Lofoten Photo Tours & Norway Photography Workshops
Experience the ethereal beauty of the Lofoten Islands on our Lofoten Photo Tours and Norway Photography Workshops. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, dramatic mountain landscapes, or pristine coastal scenes, our expert-led expeditions help you capture unforgettable images—all while immersing you in the unique charm of Arctic Norway.
We talk about the Northern Lights forecast, & in particular the Northern Lights Norway Forecast, when the best time to see the northern lights in Norway in our recent blog. We also discuss the best Northern Lights Tracker apps and other frequently asked questions you may have before you visit Lofoten to chase the Aurora Lights.
Rorbuer Houses
World renowned accommodation in the Lofoten Islands, Norway.
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“Rorbuer” (singular: rorbu) are the traditional red fishermen’s cabins that line the shores of Lofoten. Historically, they were built to house seasonal fishermen, but today many have been restored and converted into cozy tourist accommodations.
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“Eliassen Rorbuer” is one of the most famous rorbuer complexes, located in Hamnøy, one of the most photographed fishing villages in the world. It’s iconic for its red cabins perched on stilts above the sea, with dramatic peaks rising behind them.
So when someone says “Eliassen Rorbuer”, they’re usually referring to this specific lodging site in Hamnøy that has become an iconic base for travellers and keen Northen Lights photographers visiting Lofoten.
Location and How to Get There
Hamnøy is one of the most scenic spots in the Lofoten Islands. Surrounded by towering peaks and crystal-clear waters, with a selection of varying accommodation are perfectly positioned along the E10 highway, which connects all of Lofoten’s main villages. The easiest way to reach Hamnøy is by flying into Leknes or Svolvær and renting a car, though buses also connect from both airports. Travelers arriving from the mainland can take the Bodø–Moskenes ferry and drive just 10 minutes to Hamnøy.
Best Time to Visit and Insider Tips
For enthusiastic aurora lights photographers, the best time to see the northern lights and stay in and around the Lofoten Islands, in Lofoten or at Hamnøy is between September and April when the Northern Lights illuminate the skies and snow transforms the landscapes. Winter driving conditions require care, so renting a car with studded tires is highly recommended. If you prefer longer daylight hours and the Midnight Sun, visit between late May and July. Bring warm layers, plan for flexible schedules to chase clear skies, and book accommodation well in advance — these iconic red cabins are among the most popular in Norway. Book for our next Norway Photo Tour to see the Aurora Lights in January 2026. Find out more here.
Eliassen Rorbuer
aurora lights in norway – FAQ
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. When these solar particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen high above the planet, they create vivid displays of colour that dance across the polar skies.
- Green lights are produced by oxygen at lower altitudes.
- Red and pink hues occur when oxygen interacts higher up.
- Blue and violet tones come from nitrogen.
It’s a breathtaking natural phenomenon and witnessing it in person is something every photographer and traveller should experience at least once. View and join our next 7 night Lofoten Photo Tour here.
This article, “Best Apps to Track the Aurora Lights Forecast in Norway”, offers an overview of the top Northern Lights (aurora) tracking and northern lights tracker / forecasting apps and services, particularly useful for those visiting Norway or chasing auroras across Northern latitudes.
It reviews features like real-time solar activity, geomagnetic indices, visibility maps, and alert systems. Our recent blog also suggests the ideal months for aurora viewing (October to March) and encourages syncing northern lights tracker apps predictions with on-the-ground conditions and cloud cover. Find out more here.
Yes, Lofoten is safe year-round. Winter roads are well-maintained and cars come with studded tires. Visitors should drive cautiously and prepare for icy conditions, but services and accommodation remain open all winter.
While buses connect the main towns, having a car is highly recommended. It allows flexibility for photography stops, chasing aurora, and reaching remote beaches and villages.
The quickest route is to fly from Oslo to Bodø, then take a short flight to Svolvær or Leknes. Alternatively, you can take the Bodø–Moskenes ferry or fly into Harstad/Narvik (Evenes) and drive the E10 road into the islands.
October and February–March are ideal months for photographers, offering dramatic light, snow-capped peaks, and higher chances of clear skies for aurora chasing.
Yes, Lofoten is one of the best places in Norway to see the Northern Lights. The aurora season runs from late August to mid-April, with the strongest displays usually between September and March. Find out more about the best times to go and the Northern Lights Forecast here.
Lofoten can be pricey compared to mainland Norway. Expect higher accommodation and food costs, but budget travelers can save by cooking in cabins and booking transport in advance.
While renting a car is best for flexibility, you can travel by local buses, ferries, and Hurtigruten coastal ships. Taxis and private transfers are also available.
For Northern Lights photography, visit between September and April. For the Midnight Sun and endless daylight, plan a trip between late May and mid-July.
Most travelers recommend 4–7 days to see the main highlights, including Reine, Hamnøy, Nusfjord, Henningsvær, and Å. Photographers often stay longer to increase their chances of clear skies for the Northern Lights.
Absolutely. Lofoten is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, offering dramatic mountains, fjords, white-sand beaches, and cultural fishing villages. Whether you’re interested in photography tours, hiking, or simply experiencing Arctic Norway, Lofoten is worth every moment.
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Welcome to The Outdoor Gallery, where you’ll find stunning and captivating photography that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world. My collection of images is carefully curated to showcase the majesty of landscapes, the awe-inspiring power of wildlife, and the subtle intricacies of nature and the world around us.
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