Highlands of Iceland Tour

July 13 - 21, 2024

Single Room Occupancy: $6,995
Double Room Occupancy: $5,995
Reserve Spot - Deposit: $1000

If you have any questions regarding payment or workshop details, please email me at: mark@markdenneyphotography.com

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Reykjavik

All participants should arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) during Day 1 or earlier. Day 1 is free to relax and roam around the city center. The check-in time to the hotel in Reykjavík begins at 3:00 PM. We’ll meet in the restaurant for dinner and to get know to each other.

Day 2-3: Kerlingarfjöll & Hveravellir

Over the course of the next couple of days, we’ll travel to see Iceland’s specialities: the geothermal areas along with the colorful volcanic regions in the uninhabitable yet incredibly picturesque highlands. We’ll navigate through this mercurial land to reach a state of landscape photography bliss on the way to Kjölur. In the land of opposite forces, ice & fire, we’ll enjoy a magical volcanic experience! Kjölur is a plateau in the Icelandic highlands between the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull with an altitude of roughly 600–700 meters. A gravel road known as Kjalvegur runs through the center of the area and connects the south coast to the north coast and is the only road to Kerlingarfjoll and Hveravellir.

Here the cold wind meets the mountains that are colored by extreme temperatures and minerals. Mountains above ground left as monuments of the heat and power lurking beneath your feet. The volcanic origin of Kerlingarfjöll is evidenced by the numerous hot springs and rivulets in the area, as well as red volcanic rhyolite stone.

Minerals that have emerged from the hot springs also color the ground with beautiful shades of yellow, red and green. Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range, 1,477 m tall, situated in the highlands. It’s part of a large volcano system (100 square km) that was formed when lava erupted through a thick glacier giving it a specific formation, flat-topped, steep-sided, and often known as Tuya. Tuyas are somewhat rare throughout the world, as they’re confined to regions which were covered by glaciers and had active volcanism during the same period. This area provides a perfect location for great and unique photographs. We will travel through a dark and gloomy highland route to arrive in this bright, colorful haven which has a unique glow in the Icelandic midnight sun.

Hveravellir is one of the largest geothermal areas in Iceland. It truly is an oasis in the Icelandic highlands and one of our stops in Kerlingarfjoll and Hveravellir. It’s called the “hub” of the Kjolur route for a reason. Hveravellir is a geothermal area of fumaroles, and multicolored hot pools and there’s even one you can relax in. As much a natural phenomenon as a historical place, here you´ll find the hidden dwellings of a notorious Icelandic outlaw from the 18th century. We’ll spend 2 nights in the hotel cabins in Kerlingarfjöll, which is just adjacent to our photo locations.

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Day 4-7: Landmannalaugar, Veiðivötn & South Fjallabak

Next, we’ll head on the mountain roads called the F-roads to our first stop which is likely to be Háifoss waterfall, the third highest waterfall in Iceland, situated in the Fossá river. The water drops about 122m into a beautifully sculpted gorge, caressing different layers of rock formations.

Landmannalaugar is an enchanting, colorful, and yet secluded area in the uninhabitable highlands of Iceland on the edge of the Laugahraun lava field, erupting in the late 15th century. The Landmannalaugar area is known for its rhyolite formations and geothermal activity, the steaming hot springs and the fumes rising up from the crackling surface, proving that Iceland is indeed a living and breathing phenomenon.

The ever-changing landscape, still sculpted by the fierce winds, creates optical fascinations with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the mood of the day. The rugged and dramatic lava fields are covered with a soft blanket of bright green moss, even in the middle of winter. These majestic mountains are standing monuments of the power shaping the area with minerals emerging from the hot springs, offering a diverse and vibrant palette of different shades of yellow, green and red.

To reach this beloved gem we cross rivers and drive along gravel roads in the Icelandic highlands called Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The area is only accessible with a 4×4 jeep and is open mainly during the summer. Driving along the deserted, dark and seemingly gloomy highland route, you will be delighted to reach this colorful, unique haven glowing in the midnight sun.

There is a natural geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar, perfect to soak in at the end of a magnificent day of panoramic soul food – so bring your swimsuit.

Highlights in the area are many, but to name a few we will visit: Háifoss, Ljótipollur, Frostastaðavatn, Landmannalaugar, Green Ridge.

We will also visit a cluster of fifty Lakes, Veiðivötn (Fishing Lakes) in the middle of the island in an area known to locals as Landmannaafrétt. The lakes have different sizes and shapes, both small and large, and most of them are explosive craters from an eruption in the area. Like the name tells you, it’s a popular spot to come fishing, the lakes are full of fresh wild trout. The Veiðivötn area is approx. 20 km long and 5 km wide from southwest to northeast. We’ll spend 3 nights in the Highland Hotel, Hrauneyjar, which is conveniently situated for our travel plans.

Day 7: Golden Circle

On the way back to Reykjavik, we will stop by the golden circle for a day tour. The waterfall Gullfoss (“golden falls”) a magnificent waterfall that falls in steps into a huge ravine. The geothermal active area named Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Strokkur is very dependable and erupts every 5 -10 minutes. We will be in Reykjavik in the evening and will stay in the hotel in Reykjavik.