Iceland – Artic Fox and
Northern Lights Photography!
An extraordinary chance to capture Arctic fox
encounters in ways you may never have imagined possible.
📅 Dates: February 27th – March 6th, 2027
⏳ Duration: 3 days / 4 nights
📷 Led by: David Gibbon & Michael Ahlén
Total Price Per Person
Take advantage of our early bird pricing – available until June 30, 2026.
Early BIRD Price
3 700 EUR
Shared Room
3 795 EUR
Up Close with the Arctic Fox
Far in the north of Iceland lies one of the few places where photographers can experience the Arctic Fox at incredibly close range. Several territories surround our cabin, and one stretches right past the doorstep. It’s not unusual for foxes to wander by or pause just outside, giving us extraordinary chances for detailed portraits. To see a fox linger only meters away, to frame the subtle textures of its winter coat, the intensity of its eyes, or the snow clinging to its whiskers—these are moments of rare intimacy in wildlife photography.
The season has been chosen with precision. Snow covers the landscape, shaping both the light and the mood. With the right weather, we may also photograph foxes in the heart of snow squalls or against windswept drifts—dynamic, raw conditions that create striking and dramatic images.
Arctic Nights Without Distractions
As evening falls, our attention shifts to the skies. From this remote peninsula, we have unobstructed views of the Northern Lights, completely free of light pollution. Even modest solar activity can produce brilliant auroral displays here, painting the night with color. When conditions align, we venture out into the landscape, capturing the aurora dancing over mountains, fjords, and frozen sea.
And sometimes, the magic goes further: a fox stepping into frame beneath the lights, or standing against a star-laden horizon. Hornstrandir offers one of the most reliable opportunities anywhere in Iceland for pairing Arctic wildlife with the spectacle of the aurora. Weather permitting, these nights can yield images that feel almost otherworldly.
Photo Gallery from Hornstrandir, Iceland
Photos by David Gibbon
Trip Details
This is a rare and exclusive opportunity for just five serious photographers to capture wild Arctic Foxes in the remote northwest of Iceland during winter. By private charter boat, we will journey deep into the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve—one of the last truly wild frontiers in Iceland—to photograph nature’s most resilient predator: the Arctic Fox. With only a handful of participants, this expedition guarantees the kind of personal access and creative freedom that larger groups simply cannot offer.
Across most of Iceland, Arctic Foxes are hunted and remain elusive, skittish, and extremely difficult to photograph. But here in the protected Hornstrandir peninsula, the foxes live without human pressure and can be approached more closely. This creates rare conditions for intimate wildlife photography—moments that feel raw, authentic, and unrepeatable.
The expedition runs for 6 days (5 nights). Our base is a remote wilderness cabin—simple, rustic, yet warm and fully functional. A staff member will join us to handle cooking and cleaning, ensuring hearty meals and hot drinks are ready each day (all included). Our focus is entirely on photography: long days in the field, often carrying food into the snow so we don’t miss peak fox activity. With up to 10 hours of winter light, every day offers intense opportunities. And when night falls, we may be rewarded with the shimmering dance of the Northern Lights over the fjords.
Participants should be prepared for moderate walking across uneven, snowy ground. On arrival, everyone must carry their own camera gear, personal items, and shared supplies from the boat to the cabin (about 100 meters uphill). A good base level of fitness is recommended for the best experience.
Our Base Camp
Our base in Hornstrandir will be a simple but welcoming house, which we will call home for five days. The building offers one functioning toilet, a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms (each with three beds), and a living room.
This is true Arctic expedition living: there are no showers, and the comforts are basic. Yet this is part of what makes the experience so unique. Very few Icelanders have ever set foot in this remote corner of the country—staying here is a rare privilege. And while the wilderness may be raw, the house is heated, ensuring you’ll always be warm indoors.
Joining us on the tour is a dedicated housekeeper who will take care of the home and prepare all meals. From collecting water to cooking, everything is managed so you can focus entirely on photographing the Arctic Fox.
Guests are often surprised by the quality of the cuisine during this trip. Icelanders are known for their cooking, and our housekeeper is no exception. All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included, and most dietary requirements can be accommodated. Expect hearty, local flavors—succulent Icelandic lamb, freshly caught cod, and other traditional dishes served with care in the heart of the Arctic.
Your Tour Leaders and Photography Guides.
