Fotoreise Lofoten

February 2024
A 10-day adventure by Lars Read more
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  • 210kilometers
  • Day 1

    Leknes - the start of our journey

    February 17 in Norway ⋅ 🌬 -2 °C

    Our latest adventure took us on a photography tour, a journey that began in Zurich and spiraled into the heart of Norway, culminating in the quaint town of Leknes. The itinerary promised a blend of urban sophistication and pristine natural beauty.

    The Odyssey Begins
    Our journey kicked off in Zurich. From there, we ventured northward, making our way through Oslo, where the charm of Norwegian culture began to seep into our experience. The transition from the urban landscape of Oslo to the rugged beauty of Bodo marked the beginning of our immersion into the Norwegian wilderness.

    The final leg of our travel was a flight to Leknes, a destination that seemed a world away from the cosmopolitan streets of Zurich.

    Leknes: A Symphony of Weather
    After a brief rest at our hotel, eager to explore, we stepped out into the little town of Leknes. This town, nestled in the Lofoten Islands, is a canvas of breathtaking vistas, where every corner promises a perfect snapshot. Our walk was an initiation into what we affectionately dubbed "real Norwegian weather." The day started with the sun casting a golden hue over the rugged landscapes, enhancing the beauty of the town and inviting us to capture its essence through our lenses.

    However, as any seasoned traveler to these northern reaches knows, the weather here is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. Within moments, the sunny skies were overtaken by clouds, and a snowstorm swept through the town. This sudden change was not just a meteorological phenomenon but a dramatic shift in the landscape's character. The snow added a mystical veil to Leknes, transforming it into a winter wonderland right before our eyes.
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  • Day 1

    Journey to Hamnøy: Capturing the Sunset

    February 17 in Norway ⋅ 🌬 0 °C

    Our adventure continued in the afternoon as we traveled to Hamnøy, a destination that embodies the soul of Norwegian coastal life. Leaving behind the unpredictability of Leknes' weather, we found ourselves amidst the serene and rugged beauty of Hamnøy. This small fishing village, with its iconic red fishing huts (Rorbuer) dotting the coastline, presented a picturesque setting that seemed to leap straight out of a postcard.

    Our accommodations in Hamnøy were none other than these traditional fishing huts, transformed into cozy lodgings that blend seamlessly with the landscape. These huts, once the temporary homes of fishermen braving the Arctic waters, now provided us with a unique and intimate connection to the village's heritage.

    The weather, in a gracious mood, afforded us the opportunity to capture some of the most stunning sunset shots of our trip. As the sun dipped towards the horizon, it painted the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple, casting a warm glow over the sea and the mountains. This moment was a photographer's dream, where every second revealed a new, breathtaking scene. Despite the increasing wind that brought a chill to the air, we were transfixed, our cameras clicking away, eager to capture the ephemeral beauty of the Arctic sunset.
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  • Day 1

    Northern Lights Surprise in Hamnøy

    February 17 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    Late at night, an alert sparked a rush to catch the Northern Lights. We quickly swapped pajamas for warm gear and stepped into the Arctic chill. The sky above Hamnøy came alive with vibrant greens and purples, a mesmerizing aurora borealis show. Capturing this fleeting beauty became an exhilarating challenge. After the lights faded, we returned to our huts, warmed by the unforgettable experience. This spontaneous adventure highlighted the magic of our Norwegian journey, making it an unforgettable night.Read more

  • Day 2

    Sunrise at Reine

    February 18 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    This morning, our adventure took us on an early drive to Reine, leaving just before the first light of dawn at 7am. Reine, known for its breathtaking scenery, did not disappoint. The early hour rewarded us with tranquil waters, offering perfect reflections of the majestic mountains and traditional Norwegian fishing huts. The soft morning light enhanced the serene beauty, creating a photographer's dream scene.

    We spent the morning immersed in the tranquility of Reine, capturing its stunning reflections and soaking in the peaceful ambiance. The quiet of the early hour made it feel as though we had this picturesque corner of the world to ourselves.

