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Lofoten Islands, Norway

Above the Arctic Circle

By Tom Dorsz

November 3^rd, 2025

February 2025

🇳🇴 The Lofoten Islands, tucked above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, are truly breathtaking. Jagged mountain peaks rise straight from the sea, rugged beaches stretch beneath dramatic skies, and small fishing villages dot the coastline like storybook scenes. The weather shifts constantly—one moment calm and glowing, the next wild and windswept—which only adds to the magic.

When I travel, I like to seek out photography workshops in the destinations I'm exploring. They offer invaluable local knowledge and help ensure I’m standing in the right place at the right time to capture the landscape at its best. For this trip, I joined Capture the Atlas, a photography workshop group that handled transportation from the airport, lodging, and travel between shooting locations. They also provided classes and hands-on guidance in Photoshop and Lightroom—always a welcome bonus, as I love picking up new editing tricks and seeing how others approach these powerful tools.

Before the trip, the Capture the Atlas team sent thorough planning materials—gear lists, clothing recommendations, travel notes, and checklists. I still managed to overpack (not surprising), but at least I didn’t forget anything essential. I made sure to carry all my important camera equipment in my carry-on in case my checked bag went missing—always have a backup plan! And speaking of plans, one guarantee in travel is unexpected expenses, so I always leave extra room in the budget for surprises.

To keep things organized, I loaded all my flights, hotel and workshop details, and transportation plans into TripIt, which also gave my wife a full view of the itinerary. She also keeps “Find Tom” turned on her iPhone—which she's used more than a few times. 😉

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Flight from Bodø to Lofoten, Norway

I stayed at the Scandic Hotel in Leknes the first night before meeting my workshop group. It was the ideal place to unwind with a cold beer and savor fiskesuppe, a creamy fish soup packed with generous chunks of cod and salmon, before getting some much-needed rest.

LEKNES

The next morning, I met up with our Capture the Atlas workshop group at the Scandic Hotel. From there, we headed a short distance to our home for the next few days—Lofoten Basecamp. Our cabins were cozy, well-equipped, and perfectly situated with breathtaking views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains.

And as if the scenery wasn’t magical enough, we were treated to the northern lights on our very first night. A spectacular welcome to the Arctic!

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

HAUKLAND BEACH

Our first stop was Haukland Beach, just a quick 10-minute drive from Leknes. This gorgeous stretch of shoreline is known for its soft sand and dramatic mountain backdrop—made even more spectacular in winter, when snow blankets the landscape and the peaks glow white against the sky.

Reaching the beach was simple, thanks to a well-worn snowy path. Once there, I had countless compositions to choose from. I eventually settled on a low-angle spot and set up for a long-exposure shot to capture the wave swash—the motion of waves sweeping up the sand and then receding back into the sea.

My waterproof snow pants and boots definitely earned their place in my bag; kneeling in the icy sand and shallow water was no problem, and staying warm and dry made all the difference. The result was exactly the kind of Arctic coastal scene I had hoped to capture.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

FLAKSTADØYA

We were up bright and early, hitting the road at 7 a.m. in hopes of catching a colorful sunrise. The sun, however, had other plans and stayed tucked behind a thick layer of clouds. But even without dramatic light, the morning offered its own kind of magic.

At low tide, the beach revealed a series of shallow pools that created stunning mirror-like reflections of the mountains and sky. To reach the spot safely, I strapped on my ice cleats—an essential accessory here—since the rocks and frozen ground were incredibly slick. It wasn't the sunrise we’d hoped for, but the peaceful quiet and beautiful reflections more than made up for it.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Nestled at the base of steep, snow-covered peaks, this tiny village feels almost swallowed by the dramatic landscape around it. The mountains rise sharply from the sea, making the scale of the place—and the resilience of the people who live here—truly striking. I converted the image to black and white to highlight the contrast between the modest cluster of buildings, the towering mountains, and the wild coastline. The monochrome tones really bring out that powerful sense of isolation and grandeur.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

REINE

💨 Reine is a tiny fishing village tucked along Reinefjorden, framed by the dramatic Lofoten peaks and the icy Norwegian Sea. It's one of the most photographed spots in Norway—and for good reason. This charming village became our home base for the next three days as we explored this stunning corner of the Lofoten archipelago.

When we arrived, we were greeted not by calm Arctic stillness, but by pounding rain and fierce winds. Storms from the southwest bring milder temperatures—but they also arrive with gale-force gusts, and for three days they did not let up.

