Iceland is a land of erupting geysers, warm springs, beautiful glaciers, powerful volcanoes, and magnificent waterfalls. Its wild and distinctive nature is Iceland’s greatest attraction for visitors and a true dream for landscape photographers. This is largely because Iceland lies directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge — a long fissure in the Earth’s crust where glowing lava can easily rise from the planet’s interior. Iceland is home to no fewer than 30 active volcanoes, as well as several hundred that are no longer active. This geological activity has created hot springs where water is heated deep underground by volcanic forces. Many of Iceland’s volcanoes are highly active and periodically produce major and destructive eruptions. Combined with the country’s many glaciers and spectacular waterfalls, this makes Iceland not only breathtakingly beautiful but also both awe-inspiring and fascinating at the same time.

DAY 1, (July 28) – ARRIVAL AND EVENING PHOTOGRAPHY
In the morning, we meet at Keflavík Airport and drive to Kirkufell, where the first photo session of the trip in the Icelandic landscape awaits. Kirkufell is one of Iceland’s most iconic photographic subjects, known for its symmetrical shape and dramatic seaside setting. The mountain offers strong compositions from multiple angles, making it a perfect start to our photographic adventure. Lunch will be taken along the way and is paid individually on site.

With the first images of the journey on our memory cards, we check in at Hótel Varmaland, where we enjoy a shared welcome dinner. (D)

DAY 2, (July 29) – HORNSTRANDIR & EVENING PHOTOGRAPHY
Today we continue our journey toward the realm of the Arctic fox. From our hotel, we drive to Ísafjörður, where a boat trip to Hornstrandir awaits. Along the way, we make short photo stops whenever we pass an interesting viewpoint, a waterfall, or other appealing subjects.

Upon arrival in Ísafjörður, there will be time for lunch on your own before the ferry departs for Hornstrandir.

In the evening, we head out in search of the area’s Arctic foxes. Arctic foxes can be found in many places in Iceland, but in few locations are they as easy to spot as here, and with some luck we may photograph them at close range. However, it is important to remember that these are wild animals, and sightings can never be guaranteed. (B, D)

DAYS 3–4, (July 30–31) – PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE ARCTIC FOX
We now spend two full days in the Arctic fox’s realm, hiking in the surrounding area and exploring with our cameras. There is, among other things, an old ruin where Arctic foxes are often seen, as well as fantastic hiking trails for those who wish to explore the surroundings more closely.

As if the opportunity to photograph Arctic foxes were not enough, we are also immersed in a spectacular landscape, which both enhances the nature experience and provides countless photographic opportunities. The dramatic scenery inspires beautiful landscape images and can also serve as a powerful element when photographing Arctic foxes, allowing them to become part of the majestic surroundings, perhaps walking along the water with mountains rising on the far side of the lake.

While in the field, Mats will provide personal guidance, showing how to create interesting and creative images using his unique visual style. (B, L, D)

DAY 5, (Aug 1) – MAJESTIC WATERFALLS
Today we take the boat back to Ísafjörður, and after purchasing food for lunch, we drive for about an hour to the Dynjandi waterfall. Upon arrival, we are greeted by an impressive sight. Dynjandi consists of no fewer than seven waterfalls and has an impressive width of between 15 and 60 meters. The crown jewel is, of course, Dynjandi itself, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

Mats will demonstrate how different techniques can be used to create striking images. As darkness falls, the white water cascading down creates a dramatic contrast against the dark cliffs surrounding the waterfall. We then continue to Hótel Flókalundur, where dinner is served. (B, D)

DAY 6, (Aug 2) – PHOTOGRAPHY & IMAGE OF THE TRIP
Today we travel back toward Keflavík and spend the night just outside Grindavík at the Northern Light Inn near the Blue Lagoon. Along the way, we make photo stops as well as a stop for lunch, which is paid individually on site.

Before checking in, we visit the area in and around Grindavík, featuring dramatic lava fields and landscapes shaped by recently active volcanoes.

After check-in, a farewell dinner is served, and Mats selects the “Image of the Trip,” which advances to the final of “Årets Bild 2026” and competes for attractive prizes. (B, D)

DAY 7, (Aug 3) – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we head to the airport for onward travel back to Sweden on an individual basis. (B)

Mats Andersson studied photography, among other subjects, at the School of Arts and Crafts in Gothenburg in the late 1980s, and since 1989 has worked as an Art Director and photographer at Concret Reklam in Huskvarna. He also runs his own company, Andersson Consulting, through which he leads photo tours with us, gives lectures, holds exhibitions, publishes books, and more. Mats is a Leica Ambassador for Scandinavia. Over the years, Mats has published no fewer than 13 books and has won a large number of international awards, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 (Black & White), Nordic Nature Photographer of the Year 2016, and Swedish Nature Photographer of the Year 2016. In 2017, he also won a Silver Award in Wildlife Photographer of the Year (often referred to as the world championship of nature photography). Mats has received several grants from the Swedish Authors’ Fund (2014, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023) for his photography books.

https://matsandersson.nu/