In celebration of their forthcoming trip, PTR recommends reading our previously published articles about this fabulous place.  From our experiences and those of our readers, Iceland is a must place to visit for anyone seeking adventure travel.

Interview with Jure-Kravanja

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Guest Article — The Land of Ice and Fire by Daniel Arenas Pintado

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PTR Recommended Tours – Iceland Photo Tours

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Iceland Aurora Tours

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Wild Photograph Holidays

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The PTR Team Goes to Iceland in April

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I was very lucky to meet Jure during my time in Slovenia. He told me about his forthcoming trip to Iceland and he kindly agreed to share his experience with us on his return.

More of his work can be seen here and as you can see he is a very talented photographer.

Claire : When did you visit Iceland?

Jure : We visited Iceland in June 2008. As it turned out we chose wisely, since June brings the best out of Iceland.

Claire : Were you travelling with an organised tour or did you plan this trip yourself?

Jure: A travel agency took care of lodgings and car rental. We did everything else on our own.

Claire: Where were you based?

Jure : During the weeklong trip we changed location every day, with exception of the city of Akureyri (located in the north of the island), where we spent two nights.

Claire: What was your itinerary?

Jure : We started our journey in the capital of Reykjavik. We made a circle around the island, passing mostly through small fishing villages (Vik being the most southern point of our trip and Husavik the most northern).

The following image was taken in Southern Iceland

Claire: How did you travel about when you were there?

Jure: We used a rented car. On the fourth day of the trip our car experienced a minor malfunction and our car provider offered an immediate change of vehicle – that was indeed very nice.

Claire: What were your expectations before you went?

Jure: The expectations were high. Before the trip we went through a lot of travel guides and photos, so we were expecting a magnificent arctic desert …

Claire : What was the reality?

Jure : In reality, it was even better than that. We didn’t dare to dream of such incomparable beauty!

Here is an other image taken in Southern Iceland

Claire : What was the weather like when you were there and what time of the year would you recommend visiting?

Jure : The weather in Iceland is as diverse as it’s landscape. In a single day we would encounter sunshine, rain and even a snowstorm. As said before, we arrived in June, in the summit of Iceland’s beauty.

Claire : What accommodation did you use or could you recommend?

Jure : A friend of ours, who happens to own a travel agency, took care of the accommodation. We stayed in various places: countryside hotels, student dorms, and even in a nice wooden cottage.

Claire : What were the highlights of your trip?

Jure : Everything was great, but if I had to single out three landmarks, I’d say extinct volcanoes, sulphur pools, and fields of hardened magma.

Claire: Any lowlights?

Jure : Not a single one!

Claire : Is this a trip you would recommend to readers?

Jure : I’d recommend this trip to everyone; Iceland is definitely one of the sleeping beauties of the Earth. Furthermore, it is the safest and the cleanest of the European countries, with warm and peaceful people. Because of its colourful landscape it is a must-see for everyone interested in our planet and nature, for everyone passionate about those slow, grand and picturesque landscapes, typical of Iceland.

Claire: Do you have any photography tips?

Jure : I would recommend using wide-angle lenses in order to capture those vast landscapes and also a telephoto.

Claire: PTR thanks Jure for sharing his experience and wonderful images with us. This is a destination that has been on my “must do” list for a long time and he has certainly sold it to me.

Some facts and figures

Link provided by Jure

http://en.vedur.is/ – Since weather in Iceland can be quite moody, this site really helps planning your trip.

Guest Article by Daniel Arenas Pintado.

Last summer my wife and I spent 11 days in a gorgeous and spectacular trip around Iceland and I want to share with all of you my experience.

Iceland is a European island situated in the North Atlantic Ocean under the Arctic Circle. It has three hundred and sixteen thousand inhabitants and it’s classified as the most developed country in the world by the United Nations. Its population is called Icelanders and they speak not only Icelandic but also English.

We spent thirteen days on a tour around the island with a four wheels drive car (4WD or 4×4) on our own. We drove for three thousand kilometers on main roads, roads with loose surface, paths and also we crossed some rivers without bridges (we had to ford them). In the last river the water covered almost the wheels and I thought we wouldn’t achieve to cross but fortunately we did.

