Iceland Timothy Poulton Iceland Timothy Poulton

ICELAND AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE

Iceland in October is cinematic: copper-gold mountainsides, misty fjords, glacier blues, long sunsets, and a real chance of Northern Lights. Below is the perfect loop itinerary hitting Grundarfjörður, Snæfellsjökull NP, Hvitserkur, Akureyri, Höfn, Vík, and their best surrounding areas.

Reynisdrangar near Vík on the South Coast (iconic, dramatic, troll legends) and Hvítserkur on the Vatnsnes Peninsula

10 DAYS LANDSCAPES & SEASCAPES

Iceland in October is cinematic: copper-gold mountainsides, misty fjords, glacier blues, long sunsets, and a real chance of Northern Lights. Below is the perfect loop itinerary hitting Grundarfjörður, Snæfellsjökull NP, Hvitserkur, Akureyri, Höfn, Vík, and their best surrounding areas.

DAY 1 – Reykjavík Arrival & Sunset Warm-Up

Highlights: Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Hour Coastlines
Photo Focus: Seascapes, slow-shutter waves, lava cliffs

  • Arrive and pick up 4x4 vehicles.

  • Optional warm-up shoot at Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, Gunnuhver Geothermal Area, or Brimketill Rock Pool - all brilliant for soft October light and wave action.

  • Check into Reykjavík lodging.

Dinner: Messinn (amazing pan-fried Arctic char), Snaps Bistro (cosy comfort food).

DAY 2 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Snæfellsjökull National Park

Base: Grundarfjörður
Photo Focus: Moody coasts, black beaches, dramatic volcanic shapes

  • Drive north to Snæfellsnes.

  • Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park:

    • Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach - incredible seascapes, jagged lava formations.

    • Lóndrangar cliffs - birds, waves, and long-exposure drama.

    • Arnarstapi coastline - arches, basalt, sea stacks.

  • Sunset at Búðir Black Church with golden fields and glaciers behind.

Dinner: Viðvik Restaurant (Grundarfjörður). Fresh fish, beautiful plating.

DAY 3 – Kirkjufell & Grundarfjörður

Themes: Waterfalls, reflections, long exposures

  • Sunrise: Kirkjufell. October often brings snow dusting the peak - perfect for leading lines.

  • Explore Grundarfjörður harbour, mountain layers, and hidden local waterfalls.

  • Afternoon: dramatic coastline at Saxhóll Crater or Berserkjahraun lava field.

  • Northern Lights potential over Kirkjufell if skies clear.

Dinner: Bjargarsteinn Mathús - one of the best in the region.

DAY 4 – Hvitserkur Sea Stack

Base: North Iceland
Photo Focus: Minimalist seascapes, wildlife, moody skies

  • Drive north into the remote Vatnsnes Peninsula.

  • Hvitserkur sea stack: perfect for long exposures, reflections, and even seals lounging on the nearby beach.

  • Explore coastal viewpoints and turf-covered farmhouses.

  • Sunset on the peninsula’s deserted beaches.

Dinner: Geitafell Seafood Restaurant (when open) or meals at a local guesthouse.

DAY 5 – Akureyri & Godafoss

Themes: Waterfalls, mountain lakes, autumn colour

  • Drive to Akureyri, Iceland’s northern hub.

  • Stop at Godafoss - a wide waterfall, great for ND filters and multiple compositions.

  • Explore Eyjafjörður fjord viewpoints.

  • Evening wander around Akureyri’s charming old town and harbour.

Dinner: Strikið (excellent seafood, panoramic windows), or Bautinn for hearty Icelandic classics.

DAY 6 – East Fjords Transit to Höfn

Themes: Long fjords, dramatic coastlines, hidden villages

  • A big but stunning drive through sweeping fjords and towering mountains.

  • Stop at Dettifoss (if road conditions allow) - massive waterfall power shots.

  • Continue through the quiet East Fjords, stopping at Seyðisfjörður for its iconic blue church and mountain walls.

  • Arrive in Höfn, home of the best lobster in Iceland.