    After a fulfilling session of photography and exploration, we headed back, our spirits high from the morning's beauty. Awaiting us was a well-deserved and hearty breakfast, a perfect end to our morning expedition. The warmth of the meal and the comfort of sitting together to share our experiences made for a delightful conclusion to the early start of our day.
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  • Day 2

    Return to Reine

    February 18 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    After a satisfying breakfast, we eagerly resumed our photo tour in Reine, finding the weather had turned clouded, yet remarkably, it set the stage for stunning reflections. The soft, diffused light brought out the vibrancy of the fjords and the gentle contrast of the surrounding mountains against the now mirror-like waters.

    We explored Reine anew, our lenses focused on capturing the serene beauty that the cloud cover enhanced. The reflections in the water were spectacular, creating a perfect symmetry of the fishing huts and rugged landscapes above and below the waterline. This unique light condition allowed us to capture the essence of Reine in a different mood, one that emphasized tranquility and the subtle interplay of light and shadow.

    Navigating through the village and its surroundings, we took advantage of the calm conditions, finding that each photograph captured not just the visual beauty of the location but also the quiet atmosphere that the clouded sky had lent to the morning.
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  • Day 3

    A Day of Contrasts and Captures

    February 19 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C

    Our day began with the promise of light, as a beautiful sunrise painted the sky with hues of gold and pink, offering a brief spectacle before the sun retreated behind the advancing clouds. This fleeting light set an optimistic tone for the day, encouraging us to seek out the beauty in the ever-changing Lofoten weather.

    As the sun hid, the clouds cast a soft, diffused light across the landscapes, creating a serene backdrop for our photographic journey. Despite the absence of golden sunlight, the day was rich with photographic opportunities. By afternoon, we found ourselves on a snowy beach, an unusual and captivating scene. The contrast of the pristine white snow against the dark, rugged coastline was striking. Our cameras captured the serene beauty of this landscape, where the elements harmoniously collided.

    The adventure continued as we took to the skies with our drone, soaring over bridges that spanned the icy waters below. The drone offered us a bird's-eye view of the stunning architecture and the dramatic landscapes that surround it. The footage captured not just the physical beauty of the bridges but also the sense of isolation and tranquility that pervades this remote part of the world.

    As the day waned, the sunset we had hoped for turned into a subtle blue hour, a time when the sky is neither fully lit nor completely dark. This magical hour provided a soft, ethereal light, perfect for the climax of our day's exploration. We climbed a small hill, pushing through the cold to reach a vantage point that offered an unparalleled panoramic view of the surrounding area. From this height, the Lofoten Islands unfolded before us in a spectacle of muted blues and greys, a vast and silent world under the soft twilight.
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  • Day 4

    A last "sunrise" at Hamnøy

    February 20 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    The day greeted us with less than ideal weather conditions as we awoke to a gray sky, the pristine snow now replaced by persistent rainfall. The transformation of the landscape under the rain's gentle siege initially seemed to dampen our spirits. However, undeterred by the weather's whims, we set out, cameras in hand, ready to embrace the day's challenges.

    Remarkably, the rain brought with it an unexpected gift—the light conditions were in our favor. The overcast sky diffused the light perfectly, eliminating harsh shadows and illuminating the landscapes with a soft, even glow. This gentle lighting allowed us to capture the rugged beauty of the Lofoten Islands in a way that was both unique and compelling. The rain seemed to enhance the colors of the natural world, making the greens of the grass and the grays of the rocks more vibrant and pronounced.
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  • Day 4

    Travelling North

    February 20 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Amidst our exploration, fortune smiled upon us once more. We spotted a little seal, its sleek, dark figure contrasting beautifully against the muted tones of the surrounding waters. The sight was a delightful reminder of the wildlife that thrives in these harsh conditions, and capturing this moment felt like a small victory against the day's gloomy start.

