A Photographer’s Guide to Tours, Cabins, and Travel in Norway’s Lofoten Islands
When to Visit for the Northern Lights
Aurora season in Lofoten runs from late August to mid-April, with the most popular months being September–October and February–March. The Northern Lights are typically visible between 21:00 and 01:00 on clear nights, making Lofoten one of the best locations for aurora photography in Norway.
Stay in the Famous Red Rorbuer Cabins
The red cabins, known as rorbuer, were once fishermen’s homes and are now beautifully restored accommodations. Top choices include Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy, Reine Rorbuer in Reine, Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær, Nusfjord Arctic Resort, Henningsvær Rorbuer, and Å Rorbuer. Each location offers its own charm, from the dramatic fjord views of Reinefjord to the heritage village atmosphere of Nusfjord.
How to Get to Lofoten
Travelers can fly into Svolvær (SVJ) or Leknes (LKN) via Bodø, or into Harstad/Narvik (Evenes, EVE) with connections by road or bus. Alternatively, ferries run between Bodø and Moskenes, and Hurtigruten ships stop at Svolvær and Stamsund. Passenger express boats also connect Bodø to Svolvær.
Getting Around the Islands
The E10 highway links all major villages in Lofoten, making car rentals the most flexible option for photographers chasing the aurora. Cars are equipped with winter or studded tires in the snowy season. Buses such as the Lofotekspressen (Route 300) connect Evenes Airport with Svolvær, Leknes, and Å, while local buses serve towns between Svolvær and Å. Taxis and private transfers are also available from the airports.
Choosing Your Base
For iconic photography locations, stay in Hamnøy or Reine. Svolvær is ideal for tours and logistics, while Henningsvær offers an arty fishing village vibe. Nusfjord provides a boutique heritage feel, and Å offers dramatic end-of-the-road scenery.
Tips for Aurora Photography
Plan for several nights to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Stay flexible and ready to move to clearer skies. Bring warm clothing, sturdy tripods, and learn to use manual camera settings to capture the best shots of the aurora dancing over mountains, fjords, and beaches.
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