“A photography journey into the heart of Arctic Norway, between surreal fjords and Northern Lights.”
The Lofoten Islands are a must-visit destination for landscape photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Located above the Arctic Circle, this stunning archipelago is renowned for its dramatic fjords, jagged peaks, and quaint fishing villages featuring the iconic red cabins, rorbuer. These traditional fishermen’s homes not only offer a cozy stay but also serve as a unique backdrop for stunning photographs.
For photographers, the magic truly begins in the autumn and winter months. The long nights bring endless opportunities to capture the Northern Lights. Imagine capturing the vibrant greens of the Aurora as they dance across the sky, illuminating the dramatic landscapes of jagged mountains and rough, untamed seas below.
Whether you’re a professional photographer seeking epic landscapes or a traveler with a passion for nature, the Lofoten Islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with breathtaking scenes at every turn.
Highlights of our Lofoten Photography Tour
Photograph Breathtaking Arctic Landscapes – Capture the magic of the Lofoten Islands, where dramatic mountains rise from the ocean, creating fjords and snow-covered beaches that meet the sea.
Main Topics – Northern Lights, snowy Arctic landscapes, mountains, wild beaches, night sky, fjords
Chase the Northern Lights – Hunt for the Aurora Borealis in the Lofoten Islands’ most stunning photographic locations.
Small Group, Personalized Guidance – Enjoy a more intimate experience with a small group of just 10 participants, ensuring plenty of one-on-one time with our expert photo guides (5 participants per guide).
Stay in Iconic Red Seaside Cabins – Relax in traditional Rorbuer cottages, where you’ll have a private single room and the perfect base for easy access to prime photography spots.
Enhance Your Photography Skills – Enhance your day and night photography skills with personalized field guidance and post-processing lessons, mastering all aspects of landscape photography. Our guides will support you every step of the way.
Post-Processing and Editing Sessions – Learn how to elevate your photos in editing lessons led by our professional photographers. You’ll also receive the recorded sessions to revisit the techniques at your own pace.
Wanna join?
What to expect from our Lofoten Tour?
Our Winter Lofoten Photography Tour is the perfect adventure for landscape photographers and nature lovers looking to explore the stunning beauty of the Lofoten Islands. Get ready to capture pastel pink sunrises and sunsets, and witness the breathtaking Northern Lights illuminating the Arctic wilderness.
We’ll take you to some of the most photogenic spots in Lofoten, staying in cozy red Rorbuer cottages right by the sea. This comfortable and charming accommodation allows you to be close to the best landscapes for shooting.
Our goal is simple: we want you to return home with incredible photos, a deeper understanding of landscape photography and nightscape photography, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Throughout the week, we’ll provide personalized field tutoring to enhance your photography skills. We’ll also dive into both theory and practical aspects of photography, including post-processing lessons where we’ll edit the images we’ve captured together.
Capturing the Northern Lights over the surreal Arctic landscapes is one of the main highlights of this tour. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is something you won’t forget anytime soon!
Winter Lofoten Adventure Itinerary
This experience is designed for landscape photographers looking to capture the magic of the Lofoten Islands while learning valuable skills to enhance their craft. Join us for a memorable photography adventure in one of the most captivating places on Earth!
Please Note: The itinerary is flexible and may change based on weather conditions. Our goal is to adapt to ensure you have the best possible photography experience in the Lofoten Islands.
- Meeting Point: Leknes Airport on February 13th, no later than 4 PM.
- Departure: On February 19th, we’ll drop the group back at Leknes Airport in the morning.
This flexible approach allows us to make the most of the stunning landscapes and unpredictable Arctic weather, ensuring you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the Lofoten Islands.
📍 Day 1: Arrival & First Northern Lights Hunt
After settling into our cozy red cabins, we’ll head to Vik Beach for our first Northern Lights session.
📍 Day 2: Fishing Villages & Wild Beaches
Sunrise in Hamnøy and Reine, then sunset at Skagsanden and Uttakleiv Beach. Another chance to capture the Aurora Borealis.
📍 Day 3: Hidden Gems & Rugged Coastlines
Our Lofoten Photography Tour continues exploring Sakrisøy, Å, secret waterfalls, and the beaches of Haukland and Unstad. Night photography under Arctic skies.
📍 Days 4 & 5: Fjords, Frozen Lagoons & Arctic Landscapes
A short hike to a waterfall and panoramic viewpoint over Reinefjorden. Night sessions capturing frozen lagoons and wild landscapes.
📍 Day 6: Best of Lofoten – Final Shots
We’ll revisit our favorite spots, making sure you get the perfect shots before heading home with an unforgettable landscape photography portfolio.
📍 Day 7: Departure from Leknes
Morning transfer to Leknes Airport, ending our Lofoten photography adventure.
Day 1
Arrival & First Night Photography session
- Arrive at Leknes Airport by 4pm.
