Backcountry Journeys Presents 

Iceland’s Arctic Foxes & Northern Lights

9 Days | Up to 10 Guests | Fitness Level: 1 | Starting at $9,995
March 2 - 10, 2026
March 1 - 9, 2027

Pre-Booking Available Now

Reservations Open July 17th
Backcountry Journeys Presents 

Iceland’s Arctic Foxes & Northern Lights

9 Days | Up to 10 Guests | Fitness Level: 1 | Starting at $9,995
March 2 - 10, 2026
March 1 - 9, 2027

Pre-Booking Available Now

Reservations Open July 17th

Photograph Wild Arctic Foxes, Northern Lights & Iceland’s Untamed Winter Beauty

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 Wild Arctic Fox Encounters — With Exceptionally High Probability 

Iceland’s Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) is one of the most photogenic and elusive wildlife subjects in the North, and this trip gives us an incredible edge in finding them. While we can never fully guarantee wildlife sightings, this is as close as it gets—our local guides know the exact territories of several resident foxes, both white and molting gray morphs.

Thanks to exclusive Superjeep access, we reach remote parts of southern Iceland and the Þórsmörk region where these animals roam freely—territory that’s inaccessible to most travelers. This setup dramatically increases our odds of sightings and offers incredible opportunities for natural, undisturbed wildlife photography in snow-covered volcanic terrain.

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Northern Lights During Peak Activity Conditions 

This trip is timed for maximum Aurora potential. We’re traveling close to the spring equinox, which is one of the most active periods of the year for geomagnetic storms, regardless of solar cycle. But in this case, we’re also still within the solar maximum, the peak of the 11-year solar cycle—making this one of the best periods in decades for photographing the Northern Lights.

With dark skies, low light pollution, and the flexibility of our Superjeep vehicles, we’re able to move to ideal locations on short notice. If conditions are right, you’ll have the chance to photograph brilliant auroras dancing over glaciers, mountains, and black sand landscapes—scenes that most photographers only dream of.


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Iceland’s Best Winter Landscapes + Surreal Glacier Ice Caves 

Our adventure takes us deep into Iceland’s most stunning winter scenery. You’ll photograph:

  • Glowing blue ice caves beneath the glaciers of the south coast—otherworldly interiors filled with textures, reflections, and translucent blues.

  • Snow-blanketed valleys, canyons, and ridgelines of Þórsmörk.

  • The windswept beaches and sea stacks of Vík’s south coast.

  • Iconic Icelandic waterfalls and geothermal areas along the Golden Circle.

Each of these environments presents unique light, composition, and contrast opportunities. March offers the best of both worlds—still deep winter, but with longer days and the soft, low-angle Arctic light that makes every scene feel cinematic.


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 Expert Leadership from An Acclaimed Photographer 

This trip is led by Grant Ordelheide, acclaimed nature photographer and guide. Grant will co-lead this workshop alongside an experienced local Icelandic guide. Their in-depth knowledge of Iceland’s unique light, weather patterns, and wildlife behavior plays a key role in helping guests get the most out of every photographic opportunity.

They're also educators who knows how to support guests of all skill levels—from first-time aurora chasers to seasoned wildlife shooters.

Expect personalized attention, help in the field, and plenty of post-shoot support to review and improve your work. You’ll come home not just with great images—but as a stronger photographer.


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 Ultimate South Coast Sampler — Wildlife, Landscape & Light 

This trip combines three core elements of Arctic photography—wildlife, landscapes, and Northern Lights—into a single, well-paced itinerary. It’s rare to find a workshop that includes so much value.

All of this is done in comfort, with great lodge accommodations, delicious Icelandic meals, a custom superjeep, and seamless logistics from start to finish. Whether you’re looking to build a dream portfolio or experience one of the most photogenic regions on Earth in winter—this trip delivers it all.


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Available Departures
Reservations Available Now!
 
March 2-10, 2026
AVAILABLE   
Trip Leader(s)
Grant Ordelheide
Starting From
$9,995.00
Single Supplement:
+$1,495
  Deposit: $4,000  
March 1-9, 2027
AVAILABLE   
Trip Leader(s)
Grant Ordelheide
Starting From
$10,995.00
Single Supplement:
+$1,495
  Deposit: $4,000  
Start/End
Start/End: Reykjavík, Iceland (KEF)
Dates
March 2-10, 2026
March 1-9, 2027
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This
Group Size
Limited to 10 photographers
Highlights
  • Arctic Fox Photography: Track and photograph wild Arctic Foxes in remote southern Iceland, with expert guides and exclusive Superjeep access to hard-to-reach areas.

  • Þórsmörk (Thórsmörk) Superjeep Adventure: Explore one of Iceland’s most dramatic wilderness regions, filled with glacial rivers, mossy canyons, and striking volcanic landscapes.

  • Ice Caves and Glaciers: Visit the surreal blue ice caves of Kötlujökull Glacier, capturing otherworldly textures and light in one of Iceland’s most photogenic environments.

  • South Coast Wildlife and Landscapes: Photograph rock ptarmigan, seabirds, and windswept black sand beaches, plus iconic waterfalls and volcanic formations along the Golden Circle. 
Trip Overview
Built for the shot. Driven by the wild.

Venture deep into Iceland’s wild south coast on this Arctic adventure crafted for photographers seeking dramatic light, remote wildlife, and raw natural beauty. From the rugged black sand beaches of Vík to the glacier-cut valleys of Þórsmörk (Thórsmörk), this journey takes us far beyond the typical tourist path. Our focus is on capturing the elusive Arctic Fox in its natural habitat—an experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding—and photographing the surreal landscapes of ice caves, volcanic formations, and snow-covered highlands using Superjeep access into areas few others reach.

The Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) is Iceland’s only native land mammal, perfectly adapted to survive in extreme cold. In early March, they’re still in their full winter coats—thick, plush, and often pure white—making them visually striking subjects against Iceland’s dark lava and snowy terrain. We’ll spend multiple days in prime fox territory, working with experienced local guides who know individual fox territories and behaviors. Many foxes in this region are accustomed to seeing people at a distance, allowing for more natural photographic opportunities without disturbing their routines. Photographers will have the rare chance to capture images of these intelligent and curious animals as they hunt, interact, and move across open landscapes in soft Arctic light.

One of the most exciting and visually rewarding segments of the trip is our deep exploration of Þórsmörk—a hidden valley wedged between three glaciers and only accessible by rugged Superjeep crossings of glacial rivers. Þórsmörk (meaning “Thor’s Forest”) is a world of contrasts, with twisted birch trees, mossy lava fields, dramatic ridgelines, and sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. In March, the area is blanketed in snow, offering minimalist compositions and stunning winter scenery. The ever-changing light here—from low-angle sun to misty cloud inversions—creates moody, cinematic conditions perfect for landscape photography. This region is also a stronghold for Arctic Foxes, giving us incredible opportunities to photograph wildlife in one of the most beautiful and remote settings in Iceland.

In addition to our fox-focused time, we’ll explore remote ice caves beneath Kötlujökull Glacier—some of the most surreal natural formations on Earth. We’ll also track ptarmigan in their mottled seasonal plumage, watch for seabirds along the cliffs, and photograph Iceland’s signature elements: cascading waterfalls, steaming geothermal vents, and the long, windswept beaches of the southern coast.

March offers the perfect balance for this adventure—still wintry, but with increasing daylight and fewer crowds. We’ll have ample time each day to work with light, weather, and wildlife, and there’s still a chance for Northern Lights if the skies are clear.

Whether you're here for the Arctic Fox, the icy surrealism of glacier caves, or the elemental drama of Þórsmörk’s hidden wilderness, this trip is designed to deliver once-in-a-lifetime shots—and an unforgettable arctic adventure!

Trip Itinerary


Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík (D)
We’ll arrive in Iceland and then we'll be transferred to our hotel in Reykjavík. After settling in, we’ll have time to explore the charming capital, grab a bite to eat, and get to know our fellow travelers as we prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

Day 2: South Coast Landscapes and Our First Foxes (B,L,D)
This morning, we’ll head out toward Iceland’s dramatic south coast, stopping at some stunning photographic locations along the way. As we get closer to Arctic Fox country, we’ll keep our eyes open for early sightings. We’ll spend the night at Stracta Hotel, well-positioned for the days of adventure to come.

Days 3–5: Into Þórsmörk and Arctic Fox Territory (B,L,D)
Over the next three days, we’ll dive deep into Iceland’s rugged interior aboard our private Superjeep vehicles, heading into the remote and wild Þórsmörk (Thórsmörk) region. Here, among canyons, rivers, and mossy volcanic landscapes, we’ll spend time searching for and photographing wild Arctic Foxes in their natural environment. We’ll take advantage of dramatic light and epic terrain to create unique wildlife and landscape images, returning each evening to the comfort of Stracta Hotel.

Day 6: Glacier Adventure and Ice Caves (B,L,D)
Today we’ll continue the adventure with a Superjeep excursion to Kötlujökull Glacier, where we’ll explore stunning ice caves and search for more Arctic Foxes in this surreal, frozen environment. It’s a chance to capture some of the most ethereal and otherworldly scenes Iceland has to offer. We’ll overnight in the nearby town of Vík, surrounded by black sand beaches and sea cliffs.

Day 7: Seabirds, Black Sands, and Off-Road Exploration (B,L,D)
We’ll spend the day exploring the Vík region’s diverse coastal ecosystems, from off-road Superjeep access to remote black sand beaches to searching for rock ptarmigan and nesting seabirds along the cliffs. The contrasts of color, texture, and light here make for fantastic photo opportunities as we wrap up our southern adventure.

Day 8: Return to Reykjavík via the Golden Circle (B,L,D)
As we make our way back to Reykjavík, we’ll travel part of the famed Golden Circle route, stopping at some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes along the way. It’s a final chance to capture waterfalls, geothermal features, and vast vistas before returning to the city for our last evening together.

Day 9: Departure Day (B)
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport and say our goodbyes, heading home with memory cards full of Arctic wildlife, icy adventures, and Iceland’s one-of-a-kind landscapes.

What's Included   

  
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Airport transfers

  • All permits and park fees

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

 

What's Not Included   

  • Flights to and from Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

 

 WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS,
WORKSHOPS & SAFARIS 

Backcountry Journeys offers over 100 global photography tours and workshops, spanning iconic U.S. National Parks to the wild savannahs of Africa, catering to all interests and skill levels. As one of the top-rated, all-inclusive providers in the industry, we ensure a highly personalized and memorable experience that's rooted in our deep passion for photography.

UNPARALLELED
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS

Discover over 100 global photography tours and workshops, from U.S. National Parks to Africa's savannahs, designed for all skill levels. Enjoy personalized experiences with our small groups and hands-on guidance from certified photo instructors. 

THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS

Our team handles all logistics, ensuring a seamless experience, supported by an on-call support line. World-class Trip Planners meticulously plan every detail, while our exceptional customer service ensures your experience exceeds expectations.

WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY

Our adventures blend breathtaking locations with lasting connections among like-minded photographers. We foster a warm, inclusive atmosphere that encourages friendships beyond the trip. 
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HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

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