Read the full story of our two journeys to Iceland, including our close encounters with dramatic volcanic eruptions, photography experiences and filmmaking in the raw Icelandic landscape.
Iceland – Land of Fire, Ice and Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most powerful places I have ever experienced as a photographer and filmmaker. A land shaped by volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, storms, northern lights, lava fields and dramatic weather.
During my journeys to Iceland, I photographed and filmed the raw forces of nature at close range – from peaceful landscapes and Arctic light to the dramatic Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption in 2010.
For me, Iceland is not only a place of fire and ice. It is also a place of courage, resilience and deep respect for nature. I was deeply impressed by how Icelandic people live close to powerful natural forces and continue with strength, calmness and hope.
This page brings together my Iceland photography, 4K nature films, volcano videos and personal travel stories from one of the most unforgettable nature experiences of my life.
Highlights from my Iceland journeys:
• Volcanoes, lava landscapes and geothermal areas
• Glaciers, waterfalls, storms and dramatic Arctic light
• Northern lights over wild Icelandic landscapes
• 4K nature films and documentary travel photography
• Eyjafjallajökull 2010 – a once-in-a-lifetime volcano experience
• Ash clouds, volcanic lightning and powerful forces of nature
• Respect for Icelandic people, their courage and life close to nature
Iceland – Land of Fire, Ice and Northern Lights
This country fascinates me—not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its people and how they have adapted over centuries to life on an island shaped by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. For those who love diverse nature, photography, and landscapes that unleash immense forces—rich in colors and variations with glaciers, rivers, and waterfalls—Iceland is a destination I highly recommend.
Eyjafjallajökull 2010 – Our Volcano Photography Trip to Iceland
My friend Geir and I traveled to Iceland several times, drawn by its extreme landscapes and natural forces. One of our most memorable trips was during the massive Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010, which sent an ash cloud high into the sky, disrupting air traffic across Europe.
We arrived on one of the last flights before much of the airspace was closed. Our goal was to witness and document the eruption through photography and film, while staying as safe as possible and respecting local advice and changing conditions.
The power of nature was overwhelming. The eruption created an enormous ash cloud, unstable weather and dramatic light over the Icelandic landscape. As night fell, lightning flashed inside the ash cloud — a surreal and haunting sight that made a deep impression.
The volcanic ash was also dangerous because it contained tiny, hard particles that could damage aircraft engines, affect people, animals and the surrounding environment.
This made the experience both fascinating and serious.
Through photos and video, we documented a once-in-a-lifetime experience from Iceland.
For me, this journey became one of my most important documentary nature experiences, alongside my travels to Tibet, the Himalayas and the Faroe Islands.
Explore photos and videos from my Eyjafjallajökull 2010 volcano experience →
- Eyjafjallajökull 2010 – heavy volcanic ash cloud
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During a volcanic eruption, with a massive ash cloud, the weather can change rapidly
After speaking with knowledgeable locals, we decided to experience the eruption little more up close.
As we got closer—just 2-3 km from the eruption site—we had to continuously assess the risk, keeping a close eye on the volcano’s activity, the weather, and the rapidly changing ash cloud.
While we knew there would be some very small risk, our priority was to stay safe, especially considering the unpredictable weather and ash fall.
We made sure our car was fully fueled, packed with warm clothes, and equipped with necessary safety gear. To protect ourselves and our photo equipment, we used eye protection and planned our movements carefully.
Our car was quickly covered in ash and fine volcanic particles. Making it uncomfortable but necessary to keep the windows sealed on air-condition off.
Large areas, spanning several miles, were blanketed in ash and lava flows. Water flow in the surrounding areas became a significant concern, we saw ice blocks scattered for kilometers from the crater.
Local farmers with animals worked tirelessly, shoveling and clearing ash from their properties.
It was impressive to see how efficiently and calmly they mobilized. They were well-trained and prepared, handling the situation with remarkable resilience.
- Sudden temperature drops
- Violent wind shifts
- Heavy ash fall, drastically reducing visibility
Icelandic Hot Springs and Volcanic Landscapes
Documentary Photography in Iceland with Geir
Volcanic Ash Clouds over Iceland
Eyjafjallajökull 2010 – Witnessing the Volcano Eruption
Lightning in the ash clouds
Eyjafjallajökull 2010 – Witnessing the Volcano Eruption close up
