Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir 2025

24/06/2025 – 29/06/2025 | 5 nights | 890000 ISK per person (+- 5950 Euro) | 3 out of 8 spots left! | Any experience level

This unique photography workshop is centred entirely around wildlife. We will travel to the remote area of Hornstrandir in the Icelandic West Fjords where our primary focus is to photograph the Arctic Fox but we will also get a chance to photograph whales and Atlantic Puffins.

Though seeing wildlife is never guaranteed, Hornstrandir houses the largest population of Arctic Foxes in Iceland which vastly increases our chances.

Limited to just 8 spots (plus 1 workshop leader)
Shared room accommodation (with shared facilities) in a unique house in one of the most remote areas of Iceland
This is the time the fox cubs exit the dens for the first time
Meet in the morning of June 24th 2025 and return on the evening of June 29th 2025

Itinerary

Day 1 (24/06/2025) – Departure from Reykjavík & Travelling to Hornstrandir

We meet in the early morning at the domestic airport in downtown Reykjavík where we board a flight to Ísafjörður, a small town in the West Fjords of Iceland. From there, we will travel by boat to Kvíar Lodge in Hornstrandir. However, before we arrive at Kvíar, we will spend time on the water looking for whales in Ísafjarðardjúp. After we make our way to Hornstrandir, we will hike to Kvíar Lodge, while our luggage is transported there.

The hike gives us a great chance to experience the lush landscape of the lowlands and the barren terrain and lakes higher up, once carved out by glaciers. The views get better and better as we make our way up to the mountain ridges above the fjords. When we reach our high point, we slowly start our descent down the valley floor of Kvíadalur, mainly following the river and enjoy the lakes and waterfalls along the way. After a couple of hours, the house in Kvíar appears in its beautiful setting just above the beach. We enjoy a relaxing evening with a nice home cooked meal and the wood heated sauna!

Day 2-5 (25-28/06/2025) – Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

During this workshop we will explore a remote area called Hornstrandir. Hornstrandir is a Nature Reserve which is difficult to access but using Kvíar Lodge as a base of operations, we have a good chance at seeing and photographing the Arctic Fox in its own habitat.

Day 6 (29/06/2025) – Return to Reykjavík

We leave Kvíar Lodge and Hornstrandir behind. However, before we will return to Ísafjörður, we will spend time on the water looking for whales in Ísafjarðardjúp and make a detour along Vígur island where we have a chance at seeing the Atlantic Puffin from water. After returning back to the harbour in Ísafjörður, we will board a flight back to Reykjavík at the airport.

What’s Included?

Flights from Reykjavík to Ísafjörður & back
Transfer from Ísafjörður airport to the harbour & back
5 nights accommodation in shared rooms (2 people per room) with shared facilities
Breakfast, lunch & dinner while we are at Kvíar Lodge (full board)
Professional photographic tuition and guidance from Jeroen
A professional local guide who is very familiar with Hornstrandir

What’s Not Included?

Flights to/from Iceland
Transportation between Keflavík International Airport & Reykjavík
Drinks & alcohol
Travel & personal insurance
Any other services & goods not mentioned in “What’s Included”

We highly recommend getting your own travel insurance!

What to Bring?

Photography Gear

A DSLR or mirrorless camera
A drone with spare batteries (we will try to photograph whales with a drone if we encounter them – drone flying is not allowed inside the nature reserve)
A zoom lens in the 100-400mm range or more
Tripod
Laptop or tablet with editing software to edit your photos on the go. In case we’re unable to fill out the time in the field due to unfavourable weather, we’ll do some editing.

Recommended Clothing

A variety of different layers (The weather in Iceland changes a lot)
Good waterproof boots
A hat and summer gloves
Warm clothes and wool underwear
Wind/rain shell jacket and pants

Need a more detailed idea of what outdoor apparel & photography gear to bring? Make sure to read this detailed article!

Kvíar Lodge in Hornstrandir

Our home on this workshop is the remote Kvíar Lodge in Hornstrandir. Kvíar was a farm in Kvíadalur Valley, a beautiful setting at the edge of the water with panoramic views over the big Jökulfirðir Bay. With history of habitation since the 14th. century, you can clearly see signs of turf houses and stone walls around the farm.