- Our private van will take us to our base, just a short 10-minute drive away.
- Introduction and tour briefing.
- Kick off the adventure with an evening photography session, capturing the magical Northern Lights.
- Our red cabins (Rorbuer) are ideally located for easy access to the best photo locations, both north and south.
Day 2
Chasing the Light
- While the Arctic weather can change unexpectedly, we know the Lofoten Islands like the back of our hands and will adapt each day to bring you the best photographic opportunities.
- Begin the day with a sunrise shoot in the southern part of the islands, between the picturesque villages of Reine and Hamnoy.
- Enjoy a breakfast stop at a local café. Then, photograph the stunning Skagsanden Beach, where the soft morning light illuminates the mountains.
- After lunch, head north to the famous Uttakleiv Beach, known for its “dragon’s eye” formation, where the sunset light creates breathtaking colors.
- Return to our seaside cabins for dinner and relaxation as we prepare for a Northern Lights photo session.
- Head to Flakstad, one of the best spots to photograph the Aurora Borealis.
Day 3
Fairytale Arctic Landscapes
- Begin the day with a magical sunrise shoot in the southern part of Lofoten, capturing the charming villages of Hamnoy and Sakrisoy. These places seem suspended in time, where reality and magic blend seamlessly.
- Continue the photography tour to Å, the southernmost village in Lofoten, where the famous E10 panoramic road ends.
- Enjoy a spectacular sunset near cascading waterfalls, rivers, and towering mountains—every landscape photographer’s dream.
- After dinner, relax before heading out for another possible Northern Lights shoot. This time, we’ll explore a lagoon area with nearby rivers, peaks, floating ice blocks, with the opportunity to create captivating Northern Lights photographs.
Day 4 & 5
Exploring the Heart of Lofoten
- Continue our Lofoten adventure, photographing waterfalls, wild beaches, fjords, and colorful villages.
- We’ll photograph vibrant sunrises and move north for dramatic sunsets, chasing the clearest skies to capture the Northern Lights.
- Explore the enchanting village of Nusfjord, nestled in a remote fjord. Enjoy local food and short walks to incredible viewpoints.
- A special highlight: hike to the hill above Sakrisoy for a 360-degree panoramic view of Lofoten’s most iconic landscapes.
- During these days, we will focus on photography editing sessions using software such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Camera Raw, and PTGui. We will explore various workflows from start to finish, learn how to manage the various shots we have taken, and how to edit nightscape panoramas, and analyze the photos you’ve captured during this Arctic adventure, focusing on enhancing your editing skills and ensuring you make the most of every shot. This hands-on editing experience will help you refine your post-processing skills, learning to bring out the best in your Northern Lights and landscape photography.
Day 6
Refined Photography at Iconic Locations
- The final day of our winter Lofoten workshop will be spent revisiting the best spots on the Lofoten islands, capturing them in the most favorable light and making the most of the magical landscapes for perfect photo compositions.
Day 7
Departure
- Depart from Leknes Airport, with your flight scheduled no earlier than 7am.
Other infos and tips
- We will stay in typical seaside cabins near the four wildest beaches to the north, Unstad, Uttakleiv, Haukland and Vik beach.
- During the week we will do more editing sessions in front of the computer, analyzing and editing the shots obtained, from the raw files to the web files. Where we will see how to manage all the techniques studied in the field.
- The post-processing classes will be recorded and at the end we will send you the videos, so that you can review and study them calmly.
- In our Rorbuer we will have the kitchen where we can cook. Based on the photographic program we will then decide whether to eat in our cabins or whether to prepare something to eat around or whether to go to a restaurant. We will definitely try all three solutions.
- The priority is photography but we will not miss moments of comfort and relaxation
- We highly recommend a private Travel Insurance to cover any non-refundable fees and airline travel you may have in connecting with the photographic tour.
- Every day there will be short and easy walks from the van to the spots
- Pressure-mounted crampons are recommended
Tour Leaders
Giulio Cobianchi is a night photography specialist with a passion for the Aurora and Milky Way. Living in the Lofoten Islands since 2019, he knows the Arctic landscapes like the back of his hand and will guide you to the best spots for unforgettable photography.
Mikkel Beiter is a self-taught photographer who has gained international recognition during the last couple of years. You can find him in medias like: National Geographic, BBC News and BBC Earth, Lonely Planet, The Guardian, The Daily Mail and The Sunday. He is a 35 year old landscape, travel and wildlife photographer from Copenhagen, Denmark. His great passion in photography is within the genres landscape and wildlife photography. To achieve his goals and to challenge himself he often spent his holidays travelling to different parts of the world with his camera. He has spent a great amount of time in Africa to get close to the African wildlife, and when it comes to landscape photography he really enjoy the vast and beautiful landscapes in the Arctic Circle, especially the Lofoten archipelago in Norway.