There were gorgeous landscapes and natural places for hiking, sightseeing and of course for taking a lot of pictures of geysers, volcanoes, glaciers, great colored mountains due to its mineral composition… All the country is a huge Natural Reserve and I strongly recommend it to you.

We, my wife Gemma and I, landed at Keflavik International Airport, close to Reykjavik, with a direct Icelandair flight (Boeing 757) from Barcelona – Spain- at 2:30 am and picked a hire car up, a Suzuki Jimny (4×4). Then we went to sleep.

First day

We slept very few hours because we were extremely excited of starting our particular new adventure, on our own, around Iceland.

We visited Almannagjá, a fault caused by the separation of American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and Þingvellir Natural Park.

Then we went to the Kerið, a volcanic cone filled with water.

After that, we enjoyed the nature spectacle of the geyser Strokkur in the Geysir zone.

Before going back to the hotel we went to Gullfoss, a huge waterfall. It was my first fall in this precious country and was very special for me. Many feelings came to my mind in that time.

Second Day

We got up early in the morning to seize the day. We went from Fluðir to Landmannalaugar driving along a forest trail called F208 (loose surface).

Landmannalaugar is a volcanic area situated in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

Be careful if you return to the main road (ring road) using the forest trail F208 (loose surface, again) to Kirkjubæjarklaustur because there are several rivers and streams that raise their water level when rain. We had to ford them and in one case the river was very large. It took us two hours and a half to travel by car 50 Km.

After that kind of adventure we arrived to Skógafoss, another great waterfall (Iceland is very rich in water).

And then we went to Dyrhólaey near to the city of Vik. Here we observed some rocky formations. Legend tells that these rocks were three trolls which were turned into stone when touched by sunlight.

Third Day

That day was dedicated to visiting the desert of black sand, the Skeiðarársandur, and the glacier Vatnajökull and its surroundings.

Close to that point we can visit another famous waterfall, Svartifoss.

Our last stop was the Jökulsárlón lagoon. The water of that lake comes a half from the sea (salt water) and a half from the Vatnajökull glacier (sweet water), so there are plenty of little icebergs. Here we saw some seals near the sea entry and a wide range of birds.

Fourth Day

We spent this day travelling along the ring road in the eastern fjords. The weather was foggy with some rains. The forecast in Iceland is surprisingly exact, and very difficult to do because each part of the island has his own micro clime due to the differences of winds, water flows in the ocean, proximity to the Arctic Circle…

Fifth Day

Our fifth day was exciting and we visited Dettifoss, Hafragilfoss and Selfoss waterfalls and we spent the night in the precious town of Húsavik.

These three waterfalls are from the same river, the Jökulsá, and the orogeny crated by erosion is named the Jökulsárgljúrfur Canyon.

Sixth day

In Húsavik we enrolled to a sail boat to sail a bit and try to watch whales. But we just saw only one whale and very few times. It was a pity.

After that, in the afternoon, we went to Mývatn-lake surroundings, to the zone of Hverarönð, close to the Namafjall volcano.

Later we went to Krafla a high seismic activity area. Last eruption was in 1984 and it was the ninth since 1975.

In the same area of Krafla we can find one of the most famous volcanic cones in Iceland called Viti. Viti means hell and it’s one of the first’s cone explosive formed by the geological and volcanic activity of Krafla.

Seventh day

We left the hotel situated in Reykjahlíð and went to Grjótagjá, a crack where caves, with hot water lakes, had been formed underneath.

From the cone of the Hverfjall volcano we could see different views from the Iceland-northern landscape.

Later was time to visit Höfdi, a small peninsula that juts into the lake Mývatn and whose best locations are the southern edge repopulated with a forest of birch and fir trees and in front of Kálfastronð shore where we can see the pillars of lava (quite famous) called also Klasa.

Then we continued around the lake Mývatn (all the time is on the main road No.1, the Ring Road) till Skútustaðir where we could see the pseudocraters (and a small lake called Stakhólstjörn).

