THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Iceland landscapes and northern lights
Combine Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes and hot springs with night photography. Longer autumn and winter nights allow more time to look for the northern lights, but aurora appearance and visibility depend on natural activity, cloud cover and weather.
Norwegian fjords and northern lights
Norway is known for its dramatic fjords, steep mountains and peaceful villages. When the northern lights appear, their colors transform these landscapes. Northern destinations such as Tromsø and Svalbard draw travelers hoping to see the aurora dancing above the mountains and water.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Weixi Lin →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Weixi Lin
Has led photography trips to Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Russia, Indonesia, Semporna, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Niubei Mountain in western Sichuan, Nyingchi, the Qiantang River, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Yangzhou, Wuxi, Yongfu in Fujian, Dongying, Zhongwei, the Yuanyang rice terraces, Xianggong Mountain and Zhangjiajie.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Sep 28 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 1: September 28 — Home cities–Tromsø
[Reference flights] 1. September 28: AY100 Hong Kong–Helsinki/20:55–05:35+1 (connection: 1 hour 50 minutes; baggage checked through) 2. September 29: AY541 Helsinki–Tromsø/07:25–10:05
DAY 02Sep 29 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 2: September 29 — Tromsø–Sommarøy
Fly to Tromsø, meet the guide, and transfer to the hotel. If the aurora is active that night, photograph it directly outside the hotel.
DAY 03Sep 30 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 3: September 30 — Sommarøy–Senja Island
Take a morning ferry across the strait to Senja, Norway's landscapes in miniature, and photograph its various locations: Devil's Teeth, elevated ramps, rocky fjords, and more. Stay at Mefjord Hotel, a 15-minute drive from Devil's Teeth, convenient for aurora photography.
Accommodation:Mefjord hotel
DAY 04Oct 1 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 4: October 1 — Senja Island–Svolvær
Today's road trip begins with a drive to the small fjord town of Bjerkvik for lunch. Continue to Svolvær in the afternoon and photograph its harbour. Stay in Henningsvær; if the aurora is active, photograph it directly outside the accommodation.
Accommodation:Henningsvær
DAY 05Oct 2 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 5: October 2 — Svolvær–Hamnøy, Lofoten
Photograph Henningsvær from various viewpoints in the morning, then drive to Hamnøy, photographing en route. Stay in Hamnøy; if the aurora is active, photograph it directly outside the accommodation.
Accommodation:Hamnøy
DAY 06Oct 3 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 6: October 3 — Hamnøy, Lofoten
Spend the full day photographing various viewpoints in Hamnøy and Sakrisøya. Stay another night in Hamnøy. If the aurora appears, photograph it directly outside the accommodation.
Accommodation:Hamnøy
DAY 07Oct 4 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 7: October 4 — Hamnøy, Lofoten–Å
Photograph Reine from various viewpoints in the morning, then visit Å at the end of the E10 road in the afternoon. Stay in Å; if the aurora is active, photograph it directly outside the accommodation.
Accommodation:Å
DAY 08Oct 5 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 8: October 5 — Å, Lofoten–Evenes Airport
Drive to Lofoten beaches popular with photographers in the morning, then have lunch and photograph Svolvær. Drive to an Evenes Airport hotel in the afternoon for convenient access to tomorrow's early flight to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Accommodation:Hotel at Evenes Airport
DAY 09Oct 6 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 9: October 6 — Evenes Airport–Reykjavik
Transfer to Lofoten's EVE airport in the morning and fly from Evenes to Reykjavik. Arrive at Reykjavik Airport in the afternoon, stay near the cathedral, and photograph it. [Reference flights] October 6: SK4079 Evenes Airport–Oslo 06:15–08:00 October 6: SK4787 Oslo–Reykjavik 09:35–10:25
Accommodation:Hotel near the cathedral in Reykjavík
DAY 10Oct 7 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 10: October 7 — Reykjavik–Arnarstapi
Today we head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, beginning our circuit of Iceland. Pass the classic Black Church, experience the peninsula known as Iceland in miniature, and photograph small seaside villages. Volcanoes, glaciers, wilderness, and fjords all come together here. Continue to Arnarstapi, a busy harbour and popular destination where unusual sea cliffs with hollow centres can be seen.
DAY 11Oct 8 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 11: October 8 — Arnarstapi–Snæfellsnes Peninsula
At dawn, photograph sunrise over Arnarstapi's sea-eroded rocks, then explore and photograph beautiful Snæfellsjökull, coastal cliffs, jagged rocky beaches, long canyons, and charming fishing villages. Dormant volcanoes and icefields coexist on western Snæfellsnes. Many of Iceland's oldest volcanoes stand here; despite millennia of dormancy, well-preserved terrain vividly recalls their flowing lava.
DAY 12Oct 9 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 12: October 9 — Snæfellsnes Peninsula–Hvítserkur
After photographing Kirkjufell early in the morning, head to Reykholt to photograph Hraunfossar, then continue to Hvítserkur. Hvítserkur is a 15-meter-high basalt formation rising from fjord waters in northwestern Iceland. It formed from an ancient volcanic magma eruption. After surrounding rock was washed away by the sea, the remaining formation came to resemble a prehistoric rhinoceros. Its unusual shape appears to be an inspired masterpiece of the sea.
