Lofoten Islands – Midsummer in the Arctic Circle

Highlights include…

• Midnight sun
• Unique ambient light
• Picturesque fishing villages
• Authentic architecture
• Boat trip
• Fishing trip
• Midnight cruise
• Scenically located accommodation
• Rich birdlife
• Gorgeous flowers
• Stunning fjords
• Striking mountains
• Art galleries and museums
• Pål Hermansen, wildlife photographer of the year

Brief Summary

Lofoten is an archipelago off the north west coast of Norway well known for their natural beauty, rugged landscape and unique light. Nowhere does the midnight sun shine to greater effect than on these northern islands. Anchored above the Arctic Circle the purple mountains, green meadows, bright fishing boats and rust-red cottages on stilts are mirrored in a Caribbean-blue sea, consequently the islands have long proved inspirational for artists and photographers.

The archipelago experiences warm summers and mild winters. May and June are the driest months and the endless daylight makes for a perfect summer photographic destination. We will photograph throughout the day and night, as the ‘golden hours’ of ambient light are extensive. There will be lots of opportunities for bird photography as Lofoten has a very high density of sea eagles, cormorants and millions of other sea birds including Puffins.

Photographic Tutors

Pål Hermansen, Norway
Martin Sammtleben, Iceland
Assistants: Hilde Foss, Norway; Geraldine Westrupp, UK/Iceland

Brief Itinerary

The following is only a brief summary. A complete itinerary and more details can be found in our PDF dossier It is important that you read the full day-to-day description and further information for this holiday before making your booking.

Day 1: Arrival in Lofoten

Participants will arrive during the day, by plane or boat/ferry. We arrange to pick-ups and transfers to our accommodation on the seafront outside Kabelvåg.
After dinner we meet for a trip briefing and a short photographic lecture by Pål Hermansen.

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Å

This morning we set out for the village Å where we will spend the next three nights. On the way we visit fishing villages and drive through some fine landscapes. There will be plenty of time for photography stops along the way as the road is one of the most scenic in the whole of Norway. Overnight in Å

Day 3: Birds, Boats and Caves

With the midnight sun there is no sunrise to catch, but the early morning is still a good time for scenic shots around the Å village. After breakfast we will gather for another inspiring photography lecture by Pål and to view some of each other’s photos to date. In the afternoon there will optional outings including a short mountain hike, a visit to the Reine art gallery or some more time spent at Hamnøy’s bird cliff. Evening time we leave by boat for a photographically inspiring trip around the southern tip of Lofoten.
Overnight in Å

Day 4: Midnight Cruise Reine Fjord

This morning there will be chance for participants to wander around the village or for some picture editing and individual tuition.
After lunch in a lovely fish restaurant at Sørvågen we join the ferry in Reine for a trip across the fjord to Vindstad. We return to Vindstad for a private ‘midnight cruise’ around the Reine fjord, which is surrounded by jagged mountain peaks.
Overnight in Å

Day 5: Return via Nusfjord and Eggum to Kabelvåg

A last chance for early morning shots of Å fishing village before starting the drive back to Kabelvåg. Part of our return route will be different; there are many good photographic locations along the way including the nature reserve at Eggum. After our dinner back in Kabelvåg we head out to Svinøya to photograph some of Lofoten’s largest traditional wooden stockfish racks.
Overnight in Kabelvåg

Day 6: Henningsvær and Midnight Sun

This morning we visit Henningsvær fishing village situated at the foot of Mount Vågakaillen. Following dinner we leave for an evening/midnight road trip on north side of the Austvåg Island to photograph the midnight sun in some of the beautiful bays and inlets.
Overnight in Kabelvåg

Day 7: Scenic Fishing Trip and Eagles

The day is spent in the local area; museums, the aquarium, Lofoten Cathedral, birdlife and fishing villages are all in walking distance. For the energetic we organize a mountain walk have an early dinner before an evening fishing trip to Rafsund and Trollfjorden. The landscape is very spectacular with great opportunities for photographing eagles. Fish soup is served on the return journey to Svolvær.
Overnight in Kabelvåg

Day 8: Transfers to Ferry/Airport

Following breakfast we transfer to the ferry/airport.

What’s Included

• All accommodation 7 hotel nights
• Meals All breakfasts, 2 dinners, 5 lunches
• All transport
• Transfers
• Location guides
• Photographic tuition
• Fishing Trip
• Midnight Cruise
• Boat Trip

What’s not Included

• International flights
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel Insurance
• Snacks and beverages other than mentioned

Accommodation

In our base Kabelvåg our double or single rooms all have private bathroom facilities.
In Å our double or single rooms have shared bathroom facilities. There is no single supplement; participants will be given a single room throughout unless they request to share.

Complete Itinerary and Full Details

This page is only a brief summary. A complete itinerary and more details can be found in our PDF dossier It is important that you read the full day-to-day description and further information for this holiday before making your booking.