LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY SEPTEMBER 2024

Lofoten Islands, Photo Adventure

Lofoten Islands Trip summary

The stunning Lofoten islands lie inside the Arctic circle just off the coast of Norway. That being said, in September the weather can still be mild and settled and makes for a very different experience from the winter scenes and storms of February and March plus the northern lights are now visible again and skies generally clearer.

The Lofoten Islands archipelago consists of many islands and you’ll be visiting and exploring 4 of these Norwegian gems. Deep fjords, jagged peaks, wide pristine beaches and hopefully the Northern Lights will make this an incredible photography experience.

I’ve ran this photo adventure in both winter and autumn and both times are a great experience.  However autumn offers more access to more locations, northern lights visible with clear skies and no winter storms which can affect travel and time at locations. It’s also a quieter period with less visitors which is a huge bonus .

The Lofoten Islands are a truly spectacular  destination for photographers in what is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. Your first base will be near your arrival point in the small town of Leknes on Vestvagøy, from here you’ll photograph the beaches of  Unstad, Uttakleiv, Haukland and Vik at dusk and dawn. They’re also ideal spots for catching the Northern Lights if they make an appearance in the darker autumn skies.

The Island of Moskensøy and village of Reine will provide our second base. Most of the locations are only a few miles apart and around every corner there seems to be antother great photo opportunity. Lofoten has to be one of the most memorable and photogenic places you’ll ever photograph.

Around Reine, the pointed peak of Olstinden rises steeply from Reinefjord and the surrounding islands with small hamlets are dotted with picture perfect cabins ( Rorbuer and Sjohus ), raised above the dark depths of the fjord on stilts. The nearby fishing villages of Tind, Å, Sakrisoy and Sorvagen can be explored on foot with every aspect bursting with photo opportunities.

This a photographic  opportunity not to be missed and one that will make a lasting impression. Places are limited to small, intimate  groups of just 6 so book online now .

On Location

Impressive sandy (and rocky ) beaches, bridges, fjords, mountainsides, high jagged peaks and dark skies looking out for the Northern lights all will feature on this photo tour. The unique architecture of the stilted  brightly painted Rorbuers ( fishing  huts ) also punctuate the landscape and give a unique look to the photographs.

Extra information

Start time 12:00hrs  pick up in Leknes  ( Lofoten Islands ) in late September dates TBC . You may need an additional night in Leknes or Bodo depending upon connection times.

End time 10:30hrs drop off in Leknes ( Lofoten islands) late  September

Getting there: Flights into Oslo from major European hubs (SAS and Norwegian airlines) then connect to Leknes ( SAS and Wideroe airlines) or Oslo – Bødo – Leknes ( Wideroe  are a regional carrier and offer up to 8 flights per day from Bodo to Leknes with a 23kg baggage allowance) or you may fly direct to Leknes from Oslo depending on your timing and preference.

You may need to allow a day either side to make connections or allow for bad weather or delayed flights home.

Accommodation and meals

There are two bases for this trip: 3 nights on the Island of Vestavagøy near Leknes and 4 nights on the Island of Moskenesøy near Reine. Venues may vary but once finalised the exact details will be posted.

They consist of classic Rorbuer and Sjohus style houses that are well set up for groups, warm and comfortable, close to the drama and action. Everyone gets their own room (unless stated) with shared facilities.

Most offer the option for  self catering, which we will do for breakfast and this is included ( tea / coffee / juice / muesli / toast /eggs etc ). Evening meals will be taken in small restaurants or we’ll buy in some groceries and self-cater as group if the mood takes us.  All meals ( apart from breakfast are at participants own expense ). There are several small supermarket / grocery shops nearby that are well stocked and also sell beer and wine etc.

What to expect