DAY 13Oct 10 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 13: October 10 — Hvítserkur–Goðafoss
The Mývatn region is famed for unique volcanic terrain: black volcanoes, colorful jade-like hot springs, and rich autumn colors are deeply moving. Námaskarð geothermal area, Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, and Dimmuborgir's dark castle-like lava formations are must-visits. We will select characteristic volcanoes and lava landscapes to capture this palette of color. Stay near Goðafoss for convenient nighttime aurora photography!
Accommodation:Hotel near Goðafoss
DAY 14Oct 11 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 14: October 11 — Goðafoss–Mývatn
In northern Iceland's wilderness, Goðafoss shines like a jewel set into the earth, linked to the land by veins of volcanic rock. Sculpted by ice and fire, this region is dotted with countless waterfalls, large and small, and winding river meanders. Every bend conceals a natural wonder that takes photographers' breath away. Iceland's northern and southern landscapes have distinctly different characteristics. Glaciers and lakes dominate the south, while volcanic terrain defines the north, with Mývatn a prime example. Temperatures here are at least 7 degrees lower than in the south. Beneath the white snow, reds, yellows, greens, and oranges remain faintly visible, seemingly random yet unified like colors on Van Gogh's palette. Overnight at a hotel in Mývatn
Accommodation:Hotel at Lake Mývatn
DAY 15Oct 12 · Atlantic/ReykjavikBasalt Canyon to Egilsstadir
Stuðlagil Canyon lies in eastern Iceland's Jökuldalur, meaning 'glacial valley,' and is one of the country's newly popular attractions. Magnificent, sharply defined hexagonal basalt columns stand in orderly ranks on both sides of a rushing glacial river, creating an expansive and spectacular scene. Increasing numbers of visitors make a special journey to this lesser-known eastern Iceland location for hiking and photography.
Accommodation:Near Egilsstaðir
DAY 16Oct 13 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 16: October 13 — Vestrahorn
Iceland's Bat Mountain lies between Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on the south coast and the Eastfjords. This beautiful southeastern peak is known locally as Vestrahorn, or 'West Horn.' Because its shape resembles a bat with wings spread, it is also called Bat Mountain. An immense black-sand beach stretches beneath it, a powerful and unforgettable sight.
DAY 17Oct 14 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 17: October 14 — Diamond Beach
Today photograph Diamond Beach. Ice in the glacial lagoon melts rapidly while new chunks continually break from the glacier. Once sufficiently small, pieces drift to sea and waves wash them back onto the beach. Crystal-clear ice lies on black sand, giving the beach its name, Diamond Black Sand Beach.
DAY 18Oct 15 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 18: October 15 — Vík black sand beach
Rows of many-sided columns stand vertically along steep cliffs. Their appeal lies less in fanciful jagged shapes than in rich colors and natural forms. They were formed from hot magma: as lava surged to the cliff edge, it flowed rapidly downward and continued down the rock face for a prolonged period. Freezing weather cooled and solidified the molten lava quickly. Nature's careful carving produced orderly rows of columns along the cliffs, resembling Reykjavík's cathedral at first glance, hence the name Organ-Pipe Cliffs. Nature has sculpted dark, hard basalt into an exquisite organ, an astonishing sight. The organ-pipe cliffs and black beach stand together, watching over this magnificent sea.
DAY 19Oct 16 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 19: October 16 — Vík–Golden Circle–Reykjavik
Today photograph famous Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of Iceland's best-known waterfalls, then visit and photograph the geysers. Geysir geothermal area offers forceful eruptions, dreamlike steam, colorful geothermal terrain, and, less romantically, pungent odors. Return to the capital and walk Reykjavik's streets, recording its charm.
DAY 20Oct 17 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 20: October 17 — Reykjavik–flight home
[Reference flights] 1. AY6836 October 17: Reykjavik–Helsinki Vantaa 16:30–23:00 (operated by FI344; connection: 1 hour 35 minutes; baggage checked through) 2. AY099 October 18: Helsinki Vantaa–Hong Kong 00:35–17:40
DAY 21Oct 18 · Atlantic/ReykjavikDay 21: October 18 — Arrive home
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Weixi Lin
- Up to 10 travelers
- IncludedServices of excellent local Chinese- and English-speaking driver-guides throughout;
View trip staffing details
Photography leader · Weixi Lin Up to 10 travelers Included · Services of excellent local Chinese- and English-speaking driver-guides throughout; Excluded · All meals and admission (participants share the instructor's meals and admission); Excluded · Guide and driver tips are paid separately; amounts are pending confirmation with the operator. Excluded · Drivers work 10 hours/day; overtime EUR 100/hour/vehicle;
Transport
- IncludedFive-seat or nine-seat vehicles are arranged according to group size; a group of 10 uses two nine-seat vehicles.
