Awarded 2024 Travelers' Choice
Find Your Next Photo Adventure
Trip Calendar Most Popular Photography Tours 2024 Photography Tours 2025 Photography Tours 2026 Photography Tours 2027 Photography Tours Spring Photography Tours Summer Photography Tours Fall Photography Tours Winter Photography Tours Landscape Photography Tours Wildlife Photography Tours International Photography Tours
Stay Up To Date On All Things
Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
Our Photography Community
Our Blog
From articles on the latest camera gear, to trip reports from our latest expeditions, our blog is meant for all interested in travel photography.Our Webinars
Our regularly hosted webinars provide photography instruction from our own guides on a wide range of topics.Our Education Portal
Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.Community Testimonials
We're proud to foster an amazing group of photo travelers, and here you can find their stories from their past adventures.About Backcountry Journeys
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys
If you're considering a photography tour, hear why Backcountry Journeys delivers the best experience in the industry.Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to photography tours, or new to BCJ, you can find our common travel questions here.Fitness Levels
Our trips vary on physical intensity, and by reviewing our fitness levels, you can find out which trips may be more challenging, or aligned more closely with your comfort level.Meet The Crew
We've built an amazing team of experienced guides, and dedicated office staff that elevate your travel experience. Get to know their backgrounds, and hear their stories.Travel Desk
You can review our various payment, and travel policies here, along with resources regarding international travel.Gift Certificates
Give the gift of photo adventure! We offer gift certificates that can be applied to any of our upcoming tours.Loyalty Program
We reward our frequent photo adventurers with exclusive discounts on amazing photography tours.Contact Us
If you need to get in touch with our office staff, or have additional business inquiries, you can find our information here.Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
The Best of Iceland
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
Don't See The Dates You're Looking For?
[Block//Start Date %M j%+0] - [Block//End Date %M j, Y%+0]
[Block//Web Spots Left]
Trip Leader(s)
[Block//Trip Leader #1]
[Block//Trip Leader #2]
Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$1,295.00
[Block//Online Availability]
Deposit: $3,500.00
Start/End
Reykjavík, Iceland / Reykjavík, Iceland
Length
11 Days/10 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 10 Guests
Highlights
- Discover the geological marvels Iceland, where volcanic terrains, geysers, black-sand beaches, and majestic waterfalls shape a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape.
- Journey along the renowned Ring Road, a scenic route spanning 828 miles, and unveil Iceland's iconic landmarks, dramatic landscapes, and stunning natural beauty.
- Benefit from the expertise of excellent local guides who possess an in-depth knowledge of Iceland's landscapes, ensuring you capture the most captivating and unique photographic opportunities.
- Receive guidance and insights from experienced photographers who will enhance your skills and help you capture the essence of Iceland's stunning natural wonders.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Iceland is truly the 'Land of Fire and Ice', an incredible land of natural contrast and geological marvels. Perched on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, this tiny island showcases the restless energy of the Earth. Volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, fault lines, black-sand beaches, and majestic waterfalls shape its dramatic landscape.
Join Backcountry Journeys on an unforgettable adventure this fall, when Iceland's autumn foliage is at its peak and the crowds of summer have dissipated. The world-class landscape photography in Iceland is even more enchanting during this season, as the vibrant fall colors soften the rugged volcanic terrain. The island's northerly latitude adds a touch of arctic allure to its already captivating beauty.
Our Best of Iceland photography workshop will take you along the renowned Ring Road, a scenic route spanning 828 miles around the island. As we traverse this route, we will encounter the country's most iconic landmarks and attractions, from glacier-laden landscapes and glacier lagoons to geothermal areas and black sand beaches. The central highlands, with their soaring mountain peaks and pristine wilderness, will also be part of our journey.
Unleash your creative spirit as you capture the contrasting elements of Iceland's landscapes, where pristine snow-capped glaciers stand against the rugged volcanic terrain, offering a visual symphony of beauty and wonder. And if nature favors us, witness the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky, weaving their celestial magic into our compositions. As the sun sets, our dedicated evenings will be spent scouting for the perfect locations to juxtapose these celestial phenomena with Iceland's awe-inspiring vistas.
See the rich diversity of Iceland's landscape during this extraordinary photography tour and workshop. Experience the wonders of this land in one of its most vibrant seasons. If you haven't yet considered Iceland as a destination, now is the time to discover its alluring allure and unleash your creativity upon its captivating landscapes.