Kvíar is located on the peninsula between the fjords of Lónafjörður and Veiðileysufjörður. In the house, there is a wood burning sauna, heating, shared toilet & shower facilities, electricity to charge equipment, a hide for watching wildlife and more.

Physical Requirements

It’s important to note that there will be hiking on this trip. Some hikes can be up to 5km (both ways) with elevation gains. The trails can be uneven and slippery. For this reason those with medical issues that prohibit longer hikes, might have a difficult time with this workshop.

Experience Level

We welcome all experience levels, going from beginners to experienced photographers. A good mix of experience levels means we can also learn from each other.

What Previous Participants Had To Say…

“

... Jeroen has great ability as a teacher as well as a photographer. His priority is the participant, not taking his own pictures. Jeroen is good at checking in with the introvert photographer to make sure they are getting the most from the scene, but without looking over your shoulder. Knowing that group dynamics impacts everyone’s experience, he also builds a camaraderie with his humour and manner.
Stewart L.Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (March 2024)

“

I took a 3 day photography workshop with Jeroen to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and had a wonderful experience. Jeroen has an infectious enthusiasm for photography and it really shows in his love of these Icelandic locations and the way he provides instruction on the best perspectives and techniques to get the shots. I appreciate that Jeroen is fully licensed to guide these workshop. This gives me peace of mind knowing that he’s prepared to handle most scenarios that may occur out in the field. Time to save up for my next workshop with Jeroen! Thanks so much, Jeroen!
Jarrick L.Private Workshop in October 2023

“

Well organised workshop with multiple stunning locations providing plenty of opportunities to capture great photos. When the opportunity arose to capture the Northern Lights, Jeroen’s knowledge made sure we were in the right locations to capture the lights at their best. Jeroen was always willing to help and pass on his knowledge to be able to have the best possible composition to capture stunning photos. I can’t thank Jeroen and Mads enough for a great workshop and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to doing more workshops in the future with Jeroen and highly recommended anyone interested in a photography workshop to do it and learn from the best.
Jordan G.Iceland in Winter Workshop in November 2023

“

I had the privilege of going on the Puffins in the midnight sun workshop which was an amazing experience. Anja and Jeroen were both absolutely amazing hosts and the workshop exceeded my expectations. Both were very approachable with any questions and provided the appropriate level of advice, allowing me to improve my photography.
Jeff M.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Workshop in June 2023

“

In July 2023 I decided to book a 5 days private tour with Jeroen to the highlands. This was a complete different experience. We visited remote and amazing locations, I could not find this locations without Jeroens guidance. Jeroen has a incredible local knowledge, a great enthusiasm, a perfect planning and also very important, a lot of patience. I enjoyed the 5 days with Jeroen very much, he is a very accommodating person with agreat sense of humor. During our tour we had a lot of fun and with his assistance I made my best Iceland shots ever, most of them with my Mavic 3 Pro drone. Thank you very much Jeroen for this unique experience, I hope we will plan the next tour in 2024 together.
Wolfgang S.Private Highlands Workshop in July 2023

“

I really enjoyed guided hike with Jeroen. He knows a lot about the volcanos so you won't have only amazing experience but you can also learn a lot from him. Perfect and easy communication. Thank you again for this "stillcantbelievethatitwasreal" experience!
Veronika S.Private Eruption Hike in August 2023

“

… The itinerary was well thought out, but allowed for flexibility of weather conditions and the eruption of Meradalir! Jeroen is knowledgeable, helpful, thoughtful & has a great sense of humour. He regularly checked-in with us to all make sure we were happy and offered assistance in our photography, especially for drones. I felt safe, entertained & learned so much during the workshop. The accommodation & food during the trip were also amazing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or attend another workshop.
Rhiannon L.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

