Lofoten Islands Northern Lights Tour – Photography Trip
Chase the northern lights in the Lofoten Islands with a pro guide and capture their Arctic glow
Tour available from September to March 📅
Briefing
Lofoten Islands Northern Lights Tour – Photography Trip: Join a professional guide and photographer for an unforgettable night adventure through the Lofoten archipelago in search of the Northern Lights. Over the course of about 4 hours, we’ll travel across stunning landscapes while you learn how to capture this incredible natural phenomenon using your camera and tripod.
More than just watching the magical dance of the auroras, our guide will share the fascinating history and mystery behind the Northern Lights—an awe-inspiring spectacle that has intrigued scientists, philosophers, and Arctic locals for centuries.
📸❄️ You won’t just be a spectator; you’ll be an active participant, leaving with unique photos and unforgettable memories of this Arctic experience. Want to know more? Read on:
Tour details
Included
- Photographer and local guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at Svolvær meeting points
- Transportation by 9-Seater Minivan
- Photos taken by the photographer
- Hot drinks and cookies
Not included
- Photography equipment
- Food
- Tips
Important information
ℹ️ Pickup starts at 8:15 pm. Available meeting times and locations are:
- Svinøya Rorbuer – 8:15 pm
- Thon Hotel Lofoten – 8:30 pm
- Svolvær Tourist Office – 8:30 pm
Please be ready a few minutes early at your chosen meeting point.
🧥 Dress warmly in layers to stay comfortable throughout the tour. Sturdy shoes, thermal clothing, and gloves are essential.
📸 Photos included: All photos taken by the guide during the tour will be sent to you free of charge in the days following, so you can relive the experience.
🚐 During adverse weather or peak season, the tour may be conducted in a minibus with up to 15 people.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations!
If you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.
Tour itinerary
Lofoten Islands Northern Lights Tour – Photography Trip
Pick up and presentation
We will meet our photo guide in the evening at one of the following locations to begin the tour:
- 8:15 pm at Svinøya Rorbuer
- 8:30 pm at Thon Lofoten Hotel
- 8:30 pm at the Svolvær Tourist Information Office
The guide will give a brief introduction to the tour and share tips on how to make the most of your experience.
Beginning the Aurora Chase
The tour starts with a drive to Gimsøy Island, located in the northern part of the archipelago. This spot offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and an ideal setting to admire the Northern Lights.
Our first stop will be at the charming Gimsøy Church, where we will begin our search for the aurora and take the first photos of this magical phenomenon.
Hov beach, Gimsøy
Next, we’ll head to the wide Hov Beach, where the photographer will assist you in setting up your camera and teach you techniques to capture the Northern Lights. If you’re not an expert photographer, don’t worry—the guide will take photos for you, including portraits with the aurora as your stunning backdrop. Weather permitting, we’ll also light a campfire to warm up and enjoy the atmosphere.
Heading South
Our journey continues south with a stop at Gimsøy Bridge to keep admiring the illuminated sky. We’ll then pause at Lyngvær, a spectacular location where you can marvel at the dancing lights surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Last Stop and Return to Svolvær
Our final stop will be at Kabelvagmarka, set in an authentic Arctic landscape. Weather permitting, we’ll take a walk on a frozen lake while the guide continues capturing breathtaking photos of the aurora.
Finally, we’ll return to Svolvær to conclude the tour and say goodbye. The following day, you’ll receive all the photos taken during the excursion via email, so you can relive this magical experience.
What to bring to Lofoten Islands Northern Lights – Photography Trip tour
To fully enjoy the Lofoten Islands Northern Lights Photography Tour during the cold Arctic nights, it’s essential to be well prepared. We recommend bringing the right clothing and equipment to stay comfortable, safe, and ready to capture the magic of the Northern Lights. Here’s a suggested packing list:
- Warm clothing (thermal jacket, hat, gloves, scarf)
- Waterproof and insulated boots
- SLR or mirrorless camera
- Tripod (we can lend you one if you don’t have your own)
- Extra batteries
- Memory cards
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Water and snacks
- Cell phone
Where does the tour Lofoten Islands Northern Lights – Photography Trip start
This tour offers pick-up in the towns of Svolvær and Kabelvåg at the following meeting points:
- Svinøya Rorbuer
- Thon Hotel Lofoten
- Svolvær Tourist Office
Getting to the Lofoten Islands might seem challenging due to their remote location in northern Norway, but it’s absolutely worth it!
✈️ By plane
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Lofoten is by flying. Typically, it’s done in two steps:
- Fly to Oslo Airport (OSL), where most international travelers arrive first.
- Then connect to a domestic flight to one of Lofoten’s airports: Leknes Airport (LKN) or Svolvær Airport (SVJ).
🚢 By ferry
Another popular option is to take a ferry from the mainland:
- From Bodø to Moskenes, a scenic crossing that takes about 3 to 4 hours.
- During high season, there are also ferry routes to Svolvær and other locations in the archipelago.
🚗 By car
You can drive to Lofoten from northern Norway or bring your car by ferry:
- From Narvik (which you can reach by train from Oslo or Trondheim), take the E10 scenic route—a stunning drive that leads directly into Lofoten.
Questions & Answers
Do I need previous photography experience for the Lofoten Islands Northern Lights Tour – Photography Trip?
No, this tour is designed for both beginners and amateur photographers. Our guide will teach you how to use your camera and tripod, and how to set the best settings to capture the Northern Lights.
What happens if the aurora is not visible during the tour? Can I reschedule? Is there an extra cost?
The aurora depends on natural factors such as weather and solar activity. On the day of the tour, we carefully check the weather conditions. If we determine that the weather is not suitable to maximize the chances of seeing the aurora, we offer two options:
- Reschedule at no extra cost, subject to availability on both our side and the client’s.
- Cancel and receive a full refund.
Our priority is for you to have the best possible experience and enjoy the tour under ideal conditions.
Can I join the tour without a camera?
Yes, you do not need to bring a camera to enjoy the tour. The photographer will take pictures of the group and send them to you afterwards.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to bad weather?
It is only cancelled in case of extreme conditions. The tour can be adapted en route according to weather and visibility. If the tour has to be cancelled for this reason, 100% of the price will be refunded.
How will I receive the photos?
The best photos taken by the guide will be sent to you the next day via e-mail.
Can children participate?
The tour is recommended for participants over 12 years old. While it does not require physical effort, the content and focus are geared toward a more mature audience due to the nighttime schedule and low temperatures.
Where else can I see aurora borealis?
Northern Lights can be seen in areas close to the Arctic Circle, the best countries being Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and some areas of northern Canada or Alaska. In Norway, the Lofoten Islands are one of the most impressive places to see them, thanks to their combination of clear skies, low light pollution and spectacular landscapes.
If you want to know more, check out our blog post: The best places to see the Northern Lights.
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