Even so, Reine's beauty still managed to shine through. Storm clouds ripping across jagged mountains, waves crashing against the coast, and cozy lights glowing from the village—it was dramatic, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.

Standing on the Hamnøy Bridge in the heart of the Lofoten Islands, I captured the classic red rorbuer (traditional fishing cabins) set against the dramatic backdrop of Festhelltinden Mountain, with waves crashing relentlessly against the rocks below. It’s one of the most iconic viewpoints in Norway—and an unforgettable one. Just be prepared for the elements… on days when the wind roars with gusts over 80 km/h, holding a camera steady becomes its own little adventure!

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Looking toward the Hamnøy Bridge in Reine, Norway, I couldn’t help but notice the iconic fish-drying racks in the foreground—an essential part of life in the Lofoten Islands. These wooden racks have been used for generations to dry cod naturally in the cold Arctic air, without any salt. The climate here is perfectly suited for it—cool enough to preserve the fish while allowing it to dry slowly.

Depending on the size of the cod, the drying process takes around 16 weeks. Once fully dried, the fish is soaked in water to rehydrate and becomes stockfish, a staple in traditional Norwegian dishes.

And yes, I gave the dried fish chips a try… but I have to admit, they weren’t for me. Let’s just say they lived up to their reputation—very dry!

Lofoten Islands, Norway

SEAFOOD

Seafood quickly became a way of life during my time in the Lofotens. Every meal seemed to come straight from the ocean—salmon, fiskesuppe, cod, and yes, even whale. Everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and I happily leaned into the local cuisine.

Whale was the biggest surprise. I expected something similar to beef, but it was nothing like steak. The meat was almost black, with a flavor and texture entirely its own—part wild game, part ocean, but really in a category of its own.

Minke whales are the only species still hunted commercially in Norway, and they’re plentiful in these waters, with an Atlantic population estimated above 100,000. They migrate north each spring to feed in the Norwegian and Barents Seas before heading south for winter. Whaling is deeply rooted in Norwegian history and culture—though it remains a controversial practice today. Tasting it offered a unique glimpse into a tradition that still shapes life in this part of the world.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

SAKRISØY

Our next stop was the tiny fishing village of Sakrisøy, perched on its own little island and surrounded by a wall of dramatic, jagged peaks. I followed a narrow path along the roadside, looking for the perfect spot to sit and frame the scene. The wind was relentless—strong enough to shake my tripod and make it tough to hold still for long. I tightened everything down and adjusted my settings to keep the shot sharp despite the gusts. The effort was worth it—the views here are nothing short of spectacular.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

This view of Sakrisøy comes from high up along the mountain face, looking down toward the tiny village below. Reaching this spot was an adventure in itself. Since there wasn’t any place for our bus to park, we had to make our way up a narrow path beside the road. The wind was roaring—truly some of the strongest gusts I’ve ever felt. I found myself hanging onto the guardrail on the way up and back down just to stay steady. The steep slope funneled the wind right at us.

Even with the wild conditions, the moment I looked out over the village and fjord, I knew the climb (and the wind battle!) was absolutely worth it. An unforgettable view!

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Our group stopped at the iconic yellow house in Sakrisøy, tucked within the small fishing village of Moskenes. From this spot, the cabin lines up perfectly with the towering mountain behind it — almost as if the landscape and architecture were designed to complement each other.

The house’s vibrant yellow façade stands out boldly against the dramatic peaks, capturing the charm and character of this remote corner of Norway. Standing here feels like stepping into a postcard — one of those scenes that almost doesn’t look real until you’re right in front of it.

Interestingly, this cheerful color carries history. Yellow paint was once considered a sign of wealth in Norway, as it was more expensive to produce than the traditional red paint made from iron oxide. Yellow pigment required a pricier mix of copper and cod liver oil, making it a rare and prestigious choice. Beyond aesthetics, the bright color also served a practical purpose — helping buildings remain visible during the long, dark Norwegian winters.

