Lofoten Islands Photo Tour, Jan 29 - Feb 5, 2027
With Rod Barbee
In partnership with Lofoten Photo Tours
January 29 - February 5, 2027
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Limit 12 (minimum 6)
$4660 double occupancy ($4500 check or Zelle)
$5285 single occupancy ($5100 check or Zelle)
($1000 deposit)
Discount available if paying by check or Zelle
(If you and another participant will be sharing, please advise when signing up. I can also try to find you a roommate but can make no guarantees. If a roommate is not available, the single supplement cost will be added to your invoice.)
Slideshow
Get ready for an unforgettable Arctic experience in the Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway. This trip is designed for 6 to 12 participants and we’ll be traveling in comfortable 9-seat vans, all fully licensed, with local guides who know the area inside and out.
Why Visit Lofoten in Winter?
You’ll experience breathtaking winter scenery, dramatic mountains, colorful fjords, and—if we’re lucky—the Northern Lights. The islands are located above the Arctic Circle and are famous for their stunning landscapes. National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and The Huffington Post have all named this region one of the most scenic destinations on earth. Just look out your window: granite peaks rising from the fjords, classic fisherman cabins, and a rich Norwegian history.
The tour is always dependent on weather, as the weather can be highly unpredictable. When it comes to the Northern Lights, while they are most likely to be seen between September and April, there is no guarantee that they will appear on a given day.
I've gathered some information that can help you with aurora and night photography. You can find it here.
Itinerary
Day 1-Arrival at Leknes
The adventure begins when you arrive at Leknes Airport, where our photo guide will pick you up and take you to our accommodations. We will be staying in the same place during the whole tour. (If you're arriving early, pickup will be at your hotel.)
You’ll then have time to rest before meeting with the rest of the group for dinner. Over dinner, we’ll get to know one another and discuss the itinerary for the next few days. It’s a great time to learn more about the tour and to ask our guide any questions. If the auroras make an appearance this evening, then we may head out for our first shoot! Otherwise, we’ll try to have an early night so that you can be rested and ready for the morning.
Day 2-7: Arctic Beaches, Villages, Mountains
We don’t stick to a fixed schedule—the weather changes quickly, so our local guides will make sure you’re always in the best spot. We’ll visit all the famous locations from Å in the south to Henningsvær in the north, spend time around Reine (known for its small villages and dramatic peaks), and check out iconic beaches like Skagsanden, Vareid, Vikten, Fredvang, Haukland, Utakleiv, and Unstad. We’ll also explore the villages of Nusfjord and Henningsvær, plus some hidden gems. Every night, if conditions allow, we’ll look for the Northern Lights.
Day 8: Departure
We may have a final morning shoot before making our way to the airport. Plan your departure for the afternoon to participate. Either way, we’ll make sure everyone gets to the airport, hopefully with plenty of amazing memories and photos
What’s Included:
- All location fees
- Accommodation in cabins with private bathrooms (single rooms by default, but sharing is possible for a lower price)
- Fuel
- Local guides and drivers
- All necessary permits and licenses
- Help in the field
- Image reviews as time allows
Not Included
- Meals
- Airfare
- Tips for guides
- Travel insurance
About the Cabins:
We use the only place in Lofoten where every bedroom has its own bathroom. If you’re in a 3-room cabin, that means 3 bathrooms. Usually, everyone gets their own room (single occupancy option), but if you want to share (double occupancy option), we can arrange that.
In addition to the bedrooms, each cabin has a common kitchen and dining area.
The cabins are cozy and the bathrooms have heated floors! The common area is spacious and can also serve as a great place to download and work on your images.
About meals
Breakfast will be on your own in your cabin. We will often be eating lunch at one of the cafes in a village and dinners will usually be at a restaurant in Leknes. However, if you prefer, you can make meals in your cabin. We'll be visiting local grocery stores where you'll be able to buy food and snacks.
Other supplies
There's a well stocked outdoor store in Leknes where you'll be able to find hand and toe warmers, crampons, gloves, hats, etc.
Upon signing up you'll be sent a welcome packet via email containing, among other things, a packing list of recommended gear.
Pricing
$4660 double occupancy ($4500 if paying both deposit and balance by check, Zelle, or money order)
$5285 single occupancy ($5100 if paying both deposit and balance by check, Zelle, or money order)
The price includes all transportation during the tour dates, from arriving to departing at Leknes Airport, lodging, personalized instruction, driver/guide with location expertise, and of course, ample teasing.
Prices do not include meals, alcoholic beverages, tips for guides, or trip cancellation insurance (see below).
Visit the Sign Up Page for details on paying by check or Zelle.
(If you and another participant will be sharing, please advise when signing up. I can also try to find you a roommate but can make no guarantees. If a roommate is not available, the single supplement cost will be added to your invoice.)
Getting There
Plan on arriving at Leknes Airport on Lofoten (usually via Oslo) on Jan. 29th by noon. More details pending as we get closer.
Information on getting to Lofoten Islands can be found here.
New Requirements to enter Europe
Starting late 2026, travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries, which includes the United States, will face new pre-boarding checks under ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System.
Required for short-stay visits to 30 European Union nations, ETIAS authorization must be verified by carriers before departure.
For information about applying for your ETIAS travel authorization, visit this page: https://etias.com/etias-application.
What's included
- Personalized instruction
- Honest evaluation of your work (workshops)
- Location expertise
- Ample teasing
Travel Insurance
We understand that sometimes folks need to make cancellations due to illness, family emergencies, etc.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds or credit for cancellations less than 90-days out from a trip. Nor will full refunds be issued in cases of Force Majeure (see cancellation policies).
We therefore highly recommend trip insurance that includes a "Cancel for any Reason" provision.
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