Dinner: Pakkhús - lobster soup, langoustines, insanely fresh seafood.

DAY 7 – Höfn & Stokksnes

Themes: Dunes, dramatic mountains, contrast, long exposures

  • Sunrise at Stokksnes / Vestrahorn - black dunes meet sharp alpine peaks.

  • Explore Eystrahorn after breakfast - towering cliffs and teal water.

  • Afternoon fog rolls can create magical mood shots.

  • Sunset return session at Vestrahorn - brilliant reflections on the wet sand.

Dinner: Humarhöfnin—another top spot for lobster and local fish.

DAY 8 – South Coast to Vík

Themes: Black beaches, waterfalls, sea stacks

  • Sunrise at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - icebergs drifting in morning glow.

  • Shoot Diamond Beach for minimalistic black-and-white compositions.

  • Continue toward Vík with stops at:

    • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

    • Lómagnúpur rock wall

    • Foss á Síðu

  • Sunset at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or Dyrhólaey promontory.

  • The Northern Lights are visible above the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

Dinner: The Soup Company (famous for the lava soup), or Smiðjan Brugghús (craft burgers & beer).

DAY 9 – Vík Surroundings & Waterfalls

Themes: Long-exposure waterfalls, iconic Iceland

  • Sunrise at Kvernufoss - quiet waterfall tucked in a gorge.

  • Shoot Skógafoss and climb the stairs for top-down views.

  • Continue to Seljalandsfoss for back-lit waterfall magic.

  • Explore Solheimasandur Plane Wreck (optional long walk or shuttle).

  • Final sunset at your favourite spot along Dyrhólaey.

Dinner: Halldórskaffi in Vík - great pizza and comfort food.

DAY 10 – Return to Reykjavík

Themes: Wrap-up shots, last-minute Iceland vibes

  • Optional final shoot stops:

    • Seljavallalaug pool

    • Hvolsvöllur moss fields

    • Kerið Crater

  • Return to Reykjavík for shopping, relaxation, and a celebratory dinner.

Farewell Dinner: Kol, Grillmarkaðurinn, or Dill if you want Michelin-level Nordic cuisine.

RECOMMENDED CAMERA GEAR

Tailored for Autumn Iceland photography with long exposures, seascapes & landscapes.

Lenses

  • 16–35mm f/2.8 or f/4 (landscapes, waterfalls)

  • 24–105mm or 24–70mm (versatile all-rounder)

  • 70–200mm (compressed mountain layers, wildlife, abstracts)

  • Optional: 14mm prime for aurora nights

Filters

  • ND 6-stop & 10-stop for waterfalls and seascapes

  • Circular polariser

  • Graduated ND (sunrise & sunset control)

Tripod

  • Sturdy carbon fibre tripod (windproof)

  • Spikes recommended

Other Essentials

  • Lens cloths (ocean spray is constant)

  • Rain covers for the camera & backpack

  • Extra batteries (cold drains fast)

  • Headlamp (aurora and early starts)

CLOTHING (Conditions: 0–8°C)

Base Layers: Merino tops + leggings
Insulating Layer: Fleece or lightweight down
Shell Layer: Waterproof, windproof jacket + pants
Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots (essential)
Accessories:

  • Beanie, gloves (with photography finger slits)

  • Neck gaiter

  • Waterproof over-mitts

  • Wool socks x 3–4

  • Microspikes (rarely needed, but October mornings can be icy)

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

  • Aurora Workshops (if KP index looks good)

  • Guided super-jeep into the Highlands (weather dependent)

  • Ice cave session near Vatnajökull (late October starts the season)

Timothy Poulton is now available for private group photography tours around the world. Whether you’re dreaming of the raw volcanic landscapes of Iceland, the towering peaks of Patagonia, the ancient deserts of Jordan or the alpine drama of the Dolomites, Timothy will craft a personalised adventure designed around your group’s interests, skill level and creative goals. From sunrise to stars, every journey is tailored, immersive and unforgettable.

Get in touch to create your own custom photography experience.

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