The Yellow Cabin

No visit to Sakrisøy is complete without a stop at Anita’s, and it was buzzing with people when we arrived. The cozy spot offers a fantastic selection of fresh seafood, along with sausages and unique local treats to take home. I enjoyed a delicious open-faced shrimp sandwich — perfectly light and flavorful — and picked up a whale sausage as a little souvenir from the Lofoten Islands.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

UTTAKLEIV BEACH

UUttakleiv Beach is one of the most breathtaking spots in the Lofoten Islands, especially if you’re drawn to dramatic waves and rugged, rocky shorelines. The boulder-strewn left side of the beach offers incredible viewpoints, but winter adds its own challenges—ice, slick rocks, and sudden waves. I strapped on ice cleats and stayed vigilant, especially while photographing, just in case the surf decided to creep up on me.

Continue along the shore and you’ll reach the Dragon’s Eye, a remarkable natural pothole carved during the last ice age. Clear water fills a perfectly circular basin with a smooth stone at the center, creating the illusion of a watching eye. With swirling textures and striking color, this ancient feature is one of Uttakleiv’s most captivating sights.

And if you’re lucky enough to visit at night and catch the aurora dancing overhead, you’ve truly hit the jackpot.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

FLAKSTAD KIRKE

Flakstad Kirke is a charming red church with a distinctive onion-shaped dome, standing in striking contrast to the snow-covered peaks and rugged landscape of Flakstad, Norway. Its history stretches back centuries—records mention a church here as early as 1430, though some elements, like the limestone baptismal font from the late 1200s, suggest the site has been sacred even longer.

The original timber-framed cruciform church was destroyed in a storm around 1780. It was soon rebuilt on nearly the same spot, using Russian timber, and even received a chandelier from Russia. Several pieces from the first church, including two chandeliers and the altar table, were carried into the new structure. Today, its central tower topped with a small onion dome gives Flakstad Kirke its signature silhouette, making it one of the most memorable churches in the Lofoten Islands.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

RAMBERGSTRANDA BEACH

This bright red fishing cabin along Rambergstranda Beach pops beautifully against the misty, snow-covered landscape. These traditional cabins, known as rorbuer (singular rorbu), are iconic in the Lofoten Islands. Originally built on stilts along the shoreline, they housed visiting fishermen—often several to a cabin. The name comes from the Norwegian words ro (to row) and bu (small house), and the first cluster of rorbuer dates back to around 900 AD, when fishermen flocked here for the rich coastal waters.

One thing that surprised me during my visit was the water’s brilliant turquoise color—something I usually associate with tropical beaches. The effect comes from the bright white sand beneath the shallows, which reflects light and creates that stunning icy-blue glow. Even in winter, Lofoten’s coastal beauty is full of surprises.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

SØRVÅGEN WATERFALL

I hiked up to Sørvågen Waterfall in Norway’s Lofoten Islands—a short 70-meter climb that’s easy and absolutely worth it. The waterfall is set in a gorgeous mountain landscape, making it ideal for wide-angle photography. To capture the full scale of the scene, I stitched together three images into a panoramic view that really highlights just how expansive and dramatic the surroundings are. It’s a perfect spot to pause, breathe, and soak in the wild beauty of northern Norway.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Å

The village of Å is famous for having one of the shortest place names in the world. Pronounced like the English letter “O,” the name comes from the Old Norse word á, meaning “stream” or “small river.” Å sits at the very southern tip of the Lofoten archipelago, on the island of Moskenesøya.

For centuries, Å was a traditional fishing village best known for producing stockfish. It wasn’t until the 1990s that tourism became the main source of income here—fitting for a village with such a memorable name and rich coastal history.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

VOLANDSTIND MOUNTAIN

This was the final stop on my journey through the Lofoten Islands. Although there’s a trail leading to the summit, our group chose to explore the boggy shoreline below instead—the climb to the top is steep and best suited for those ready for a good workout. Even from the lower ground, the scenery here is incredible.

This area is also a dream for drone photography. From above, you can capture the dramatic bridges that leap from island to island and the jagged, shark-fin-shaped mountain rising over the landscape. Those who make it to the summit are rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views over two fjords—Skjelfjorden and Selfjorden. Continue a bit farther along the ridge and you'll reach a second, lower peak, offering a stunning vantage point toward the famous Fredvang bridges.

A spectacular place to end an unforgettable adventure in Lofoten.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Our group photo. Jared summed it up nicely... — Our group photo. Jared summed it up nicely..."“They flew in through a storm, and with packs on their backs, they set out to find the light. Along the way, our weary travelers became more than a group of men and women searching for leading lines. They beca

Footnotes

All photos are mine except where noted in the caption.

FootNotes

All photos are mine except where noted in the caption.

© 2026 Tom Dorsz

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