- ExcludedInternational flights and taxes between participants' departure points and Iceland/Norway;
- ExcludedDomestic airfare and taxes;
Travel details and reference schedules
The services below are the tour leader's reference travel options. They are neither mandatory for participants nor confirmed group transport arrangements. Participants may choose suitable services that fit the meeting and departure times. [Outbound] September 28: AY100 Hong Kong–Helsinki/20:55–05:35+1 (connection: 1 hour 50 minutes; baggage checked through) September 29: AY541 Helsinki–Tromsø/07:25–10:05 [Intermediate sectors] October 6: SK4079 Evenes Airport–Oslo 06:15–08:00 October 6: SK4787 Oslo–Reykjavik 09:35–10:25 [Return] October 17: AY6836 Reykjavik–Helsinki/16:30–23:00 (connection: 1 hour 35 minutes; baggage checked through) October 18: AY099 Helsinki–Hong Kong/00:35–17:40 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website. Included · Five-seat or nine-seat vehicles are arranged according to group size; a group of 10 uses two nine-seat vehicles. Excluded · International flights and taxes between participants' departure points and Iceland/Norway; Excluded · Domestic airfare and taxes; Excluded · Drivers work 10 hours/day; overtime EUR 100/hour/vehicle;
Photography
- Iceland landscapes and northern lights
- Norwegian fjords and northern lights
- IncludedPhotography instruction and service fees for the accompanying instructor throughout;
Photography details
Iceland landscapes and northern lights Combine Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes and hot springs with night photography. Longer autumn and winter nights allow more time to look for the northern lights, but aurora appearance and visibility depend on natural activity, cloud cover and weather. Norwegian fjords and northern lights Norway is known for its dramatic fjords, steep mountains and peaceful villages. When the northern lights appear, their colors transform these landscapes. Northern destinations such as Tromsø and Svalbard draw travelers hoping to see the aurora dancing above the mountains and water.
Accommodation
- 20 nights
- IncludedStandard twin rooms at local three- or four-star hotels throughout;
- ExcludedA single-room supplement applies if room sharing is unavailable or a private room is requested. Full-trip and segment amounts are pending confirmation with the operator.
Accommodation details
Standard twin rooms at local three- or four-star hotels throughout; Day 3：Mefjord hotel Day 4：Henningsvær Day 5：Hamnøy Day 6：Hamnøy Day 7：Å Day 8：Hotel at Evenes Airport Day 9：Hotel near the cathedral in Reykjavík Day 13：Hotel near Goðafoss Day 14：Hotel at Lake Mývatn Day 15：Near Egilsstaðir Specific hotels and any accommodation arrangements not listed here are pending confirmation with the operator. Day 3 · 2026-09-30 Mefjord hotel Day 4 · 2026-10-01 Henningsvær Day 5 · 2026-10-02 Hamnøy Day 6 · 2026-10-03 Hamnøy Day 7 · 2026-10-04 Å Day 8 · 2026-10-05 Hotel at Evenes Airport Day 9 · 2026-10-06 Hotel near the cathedral in Reykjavík Day 13 · 2026-10-10 Hotel near Goðafoss Day 14 · 2026-10-11 Hotel at Lake Mývatn Day 15 · 2026-10-12 Near Egilsstaðir
Meals
- IncludedDrinking water supplied per person daily; waste is not permitted.
- ExcludedAll meals and admission (participants share the instructor's meals and admission);
Visa
- ExcludedTourist visa and visa service fees (the organizing team can handle applications on your behalf);
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Deposit in the operator’s published information
per personThis amount reflects the payment terms in the operator’s published information. When booking through this platform, follow the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
Standard twin rooms at local three- or four-star hotels throughout;
Five-seat or nine-seat vehicles are arranged according to group size; a group of 10 uses two nine-seat vehicles.
Services of excellent local Chinese- and English-speaking driver-guides throughout;
Photography instruction and service fees for the accompanying instructor throughout;
High-coverage international travel insurance;
Drinking water supplied per person daily; waste is not permitted.
Not included
International flights and taxes between participants' departure points and Iceland/Norway;
Domestic airfare and taxes;
All meals and admission (participants share the instructor's meals and admission);
Tourist visa and visa service fees (the organizing team can handle applications on your behalf);
Guide and driver tips are paid separately; amounts are pending confirmation with the operator.
A single-room supplement applies if room sharing is unavailable or a private room is requested. Full-trip and segment amounts are pending confirmation with the operator.
Drivers work 10 hours/day; overtime EUR 100/hour/vehicle;
In force majeure circumstances, such as natural disasters, war or strikes, or exceptional events including flight delays or cancellations and consular visa delays, the organizing team reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. Additional expenses, including extended visas abroad, accommodation, meals, transport and national airfare adjustments, may be charged based on the actual additional expenditure incurred. We will nevertheless try within our ability to minimise participants' losses;
Other additional expenses not listed under inclusions;
Tax is excluded; the applicable invoice tax must be paid additionally if an invoice is required.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] Accommodation is arranged for two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Itinerary dates use Atlantic/Reykjavik. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.