These pseudocraters are not real craters produced by volcanic eruptions but molten lava which came into the lake and trapped water inside. These amount of water evaporated violently producing a big pressure of water steam inside the lava which became to inflate like a bubble. Then this bubble burst due to the high pressure and the molten lava cooled and acquired its characteristic shape.

After enjoying those breathtaking views, and before retiring to rest in Akureyri, we visited another famous waterfall, Godafoss.

Eighth and ninth day

The eighth day was just spent travelling from Akureyri to Borgarnes in where we had a hotel for two nights in order to be able to get up early in the ninth day and visit the Snaefellness peninsula.

The first place where we stopped, in the ninth day, was Buðir a very astonishing and calmed place. There was only an old wooden hotel, a little church with a cemetery and an awesome and paradisiacal beach. Jules Verne, in his book – Journey to the center of the earth- referred to this location.

Then we went to a pretty beautiful fisherman town called Arnarstapi.

After having enjoyed Arnarstapi we went to the Snæefellsjökull glacier in where there is the Snæefells volcano. Here, supposedly, according to Jules Verne in his book – Journey to the Center of the Earth – was the gateway to a virgin and prehistoric underworld.

Tenth and eleventh day

We spent these two days (our lasts days in Iceland) to visit Reykjavik and take some relaxing bath in the famous SPA, with natural hot water, the Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lonid).

Useful information:

Daniel Arenas’ blog (Nature Shots) : http://danielarenas.wordpress.com

Visit Iceland (official site) : http://www.icetourist.is/

Icelandic forecast: http://www.mbl.is/mm/frettir/vedur/index.html?en=1

Icelandic roads condition: http://www.vegagerdin.is/english/road-conditions-and-weather/the-entire-country/island1e.html

Iceland summer colors

Finding a location for summer photography presents challenges, often the light is too harsh, sunsets and rises too close together to enable decent sleep and the air lacks the clarity that cold days bring. Plus all that green! In other words while it is great to ditch the thermals it is hard to find inspiration.

A solution is to escape to cooler latitudes. This summer Mel and I, with new friend Canadian Connie, headed north to Iceland and chose to spend a week in the Westfjords. This location would present challenges in the winter months due to it’s isolation and difficult terrain but in the summer is accessible but little visited (while the south is full of tourist buses).

On arrival the weather was in fact warmer than it had been in the UK which was a bit of a surprise but there is no second guessing the weather here. Basically no matter the season take layers and wet weather gear and expect to remove and add on an hourly basis!

The drive to the northern part of Westfjords takes about eight hours so our guide and driver had suggested an itinerary that gave us an overnight stop near the Kirkjufellsfoss on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for an evening shoot, then a fairly easy drive to Thingeyri for three nights and finally on to a base near Isafjordur for a further three nights. For the return journey we caught the Sykssholmur ferry to cut down on the driving and to give another perspective on the land.

Day 1

Arrival at Keflavik International Airport where we met our guide and new friend Connie, the weather was looking fabulous and an easy drive took us to Kirkjufellsfoss,  a  well-situated waterfall near the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The only down side here was the sky – just a bit too clear but it is a great location and having the mountain light up in the evening sun a bonus. It is always good to bag a few shots early in a trip – at least you know you have something to take home.

Kirkjufell Mountain and Falls

We stayed in a rough and ready guesthouse in Budardalur but all we needed was a bed, shower and breakfast and then off again into the unknown. From this point we quickly left the the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and were in the southern parts of the Westfjords.

The roads began to get “interesting” with three mountain passes in quick succession. The road turns to a gravel track. It stays this way for 100 plus kilometres, until we got to Thingeyri. It is a drive that is fine in summer but I’d still recommend a vehicle with plenty of power and good tyres, to be honest I’d not fancy it in winter on my own.

We arrived in Thingeyri in the afternoon and experienced the last of the summer sun of the trip before the clouds took hold.

Our guesthouse here was well placed and had the benefit of a shared kitchen,  I wish that the UK had more accommodation like this. It is somewhere between a B&B and a cottage and gives so much more freedom for a photographer who has just a few days (so doesn’t want a weekly cottage let) and needs the flexibility to self cater and keep strange hours.