Participation
In order to offer the best quality, the maximum of attendees has been limited, so that we can follow each participant closely and in the best way possible. A minimum is also been set for the tour to be confirmed.
Minimum: 5 participants
Maximum: 10 participants (Two 9 seaters van + 2 profesional photographers)
Please note: 5 participants with one 9 seaters van + 1 pro photographer or 10 participants with two 9 seaters vans + 2 pro photographers (5 participants each photo guide)
Difficulty: Easy
Arrival: Leknes airport (Leknes Lufthavn LKN), February 13th, 2026 (no later than 4PM)
Departure: Leknes airpot (Leknes Lufthavn LKN), February 19th, 2026 (no before 8AM)
Payment
To reserve your seat, you can pay a deposit at the moment of the booking and the remaining part within 60 days before departure.
Total cost: 2790€
Deposit: 700€
Tour dates:
Single room supplement: No need to pay the single room supplement, each person has their own single room included in the price.
* The single room does not have a private bathroom, but there are 2 bathrooms each 3/4 people.
The cost include
- Single private room
- All transfers by van
- Fuel
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Two professional landscape photographers
- Local expert guide
- Overnight in double private rooms in typical red rorbuer
- Photo editing lessons with registration
- Support WhatsApp private group
The cost doesn’t include
- International flights
- Meals and drinks
- Medical health insurance
- Theft / damage / travel insurance
- Everything that is not included in the item “The fee includes”
FAQs
What will you learn on this Lofoten photography tour?
On this unforgettable photography tour in the stunning Lofoten Islands, you will not only immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes but also sharpen your photography skills, creating impactful images you’ll cherish forever.
Our goal is to ensure that you leave with not just memories, but photographs that truly reflect the magic of this Arctic paradise. We’ll teach you essential photographic techniques and share our passion for photography, helping you feel the same excitement we do when capturing nature with a camera.
Here’s what you will learn during our Lofoten Photography Tour:
- Mastering your equipment: Learn how to manage your camera gear in both simple and challenging conditions, ensuring you’re ready for any situation.
- Planning your shots: Use apps and websites to plan your shoots effectively, making sure you capture the best possible composition.
- Understanding the histogram: Learn how to read and interpret the histogram during shooting and post-processing for perfect exposure.
- Composition techniques: Master the art of creating compelling, impactful images with compositional rules and creative techniques.
- Using filters: Understand how to select and use filters for various lighting conditions, from dramatic skies to long exposures.
- Managing light: Capture stunning photos at sunrise, sunset, and during long exposure shots by learning how to manage different lighting conditions.
- Perfecting white balance: Know how to set the right white balance for any scene, from daylight to the Northern Lights.
- Focusing techniques: Learn about focus, hyperfocal distance, and depth of field for sharper, more detailed images.
- Aperture control: Understand the importance of aperture and how it affects your photos, especially in challenging lighting.
- Optimizing exposure settings: Choose the right camera settings—ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation—based on the scene.
- Post-processing skills: Learn how to use masks and layers, dodge and burn, and choose the right color profiles (sRGB, Adobe RGB, ProPhoto RGB) in editing.
- Night sky photography: Recognize and photograph the night sky without relying on apps, capturing stars and the Northern Lights with ease.
- Advanced shooting techniques: Learn professional techniques like focus stacking, mean stacking, perspective blending, multi-exposure, and time blending to create “wow” images.
- Panoramic photography: Master both day and night panoramic photography, from camera setup to post-processing for seamless merges.
- Northern Lights photography tips: Learn specialized techniques to capture the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights in the Arctic skies.
- Workflow optimization: Gain tips and tricks specific to our tour’s workflow, ensuring you’re prepared to get the best out of every shot.
By the end of this immersive experience, you’ll have gained not just technical knowledge but also the creative skills to capture unforgettable images, especially the stunning Northern Lights and the dramatic landscapes of Lofoten.
How can I reach the meeting point?
The easiest way is via Oslo, from there flights depart to Bodø.
From Bodø you can take the last flight to Leknes airport in the heart of Lofoten.
We will be waiting for you at Leknes airport to start our adventure.
What weather conditions can I expect during the winter Lofoten photography tour?
The Lofoten Islands are located within the Arctic Circle, so during the winter months, you can expect a frozen landscape and temperatures below freezing. However, since the islands are surrounded by the sea, the temperatures are not extremely cold. On average, you can expect around -5°C (23°F), but temperatures can occasionally drop to -15°C (5°F) or rise above freezing.
The weather is highly unpredictable and changes very quickly. Keep in mind that due to the wind and the humidity near the beaches, the feels-like temperature can be much colder.
Having the right clothing is essential for staying outdoors and photographing the stunning Lofoten landscapes. Proper gear will ensure you stay comfortable and can fully enjoy this incredible photo tour!
