Lofoten Islands Photography Tour 2026
- Date: October 12-20, 2026
- Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
- Languages: english / spanish
- Places: 10
- October 12-20, 2026 (departure in progress)
The Trip
Join us for an unforgettable photography journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Lofoten Islands, far above the Arctic Circle. Over nine days, we will explore one of Norway’s most iconic regions, where sharp mountains rise directly from the sea, fishing villages cling to the coastline, and light constantly reshapes the landscape.
Based in Leknes and Reine, we will photograph pristine beaches, rugged fjords, remote villages such as Hamnøy, Sakrisøy and Å, and some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the archipelago. The itinerary has been carefully designed to follow the best light, adapting each day to weather and conditions to maximize photographic opportunities.
A highlight of the journey will be a boat excursion through the fjords around Reine, allowing us to photograph vertical mountains, cascading waterfalls and untouched Arctic scenery from the water. Throughout the tour, we will also dedicate several nights to the observation and photography of the Northern Lights, taking advantage of Lofoten’s dark skies and unique coastal foregrounds.
This experience blends landscape photography, Arctic nature and cultural heritage, offering a deep and immersive photographic adventure in one of the most visually powerful regions in the world.
About the Tour
- Price: $3.900
- Date: October 12–20, 2026
- Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
- Languages: english / spanish
- Places: 10
- Activity Level: All levels
- Airport Leknes Airport (LKN)
Highlights
- 9-day photography tour in the Lofoten Islands
- Iconic Arctic landscapes above the Arctic Circle
- Northern Lights photography sessions in prime locations
- Small groups with expert photographic guidance
- Fishing villages, fjords and dramatic mountain scenery
- Boat excursion through the fjords around Reine
- Sunrise and sunset sessions in carefully selected locations
- Flexible itinerary adapted to light and weather conditions
Description
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime photographic journey to the Lofoten Islands, far above the Arctic Circle. This 9-day photography tour takes you into one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, where sharp granite peaks rise directly from the ocean and light constantly transforms the scenery.
Throughout the journey, we will explore some of Lofoten’s most iconic locations, including Reine, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy and Å, along with remote fjords, coastal viewpoints and traditional fishing villages. Each day is carefully planned around the best possible light, allowing us to capture powerful compositions at sunrise, sunset and throughout the changing Arctic weather.
A key highlight of the tour is a boat excursion through the fjords surrounding Reine, offering a unique perspective from the water. From the boat, we will photograph vertical mountains, cascading waterfalls and untouched Arctic landscapes that are inaccessible from land, with possible sightings of white-tailed eagles.
Several nights will be dedicated to the observation and photography of the Northern Lights, taking advantage of Lofoten’s dark skies and spectacular coastal foregrounds. Reflections in fjords, dramatic clouds and shifting auroral displays create unforgettable photographic opportunities.
This adventure is more than a photography tour — it is an immersive experience into Arctic landscape, nature and photographic technique, designed to help you return home with a strong portfolio and memories from one of the most visually striking regions on Earth.
Map
Itinerary
Arrival of all participants in Lofoten. After settling into the hotel, we will spend the afternoon exploring Leknes and its surroundings. After nightfall, we will head to Uttakleiv Beach, one of the best locations in the area to photograph the Northern Lights over the ocean and dramatic mountain scenery.
In the morning we will travel to Svolvær to take part in an exciting sea eagle boat tour, a unique opportunity to photograph these majestic birds in their natural environment.
In the afternoon we will visit Henningsvær, one of the most photogenic villages in Lofoten, including its famous football stadium built over the sea. At night, we will head to Haukland Beach for another Northern Lights photography session.
A full day dedicated to some of the most iconic beaches in Lofoten: Skagsanden, Haukland and Uttakleiv. We will photograph sunrise, daylight and sunset, adapting our locations to the light and weather conditions. At night, we will head out to the best possible spot to photograph the Northern Lights.
In the morning we will drive south to Reine, which will be our base for the following days. In the afternoon we will visit the remote village of Å i Lofoten and the Sørvågen waterfalls, a perfect setting for landscape photography and long exposures. Possible Northern Lights session in the Reine area at night.
Sunrise in Hamnøy and Reine, photographing some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes. During the day we will work calmly on different compositions in Reine, Sakrisøy and Hamnøy, focusing on fishing villages, bridges and fjords. At night, we will head out again to photograph the Northern Lights in the Reinefjorden.
A day dedicated to high viewpoints around Reine. Depending on conditions, we will make a partial ascent of Reinebringen or visit alternative panoramic viewpoints, searching for wide views of fjords and mountains. A perfect day for powerful landscape photography. At night, we will photograph the Northern Lights if solar activity allows.
Boat excursion through the fjords surrounding Reine. Photographing from the water allows us to capture vertical mountains, waterfalls flowing directly into the fjord and landscapes inaccessible from land. Possible sightings of white-tailed eagles. Return in the afternoon and, if conditions are favorable, a final Northern Lights session at night.
A flexible day to return to the locations that offered the best light during the trip or to explore new compositions. We will focus on more personal imagery, details of the villages, harbors and intimate landscapes. Time for rest or image review. Final night dedicated to Northern Lights photography.
Transfer from Reine to Leknes and onward to the airport. End of the photography tour.
