Super Solar Borealis Lofoten Islands Photography Tour III

Itinerary

Friday, January 31

Arrive at Norway’s Leknes Airport (LKN) at any time of the day and then transfer to Statles Rorbu-og Konferansesenter, our home for the next seven nights. Our hotel resort is located in the charming Mortsund harbor, right at the heart of the Lofoten Islands. This picturesque location was once a seasonal residence for fishermen who lived in the fisherman’s cabins, locally known as rorbu, built at the water’s edge. Here, you can indulge in an authentic Lofoten experience. Each cabin features two or three bedrooms, each with a private ensuite bathroom, as well as a shared main living area that includes a kitchenette.

Saturday, February 1 – Thursday, February 6

This schedule is more general and less detailed than the majority of our tours. We need the flexibility to adjust our plans based on the light, weather, and recommendations from our local photo guides. However, we will try to cover the more well-known locations from north to south, including the picturesque villages of Reine and Hamnøy, the turquoise waters of Vareid, Haukland, and Uttakleiv, and impressive fjords such as Flakstadpollen and Skagsanden. Since our guides are locals, they can also take us to explore some of the hidden gems on the Lofoten Islands.

Since this is the year of the solar maximum, we intend to photograph the Aurora Borealis’ pulsating hues and dancing lights every evening.

The Lofoten Islands

Seven main islands make up the archipelago known as the Lofoten Islands. The islands sit on the Arctic Circle just northwest of the Norwegian mainland and are renowned for stunning landscapes and vibrant cod fishing communities.

Our home base is the village of Leknes, which is in the middle of the island of Vestvågøya. Notably, the famed Haukland Beach and Nusfjord, one of the oldest and best-preserved fishing villages in Lofoten, are just a short drive from Leknes.

Bridges connect Lofoten’s larger islands, so we’ll travel around them in private vans. Though we aim to primarily capture the spectacular northern lights, we will have about six hours of daylight during this time of year, and the majestic beauty and vibrant fishing villages give us plenty to photograph. Charming, painted towns dot the islands and sit perfectly nestled among pristine beaches, surrounded by striking views of craggy, snow-capped mountain peaks that protrude above the glistening seas. In the Lofoten Islands, stunning natural beauty is abundant no matter where you are!

Winter is the time when the Northeast Arctic cod (locally known as skrei) return to the Lofoten Islands to spawn. Each morning, the local fishermen leave the coast for the glimmering glacial waters to make the day’s catch. Guided fishing trips are readily available for those who are interested in joining them.

Along with fishermen, we can anticipate seeing (and smelling) their wooden racks of cod that are drying. The cod is lean and muscular, and Lofoten’s winter climate is ideal for drying the fish that matures, just like a fine wine or cheese. The cod, or stockfish, is entirely dried and then rehydrated before consumption. Each one has a distinct flavor and a high nutritional value. Since the time of the Vikings, cod has been a mainstay of Lofoten and is still significant economically and culturally in these small fishing towns.

It’s important to note that the wildlife in Lofoten may not be as active during the winter season. However, we must remain vigilant and keep a watchful eye out for local animals such as reindeer, moose, Arctic hares, and otters, which can lead to exciting photo opportunities. Seals can be found in the harbors, and surprisingly, the Lost Reef, which is the world’s biggest deep-sea coral reef, is located in the Lofoten Islands. This has resulted in the presence of marine mammals such as whales and porpoises in the fjords. Last but not least, we cannot forget about the birds; Lofoten is home to many seabirds, shorebirds, and stunning white-tailed eagles.

Yes, the Lofoten Islands have much to offer, whether photographing the mesmerizing northern lights amid impressive Arctic fjords, strolling along the quiet waterfront streets of fishing villages, or simply relaxing on a terrace and admiring the stunning views.

Friday, February 7

Depart from Norway’s Leknes Airport (LKN) at any time of day. Checkout from the hotel is at 11:00 am.