The highlands are an amazing place to visit, and always full of surprises. The entire highland area is an exceptional place to photograph, as the landscape is full of contrasts and the light and colors are always changing. The mountains attract clouds and rays of the sun often stream through the layers of clouds. The vegetation is mostly moss, so you will see volcanic black sand against varied shades of green colors of moss, and in the Landmannalaugar area, you will see light colors of rhyolite. There are also rivers and streams that help create patterns in our photographs.
Duration: 6 Nights, Summer
Price: From $5.395 per person
Included:
- All accommodation costs during the tour (except in Reykjavík).
- Breakfast from the second day until the last day, picnic or light restaurant lunch every day, dinners from day one until the second to last day.
- Professional English speaking driver guide and photographer.
- 4X4 truck (Jeep) and gasoline.
Not included:
- Flights to/from Iceland.
- Transportation to and from airport (although this can be arranged).
- Hotel accommodation in Reykjavík.
- Travel insurance.
Climate and clothing recommendations:
The Gulf Stream is what makes Iceland inhabitable, and without it, the whole country would most likely be covered by ice. The winters are fairly mild and summers are cool. The weather can be unpredictable and very windy and rainy at times. A popular saying in Iceland is “if you don’t like the weather right now, just wait five minutes” as you may occasionally experience the four seasons all in one day: sunshine and mild temperatures to windy, cool temperatures with rain or even snow. The average temperature in January is 0 C (32 F) and the average temperature in July is 12 C (54 F)
In the view of the climate description above, we can only advise visitors to be prepared for everything. No matter what time of year you plan to visit Iceland, always pack some warm and water resistant clothes, hats, gloves and good walking shoes.
Clothes:
Practical list, independent of the season of the year
1. Warm underwear
2. Sweater or a warm jacket/coat
3. Wind- and waterproof overcoat and over trousers
4. Extra pair of warm socks
5. Gloves and a cap
6. Hiking shoes (waterproof boots for winter photo tours)
7. Slippers and possibly light trainers
9. Sunglasses (optional!)
10. Electric converter (Iceland uses 220 volts)
11. Torch or headlight (winter photo tours)
The schedule of the trip may be rearranged for the best weather conditions and light at each location, so be prepared to be flexible. This way we can make this tour as successful as possible.
Geothermal Area and Þjórsárdalur Valley - August 8th
You will be picked up from your hotel in Reykjavík around 8:00 am. We start by visiting the geothermal areas in Hellisheiði. From there we go to Þjórsárdalur Valley where we will photograph beautiful streams and waterfalls in Gjáin, a small canyon. We end the day by visiting a moonscape-like area in the highlands.
Accommodation: Hrauneyjar Highland Center.
Landmannalaugar Area - August 9th
Today we will head to Landmannalaugar highlands where we will photograph colorful rhyolite mountains, the Laugahraun Lava Field and the multicolor Brennisteinsalda Mountain. Be prepared for some hiking (4-5 hours, slow paced).
Accommodation: Hrauneyjar Highland Center.
Highland Route South to Hrífunes - August 10th
After an early breakfast, we will pack our gear and head to the Krakatindar Highland Route and make our way to the Fjallabak Nature Reserve’s south route toward our overnight lodging in Hrífunes. On this route, we will see various landscapes including barren fields of lava and volcanic sand, mossy green mountains, open rivers and wide fields of the highlands surrounded by rhyolite and the majestic hyaloclastite mountains.
Accommodation: Hrífunes Guesthouse.
Coast to Mountain - August 11th
Today we will take the Öldufell Highland Route toward the highlands where we will photograph black sand dunes, neon green moss and rivers. We will then drive to a remote black sand beach where we will photograph old ship wreckage lying in the black sand among other interesting objects there.
Accommodation: Hrífunes Guesthouse.
Langisjór Lake and Sveinstindur Mountain - August 12th
Langisjór Lake lies southwest of Vatnajökull Glacier in a beautiful and picturesque landscape. It is 20 km long and up to 2 km wide. The lake is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Iceland with many islands, cliffs and spectacular landscape surrounding it. To the east of Langisjór Lake are the hyaloclastite mountains, Fögrufjöll. Toward the west, you will see Mount Breiðbakur, famous for its moonscape, and on the south of the lake is the Sveinstindur Mountain and the glacial river, Skaftá.
Accommodation: Hrífunes Guesthouse.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Vatnajökull National Park - August 13th
We will drive east toward the Vatnajökull Glacier, stopping in Skaftafell for a easy hike to the Svartifoss Waterfall. From there the tour will continue to the Glacier Lagoon via the Svínafell Glacier and Fjallsarlón Lagoon.
Accommodation: Hrífunes Guesthouse.
Fjallabak South Route Towards Reykjavík - August 14th
Today we will take the Fjallabak South Route back to Reykjavík. We will stop at many magnificent places such as Mælifellssandur and Mount Mælifell in early morning light, Markarfljót Canyon and Gluggafoss Waterfall.
Price:
| Accommodation | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Double Occupancy | $5395 |
| Single Occupancy | $6542 |
Departure: August 27 - September 2 2019
Participants: minimum 3 people, maximum 7 people.
Duration: 7 days/6 nights