Included
- 8 nights of accommodation in charming, well-located hotels
- Daily breakfasts included at all accommodations
- All ground transportation during the itinerary
- Full photographic guidance and mentorship throughout the tour
- Sea Eagle Excursion and Fjord Boat Tour
- Logistical support and group coordination
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
- Single room supplement
- Personal expenses, tips, and any services not mentioned under “Included”
Extras
- Participants may request accommodation in a Single Room ($900)
Ours guides
About the trip
- A Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera or a mirrorless camera
- A sturdy tripod with a ball head
- A wide-angle lens, such as a 14-24 mm
- A medium zoom lens, such as a 24-70 mm
- A telephoto lens, like a 70-200 mm lens
- It is important for a lens to have a good aperture for Northern Lights, such as a 14 mm f/2.8
- A camera bag to carry all your equipment
- 6-stop ND filter
- A headlamp for night sessions
- Batteries, cleaning kit, and memory cards
- Drone
Our Photographic Tour will take place in October, and we recommend following the guidelines for appropriate clothing to withstand low temperatures, especially during night excursions.
- FOOTWEAR: Crampons for shoes (mandatory for walking on ice) – Mountain footwear (waterproof boots) – Foot and hand warmers “warmer” (optional, for those who feel very cold).
- UPPER CLOTHING: Thermal shirt or inner thermal shirt. – Sweater or fleece pullover (brands like The North Face, Columbia, Patagonia, or similar) – Down jacket suitable for temperatures up to -10 degrees. – Waterproof/windproof jacket. – Neck gaiter. – Thermal gloves for snow. – Woolen hats for the head.
- LOWER CLOTHING: Thermal leggings. – Waterproof pants (for skiing or snowboarding). – Woolen socks. For winter technical clothing, we recommend brands like The North Face, Columbia, Patagonia, Helly Hansen, or similar.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at your accommodation.
- Check your mobile provider’s coverage and roaming charges for Norway before travelling. If you plan to use a local SIM or eSIM, check compatibility with your phone in advance.
- Check your bank’s card fees for payments in Norway and confirm your payment arrangements before departure.
- Check whether your chargers require a travel adapter for Norway and bring enough batteries for long photography sessions.
Flights to Lofoten
Plan your arrival and departure through Leknes Airport (LKN), as listed in the tour overview. Please confirm your arrival time and transfer arrangements with IceMonkey Tours before booking your flights. Arriving a day early may help you begin the journey well-rested.
Documentation
Check the current passport and entry requirements for Norway with the relevant official authorities before travelling. Requirements depend on your nationality and circumstances.
Meals
Daily breakfasts are included at the accommodations. Lunches and dinners are not included unless specified in the itinerary. We will generally use local restaurants, with snacks or picnics on some days to make the most of the available light. Please allow a separate budget for meals and personal expenses.
Acommodation
During our photographic adventure through the Lofoten Islands with IceMonkey Tours, we will stay in a variety of charming hotels, carefully selected for both their proximity to the photographic destinations on our route and their comfort. To keep pace with our ever-changing photographic itinerary, we will move to different hotels throughout the journey, ensuring we are as close as possible to each day’s points of interest. You will enjoy comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms to fully enjoy your photographic adventure.
- Single room supplement: + $900.
FAQs
The workshop takes place from October 12 to 20, 2026, over 9 days and 8 nights.
The workshop takes place in the Lofoten Islands, Norway, with bases in Leknes and Reine and photography sessions along the surrounding coast, villages and fjords.
The workshop is led by José D. Riquelme, founder of IceMonkey Tours, who will share his knowledge and techniques. You will also have the opportunity to learn about aerial photography with drones.
The workshop is designed for photographers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Sessions will be adapted to meet the needs of all participants, including an introduction to using drones for photography.
You may bring a drone for photography in Lofoten. Flights depend on weather, local restrictions and permission at each location. Please check the current Norwegian requirements before travelling and confirm planned drone use with your guide.
Yes, there will be specific sessions during the workshop dedicated to aerial photography with drones. Our experts will guide you on best practices and techniques for capturing spectacular images from the air.
Yes, our instructors will be happy to provide guidance on selecting and configuring drones for photography, both before and during the event.
Yes, we recommend it for learning editing techniques.
-
$3.900
- October 12-20, 2026 (departure in progress)
- Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
- Languages: english / spanish
- Places: 10
- Activity Level: All levels
"*" indicates required fields
Legal terms for all tours ICEMONKEY
Deposit Policy: A reservation is confirmed upon a deposit of US$ 1,000. No spots will be reserved without the deposit.
Final Payment: The final amount must be paid 30 days before the trip begins.
We understand that attending our workshops requires prior commitment, and also that life events can occur that force you to cancel a trip. Depending on the cancellation date, the following conditions will apply:
- More than 90 days before the start date of the workshop: Full refund of payments made.
- Between 90 and 60 days before the start of the workshop: 50% of the booking will be refunded.
- 60-30 days before the start of the workshop: 35% of the booking will be refunded.
- Within 30 days prior to the start of the workshop: No refund will be made.
Accidents:
- IceMonkey is not responsible for accidents to workshop participants and will not cover medical expenses if necessary. During the workshop, each participant is responsible for their own safety and physical integrity.
- IceMonkey is not responsible for accidents or loss of photographic equipment during the workshop. Each participant is responsible for their own photographic equipment.
Travel insurance is mandatory.
Punctuality:
- Each day of the expedition, all participants must be punctual at the established time. All participants must be at the starting point of the expedition for its beginning. In case of delays due to inconveniences, the participant must communicate with someone from the IceMonkey staff as soon as possible.
- Respect:
Participants may be at different levels of knowledge about the subject, which requires patience when explaining topics that are already familiar to them. The photographic area of each participant must be respected. Disrespect towards a participant or staff member will not be tolerated.
This is a discrimination-free space. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Climate:
- The tour and its itinerary depend on the weather and can change at any moment. We will always be attentive to the best weather conditions to determine where to go and optimize the taking of photographs.