Land Of The Midnight Sun: Photography Tour

Iceland is a land of striking contrasts and dramatic landscapes, where vast glaciers—covering approximately 11% of the country’s landmass—sit alongside powerful volcanoes. With over 130 active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes, it is no wonder Iceland is famously known as “The Land of Fire and Ice.”

During the summer months, the tilt of the Earth’s axis creates a remarkable phenomenon above the Arctic Circle: the sun does not set, providing weeks of continuous daylight known as the Midnight Sun. Grímsey Island, located just three hours by boat from the mainland, is the only part of Iceland that lies within the Arctic Circle. Our trip is timed to coincide with this extraordinary spectacle, offering extended hours of exceptional light for photography.

Grímsey is also one of the world’s most important seabird breeding grounds. Around half of the global Atlantic Puffin population breeds in Iceland—roughly two million pairs. While puffin numbers have declined across much of Europe, Grímsey has seen a remarkable recovery, now hosting approximately 200,000 puffins. The combination of abundant birds, open breeding sites, and the ethereal light of the Midnight Sun makes this island an unparalleled location for photographing Atlantic Puffins.

Beyond puffins, Grímsey offers exceptional opportunities to capture Northern Fulmars, Black-Legged Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills, and nesting Arctic Terns. The island also supports breeding populations of Snow Buntings, Red-Necked Phalaropes, and other waders. Adding to its charm, a herd of native Icelandic horses roams the island’s interior, providing unique and photogenic subjects beyond the seabirds.

Experience the magic of Grímsey Island, where seabirds, waders, phalaropes, and native Icelandic ponies thrive under the mesmerizing glow of the Midnight Sun. Over five nights on this remote Arctic Circle island, you’ll have the freedom to capture its ever-changing light and weather, timed perfectly to coincide with the peak of the seabird season. With our privately booked guesthouse as base, we can tailor our days—and even meal times—around the best photographic opportunities.

Your journey begins in Akureyri, where our team will meet you and assist with travel arrangements. From the airport, a private driver will transfer you to the hotel, where Kevin and David will welcome the group over a light dinner and share the plans for the adventure ahead. The evening begins with a privately chartered RIB excursion into a stunning fjord, in search of humpback whales and other marine life—a spectacular introduction to the wild landscapes of northern Iceland.

The following morning, we travel to Dalvík to board the ferry to Grímsey. The three-hour crossing is a chance to spot marine wildlife before arriving at the island, where we walk a short distance to our guesthouse. Each guest enjoys their own room, or larger rooms are available for those travelling together. Exclusively reserved for our group, the guesthouse is comfortable, welcoming, and perfectly situated for exploring both the north and south sides of the island.

Grímsey is best explored on foot, allowing us to immerse ourselves in its rugged beauty. From tiny phalarope chicks hidden in the grass to waders striking elegant poses among wildflowers, walking ensures we never miss the island’s small wonders. A moderate level of fitness is recommended to make the most of these opportunities.

At the end of our Grímsey adventure, we return to the mainland by ferry and spend a final night in Akureyri before flying to Reykjavík and saying farewell. This journey is not just a photography tour—it’s an unforgettable experience under the Midnight Sun, where every moment holds the potential for extraordinary images and memories.