North Iceland Photography Tour: Mývatn, Akureyri & Goðafoss
A seven-day photography journey across north Iceland, from Reykjavík and Hvítserkur along Route 1 to Akureyri, Goðafoss, Húsavík and Lake Mývatn, with overnights in Reykjavík, Akureyri and the Mývatn area.
Iceland’s Magnetic Island is a seven-day northbound journey from Paris to Reykjavík and on along Route 1 into the north. We travel by international economy flight and minibus, with an accompanying photographer, and the rhythm is built around early departures, photography stops and shared meals. A first Reykjavík discovery walk takes in the harbour and old streets before we head north.
Along Route 1 we photograph Hvítserkur, visit the contrasting churches of Blönduós and Víðimýri, and explore the turf-roofed buildings at Glaumbær. Akureyri and Eyjafjörður form the northern base, with a briefing and image review. From there we visit Goðafoss and Húsavík, where an optional whale-watching boat outing is offered at a supplement. Around Mývatn’s eastern shore we photograph Grjótagjá, Hverfell, Dimmuborgir and the Skútustaðir pseudo-craters. A day on foot covers the Krafla volcanic zone and Námaskarð, closing with a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths.
The return south follows Route 1, with a second visit to Glaumbær and a final stay in Reykjavík. This itinerary suits photographers who are comfortable with full days, road travel and walks, including some hiking. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included from day two through day six, with dinner on day one; no meals are included on day seven.
Why This Tour
This seven-day journey follows North Iceland from Reykjavík into the landscapes around Akureyri, Goðafoss and Mývatn, combining long northern light, volcanic country and carefully chosen photography stops.
The route suits photographers who enjoy full days, road travel, walking and time to look closely at places such as Hvítserkur, Glaumbær, Húsavík and the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn.
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 2 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Paris – Keflavík – Reykjavík
Arrive in Iceland with a transfer from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík, by minibus or Flybus+ depending on flight rotations. Settle into the world’s northernmost capital on a Reykjavík discovery walk through the harbour, old streets and colourful low houses, taking in central landmarks. The day ends with dinner included in the package, offering a gentle introduction to the Paris – Keflavík – Reykjavík route before further exploration.
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Transfer Keflavík International Airport –> Reykjavík
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Reykjavík discovery walk
Reykjavík – Akureyri by Route 1
An early departure north along Route 1, with stops for photography and meals on the way. The day takes in the petrified rock pinnacle of Hvítserkur standing out of the sea, the contrasting churches of Blönduós and Víðimýri, and the turf-roofed farm buildings of Glaumbær. The route ends at Akureyri, the cultural centre of the north, on Eyjafjörður fjord, where the group settles in for the first briefing and image review.
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Transfer Reykjavík –> Akureyri
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Photographing Hvítserkur
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Blönduóskirkja and Víðimýrarkirkja churches
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Glaumbær turf farm museum
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Akureyri and Eyjafjörður
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Photography briefing and image review
Goðafoss and Húsavík
A minibus circuit from Akureyri out along the bay and back. Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods, tumbles through a wide landscape and carries the story of the chieftain Þorgeirr casting the pagan effigies into its waters. The route continues to the little harbour village of Húsavík, where an optional boat outing in search of whales is offered at a supplement; any sighting is a possibility rather than a certainty.
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Transfer Akureyri –> Húsavík
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Goðafoss waterfall
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Húsavík village
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Whale-watching boat outing
Akureyri – Mývatn, eastern shore
The morning route follows the Hólasandur track across desert-like country to Reykjahlíð, on the shore of Lake Mývatn. The sites along the eastern shore are explored under the shifting northern light: the lava cave and hot spring of Grjótagjá, the immense symmetrical crater of Hverfell, the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir with the cave known as Kirkjan, and the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir.
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Transfer Akureyri –> Reykjahlíð
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Lake Mývatn
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Grjótagjá
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Hverfell explosion crater
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Dimmuborgir
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Skútustaðir pseudo-craters
Krafla, Hverir and the Mývatn Nature Baths
A day on foot in the volcanic and geothermal country north of Mývatn. The Krafla zone opens onto lava flows, opal-coloured water basins and scoria craters in a landscape reshaped by its 1975 to 1985 eruption cycle. At Hverir the ground runs through every shade of ochre and red, with columns of steam, boiling mud pots and yellow solfataras. The day closes with a soak in the turquoise, highly mineralised water of the Mývatn Nature Baths.
