Iceland Highland Adventure

Chasing autumn light and landscapes

Join local Icelandic photographer Haukur Snorassen and Islands & Ice Travel owner David Sinclair on a highland adventure from 12-18 September 2026. This trip is timed to sit back to back with our Scoresby Sund Explorer micro expedition cruise running from 21 – 28 September 2026.

Starting in Iceland’s beautiful capital city of Reykjavik we will head east to some lesser known and rarely visited landscapes in Iceland’s central highlands. The highland roads are only open in the late summer/early autumn. We will travel in a spacious and modified 4WD truck well-suited to river crossings and challenging terrain to access jaw-dropping landscapes.

We will be keeping an eye on space weather and cloud cover forecasts. If the aurora comes out to play and we have clear skies, so will we.

Our circuitous route on the highlands adventure (in black)

12-18 September 2026, Max number: 6

Price: ISK 780,000 (twin share), ISK 875,000 single occupancy

Day 1

Pick up in Reykjavik and drive to a small highland hotel in the colourful Kerlingarfjöll Mountains with stops at Hellisheidi geothermal area and Gulfoss (Europe’s largest waterfall) along the way. Enjoy later afternoon light in the mountains.

Day 2

Enjoy early morning light on colourful mineral deposits and mud pots before heading to Gýgjarfoss (waterfall) then back to Geysir for the night.

Day 3

Early morning shoot at Geysir before returning to the highlands to capture more waterfalls and landscapes.

Day 4

We head to Landmannalaugar highland resort and do a hike to Brennisteinsalda (sulphur mountain) to photograph one of the most colourful canyons in Iceland. This excursion involves a slow 3-4 hour hike.

Day 5

We take another highland route to enjoy moonscapes dotted with vibrant green mosses and take in Fire Canyon and Ófaerufoss (waterfall).

Day 6

We take the Öldufells route and photograph great waterfalls and the black and green colours that dominate the area and make a hike into the Red crater. Or if weather demands we head to the Glacier Lagoon and ” Diamond beach”.

Day 7

We will photograph Mt. Maelifell , the mossy green pyramid mountain, in the morning light and visit Markafljótsgljúfur Canyon with its volcanic colours and colourful deposits before arriving back in Reykjavik around 5-6pm for your onward journey.

The itinerary will be subject to change. Haukur will use his extensive knowledge of the region and Icelandic weather to determine the best options each day.

We recommend spending a day or two in Reykjavik before or after your journey to enjoy the beauty of old town Reykjavik and to visit some of Reykjavik’s iconic sites including Hallgrimskirka, Harpa, the Sky Lagoon and perhaps the unique phallus museum.

What’s included:

Expert photo guides including very experienced and knowledgeable Icelandic photographer and driver, Haukur Snorassen.

All hotels (please specify if single or double occupancy is required – a single supplement is payable for sole occupancy).

Breakfasts and dinners.

What’s not included:

Accommodation in Reykjavik, lunches (we will purchase snacks and meals during the day) and drinks with meals.

Spacious 4WD perfect for off the beaten path locations

Gallery

What to expect on your adventure!

Iceland Highland Adventure