personal rooms while at Kviar Lodge.

All food and drinks are included in the package, including beer and wine with dinners. We will dine either at the hotels or at the best available restaurants during our travels out in the country, depending on the time and location. At the Kviar Lodge, meals will be prepared by our camp host and served family-style in a large, comfortable dining room. Please let us know any dietary restrictions. While each participant will have a private room, the restrooms at Kviar Lodge are shared.

Amenities at Kviar Lodge:

  • Wood-burning sauna.
  • Comfortable beds made-up daily, with down duvets
  • 6 Private Rooms, suitable for single or double occupancy
  • Delicious meals
  • Heating system
  • Great location for Northern Lights
  • Toilet and shower facilities
  • Solar and wind power
  • 220V for charging
  • Hide for watching wildlife
  • Living room for good times
  • Drying and storage room
  • Arctic foxes

Travel

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Fly into Keflavik Airport, Reykjavík (KEF).
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Airport pickup and group ground transportation is provided throughout.
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Round trip ferry boat to Kviar included.
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Participants should be prepared to hike relatively short distances to some locations with their gear. Please see the Physical Requirements section.
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Typically, temperatures range between 32ºF high and 23ºF low, with a mix of sun, partial to complete overcast, and snow showers.

Expectations

Physical Requirements

Participants should be comfortable getting in and out of a zodiac (we will only need to do this twice-once on arrival at Kviar and again to depart). In good weather conditions, the walk from the beach put-in spot to the lodge takes about five minutes. In the event of high seas, the zodiac may have to put in at a more sheltered location 0.8 miles down the coast, so participants need to be comfortable walking at least this far. Sleds will be provided for shuttling photo gear and duffels. While at the camp, arctic fox can be found foraging near the camp in the surrounding tundra and on the beach. We may elect to do short hikes for landscape opportunities or to look for other native species like ptarmigan. A wooden blind is also available at Kviar for photography.