13 – 21 July 2024
US$5995 (double room)
US$6995 (single room)
The Central Highlands are the crown jewel of Iceland! The highlands are a remote plateau of over 40,000 square km and are considered to be one of the last wilderness areas in all of Europe. The highlands are mostly an uninhabitable volcanic desert with grey, black, brown earth, lava and volcanic ashes, which create amazing contrast with a dense layer of green moss – it’s an extremely photogenic area!
During this workshop, we’ll be visiting the highlands during summer as this is the time of near 24-hour daylight – or the Midnight Sun as many call it. There are only a few days in Iceland when the sun is fully visible for all 24-hours, but even on the other days, when it does set, it doesn’t set very far. The average daylight in Iceland during August is about 20 hours, with the sun rising at 4:30 am and setting around 10:30 pm. It’s as if the sun barely travels along the horizon creating an extended sunset, which eventually fades seamlessly into sunrise – almost endless sweet golden light!
For inquiry, please e-mail me at: kahwailin (AT) outlook (DOT) com
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Once you signed up, we will be in touch with you for the further arrangement of the trip. Please make sure to check your mailbox includes your spam folder. If you don’t hear from us within 24 hours, please e-mail me at: kahwailin (AT) outlook (DOT) com
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.
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 8: 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.
Day 9: Departure – Reykjavik
On the last day, you will be leaving Iceland via Keflavik International Airport (KEF) full of great memories and amazing images!
Photo Guides
Workshop Full Details
Total Price
US$5995 (double room)
US$6995 (single room)
Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate. Some short hiking
Group Size
Maximum 12 people
Registration
Deposit
US$1000
Full Payment
120 days prior to the workshop’s starting date
After you signup, we’ll send you a recommended camera gear and packing list. Please pay special attention to things that we say are absolutely required.
Included
- Three professional photographer guides.
- Ground transportation in spacious vans.
- Accommodation throughout the trip.
- Outdoor photography instruction.
- Landscape photography masterclass.
- Post-processing masterclass.
- Exclusive discounts on photo equipment in our camera store, Stetinden Photo
Not Included
- International flights to/from Iceland.
- Airport pick-up.
- Food, alcohol, snacks and beverages.
- Travel insurance, visa.
Disclaimer
The tour is always dependent on weather, as the Icelandic weather can indeed be highly unpredictable. There is no guarantee of certain location on a given day and we will chase the lights based on the weather. There is always plenty to see and do if conditions do not favor any part of our original plan.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you cancel and the workshop greater than 120 days from the start date of the workshop, and the seats does not fill, we will refund you the full amount you have paid, minus a $200 service charge. If you cancel and the workshop within 120 days or less from the start date of the workshop, and the seats does not fill, the fee is non-refundable.
Please read the terms and conditions at: https://kahwailin.com/terms-and-conditions/
By signing up the workshop, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions herein, and all conditions established by Kah-Wai Lin Photography LLC, New Jersey, USA.