Iceland Winter Photo Tour
Photograph Iceland’s dramatic winter landscapes, waterfalls, and coastline
Iceland Winter Photography Tour
Imagine standing inside a glacier, the ice glowing blue above you, while the Northern Lights move across the winter sky outside. Iceland in winter is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, and few places offer this combination of glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and aurora in a single trip.
Iceland’s winter landscape is shaped by fire and ice in equal measure. Frozen waterfalls, volcanic coastlines, vast glaciers, and the Northern Lights overhead create an environment that rewards patience and the right light. During this 8-day photo tour, we travel from west to east along the Ring Road, following the best light and weather rather than a fixed schedule, and spend two days exploring private ice caves beneath Europe’s largest glacier.
Winter is also when Iceland is at its most atmospheric. Snow-covered landscapes, dramatic skies, and long hours of blue and golden light give us far more flexibility for photography than the short nights of summer. Combined with strong aurora activity through the winter months, this is one of the best times of year to photograph the country.
This tour is led together with Giulio Cobianchi, a landscape and night photography specialist who has been exploring Iceland since 2013 and has guided photographers here in every season, alongside Joaquin Marco, who has returned to Iceland repeatedly since his first visit in 2019. Between the three of us, you’ll have experienced guidance in the field at every stage of the trip.
Small Group Experience
I strongly believe in the value of small, intimate groups. With a maximum of 10 participants and three experienced guides, you’ll receive genuine individual attention both in the field and during the post-processing sessions.
Throughout the trip, we’ll focus on helping you improve your landscape and night photography, from camera technique and composition to the editing decisions that bring an image together afterward. There will be dedicated sessions to review and discuss images as a group, as well as one-on-one guidance whenever you need it.
The goal is the same as on any of our tours. You should leave with images you’re genuinely proud of, a better understanding of how to approach landscape and night photography, and memories from one of the most dramatic environments in the world.
Itinerary
Iceland’s winter weather changes quickly, and conditions can shift from clear skies to snow within a few hours. Because of this, we keep the itinerary flexible and let the light and weather guide each day rather than following a fixed plan.
Over 8 days, we travel from the west coast to the east, photographing many of Iceland’s most iconic winter locations, including Kirkjufell and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Vestrahorn.
A highlight of the trip is two days dedicated to private ice caves beneath Europe’s largest glacier, accessed by Super Jeep and led by glacier guides. We explore ice tunnels, moulins, and formations that most visitors never get to see.
We’ll chase the Northern Lights whenever conditions allow, and the itinerary includes time set aside specifically for this, including over the glacier lagoon and along the coastline.
Most days begin around sunrise and continue into the evening, with the schedule adjusted based on weather, light, and aurora forecasts. Iceland rewards flexibility, and that’s exactly how we approach this tour.
What Makes This Iceland Photo Tour Special
Three experienced guides With Giulio, Joaquin, and myself leading the tour together, you’ll have access to a wide range of expertise across landscape and night photography, with a maximum of 5 participants per guide.
Private ice cave access A guided, multi-hour experience inside Europe’s largest glacier, away from the crowds that visit the more accessible commercial ice caves.
Built around the best light, not a fixed schedule Rather than sticking to a rigid itinerary, we adapt daily to weather, light, and aurora conditions to make the most of every day.
Strategically chosen accommodation We stay in hotels positioned close to the locations we’re photographing each day, minimizing long drives and maximizing time in the field.
Post-processing guidance included Dedicated editing sessions throughout the trip, covering both daytime landscape and night photography workflows, with feedback on your own images.
Iceland Photo Tour FAQ
WHAT LEVEL OF PHOTOGRAPHY IS REQUIRED?
This tour is suitable for photographers of all levels, from beginners to experienced photographers. The only real requirement is a passion for photography and a willingness to spend time outdoors in cold winter conditions, often around sunrise, sunset, and after dark for the Northern Lights.
Because we travel with three guides and a maximum of 10 participants, we can adapt to each person’s level and provide individual guidance throughout the trip.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Iceland in winter requires proper cold-weather gear. Bring warm base layers, an insulated mid-layer, and a windproof and waterproof outer shell. Good insulated, waterproof boots are essential, along with warm gloves, a hat, and a balaclava for the coldest conditions. Microspikes are recommended for icy terrain.
I’m happy to provide more detailed packing suggestions if needed.
WHAT KIND OF WEATHER CAN I EXPECT?
Iceland’s winter weather is unpredictable and can shift quickly between sunshine, snow, rain, and strong wind. Temperatures typically average around 0°C (32°F), occasionally dropping to -10°C (14°F). The coastal wind and humidity can make it feel colder than the actual temperature, so proper layering matters more than the number on the thermometer.
WHAT CAMERA GEAR SHOULD I BRING?
At a minimum, bring a camera with full manual control, a sturdy tripod for long exposures and night photography, and a remote shutter release for exposures longer than 30 seconds. A fast wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or wider) is particularly useful for the Northern Lights, alongside a versatile zoom for daytime compositions. Bring extra batteries, since cold weather drains them quickly.
If you’re considering new gear before the trip, feel free to ask for advice.
WHAT PHYSICAL LEVEL IS REQUIRED?
This tour is rated easy. Most locations are reached with short walks from where we park, and the ice cave visit involves a guided hike of two to three hours across glacier terrain, with all technical equipment provided by the glacier guides.
WILL POST-PROCESSING SESSIONS BE INCLUDED?
Yes. Throughout the tour, we hold post-processing and image review sessions covering both daytime landscape editing and night photography workflows, including working with the Northern Lights and nightscapes. These sessions are designed to leave you with both stronger images and a better understanding of your own editing process.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR
If you’re unsure whether this tour is the right fit for your interests or skill level, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help you decide.
We look forward to photographing Iceland with you!
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Quick Facts
Dates: March 6 – March 13, 2027
Location: Iceland (Ring Road, west to east)
Group Size: 10 participants (7/10 available)
Difficulty level: Easy. Short walks to most locations; the ice cave visit involves a guided 2–3 hour glacier hike.
Price: €4,390 (based on double occupancy — single room supplement available for €900)
Registration deposit: €800 (remaining balance due 60 days prior to the tour)
Arrival: KeflavÃk Airport, March 6th, by 4 PM
Departure: KeflavÃk Airport, March 13th, no earlier than 11 AM
Included: Three professional photography guides, all photography tuition, post-processing sessions, hotel accommodation, breakfast daily, all ground transportation including the private glacier Super Jeep and ice cave experience, and a private WhatsApp group for the duration of the trip.
Not included: International flights, meals other than hotel breakfast, travel and medical insurance, personal expenses, and equipment insurance.
Tour Leader
Christian Hoiberg
Christian Hoiberg is a full-time Norwegian landscape photographer based in the Lofoten Islands. He’s the founder of CaptureLandscapes, a leading resource for landscape photography education. Christian’s goal is to help aspiring photographers build the skills needed to create meaningful and impactful images, both in the field and through post-processing.
Giulio Cobianchi
Giulio Cobianchi is a professional landscape and night photographer with 12 years of experience. Iceland first inspired him in 2013, and after exploring the country across every season, he has a deep understanding of how to find its best light, year-round.
Joaquin Marco
Joaquin began his photography journey in the Basque Country in Spain in 2018. After his first trip to Iceland in 2019, he returned repeatedly to photograph its glaciers, volcanoes, and Northern Lights, and now guides photographers through the country's most iconic landscapes.