Join Backcountry Journeys on an unforgettable adventure this fall, when Iceland's autumn foliage is at its peak and the crowds of summer have dissipated. The world-class landscape photography in Iceland is even more enchanting during this season, as the vibrant fall colors soften the rugged volcanic terrain. The island's northerly latitude adds a touch of arctic allure to its already captivating beauty.
Our Best of Iceland photography workshop will take you along the renowned Ring Road, a scenic route spanning 828 miles around the island. As we traverse this route, we will encounter the country's most iconic landmarks and attractions, from glacier-laden landscapes and glacier lagoons to geothermal areas and black sand beaches. The central highlands, with their soaring mountain peaks and pristine wilderness, will also be part of our journey.
Unleash your creative spirit as you capture the contrasting elements of Iceland's landscapes, where pristine snow-capped glaciers stand against the rugged volcanic terrain, offering a visual symphony of beauty and wonder. And if nature favors us, witness the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky, weaving their celestial magic into our compositions. As the sun sets, our dedicated evenings will be spent scouting for the perfect locations to juxtapose these celestial phenomena with Iceland's awe-inspiring vistas.
See the rich diversity of Iceland's landscape during this extraordinary photography tour and workshop. Experience the wonders of this land in one of its most vibrant seasons. If you haven't yet considered Iceland as a destination, now is the time to discover its alluring allure and unleash your creativity upon its captivating landscapes.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop in a custom 'monster truck'
- All lodging during the workshop
- Airport transfers
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Local Icelandic guide
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (D)
Arrive in Iceland and check into your hotel in Reykjavík. Group dinner and meeting
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We leave early from our hotel in Reykjavík and start our tour by travelling to Þingvellir National Park, known for Alþing (Althing), the site of Iceland’s parliament from the 10th to 18th centuries. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of two tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures like the huge Almannagjá fault. We will be taking in the amazing fall foliage while stopping along the way at various photographic opportunities. We’ll take a walk right behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall (hope you brought along a weather-sealed camera body!), and photograph Skógafoss. We will spend our evening around the small town of Vík in Mýrdal (which has a beautiful country church surrounded by fields of lupine wildflowers), and photograph the northern lights, if possible.
Days 3 - 4 (B,L,D)
We start early from our hotel in Vik and continue our tour of the South Coast where we will photograph seascapes including the Black Beach, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the Dyrhólaey sea arches. We drive past the smallest grass-roofed church in Iceland at Núpsstaður on our way to Skaftafell National Park, where we’ll photograph more glaciers, including the iceberg-filled glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, which is another classic postcard scene. We will stop in at Diamond Beach and even photograph the northern lights when possible. We spend the day around the Vatnajökull area and spend the next two nights in Suðursveit.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
The picturesque east fjords are calling us. More glacier lagoons as we visit off the beaten track Heinabergslón before heading further east. We will stop at the more jagged coastal peaks of Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn, as well as in ample locations to photograph sea stacks, the winding roads and cascading streams down the steep terraced mountains. Perhaps reindeer (the trademark of East Iceland) will cross the road on this autumn tour. We will spend this evening in Djúpivogur.
Days 6 - 8 (B,L,D)
The next morning, we head towards the heart of North Iceland, Mývatn, where we spend the next three nights. We’ll feel the plummeting power of Europe’s largest waterfall by volume, Dettifoss, from it's better yet less-visited side, and take some shorter hikes in the river canyon of Jökulsárgljufur National Park to see rock stacks dividing the powerful Jökulsá á Fjöllum. In Mývatn, we’ll photograph geothermal steam vents, bizarre volcanic formations, and fields of craters that will make you feel like you are on the moon, then check out (or swim in) warm, silica-rich water with an amazing blue-color, from a nearby geothermal power plant. The Northern part of Iceland is known for three waterfalls that are often called “The Majestic Waterfalls”. Dettifoss is one of them but we visit the second two on day seven. Both large in volume and surrounded by great landscape. First Aldeyjarfoss with its basalt column front, & second Goðafoss, nicknamed by one local as ‘The Beauty’ in comparison to ‘The Beast’ of Dettifoss, the name Goðafoss could be translated roughly as The Waterfall of The Gods.
Day 9 (B,L,D)
After sunrise and breakfast at our Mývatn hotel, we head west along the north coastline and travel towards Reykjavík. We will stop at some lesser known locations such as Skagafjörður on our way and spend the night in Northwest Iceland.
