A Trip to the Arctic Circle - Lofoten

100km north of the Arctic circle lies Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Mainly consisting of fjords and high mountain peaks it is not hard to see why it's considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. Flying through Oslo then Narvik in route to the Lofoten Islands. Renting a car at the Narvik airport we drove 3hrs across the frozen landscape to find our quaint Airbnb openly placed beside the road. (Staying an hour north of the town of Reine).

Using the Airbnb as our base we ventured out to make day missions often waking up in hopes of sunrise and staying out late to see if we could catch a glimpse of the sunset.

Starting off simply we made missions of all the small towns along the main highway running through the heart of Lofoten. Walking the frozen docks, meeting the locals, and often running into fellow travelers and sharing our stories.

As we got a feel for the islands we started to get a bit more adventurous with our photo missions. Finding ourselves on quite an ambition hike named Ryten. If you have time for a 3hr hike I would highly recommend it.

Hiking up for sunset we managed to catch that last bit of daylight as is passed over the vast mountains sticking vertically out of the beaches below. The hike is mainly straight uphill the entire way. Making an easy descent.

Constantly checking the weather forecast for the nightly aurora patterns we found ourselves in the midst of a polar light storm. Unfortunately, many of the nights were draped with dull clouds blocking our view of the stars.

Almost giving up hope one of the guys in our crew looked out the window and said: “guys I think I can see the Aurora”; no one believing him at first.

We all scrambled outside and positioned our cameras to the sky. Letting the time lapse run we watched as the sky broke open and the northern lights danced around the sky.

Hands down one of the most unbelievable things I’ve ever seen.

If you have a chance to head up to Norway’s Lofoten Islands in the winter, do it!

After a 7 day trip around the lofted islands, I’m planning another trip back this following summer.

TIP: If you’re a photographer traveling to the Lofoten Islands make sure to bring your drone. (trust me you won’t be disappointed)