    As the day progressed and our collection of photographs grew, we decided to venture further, heading to our new location in the east of the Lofoten Islands. The journey itself was a testament to the ever-changing landscapes of this arctic paradise. Each turn brought new vistas into view, from towering mountains shrouded in mist to the vast, open sea, its surface rippled by the falling rain.

    Arriving at our new destination, we were greeted by yet another facet of Lofoten's diverse beauty. The eastern part of the islands promised new adventures and photographic opportunities, a fresh canvas on which to record our experiences. Despite the initial disappointment with the weather, the day proved to be a rewarding exploration of light, landscape, and the unexpected moments that make travel photography so fulfilling.
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  • Day 5

    A Morning of Promise in Uttakleiv

    February 21 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    The night's heavy rain, with its relentless downpour, had set a somber tone, leaving us wondering what challenges the next day might bring. However, to our pleasant surprise, the morning dawned far more promising than we had anticipated. The skies cleared, and a sense of optimism filled the air as we prepared for the day's expedition.

    Eager to make the most of the unexpected turn in the weather, we headed out to Uttakleiv, a destination renowned for its dramatic coastline and natural beauty. The beach at Uttakleiv, with its unique combination of smooth pebbles and rugged rock formations, was our canvas for the morning.

    As we set up our equipment, the scene before us was nothing short of spectacular. The waves, energized by the stormy night, crashed onto the shore with a fierce intensity, their spray catching the light and creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Our cameras clicked away, capturing the raw power of nature as each wave collided with the rocks, a testament to the untamed beauty of the Lofoten Islands.

    Among the many features that make Uttakleiv a photographer's dream, the famous "Dragon's Eye" is perhaps the most iconic. This natural rock pool, shaped over time by the elements, resembles an eye when viewed from above, with the surrounding rock formations adding to the mystique of the landscape. Finding the Dragon's Eye and framing it within the context of the surrounding landscape was a highlight of our visit. The reflection in the pool, coupled with the dramatic backdrop of the beach and the incoming waves, made for a compelling composition, one that captured the essence of Uttakleiv's rugged charm.

    Our morning at Uttakleiv was a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the Lofoten Islands. What had started as a concern—the heavy rain from the night before—had transformed into an opportunity, with the storm's aftermath providing conditions that enhanced the beauty and drama of the landscape. As we packed up our gear, ready to continue our exploration of the islands, we were reminded once again of the resilience and beauty of nature, and the endless photographic opportunities it presents to those willing to embrace the unexpected.
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  • Day 5

    An afternoon on the beach

    February 21 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    The afternoon was spent in awe of the raw power of nature as we attempted to capture the crushing waves. The rhythm of the sea was mesmerizing; each wave built up with a majestic force before breaking onto the shore, creating a spectacular display of foam and spray. Our cameras, set to capture the high-speed action, froze these moments of collision, encapsulating the dynamic interplay between the sea and the land.

    As the day gradually transitioned towards evening, our focus shifted towards the horizon, where the setting sun began to paint the sky in vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple. The sunset at Unstad Beach is a sight to behold, with the sun dipping below the towering mountains that frame the bay, casting a warm, golden light across the landscape.

    Capturing the sunset required patience and a keen eye for the changing light conditions. We found ourselves constantly adjusting our positions and camera settings, striving to do justice to the breathtaking scene unfolding before us. The reflections of the sunset on the wet sand added a layer of complexity and beauty to our compositions, creating a perfect blend of color, light, and texture.

    The beach, with its combination of dramatic waves and the serene beauty of the sunset, provided a perfect ending to our day. As the last light of the day faded and the stars began to appear, we took a moment to reflect on the experiences of the day. Unstad Beach had offered us a wealth of photographic opportunities, from the ferocity of the crashing waves to the tranquil beauty of the sunset.

    Our time spent on the beach was a testament to the diverse beauty of the Lofoten Islands and the endless possibilities
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