KERLINGARFJÖLL

In the heart of the Icelandic highlands rises Kerlingarfjöll – a geothermal mountain range that feels like something from another world. Here, dramatic contrasts unfold before your eyes: steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and smoking ravines framed by mountains glowing in shades of rust, gold, white, and green. The constant interplay between the Earth’s inner forces and Iceland’s ever-changing light creates a landscape in motion – offering endless photographic opportunities.

Winding trails lead you through the area, revealing unforgettable vistas: steam sweeping over ridgelines in backlight, snowfields merging with warm earth, and color shifts that make every view unique. Kerlingarfjöll is not just a place to visit – it’s a place to experience, to breathe in, and to capture through the lens.

For nature lovers, hikers, and landscape photographers, Kerlingarfjöll is one of Iceland’s most fascinating and inspiring destinations.

THJORSARDALUR DALEN

Háifoss, meaning “the high waterfall,” is one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls – both in height and beauty. Plunging 122 meters, it is among the country’s tallest falls, dramatically located in a gorge where the Fossá River crashes into a deep canyon with thundering force. The surrounding landscape features rocky plateaus, moss, lava stones, and sweeping horizons – a setting that feels both ancient and untamed.

Gjáin is a fairytale-like valley in Þjórsárdalur, southern Iceland, filled with small waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, mosses in lava green, and volcanically sculpted rocks. The place feels as though it belongs in a fantasy film – and indeed, it served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Here, water winds gently through the lush scenery, bordered by wildflowers and strange rock formations. Gjáin is a hidden oasis in an otherwise stark landscape – a magical hideaway where nature reveals its most poetic side.

VEIÐIVÖTN

For landscape photographers, Veiðivötn feels almost unreal – an untouched and desolate lake district in the heart of Iceland’s highlands, where raw natural beauty and deep silence create a magical setting for photography. Here, a string of deep blue and turquoise crater lakes awaits, surrounded by black volcanic gravel, gentle hills, and muted, earthy tones that let every nuance of light shine through with intensity.

The light in Veiðivötn is ever-changing – from soft, pastel-colored mornings to dramatic shadows on overcast days. The clear water mirrors the sky and the movement of clouds, and the contrasting landscapes offer compositions that are both graphically pure and emotionally powerful. A minimalist arrangement of water, stone, and sky can carry just as much impact as a sweeping panoramic view.

This is a place where you can work in peace, free from distractions, and fully immerse yourself in composition, light, and expression. Every step reveals new perspectives – from intimate close-ups of lava gravel textures to wide vistas of lakes stretching beneath the stillness of the mountains.

LANDMANNALAUGAR

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most unique and breathtaking natural experiences, located in the heart of the Icelandic highlands, at the southern edge of the mighty Fjallabak mountain range. The area is renowned for its spectacular rhyolite mountains, which shimmer in every color of the rainbow – from deep reds and oranges to greens, yellows, and blues. These colors are created by minerals in the volcanic bedrock and shift with the changing light and weather, making each visit a truly unique experience.

Amid this dramatic landscape stretch vast lava fields, formed by ancient eruptions – including the Laugahraun eruptionof 1477. Warm springs and streams also run through the valleys, where visitors can bathe in naturally heated pools.

Despite its remote location, Landmannalaugar offers a rare combination of beauty and raw natural power – a destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who venture there.

GRINDAVÍK

Grindavík, located in southwestern Iceland, was severely affected by a series of volcanic eruptions that began in December 2023 and continued through March 2024. These eruptions caused extensive damage to both the town and its infrastructure. Seismic activity led to ground subsidence and the formation of large fissures. Lava emerged rapidly and now covers an area of 3.4 square kilometers. During the eruptions, several buildings were destroyed, including residential homes and parts of the town’s infrastructure.

19-23/8 2026

DAY 1 (August 19) – ARRIVAL – KERLINGARFJÖLL
Meeting at Keflavík Airport around 11:00 AM – the adventure begins! Our destination for the day is Highland Base, near Kerlingarfjöll. On the way, we’ll stop for a photo session at the dramatic Brúarhlöð canyon, where the river has sculpted surreal formations in lava rock over thousands of years. Here, turquoise water rushes through narrow passages and under natural bridges, framed by smooth, hollowed cliffs and stone pillars – a perfect location to work with long exposure photography.

After check-in and dinner, we head into the Kerlingarfjöll mountains, one of Iceland’s most spectacular regions. Here, nature’s elements converge: red and golden rhyolite mountains rise dramatically from the earth, steam plumes billow from hot springs, and meltwater from the Hofsjökull glacier carves deep valleys. Trails wind between bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and snow-covered peaks, with colors shifting as the light changes – from glowing orange to soft grey and mossy green. Kerlingarfjöll offers an abundance of inspiration for landscape photography. (Dinner included)

DAY 2 (August 20) – KERLINGARFJÖLL – ÞJÓRSÁRDALUR VALLEY
We start early, returning to Kerlingarfjöll to capture sunrise among the colorful rhyolite mountains and steaming geothermal vents. After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, we continue across the highlands into the lush Þjórsárdalur Valley, surrounded by lava fields, black sand plains, and snow-capped peaks. Here, dramatic terrain shaped by ancient volcanic flows meets soft green meadows.

