Start: February 4, 2025, Leknes, Noway
End: February 11, 2025, Leknes, Norway
Group: Maximum 10 guests
Picturesque fishing villages, deep fjords surrounded by charismatic rugged mountains, amazing scenic beaches, and strings of bridges holding all this beauty together combine to form awe-inspiring, photogenic scenery. Located well above the Arctic Circle at 68°N, these high-latitude islands bathed in February in magic soft Arctic twilight are considered to be the most beautiful setting in Norway.
Much of Lofoten is comprised of some of the oldest rock formations known. These so-called "primeval rocks" are the remnants of a once enormous 3-billion-year-old plateau. Yet the islands' "younger" sharp-peaked "alpine" mountains are high enough that geologists believe they were not covered with ice during the glaciated periods of the Pleistocene—its last ice age ending between 10,000 and 14,000 years ago. It is these ragged mountains, rising dramatically from the sea, that rank high among our photography targets.
The winter, especially January and February, is the best time to see Aurora Borealis. In order to be able to photograph the Northern Lights, the sky needs to be clear. We will continuously follow the weather forecasts and in good weather conditions we will look out for the dazzling lights. The polar lights can appear at any time, but most likely between 20:00 and 01:00.
Earn yourself an incredible portfolio showcasing the very best in landscape photography when you join this photo tour of the Lofoten Islands, the jewel in Norway’s scenic crown!
☛ FEATURE: NORTHERN LIGHTS. The Lofoten Islands are one of the best places in the world to witness and photograph the Northern Lights. We will be so far North, that even low aurora activity is often visible given the right conditions. However, for a truly magical experience, we will want clear skies, cool temperatures, and significant solar flare activity coming off the sun. None of this is guaranteed but is highly likely this time of year and we’ll do our best to put the group in the perfect position for an Aurora photo shoot at each location.
☛ FEATURE: FEB 5: SUNRISE–9:08/SUNSET–15:31. The days will grow an hour longer during our workshop, though the sun still remains quite low on the horizon until the middle of February and twilight lasts more the 60 minutes. It’s a good mix of short days and long nights, providing enough time to get to separate locations for sunrise and sunset and a few other things at midday. Nights are long and there is usually enough time not only for Aurora hunt but also for a good sleep.
☛ FEATURE: SMALL GROUP / TWO EXPERIENCED GUIDES. We will have two experienced guides on this trip and the number of participants will be limited to 10. So you are the focus of our attention. Due to the small size of the group, you have the opportunity to discuss with us photographic topics of your personal choice and immediately put them into practice. We also will be able to split the group in two on some occasions, if the location preferences of the participants differ.
The nature of the Lofoten requires flexibility, as the weather conditions change fast. In order to make the best out of each day, the schedule of the tour will be constantly adapted to these conditions. And of course at night, if the skies are clear and the weather forecasts good, we will hunt for the dazzling Northern Lights.
*We are traveling in the Arctic region and there is always a possibility of a flight delays due to inclement weather conditions such as fog, snow, heavy winds, etc. We recommend overnighting in Oslo on you way home.
We will stay for four nights in the beautiful Eliassen - the oldest fisherman’s cottage resort in the Lofoten Islands. Here we will stay in modern sea house apartments. Each apartment has two single rooms. Spacious and cozy living space with sofas, dining and coffee tables, kitchen, and bathroom are shared between two guests.
Three more nights will be spent in Superior waterfront villas in the vicinity of Leknes - the trading and commercial center of the Lofoten Islands. Each villa provides three rooms for single accommodation. A big modern living space with a lounge, dining area, kitchen, and two full bathrooms are shared between three guests.
Days are short, eateries are scarce and we should be very flexible with breakfasts and lunches. All our cottages are equipped with kitchens and dining areas. We will do grocery shopping and will be able to make our own breakfasts and lunches (or lunch boxes). It will allow us to spend precious time on photography. For dinners on most days, we will go to one of the cozy and very tasty local restaurants.
Lofoten islands are known for their inconsistent and at times stormy weather which often creates incredible nature scenes. Fantastic light situations come into life and the images immediately obtain a more dramatic mood. Due to the warm Gulf stream, the temperatures here are a lot milder than in other regions on the same latitude, like Alaska or Greenland. The average temperature in February is around 0°C (32°F). It always balances over zero. But don’t relax it could be several degrees colder on some days! Also, winds and the sea often make you feel colder. Even if the actual temperature is zero, you may feel like -5°C or even like -10°C.
Remember to protect yourself from rain, snow, and wind. The outside clothing layer (top and bottom) should be waterproof. We recommend warm, breathable, and functional clothing in various layers „onion“ style. The clothing should dry quickly, transport humidity and sweat to the outside, and keep you dry and comfortable inside without losing the warmth of the body. It is absolutely essential to pack long underwear, gloves, beanie, and scarf. Well-worn winter boots with a good sole are very important. A pair of good, knee-high wellingtons is essential. We'll have a lot of shore shooting on beautiful beaches, sometimes even during the night to grab Aurora reflection shots. You can hardly get amazing photos without interacting with the sea. Make sure to bring woolen/warm socks and liner socks (best to wear 2 socks on top of each other). And don't forget a pair of shoe ice cleats - it is often some ice on rocks and passways.
All our shooting locations are easily reachable by a 10-minute walk from the car. We will not climb or hike on this tour, but you should be able to walk on uneven and possibly icy surfaces. You must be prepared for windy and cold weather. Some sessions may last up to 2-3 hours with the possibility to warm up in the car from time to time.
Please register for this expedition using the form below. Deposit payment of $1500 is required upon booking. We will send you payment instructions for a deposit payment upon registration. The remaining balance is due October 4, 2024.