Lofoten Photography Tours With Christo Giliomee
Northern Lights Photo Workshops – Norway – January 2026
Join our expert-led Lofoten photography tours and experience the breathtaking beauty of Norway’s most photogenic archipelago. Our carefully crafted photo tours combine professional guidance with access to the most spectacular locations in the Lofoten Islands, ensuring you capture images that will last a lifetime.
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Lofoten Northern Lights Photography Tours
Lofoten offers some of the world’s best opportunities for northern lights photography tours. Our specialized lofoten photo workshop is scheduled for January 2026, when the polar nights provide the perfect canvas for nature’s most spectacular light show.
During our northern lights photography tours, you’ll learn advanced techniques for capturing the aurora borealis above Lofoten’s dramatic peaks and traditional fishing villages as well as the Lofoten Lights!
Our experienced guides know the best locations and timing to maximize your chances of witnessing and photographing this natural phenomenon, while teaching you the technical skills needed to create stunning aurora images.
Tour Summary
Included in Lofoten Photo Tours
Activities
- A Photographic guide
- In field photographic tuition
- Post processing tuition
- Luxury Self-catering accommodation
- Transport to and from locations.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Food & Drinks.
- Unspecified transfers.
- Travel & health insurance.
- Flights.
- Park and concession entry fees.
- Wifi and cell phone reception is not available in remote areas.
Ensure you have your own valid travel & health insurance.
Should you require assistance with flights & transfers, this can be arranged on request.
Please ensure you have taken out adequate travel insurance.
Please ensure you have taken out adequate medical cover / medical insurance.
Tour Disclaimer
By booking or joining any tour with us, you acknowledge and accept the following conditions:
- Weather and Natural Conditions
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Cloud cover, poor weather, or unsuitable light conditions may limit visibility or photographic opportunities. We cannot be held liable for any disappointment or loss of experience resulting from natural conditions. - Travel and Accommodation
Travel delays, cancellations, overbooked hotels, or the need to adjust itineraries due to availability or weather may occur. While we will always do our best to provide suitable alternatives, any additional travel or accommodation costs incurred remain the responsibility of the participant. - Liability
We will not be held liable for any issues, losses, or damages arising from weather events, natural conditions, travel-related disruptions, or circumstances beyond our control. Participation in all activities is at your own risk. - Insurance Requirement
All participants are required to obtain adequate travel insurance, including medical cover, trip cancellation, and personal belongings protection. This ensures you are covered in the event of illness, accident, delays, cancellations, or other unforeseen circumstances. Proof of insurance may be requested prior to departure.
By completing your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer and that you have arranged suitable travel and medical insurance for your trip.
Refund Policy
Please note, we do not offer any refunds.
Lofoten Photo Tours Local Attractions
Lofoten offers some of Norway’s most iconic photographic attractions, from the red rorbuer cabins of Hamnøy set against dramatic snow-dusted peaks, to the traditional fishermen’s huts that line the fjords with striking color and history, and the mysterious Dragon’s Eye, a natural rock pool formation that creates a surreal focal point at low tide. Together, these landmarks capture the essence of Lofoten’s beauty, blending culture, landscape, and unique natural wonders into a photographer’s dream.
Rorbuer Houses
The Rorbruer – world renowned accommodation in the Lofoten Islands, Norway.
“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.
“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. This has become an iconic base for travellers and photographers visiting Lofoten.
The Dragon’s Eye of Norway:
The Dragon’s Eye is a geological formation on Uttakleiv Beach in Norway’s Lofoten Islands that resembles a giant eye gazing from the rocky coast. Formed 20,000 years ago when meltwater currents beneath the ice age Fennoscandian Ice Sheet carved a circular “pothole” into the bedrock, it features a boulder at the center like a pupil, surrounded by white sand and algae creating the iris effect.
This formation has become a photographer’s must-see destination accessible only during low tide. Its appearance constantly changes with tides and lighting – waves redistribute sand and algae while different times transform the eye’s expression. For visitors to this remote Arctic location, the Dragon’s Eye offers both spectacular photography and connection to the ancient glacial forces that shaped northern Norway’s landscape.
Hamnøy:
The traditional fishing village of Hamnøy, represents the quintessential Lofoten experience, featuring the region’s famous red wooden fishing cabins (rorbuer) set against a backdrop of dramatic peaks.
The iconic photograph is typically taken from Hamnøy Bridge, capturing the red cabins in front of majestic mountains. The village offers multiple composition opportunities, from wide-angle shots showcasing the entire settlement to intimate details of the weathered wooden structures.
The contrast between the vibrant red buildings and the stark mountain landscape creates compelling visual narratives, particularly during blue hour when artificial lighting illuminates the cabins against the twilight sky.
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
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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