What photography skill level is required for the Lofoten photo tour?
This Lofoten photo tour is open to all photography skill levels, from beginners to professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’re welcome to join us. The only requirements are a passion for landscape photography and a readiness to spend the day outdoors in cold temperatures, capturing the breathtaking winter Arctic landscapes.
What level of physical fitness is required for the photography tour?
No specific fitness level is required for this photography tour. All the photography locations are conveniently close to our van, requiring just a few minutes of walking to reach the most stunning photo compositions, as well as some of the lesser-known spots. This ensures easy access to the breathtaking scenery of the Lofoten Islands while maximizing your time for photography.
What travel documents and currency do I need for the photography tour in Norway?
To join this photography tour in the Lofoten Islands, Norway, you will need a valid passport or identity card for international travel. The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted, and you can easily withdraw Norwegian Krone from ATMs using a debit card.
Do I need a visa for the photography tour in the Lofoten Islands?
For travelers from countries outside the European Union, please check if a visa is required to enter Norway. It’s important to verify the visa requirements based on your nationality before the trip. You can typically find this information on the official embassy or consulate websites.
What clothing and gear do I need for this trip?
Proper outdoor clothing is essential for this adventure, as we’ll spend extended time outdoors in winter conditions. Here’s what we recommend:
- Base Layer: High-quality merino wool to keep you warm and dry.
- Mid Layer: A good fleece or similar insulating layer.
- Outerwear: A super warm down jacket or parka and insulated winter pants.
- It’s important to have a windproof and waterproof outer shell. This essential layer will protect you from the harsh Arctic winds and unpredictable weather, ensuring you stay comfortable while capturing the beauty of the Lofoten Islands.
- Footwear: Well-insulated boots, like Sorel, to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Accessories: A balaclava, water-resistant gloves, a warm hat, and heat packs are highly recommended.
- Extras: Microspikes are necessary.
If you have questions or need more specific recommendations, feel free to ask!
Will there be post-processing sessions during the photography tour?
Yes, during the photography tour, we’ll have multiple post-processing and image review sessions. You’ll learn start-to-finish workflows for both daytime and nighttime photography. These sessions will help you refine your editing skills and bring out the best in the images you capture during the trip. Whether it’s perfecting the details of a landscape shot or enhancing the magic of nighttime scenes, our detailed sessions will elevate your post-processing techniques.
What meals can I expect during the Lofoten trip?
During this winter Lofoten photography tour, you will experience both dining in our cozy Rorbuer cabins and at traditional Lofoten restaurants. This will be tailored based on the photography schedule, which will be adjusted to the weather to ensure the best Lofoten photography experience. Throughout the day, we will stop at local cafes, traditional restaurants, bakeries, and markets, allowing you to sample the local cuisine. In the evenings, we’ll take full advantage of the well-equipped kitchens in our ocean-view red cabins, providing the perfect balance of comfort and convenience.
How should I organize the backpack and the various things to carry around?
During this Lofoten workshop you won’t need to overpack your backpack—just bring your essential photography gear. Extra layers of clothing can be left in the van. Each day, we’ll stop at markets, coffee shops, and restaurants, so you can pick up anything you need along the way.
What Camera Gear Should I Bring for this Lofoten Photo Tour?
To make the most of your winter Lofoten photography tour, we recommend bringing the following gear:
Camera
- Any DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Tripod
- A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposure and nighttime photography.
Lenses
- Wide-Angle Lens: A wide and fast lens is ideal for capturing the Milky Way and the Northern Lights. It’s also perfect for creating captivating photo compositions among the winter Arctic landscapes. You can consider lenses like a 14mm f/1.8, a 14-24mm f/2.8, or a 20mm f/1.8. etc.
- Mid-Range Zoom Lens: A versatile 24-70mm or 24-120mm lens for landscapes and general photography.
- Telephoto Lens: A 70-200mm or 200-400mm lens for distant subjects; avoid exceeding this range to keep your backpack manageable.
Filters
- CPL (Circular Polarizer Filter): Perfect for reducing reflections and enhancing colors.
- 6-Stop ND Filter: Useful for long-exposure shots during daylight.
Drone
- Bring a drone if you’d like to capture aerial shots of the stunning Lofoten landscapes.
Other Essentials
- Headlamps: Bring 1 or 2 for night photography sessions
- Power Bank and USB Charger: Keep your devices charged during the trip.
- Bring extra batteries, as they tend to drain quickly in cold temperatures. Keeping them in a warm pocket when not in use can help extend their life.
- You might want to consider bringing a lens heater, as it can help prevent your lens from fogging up in cold and humid conditions, ensuring clear and sharp photos throughout the photo trip.
With this gear, you’ll be ready to photograph everything from breathtaking landscapes to the magical Northern Lights.
