Galleries

Snæfellsjökull seen from the most western tip of Snæfellsnes peninsula Eroded lava on a beach, Snæfellsjökull in the background Snæfellsjökull at sunset Snæfellsjökull shrouded in clouds Bird cliffs, looking towards Arnastapi, Snæfellsnes Kittiwake in flight Kittiwakes, Hellnar, Snæfellsnes peninsula Kittiwake colony, Snæfellsnes peninsula Kittiwake colony, Snæfellsnes peninsula Kittiwakes in a frenzy Kittiwakes fleeing out to sea A Raven sweeping across the Kittiwake colony

Snæfellsnes Peninsula – West Iceland

Martin Sammtleben, 19. May 2010

The Snæfellsnes peninsula is a unique location, that we keep returning to time and time again.

There is of course Snæfellsjökull, the iconic strato volcano, that shaped the peninsula, last erupting some 2000 years ago. It is topped by a glacier and is a popular destination all year round.

But the area is incredibly diverse with vast stretches of beautiful coastal cliffs and an abundance of bird life fascinating to watch.

We noticed, that every once in a while something caused a panic among the birds prompting them to take off in a frenzy. The reason for the disturbance were Ravens patrolling the area. The Ravens feed on other birds’ eggs, so the panicking is quite understandable. Somehow though we got the impression, that the Ravens were also quite enjoying themselves causing such a stir.

Hvalfjörður seen from Glymur Hellnar and Stapafell Fulmar at Lóndrangar Lóndrangar Kirkjufell Horgardalur Stóra Víti, Krafla Hlíðarfjall - Mývatn Hverfjall - Mývatn Jökulsá á Fjöllum, Jökulságljúfur Selfoss Dyrfjöll Borg Höfn, Borgarfjörður Vöðlavík

Around Iceland

Bob Hamilton, 14. March 2010

In early June 2009, I was expertly guided around the entire perimeter of this magical and unique island by Geraldine and Martin on what was, essentially, to be the “dress rehearsal” for their photographic holidays.

The experience will live with me for many years to come and I hope the images which Geraldine and Martin have kindly allowed me to display on their site give you a taste of the landscapes you will see and kindle your interest in going – you will not regret it.
All images © Bob Hamilton

A ship’s reflection on a sunny afternoon at Reykjavík Harbour Vibrant reflections, Reykjavík harbour Reflections, close-up A gradient of complementary colours, orange and blue Orange meets blue – close-up A ship’s reflection Mountains at sunset reflected in the ocean Reflections; long exposure Reflections, Seyðisfjörður

Water Ripples and Reflections

Martin Sammtleben, 27. February 2010

Water and the way it reflects and bends light, while constantly moving, has always fascinated me. Its unique characteristics often only become apparent when it’s captured in a photograph. It then can take on painterly qualities reminiscent of the works of artists such as Jackson Pollock

Zooming in closer reveals a whole microcosm of colours and structures, that are truly amazing. It’s fun to experiment with varying shutter speeds – the results are always unique and completely unpredictable. This is one of the few circumstances where a tripod isn’t necessary: even had-held shots with longer exposure times can yield beautiful images.

Þingvellir - birch, willow, blueberry Willow in moss-covered lava Birch in moss-covered lava Þingvellir - Ármannsfell Þingvellir - an Icelandic forest Þingvellir - on top of a lava dome Lyngdalsheiði mountain pass after a snow storm, east of Þingvellir

Þingvellir – Autumn Colours

Martin Sammtleben, 28. September 2009

At Þingvellir the Icelandic parliament, the Alþingi, was established in 930 and held until late 18th century. It is also the site of a rift valley, where the European and American continental shelves drift apart; more at Wikipedia
Its historical and geological importance make it a very popular tourist attraction.

By the end of September though the tourists are gone and one can witness a fantastic display of vibrant autumn colours. On this crisp and totally calm day I enjoyed the view of the distant, snow-topped mountains and the sounds of the birds; I even spotted an owl.

Dried-out fumaroles Colourful deposits on the edge of a geothermal spring A colourful carpet of thermophilic bacteria and algae Hagavíkurlaugar geothermal area at the Hengill volcano Geraldine hard at work in a geothermal area A boiling mud pot Volcanic rocks in the Hegill area, late evening

Hagavíkurlaugar Geothermal Area

Martin Sammtleben, 30. June 2009

We’ve just returned from a little excursion to the Hengill central volcano known for its interesting geothermal phenomena.

The hot springs and mud pots of Hagavíkurlaugar are quite spectacular and located off the beaten track; it takes a good couple of hours to walk there. Once there, you usually find yourself alone with just the sheep, birds, bubbling mud pots and colourful hot springs in an unusual, diverse landscape shaped by volcanic activity.

We’ve come back to this place now for several years and it’s never the same. Due to changes underground, the geothermal features can change quite quickly, making it a unique experience every time.

Myvatn area of Iceland, June 2009 Sunset at 23:30 in Myvatn area of Iceland Geothermal power plant, sunset, June 2009 Coeloglossum viride, frog orchid Lichen with fruiting bodies Common Moonwort, Botrychium lunaria Salix lanata, woolly willow Moss with fruiting bodies Wild Angelica splitting open Honckenya peploides, sea sandwort Wild thyme,Thymus praecox ssp arcticus Vaccinium uliginosum, bog bilberry

Mývatn, Flowers and Landscapes

Gail Parker, 26. June 2009

The area around Lake Mývatn is a geothermal area with fumaroles and mud pots. At a depth of the 1000m the temperature is above 200℃. Steam and fumarole gas such as hydrogen sulfide, escape from cracks in the earth. Sulphur is deposited in considerable amounts, which used to be mined for making gun powder. Now the energy is used to supply heat and power from geothermal plants.
Mývatn is also known as a paradise for bird lovers.

On our trip Flowers and Landscapes of the East we make our way from Mývatn to the East Fjords, giving us an exceptional opportunity to photograph an abundant array of plant life against a backdrop of snow streaked mountains, remote fjords, serene fishing villages, magnificent waterfalls and colourful geothermal areas.
All images © Gail Parker

Cod (Gadus morhua) Wooden structures, “flakes”, used to dry fish Cod (Gadus morhua) Common Ling (Molva molva) Fish-processing containers Cod and Whiting Monk Fish (Lophius piscatorius) at sunset Monk Fish (Lophius piscatorius) at sunset Whiting (Merlangius merlangus)

Stockfish

Martin Sammtleben, 20. March 2009

The Icelandic coastal climate lends itself ideally to the production of dried fish also known as stockfish. The fish is hung on wooden racks called flakes and left to dry. It’s one of the oldest known preservation methods.

Although it might seem a bit morbid, it is actually quite fascinating wandering around these structures and getting a closer look at the “raw material”. The smell can be a little distracting, so the sites are best visited when temperatures drop below zero.