Iceland Frost and Fire Northern lights Expedition

5 days of frost and fire

Embark on a 5-day winter photography journey along Iceland’s breathtaking South Coast, from the thundering waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss to the dramatic black sands of Reynisdrangar, the luminous ice of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the towering peaks of Vestrahorn. Timed for late November, this itinerary is designed to capture Iceland’s stark beauty in its winter stillness, with long nights perfect for chasing and photographing the elusive Northern Lights. Expect frozen landscapes, raw seascapes, and unforgettable moments under arctic skies — all tailored for photographers seeking light, contrast, and silence.

Number of participants: 5-7

Whats included?

  • Transport within the tour dates

  • Accommodation within the tour dates

  • All entrance fees

  • Photography instruction by Niclas Glud and Andrew Dean

  • Editing and photography sessions

Iceland workshop itinerary

Day 1 – Dec 3: Arrival + Seljalandsfoss + Skógafoss + Northern Lights Setup

  • Head east on Route 1 (Ring Road) toward the South Coast.

Stops:

  • Seljalandsfoss: Iconic waterfall you can walk behind (if not frozen shut). In winter, expect beautiful icicles and snow-framed views. Great for backlit sunset photos.

  • Gljúfrabúi (5-min walk north): A hidden waterfall in a cave — moody and dramatic.

  • Skógafoss: One of Iceland’s most symmetrical and photogenic waterfalls. In November, you might catch soft golden hour light here around 14:30–15:00. Ice buildup at the base makes for beautiful foregrounds.

Evening:

  • Check in near Vík or Hvolsvöllur.

  • First Aurora hunt: Clear skies + snow-covered foregrounds around open fields, cliffs, or with the waterfall if accessible.

📍 Overnight: Vík or Hvolsvöllur area

Day 2 – Dec 4: Reynisdrangar + Dyrhólaey + Glacier Views + Aurora Chasing

Morning:

  • Head to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach:

    • Photograph Reynisdrangar sea stacks, basalt columns, and Atlantic waves.

  • Dyrhólaey Peninsula (if accessible): Offers panoramic coastal views and lighthouse compositions.

Afternoon:

  • Drive further east toward the glacier tongues of Mýrdalsjökull and Vatnajökull.

    • Stop for photos at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (can be closed in winter; check road conditions).

    • Glacier views along the way

Evening:

  • Set up for Aurora shoot with glacier foregrounds, or snow-covered mountains near Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Skaftafell area (low light pollution).

📍 Overnight: Skaftafell or Hof area

Day 3 – Dec 5: Jökulsárlón + Diamond Beach + Vestrahorn Sunset + Northern Lights

Morning:

  • Sunrise shoot at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon:

    • Icebergs floating in blue waters, reflections if calm.

    • Ideal for long-exposures and close-ups of glacial textures.

  • Cross the road to Diamond Beach:

    • Ice chunks washed ashore on black sand — dazzling under low sun.

    • Excellent place for minimalist and abstract photography.

Afternoon:

  • Drive east to Vestrahorn / Stokksnes Peninsula:

    • One of Iceland’s most iconic mountains for landscape photography.

    • Sand dunes, frost, and mirrored reflections on wet black sand create surreal visuals.

Evening:

  • Sunset at Vestrahorn (sunset ~15:45).

  • Northern Lights over Vestrahorn (if conditions allow) — bucket-list location.

📍 Overnight: Höfn or Vestrahorn/Stokksnes area

Day 4 – Dec 6: Sunrise at Vestrahorn + Drive Back West

Early morning:

  • Optional sunrise shoot at Vestrahorn or repeat of Diamond Beach.

  • Consider minimalist compositions or drone shots if conditions are clear.

Mid-morning:

  • Begin return drive west via Route 1.

    • Optional stops to revisit Skógafoss or new compositions en route.

    • Shorter daylight hours mean fewer photo stops on return.

Evening:

  • Stay near Hvolsvöllur or Selfoss for final Aurora hunt, if skies are clear.

📍 Overnight: Selfoss area

Dec 7 – Departure Day

  • Short drive to KEF airport.

  • Optional: stop for quick geothermal landscape shots if schedule allows (e.g., Reykjanes Peninsula, near the airport).

What’s not included?

  • Flights and insurance

  • All meals

  • Visa if necessary, though we will help with the process

  • Snacks and alcoholic beverages

Your mentors:

Niclas Glud

You can find me in rural villages in India searching for the best light. In the Chinese countryside photographing the locals and rice terraces. Or about to hike a mountain or volcano in South America or South East Asia in order to create something special.

As I finished my trip around Ecuador in 2013, I figured that I had found a new love. Not only the love for travel, but also of capturing beautiful moments and tell stories through photos.

Not long after I started studying photography on my own, and devoted every free hour to do so.

I slowly developed my style, and after a few years I started getting jobs from hotels, travel companies, product brands and car rentals.

I have worked with companies such as Visit Karakol, Lava car rental, Walking with nomads, Madeira Round Trip, Killa Expeditions, Trendhim, Ditur, Quintana Sao Joao as well as various tourism boards around the world.

This tour has been created in order to allow you to photograph each destination, at the best possible time. I will ensure that you are at the right place, at the right time. Furthermore I will assist you in any way possible, hold talks regarding composition and light, but also about post processing in order to share my knowledge.

Andrew Dean

Andrew, better known as @adventurewithdrew on Instagram, is a seasoned Travel, Cultural, and Wildlife Photographer who specializes in meaningful storytelling through his euphoric imagery.

His expertise has been sought after by the tourism boards of Paris, Brussels, and the Kingdom of Morocco, numerous wildlife safari operators, and various eco-focused tourism and adventure companies.

Featured in National Geographic - Your Shot, Andrew has also collaborated with agencies on UNICEF projects throughout Asia.

His travels have taken him from the expansive Sahara Desert to the lush jungles of Brazil and Panama, making each excursion more thrilling than the last. 

Are you ready to join the adventure?



The sights, the contrast, the diversity. These are what make this country so unique. Around every corner there is a new experience waiting for you.