At the heart of the valley lies Háifoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, plunging 122 meters into a breathtaking canyon – a dream location for photographers. Later, we visit Gjáin, a hidden gem in the otherwise harsh highland landscape. This green oasis, tucked among lava cliffs and black sand, is home to gentle streams, crystal-clear pools, and moss-covered ravines. The surreal beauty of Gjáin has even earned it a spot in Game of Thrones as a filming location.

The evening ends at The Highland Center Hrauneyjar, which will serve as our base for the remainder of the trip. Dinner is served at the hotel. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)

DAY 3 (August 21) – THE LAVA LANDSCAPE OF VEIÐIVÖTN
Today, we explore the stunning area around Veiðivötn, a dramatic landscape shaped by fire and time. Black volcanic sands and ancient lava fields stretch between open waters and distant mountain ranges. Photographing yellow wildflowers and green reeds emerging from the black lava offers striking compositions.

The region’s 50 lakes lie in a young valley formed by the 1477 Bárðarbunga eruption, which opened a series of craters later filled with water – known as maars. It’s a place where raw power meets tranquil beauty, offering ideal conditions for landscape photography.

In the evening, we return to Háifoss to capture the waterfall bathed in the golden light of sunset. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)

DAY 4 (August 22) – LANDMANNALAUGAR
Today we head to Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland’s most captivating natural areas, deep within the highlands – a place where nature’s forces have sculpted a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The area is especially famous for its striking rhyolite mountains, rich in minerals that create a vibrant spectrum of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue-grey hues. These colors shift with the light and weather, making every visit a unique experience.

The colorful mountains contrast dramatically with the dark, expansive Laugahraun lava fields, formed during a 15th-century eruption. Clear streams run through the valleys, and steam rises from geothermal vents – a reminder of the constant geological activity beneath the surface. The name Landmannalaugar means “the people’s hot springs,” and for good reason.

The day concludes with a relaxing soak in a naturally heated stream, surrounded by majestic views. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)

DAY 5 (August 23) – GRINDAVÍK – KEFLAVÍK AIRPORT
After an early breakfast and check-out, we begin our return journey toward Keflavík. Along the way, we’ll stop for photo opportunities if we come across anything of interest.

Our route takes us through the coastal town of Grindavík, just 26 km from the airport. Since late 2023, this area has experienced multiple volcanic eruptions, with lava emerging from ground fissures and spreading across the landscape toward the town. Lava fountains reached several meters in height, quickly covering roads, threatening the town, and prompting evacuations.

In Grindavík, conditions permitting, we’ll photograph the aftermath of the eruptions – capturing the striking proximity of lava to homes and the destruction left in nature’s wake.

Upon arrival at the airport, check-in and departure are handled individually. (Breakfast and lunch included)

SERKAN GÜNES – Landscape photographer 

Serkan Günes was born in Istanbul, moved to Stockholm in 2000, and since 2015 has made his home in Gällivare, in the north of Sweden. Serkan is a landscape photographer with a deep connection to nature, capturing its rich diversity—both grand vistas and subtle details. His images are defined by his discerning and deliberate use of light, which has become his signature style.

Serkan is the first Swedish photographer to receive the prestigious Eric Hosking Award, presented annually by BBC Wildlife and the Natural History Museum in London. In 2009, he was named Nature Photographer of the Year by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. His work is widely published and recognized across Europe.

Serkan Günes has led photography workshops across Africa, Europe, and the Arctic.

For more information: www.serkangunes.com

HOTEL

HIGHLAND BASE****

PRICE

Price per person: SEK ???????:-

Price includes:

• All transportation as per the program

• Accommodation in shared double rooms

• Meals according to the itinerary (indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

• Daily photography sessions led by Serkan Günes

• Workshops and lectures by Serkan Günes during the trip

• Accompaniment by a host from Zoom Fotoresor

• All hotel and local taxes and fees

• Practical travel information

Price does not include:

• Transportation to Iceland

• Single room supplement: SEK ?????

• Personal expenses, such as beverages, etc.

• Cancellation protection/travel insurance – for more information, see the “Other” section on our website.

TRANSPORTATION 

Travel to Iceland is arranged independently. You should not arrive at Keflavík Airport later than 11:00 AM on August 19, and your return flight should not be booked earlier than 4:00 PM on August 23.

If you would like assistance with overnight accommodation the night before or flight bookings, we are more than happy to help. Please feel free to call us at +46 470 466 40, email us at info@zoomphototours.com, or let us know when you make your booking.

FACTS 

Target group: Photographers with an interest in landscape photography
Minimum/maximum participants: 8 / 12
Exchange rate: ISK 0.073 (as of May 22, 2025)
Other: For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, terms and conditions, etc., please visit our website under the “Other” section.

CAMERAEQUPIMENT

• A camera with lenses ranging from wide-angle to medium telephoto

• A tripod (three-legged)

• Extra batteries, as charging options may be limited

• Battery charger for your camera and other electronic devices

• Memory cards as needed

• A camera bag that can hold your gear and a packed lunch

• A laptop with either Photoshop or Lightroom installed

BOOKING

You can book your spot by clicking the button below. You are also welcome to call us at +46 470 466 40 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com