“

Greenland 2023 was an incredible experience, in a truly epic location with an amazing group of people. Andy and Jeroen are true professionals in every sense, with a passion for photography that is infectious to the group. I felt challenged to explore styles of photography that pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone, and having their guidance as well as the group to share ideas with helped me grow as a photographer. Andy seems to have a knack for creating an inclusive environment around him that brings the group together, inspires, builds friendships, and elevates the experience to an enjoyable and unforgettable one. Jeroen is very knowledgeable, easy going, and talented photographer and it was a pleasure spending the week with him. I truly cannot recommend highly enough.
Chris D.Greenland Photo Workshop in March 2023

“

… It was one of the most wonderful trips of adventure, exhilaration mixed with wonder and awe of the surrounding beauty. None of that would have been possible without the expert guidance, local knowledge, sense of enthusiasm and detailed planning by Jeroen. We were lucky to him as an expert driver while we wondered over terrain that is unfamiliar to most people, but Jeroen made us feel confidant that we were in safe hands. Moreover his love for photography, landscape and culture of Iceland is contagious and made the trip all the more special. Whether you call him the “Volcano man” or the “drone man” his photography is extraordinary. I would go back in a heartbeat to spend time exploring more of Iceland with him.
Sarfraz D.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

“

… Everything about it was excellent – it is clear that Jeroen puts huge effort into ensuring he provides a first class experience for his participants – the itinerary was thorough, but flexible to get the best out of the weather and volcanic eruption conditions. Jeroen ensures that everybody is safe (important in such an environment) as well as maintaining a pace that works for all. On top of this, his knowledge about Iceland is broad and deep making him an excellent tour guide as well as an accomplished photographer. I can highly recommend a workshop or tour with Jeroen and I do hope that I get to enjoy another workshop with him in the future.
Jon A.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

“

I was fortunate to accompany both Andy Mumford and Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove to Ilulissat, Greenland. I've done guided photography tours before, but this was without a doubt the most enjoyable experience. The comradery of the group combined with the positive attitude and humor of both Andy and Jeroen was fabulous. Lodging + food were a step above what I was expecting and were memorable experiences in and of themselves. Zero regrets and while in Greenland, I discussed what other tours I could add my name onto the waitlist for. Recommended without hesitation.
Michael M.Greenland Photo Workshop in March 2023

“

It became clear that Jeroen is very familiar with the beauty of Iceland, but also with the possible dangers of its natural elements. He took us to the highlights, but also guided us to a number of hidden marvels. And always he knew something interesting to tell about the location. On the creativity side, Jeroen did not intervene at all on location – unless requested for. So we all could explore our own creativity. This definitely tastes for more. And I will definitely call Jeroen again.
Koen D.Private Photography Tour in March 2016

“

It was a pleasure to have a look behind the scences on how Jeroen works. His photos look so natural as he knows where to be in the right place at the right time. I’ve received a lot of professional advice and feedback on how to create stunning landscape images. You did an amazing job and I can’t thank you enough!
Adında M.Private Photography Tour in November 2017

“

… Imagine being taken to locations so amazing that the erupting volcano wasn’t even one of the top 5. This was an EPIC adventure through a place traversed by few people. We had the guidance and support needed to capture amazing photos and learn to use our drones effectively, incredible food and accommodations, and access to Jeroen’s incredible wealth of knowledge to keep us safe in face of unstable cliffs, weird weather, and other craziness. I can’t wait to join another tour with Jeroen.
Richard S.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

“

If you want to explore Iceland with your camera you’re blessed with a guide like Jeroen. He knows and understands the country so well. He really makes an effort to visit every location at the best possible moment of the day. He knows so many beautiful locations so that he’s also able to improvise when the weather conditions are not that great. He will bring you to lots of beautiful places that are less touristic and where you can take the time to fully explore your camera trying to capture this unique landscape.
Stefaan M.Private Photography Tour in March 2016

“

… And my expectations of his guided tour were indeed the highlight of my short vacation. Not only the sights where breathtaking but also Jeroen’s personal anecdotes and explanation in an easy way over this ever changing landscape building itself was a great surplus to my hiking experience. He is not only passionate about telling you the story behind the views that unfolds before your eyes during the hike, but he lets you also walk at your own pace without looking to his watch as on many other organised larger tours. So folks if you look for an unique guided personal tour, I would really recommend this great guide. From me personally he earns withouth doubt 5* !
John V.Private Guided Eruption Hike in October 2021