Summary of the tour

Snæfellsnes is sometimes called "Iceland in Miniature" since many national sights can be found there along with the mysterious volcano Snæfellsjokull glacier. The volcanoes in the area have been inactive for thousands of years but their moss-covered lava makes the vast landscape extraordinary and very picturesque. Most of the coastline is dotted with small villages with dramatic backdrop of beautiful mountain range and wild crashing waves and cliffs in the front, in other words a paradise for landscape photography. Among our focal points is the romantic windswept location Budir hosting its beautiful black church surrounded by endless field of lava. We will encounter the rough yet beautiful Arnarstapi fishing village where photo opportunities awaits with wild coastline and spectacular columnar basalt. Uniquely formed basalt cliffs constantly being crashed by waves will be in the spotlight too. We will make a stop at the charming fishing village Grundarfjodur and explore and capture its well-known landmark Mt. Kirkjufell that is believed to be one of the most beautiful mountain of Iceland. During wintertime this area is ideal for capturing the spectacular Northern lights. This is the perfect photo tour to hunt and photograph the great variation of Icelandic nature and landscape in company with your professional photography guide.

Highlights of the tour

Fishing village Arnarstapi

The beach by the village Arnarstapi, on the southern part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, is a fascinating sight and has been made a natural reserve. Here you‘ll find columnar basalt, ravines, grottoes and amazing rock formations. Of particular note is stone arch called Gatklettur and the three rifts known as Hundagja, Midgja and Musagja, all of which have been formed by natural forces. There is also much birdlife in the area, such as arctic terns, fulmars, kittiwakes. The light does further wonders to the area, particularly during dusk and twilight, where the colorful hues created by the midnight sun, in interplay with the waves of the strong North Atlantic waves, makes for some particularly colourful imagery, as well as offering great photography opportunities. The old horse trail leading through the nearby Hellnahraun lava field is also recommended for enjoying a great view of the amazing surrounding scenery. There is also an interesting sculpture of half-troll Bardur Snaefellsas by the beach, the hero of the story Bardar saga Snaefellssas.

Black church Buðir

Black church Buðir

The old Budakirkja church by the hamlet Budir on the Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland is a particularly charming one. This lone old church, clad in tar, stands with an old turf wall around it in an area of overgrown lava with spectacular formations. When the lava flowed it also created the nearby crater Budaklettur. A beautiful mountain ring further surrounds the area. Nearby are remnants of an old farm and slightly further off you have the beach with its yellow sands and the wild waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. Bird lovers may also note that the Common Snipe nests in the area in summer. Photographing this scenery in summer, particularly during twilight under the rays of the midnight sun, makes for some particularly stunning photos. In winter you may have glistening snow and ice to complement the scenery and the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) might also appear, further gracing this beautiful area with their splendour.

Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss

The impressive Mount Kirkjufell and the beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall are situated by the fishing town Grundarfjordur on the Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. The five meter high Kirkjufellsfoss is a great place from which to photograph the scenic Kirkjufell, as the latter rises proudly over the fjord, since from that angle the mountain assumes its famous pyramid shape. as well as the waterfall and mountain complementing each other as impressive imagery, as the clear waters are contrasted by the majestic mountain. Photographing this scenery during twilight makes for particularly breathtaking imagery, as the colours that appear give it a particularly dream-like atmosphere. Winter then offers the chance of photographing the scenery with the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) lending their grace to the scene, as well as the area being clad in snow and ice. This wonderful scenery is a particular favorite of mine to photograph, always offering something new and exciting and chances for taking some amazing pictures.�

Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss

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Londrangar cliffs

Londrangar cliffs

The dramatic Londrangar sea stacks are volcanic basalt plugs that rise from the sea shore on the southern end of the Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. These sea stacks, 75 meters and 61 meters high, respectively, and the hill Svalthufa, are the remains of a crater that has by now mostly eroded. At Þúfubjarg cliff, not far off, you may further enjoy the rich birdlife of the area, such guillemots, kittiwakes, common murres, northern fulmars and puffins. Slightly east of the sea stacks you will also find remnants of old fishermen‘s huts, evidence of the way of life in former times. This is a scenery which really gives one the sense of nature‘s power, vividness and beauty, as it has been uniquely shaped by sea and winds, where you‘ll witness the waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, the impressive and steep rock formations, the wild birdlife and the surrounding moss-grown lava. It should come as a small surprise that such a fascinating scenery should be connected with folklore, and it is said that farmers never made hay on the hill since elves were supposed to reside there. Also, there is a legend of poet Kolbeinn Joklaskald coming across the devil in this area. Photographing this incredible scenery under the rays of the midnight sun makes for some particularly great pictures, as well as capturing it in winter, when the Northern Lights come out.