In autumn 2021, I guided a group of three people for the first time on a two-week trip. The trip combined an exploration of the Highlands with the discovery of Iceland’s major regions, from the Ice Road in the south to the craggy fjords of the north and the Snaefellsnes peninsula. A wonderful discovery for them, a revelation for me. Until now, I’ve been discreet about my favorite places, my favorite photo spots, the forgotten valleys and the most confidential trails of my last fifteen years. I’ve discovered the pleasure of sharing these wonders with people I can trust.

I only accompany travelers who are ready to face the uncertainty of the day’s weather and the bumps of mountain trails, to cross a river without screaming (or screaming for joy), to spend hours in the sole company of lava, moss and an immense sky. And above all, aware that in this volcanic land on the bangs of the Arctic Circle, geography and climate will always have the last word. A planned itinerary can be modified according to a multitude of hazards (snow, wind, rising river levels, eruption…). The key word in these latitudes is adaptation. It’s in this way, by embracing the unexpected, blending in with the elements and getting off the beaten track, that you get a true Icelandic experience. Walking whatever the weather, watching the gusts of wind on the surface of lakes, taking a break in a bath when the mood strikes. Just get up with a smile on your face, despite the rain. These are the prerequisites for accompanying me to my promised land.

I repeated the experience in the autumn of 2022, with a team from Swiss television station RTS, who had asked me to produce a report on my ritual journeys in the Highlands during the rettir season: In September, farmers travel by horse, 4×4 and on foot to the remotest parts of the central mountains in search of flocks of sheep. These two weeks, spent accompanying three people eager to capture the essence of these wild lands, were a wonderful moment to share. This gave rise to a beautiful report, a reflection of what we experienced together, far from the cities, far from the tourists, in this suspended time that I propose to help you discover.

Iceland’s Highlands is an area of 50,000 km2 with no villages, farms, hotels, bars or roads… I’ve been criss-crossing it every year since 2009. They are only open for around three months a year, generally from early July to late September. To discover them, it’s best to be self-sufficient, with a 4×4 vehicle equipped with provisions for several days, and which allows you to move from one region to another, from one refuge to another, and so get away from the few frequented places you’ll find there. And then, to immerse yourself peacefully in this enchantment. Over time, I’ve acquired a very good knowledge of these wildest parts of Europe. I like to take the trails that are only dotted on the maps, to cross rivers and lakes, to get to where the heart of Iceland beats. And then, to land on a rock, a cliff face, a lakeside beach, the mouth of an extinct volcano… And relive the world’s first morning.

In the fall of 2023, I guided three Iceland lovers on two different trips. Ten days criss-crossing the lands they’d dreamed of discovering, without taking a group trip. I literally took them inside my books, inside the photos they’d seen and loved. I gave them tips on how to improve their own images, both during shooting and in post-production, in the evening at the refuge. Professional photographer, author of numerous reports (GEO, Animan, Le Monde, Le Temps, Le JDD…) and two books on Iceland, I like to share my experience to help you create visuals true to your vision of Iceland. At the end of the trip, I’m also happy to give away the best photos I’ve taken of my travelers.

Realizing the pleasure I get from sharing, I decided to continue developing this guiding activity. In the Highlands, in autumn, but not only. My experience can be invaluable for discovering the less-traveled, less-touristy but most authentic regions. In winter, for safe travel in stormy weather. And anytime for those who want to travel without the stress of driving, listening to an enthusiast talk about the places they’ve visited, the Vikings, elves and trolls, Icelandic literature and music, nature and wildlife, the history of eruptions, the delights of hot baths and Icelandic gastronomy.

In practical terms, I organize these tours with a local receptive, with complete clarity. It’s your trip, and I’m here to optimize it. The itinerary, the type of accommodation (refuges, hotels, bed and breakfasts) and the philosophy of the trip are all up to you. For the time being, I limit myself to groups of 3 or 4, in a single vehicle. For larger groups, we’ll need to discuss it.