Adventurer of the Week: Lauren Shoots on the Ice

For the aspiring photographer, Iceland is not only a playground of light but also a fantastic landscape photography stomping ground. This week, Lauren came out with us on the Blue Ice Experience on Svínafellsjökull, in Skaftafell.

What motivated you to visit Iceland?

I’m an aspiring photographer and it has been on my bucket list for a while as it is practically a landscape photographers’ heaven! My local airport started flying to Reykjavik direct last year too, making the journey easy.

How long was your stay? Did you travel solo or with a group?

I stayed for a week and traveled solo along the South Coast. It was my first time travelling solo abroad but found it very easy to do with a bit of planning.

Which tour did you take and why did you choose it?

I went on the Blue Ice Experience from Skaftafell. I chose this tour because I wanted to go glacier hiking whilst in Iceland to learn more about the landscape and hopefully get some great photos too. I was slightly limited of choice due to the time of year but in the end I chose the Blue Ice Experience from Skaftafell as I could incorporate it with my self-drive visit to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and a short hike in Skaftafell itself.

What is one thing you will always remember about your tour?

How surprisingly warm it was! I came dressed in thermals, salopettes and ski jacket and I was boiling. It was great to have such nice weather for the tour.

What is something that you learned about Iceland that surprised you?

A did a lot of research before travelling so not a whole lot surprised me (apart from how breathtaking the scenery is everywhere you look!) but whilst on my tour it surprised me to learn how the glacier ice is covered by rock in some parts and how the rock and dirt moves with the glacier. I was able to pick away at the rock at the tongue of the glacier could see ice underneath!

If you had more time in Iceland, what else would you like to see and do?

The weather wasn’t fantastic the whole week I was there so I would definitely revisit some of the landmarks along the south coast. I didn’t get a good chance to see the Northern Lights either so I would definitely come back again in winter to try and catch them. I’d also love to come back in summer and drive around the whole ring road. Perhaps bring a friend or two along next time too.

What tips do you have for people who want to visit Iceland?

You’ll never have enough time to see everything as there are just so many beautiful places to visit and fun things to do but do savor the time you have at each place. Don’t rush and just take it all in!

If you describe your tour in two words, what would they be?

Simply stunning.

What adventure are you off to next? What is your next dream adventure?

I’m hoping to do the North Coast 500 route in Scotland this summer. I’ve seen quite a lot of the North Coast from living in Scotland but there’s a lot I am yet to photograph. The next big adventure on my bucket list is British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies.

Lauren’ s adventure is only one of the many features that make for an unforgettable experience. Book your tour and join us for an excursion that is guaranteed to make memories that last a lifetime.

Have you been on a tour with us in Iceland and would like to be featured as an “Adventurer of the Week”? Feel free to email us at info@mountainguides.is.