That evening and the following morning we enjoy the  view over Dýrafjörður from the top of Mt. Sandafell .

From Mount Sandafell

From Mount Sandafell - Morning

The Aðalból mountain road proved an exciting option. It is hardly a road, more like a track that has been crafted and hewn by dedicated souls determined to bring their little homesteads within the reach of civilisation. We drove it twice, the second time I felt a little more relaxed but the soaring aretes above you and drops below made you grateful for the safety of a sturdy vehicle and experienced driver. Truly worth the effort. The light wasn’t really with us but as an experience it was unforgettable.

Every corner had a surprise.

Taking a leisurely walk around a location is always worthwhile to get the local flavour – or in this case the smells.

Fish Drying Huts

Days 4-7

Iceland -avalance stoppers

Leaving Thingeyri was hard, it had been a great location and I felt that if we had found some better light it would have kept us busy for several more days.

Most of the drive North involves driving in and out of the fjords that distinguish the Westfjords from the rest of Iceland. Progress is slow but who wants to rush?

From Isafjordur, it was a 20 minute drive, including a seven kilometre long tunnel, to get to Blómsturvellir Guesthouse in Súðavík, which provided pleasant self catering accommodation.

For the next few days we explored the northern edge of Westfjords. Worthwhile locations include; Önundarfjörður, Skálavík, Súgandafjörður, Bólungarvík, Ísafjörður, Hestfjörður  and Skötufjörður

The weather proved a little stubborn as it refused to move. In the distance we could see great light over an inaccessible reserve and we had to work hard to make the most of any moments when it shone our way.

Red Glow

Highlights include a rainbow and waterfall  over the distant reserve. My Canon 70-300L proved its worth during this trip as it allowed me to peer into places I couldn’t reach.

Inaccessible

Sunrises gave some frustrations as the gap for the sun to shine through was so small but for a brief time it ignited the land and showed the local colours. Colour that in summer in the UK would not be found.

Brief local colour

We stopped in Isafjordur to take some detail shots I had to chuckle when I found this… our football is truly a religion all over the world.

United

A week is not long enough to do such a place justice, you leave asking so many questions. Did I make the most of the light and time? What would the area look like in another season? Will the light be better tomorrow? What is round that corner we didn’t quite walk to? When can I return?

Grabbing the Moment

As we drove away from our house for the long drive back to the airport we had a happy accident – Connie had left her watch and she had to dash back to get it. Mel and I opted to be left by the road until she returned and we got a fleeting bit of light. A grabbed moment at the end of a great week when no-one wanted to leave.

Grabbing the last moments

A final stop was at Dynjandi, one of Icelands most famous waterfalls. Not a mid-day location and indeed even though it is spectacular I haven’t seen an image from here that makes me go “wow” – I wonder if the light every really catches it and makes it sparkle. I’d love someone to show me a picture from here that proves it does sometimes glow. This is is a tiny, tiny part of a mountainous fall.

Dynjandi -a fraction of a fall

We had decided to take the ferry to avoid a long drive. The ferry from Brjanslaekur  arrives at the port of Sykssholmur. There is nothing in Brjanslaekur. It is basically an Icelandic crossroads, there are a few farms, along with a hut which is used to sell ferry tickets, and a dock. As basic as it was I still felt a sense of returning to the world. Once on the ferry the magic was broken – all possible food tastes catered for and there were people again which made me realise that we had seen so few on the trip.

Our final night near the airport was spent at The Barracks,  Keflavik. If you want a very clean and airy room, own bathroon, access to a kitchen, a breakfast at any time of the morning and a free drive to your plane at a VERY reasonable price – this is for you.

Postscript.

I mentioned that I used my new Canon 70-300L a lot on this trip. I have used a zoom many times before for landscapes but never found a lens that really worked for me. I have a 100-400 Canon which I enjoy and can produce quality shots but it isn’t a lense you want to drag up mountains. I had the 70-300 DO  but my copy seemed soft and didn’t appear to work with my 7D (I use the 5D MKII for landscapes but carry the 7D in my bag with a long zoom for when I need some reach). I have uploaded shots from this trip here that show how much I used the 70-300L. It has in fact given me a new “voice” – while I remain a wide angle junkie I now have a new tool that gives a perspective that intrigues me.