Day 10 (B,L)
We start the day with sunrise at seascape Hvítserkur, a 15-meter high monolith or sea-stack. The legend goes that Hvítserkur is a petrified troll but if you don’t believe that, the truth is that it is a volcanic plug from a long time ago. Whichever is correct, it is an impressive photo opportunity. After lunch, we head towards Reykjavík and make a stop at a few waterfalls. West Iceland is known for impressive waterfalls, salmon fishing and Viking Sagas. We will also make a stop to photograph some wild Icelandic horses (if we get lucky) before we arrive at our hotel in Reykjavík in the late afternoon. Spend your last night in Reykjavík enjoying the local sights, reviewing your many trip images, or resting before your journey home the next day.
Day 11
Transfer from the hotel in Reykjavík to Keflavik International Airport. Flights home can be booked anytime today.
Day 1 (D)
Arrive in Iceland and check into your hotel in Reykjavík. Group dinner and meeting
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We leave early from our hotel in Reykjavík and start our tour by travelling to Þingvellir National Park, known for Alþing (Althing), the site of Iceland’s parliament from the 10th to 18th centuries. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of two tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures like the huge Almannagjá fault. We will be taking in the amazing fall foliage while stopping along the way at various photographic opportunities. We’ll take a walk right behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall (hope you brought along a weather-sealed camera body!), and photograph Skógafoss. We will spend our evening around the small town of Vík in Mýrdal (which has a beautiful country church surrounded by fields of lupine wildflowers), and photograph the northern lights, if possible.
Days 3 - 4 (B,L,D)
We start early from our hotel in Vik and continue our tour of the South Coast where we will photograph seascapes including the Black Beach, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the Dyrhólaey sea arches. We drive past the smallest grass-roofed church in Iceland at Núpsstaður on our way to Skaftafell National Park, where we’ll photograph more glaciers, including the iceberg-filled glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, which is another classic postcard scene. We will stop in at Diamond Beach and even photograph the northern lights when possible. We spend the day around the Vatnajökull area and spend the next two nights in Suðursveit.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
The picturesque east fjords are calling us. More glacier lagoons as we visit off the beaten track Heinabergslón before heading further east. We will stop at the more jagged coastal peaks of Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn, as well as in ample locations to photograph sea stacks, the winding roads and cascading streams down the steep terraced mountains. Perhaps reindeer (the trademark of East Iceland) will cross the road on this autumn tour. We will spend this evening in Djúpivogur.
Days 6 - 8 (B,L,D)
The next morning, we head towards the heart of North Iceland, Mývatn, where we spend the next three nights. We’ll feel the plummeting power of Europe’s largest waterfall by volume, Dettifoss, from it's better yet less-visited side, and take some shorter hikes in the river canyon of Jökulsárgljufur National Park to see rock stacks dividing the powerful Jökulsá á Fjöllum. In Mývatn, we’ll photograph geothermal steam vents, bizarre volcanic formations, and fields of craters that will make you feel like you are on the moon, then check out (or swim in) warm, silica-rich water with an amazing blue-color, from a nearby geothermal power plant. The Northern part of Iceland is known for three waterfalls that are often called “The Majestic Waterfalls”. Dettifoss is one of them but we visit the second two on day seven. Both large in volume and surrounded by great landscape. First Aldeyjarfoss with its basalt column front, & second Goðafoss, nicknamed by one local as ‘The Beauty’ in comparison to ‘The Beast’ of Dettifoss, the name Goðafoss could be translated roughly as The Waterfall of The Gods.
Day 9 (B,L,D)
After sunrise and breakfast at our Mývatn hotel, we head west along the north coastline and travel towards Reykjavík. We will stop at some lesser known locations such as Skagafjörður on our way and spend the night in Northwest Iceland.
Day 10 (B,L)
We start the day with sunrise at seascape Hvítserkur, a 15-meter high monolith or sea-stack. The legend goes that Hvítserkur is a petrified troll but if you don’t believe that, the truth is that it is a volcanic plug from a long time ago. Whichever is correct, it is an impressive photo opportunity. After lunch, we head towards Reykjavík and make a stop at a few waterfalls. West Iceland is known for impressive waterfalls, salmon fishing and Viking Sagas. We will also make a stop to photograph some wild Icelandic horses (if we get lucky) before we arrive at our hotel in Reykjavík in the late afternoon. Spend your last night in Reykjavík enjoying the local sights, reviewing your many trip images, or resting before your journey home the next day.
Day 11
Transfer from the hotel in Reykjavík to Keflavik International Airport. Flights home can be booked anytime today.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
More Trips Like This
[Block//Trip Category (Destinations)]
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
[Block//Trip Length]
From [Block//Basic Pricing]
[Block//Author//First Name] [Block//Author//Last Name] | [Block//Published Date]
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
THE BEST TEAM
IN THE
BUSINESS
IN THE
BUSINESS
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024