David Gibbon
Main Guide and Lead Photographer
Expert guidance – David knows where to go and how to position yourself for the best photographic opportunities.
Award-winning eye – His image of a fox battling freezing winds, ice forming on its nose, was awarded in Travel Photographer of the Year.
On-site mentoring – With a laptop on hand, David can advise on editing and help refine your images during the tour.
With David leading, you’ll gain not just access to the foxes of Hornstrandir but the knowledge and insight to capture them at their very best.
Essential Information
Price
3795 EUR
Early Bird Price: 3700 EUR (valid until June 30th, 2026)
Tour Leader / Photo Guide
David Gibbon and Michael Ahlén
Group Size
Minimum 4 / Maximum 5 participants
Included in the Price
- Shared room accommodation.
- Photographic instruction and support from our expert guides are included.
- Hotel night in Isafjordur
Even in windy conditions, we can usually photograph in calm, sheltered fjords. While we can’t guard against strong gales or storms, it’s rare for such weather to last long. With three full days of shooting, even if one day is lost to weather, we still have excellent chances for great images. By arriving no later than 5:00 PM on the first day, we also leave open the option of an initial evening boat tour if the weather is better than forecast for later days — assuming Ole Martin has no prior commitments.
Accommodation
We stay at Ole Martin’s Ørnehus — a spacious, modern house where we can prepare our own meals, pack breakfasts for the boat trips, and enjoy a comfortable stay close to the fjord.
Not Included in the Price
Travel to and from Lauvsnes, as well as meals, are not included.
Pickup from Steinkjer train station can be arranged for an additional fee. From Trondheim Airport, express trains depart hourly to Steinkjer (approx. one hour).
Single Room Supplement (subject to availability)
Single room supplement: 170 EUR.
Availability is limited to two single rooms — please contact us in advance.
Clothing
Temperatures typically range from 5–10°C at night to 8–23°C during the day.
Evening tours can get chilly, but Ole Martin provides warm flotation suits. A hat and thin gloves can also be nice to have for late evenings on the water.
Accessibility
Accessibility is limited for those with reduced mobility. Please contact us to discuss specific needs.
Visa / Passport
Visa should not be needed for European guest, but please check with your local authorities. Passport needed for the flights and entering Norway.
Payment Terms
Note: These differ from our standard conditions.
- 300 EUR non-refundable deposit due upon booking
- Final balance due 30 days before the tour starts. Cancellations after this point are subject to full payment.
Insurance
We recommend a travel insurance and cancellation policy through our partner Europeiska ERV.
Health & Vaccinations
Consult your doctor for vaccination advice prior to travel.
Group & Language
Tour leaders speak both Swedish and English.
Traveller Rights
Information about key rights under EU Directive 2015/2302 available upon request.
Travel Terms & Conditions
Please read our full travel terms [link or reference here].
Book Your Artic Fox and Northern Lights expedition Today!
Join us for six unforgettable days in Hornstrandir, Iceland’s most remote wilderness, tracking the elusive Arctic Fox.
Expect close encounters in stunning winter light, with world-class photo opportunities of foxes in their natural element — from playful moments to dramatic hunts across the snow.
David Gibbon will guide and support you throughout.
A raw Arctic experience at its finest.
Choose the tour you want to join, and fill in your details, we will get back to you shortly to confirm your booking.
Photo Gear Recommendations for this Tour
Telephoto Lenses
300–600mm range is ideal for Arctic Fox photography.
Zoom lenses (e.g., 100–400mm, 200–600mm, 400–800mm) give maximum flexibility for tracking fast, unpredictable movements.
A fast prime (e.g., 300mm, 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4) can be excellent if you prefer ultimate image quality and low-light performance.
Wide-Angle & Landscape Lenses
14mm or 16–35mm wide-angle lens for aurora, night sky, and environmental shots of foxes in the landscape.
Standard zoom (24–70mm) for cabin life, storytelling, and landscape context.
Tripod & Support
Sturdy tripod for long exposures, especially Northern Lights and night sky work.
Ball head or gimbal head recommended for stability with telephoto lenses.
Additional Essentials
– Extra batteries (cold weather reduces battery life significantly)
– Memory cards with high capacity (long shooting days, heavy bursts)
– Weather protection for cameras and lenses (snow, wind, and sea spray are common)
– Headlamp with red light mode for night photography without disturbing foxes or other photographers