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Krafla volcanic zone
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Námaskarð geothermal area
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Mývatn Nature Baths
Mývatn – Reykjavík by Route 1
The return south follows the celebrated Route 1, with stops for photography and meals on the way, including a second visit to the turf-roofed farm buildings at Glaumbær. The route ends in Reykjavík, the northernmost capital in the world, with its colourful houses, snug cafés and lively streets.
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Transfer Mývatn –> Reykjavík
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Glaumbær turf farm museum
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Reykjavík, northernmost capital
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Photography briefing and image review
Reykjavík – Keflavík – Paris
An early-morning transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport and the international flight back to Paris. No meals are included today.
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Transfer Reykjavík –> Keflavík International Airport
Gallery
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 4.695 USD (671 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 4.095 USD (585 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 3.295 USD (471 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 2.795 USD (399 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van), as well as Local bus, Car Renting
- Meals indicated in the program: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunchs, 6 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- Preparation Meeting (Pre-trip briefing and final Q&A session held via Zoom)
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Breakfast on Departure day, Lunch on Arrival day and Departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (989 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Services to Expect
Meals on the Tour
Meals are planned around the route and the day’s early departures. The published programme includes five breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners, with dinner included on the first evening and meals included from day two through day six.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not included on day seven. Please share dietary requirements before the trip so they can be discussed in advance.
Photography Guidance and Image Reviews
Photography is woven into the journey through planned stops, a group briefing and reviews of images already taken. Sessions consider difficult exposures, depth of field and high-contrast scenes.
The emphasis is on observing the landscape, responding to the available light and making thoughtful images at a comfortable pace. Professional photographic guidance by Tristan Quevilly is included.
Practical Information
Route, Early Starts and Walking
The journey travels north and south along Route 1, with early departures, photography stops and time on foot. Some days combine several places, while the road itself is part of the experience.
Please come prepared for full days, minibus travel and walks at sites including Hverfell, Dimmuborgir and the Krafla volcanic zone. The pace is designed around photography rather than rushing between viewpoints.
Light, Landscapes and Conditions
Photography is shaped by changing northern light, open volcanic landscapes and the weather encountered on the day. Around Mývatn, the route moves between lake shores, lava formations, craters, geothermal ground and broad horizons.
Conditions may alter the timing of stops, so flexibility is important. The itinerary leaves room for observation and image-making rather than treating each location as a fixed checklist.
Getting in Shape
This is a bird-photography tour rather than a demanding trek, but you will walk on uneven ground, sometimes at altitude, and spend time standing with your camera.
Regular walking, gentle hiking or cycling in the weeks before departure will help. If possible, practise with the daypack and camera equipment you expect to carry.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check that your policy covers medical care, emergency assistance, trip interruption and the activities included in your itinerary.
Review the conditions before travelling and keep the assistance details accessible during the tour.
Optional Whale-Watching from Húsavík
From Húsavík, an optional boat outing in search of whales is offered at a supplement. It is an additional experience within the day’s circuit from Akureyri.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The outing is best approached as time on the water and an opportunity to experience the north Icelandic coast, with any sightings depending on natural conditions.
Camera Gear for Iceland
Bring the camera setup you are comfortable carrying for a full day, with spare batteries and enough memory for repeated photography stops. A wide or standard lens suits the scale of Iceland’s landscapes, while a telephoto can help with distant subjects and details.
Protect your equipment from wind, rain and changing conditions, and keep a lens cloth accessible. The most useful kit is the one you can carry easily while walking and working at the available light.
Clothing and Day-Pack Essentials
Pack for full days that combine road travel, photography stops and walking in open volcanic and coastal landscapes. Layers are useful when the temperature and wind change, and comfortable walking shoes are important for the sites explored on foot.
Keep a small day pack with the personal items, water and extra layer you may need during the day. Your walking shoes should already be broken in before departure.
Detailed Trip Notes, including practical tips, cultural insights, and a complete packing list will be sent to you 60 days before departure.
Booking this tour means you agree to our full Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary of the key points. As life is unpredictable, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
- Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is refundable for 7 days (less transaction fees), after which it becomes a non-refundable credit, transferable to a future tour offered by Remote Expeditions within 4 years of the cancellation date, less any non-recoverable costs already paid on your behalf.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins.
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund of any payments made, except for the 30% deposit. Your deposit will be converted into a travel credit valid for 4 years on a future tour Remote Expeditions.
- Cancellation within 90 days of departure: 100% of the tour price is forfeited. There are no refunds or credits.
* This is a summary only. Please read our complete
Terms and Conditions
for full details before booking.
** We strongly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