Zooming in.

Claire Carter www.carterart.co.uk

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When one thinks of photography and travel, Iceland always ends up on the list of places to go. Without doubt, Iceland is one of the finest photographic destinations in the world. Iceland adventures, however, require that one find a reputable guide and tour provider as the country, while incredibly beautiful, is difficult to traverse.

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Likewise, finding good lodging, and knowing where to go for the ultimate photo adventure means one needs expert assistance. Iceland Photo Tours provides everything one could want when venturing into one of the world’s most spectacular places.

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Haukur Snorrason, owner of Iceland Photo Tours, is well qualified to provide anyone with the ultimate photographic holiday in Iceland. With a wealth of knowledge about both his country and photography, expect the best Iceland can provide on a tour.

Haukur Snorrason

When considering a photo travel adventure, it is important to learn what others have said about their experiences.

“Thank you Haukur for showing us your secret stunningly beautiful spots around South Iceland far away from what most tourists see! Thank you Hadda for creating that nice hospitable atmosphere  and your fantastic food.” Teresa from Germany

“Thank you for a wonderful stay and great companionship. The Icelandic scenery was my first goal, but the friendship was even better. Haukur, what a great driver. Hadda, what a great cook – I have eaten many new and delicious foods. Iceland is the best photo destination! We will return.” Robert van Baarsel, The Netherlands

“Haukur is extremely knowledgeable of the area as geologial and recent history and of its photographic oppertunities. He was appropiately patient and at the same time did not allow any single individual to slow the entire group.  Haukur is a natural leader, he has a delightful personality, perfect for leading the trip.  All in all this has been a wonderful experience. The best way to descripe it is that I would like to come again.” Steve Penland, Olympia, WA USA.

“What a perfect trip! We loved the ability to visit Haukur’s favorite spots for pictures.We saw lakes, mountains, waterfalls that are not typical for tourists. Perfect days of photo taking were then followed by incredible dinners that could easily be considered gourmet – fantastic ! Thank you both for sharing your home, your faivorite photospots and your home cooking.” Pat Howard, Bottmingen, Switzerland.

“…already filtered through the set of 5 K pics and selected 200 for a short slide show. Think this is the best set I ever took in 25 years of photography..” Andrea Chioato, Bottmingen, Switzerland

“ Wonderful locations and Haukur was the perfect guide giving us so many wonderful photographic stops. Lots of bumpy rides but they were all worth it. Absolutely loved this tour!” Corrado Palumbi, Italy

Haukur Snorrason - Click to see Larger Photo

Haukur and his wife Hadda Björk Gísladóttir, who is an accomplished cook, and caters for tour groups at their home in Reykjavík or in their cottage in Hrífunes, Skaftártunga in the South of Iceland. There the two run a beautiful restored guest house which was once the community hall see http://www.hrifunesguesthouse.is/. Guests are greeted with great service and very much the personal touch.

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Iceland Photo Tours can provide just about anything one could ask in the way of accommodations, planning, and group accommodation. With access to large vehicles, groups of considerable size can book with them. Tour offerings are considerable, from winter to short breaks. All one has to do is ask.

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Costs for tours are absolutely reasonable. One can expect to pay far less than most any destination in the world. For the discerning photo travel adventurer, the offerings of Iceland Photo Tours are well worth considering.

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Photo Travel Review Magazine looks constantly for photo adventures that meet our standards: Opportunities for spectacular photography, expert assistance and experience of the tour provider, reasonable costs for tours, opportunities to go beyond the ordinary and tailor the adventure. Iceland Photo Tours meets these criteria.

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Iceland Photo Tours has earned our five star rating (✭✭✭✭✭). Expertise, experience, opportunities for outstanding photography, adventure, and very reasonable prices — all add up to a tour company that one should seriously consider.