Chase the Northern Lights with a Photographer

Chase the Northern Lights with a Photographer offers a unique blend of natural wonder and practical skill-building in the stunning setting of Nordland County, Norway. For around $142 per person, you’ll spend four hours touring the archipelago in search of the elusive aurora borealis. Led by knowledgeable guides and a professional photographer, this small-group adventure prioritizes both the awe of seeing the Northern Lights and the joy of capturing perfect photos yourself.

What we love about this experience is how it balances educational insights with the thrill of witnessing a natural phenomenon. The guide’s stories about the Northern Lights’ impact on local culture add depth, while the photography instruction helps you turn fleeting moments into lasting memories. Also, the small group size—limited to just 8 participants—means plenty of personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.

A potential downside is that, in bad weather, the tour might be rescheduled or canceled, which could be disappointing if you’re counting on clear skies. Also, since warm clothes and a camera are not included, you’ll need to come prepared with your own gear if you want to capture the lights professionally.

This tour suits travelers who love natural scenery, enjoy learning new skills, and want a more involved experience than just watching the sky from a distance. It’s ideal for those who appreciate expert guidance and are eager to take home stunning photos of one of nature’s most dazzling displays.

Key Points

• Expert guidance: Led by knowledgeable guides and a professional photographer, providing both storytelling and photography tips.
• Small group intimacy: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Learning opportunity: Basic instruction on capturing the Northern Lights, tripod use, and camera settings.
• Flexible scheduling: Book now and pay later, with options to cancel 24 hours in advance.
• Weather-dependent: In case of poor weather, the tour may be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund.
• All-inclusive elements: Tripod, warm drinks, and expert guidance are provided, but you’ll need your own camera and warm clothing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Northern Lights Experience

When you sign up for this tour, you’re signing up for more than just a chase across Norway’s stunning archipelago. You’re signing up for a personalized adventure that combines the natural spectacle of the Aurora Borealis with hands-on photography lessons. This isn’t a busload of travelers staring skyward; it’s an intimate journey designed to deepen your appreciation of one of Earth’s most captivating displays.

The itinerary and transportation

The tour begins with pickup at Svinøya Rorbuer at 8:15 PM or the Thon Hotel Lofoten at 8:30 PM. From there, you’ll hop into a cozy minivan or minibus — depending on weather or group size — and set off across the Norwegian archipelago. The small group size (just 8 people max) ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the vehicle allows for flexible stops at promising spots with clear views of the night sky.

The drive itself is part of the adventure. As you travel along narrow coastal roads and open beaches, your guides will share stories about the Northern Lights’ cultural significance and explain the science behind the dancing lights. This background enriches the experience, transforming it from a simple sky-watching trip into a meaningful exploration.

The Northern Lights and the local backdrop

Lofoten’s dramatic scenery makes this tour special. Think jagged mountains, quiet beaches, and peaceful fishing villages. When the aurora appears, it often does so over the ocean, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect that photographers dream of capturing. As Maria Carmen Lopez Mosteiro noted in her review, her guide Eric was excellent at not only guiding but also taking wonderful photos of the group – a bonus that many travelers find invaluable.

Learning to photograph the aurora

One of the key features of this tour is the photography instruction. A professional photographer will teach you how to get the best shot of the Northern Lights, including tips on using a tripod, adjusting camera settings, and framing your shot. You’ll receive a tripod as part of the package, which is essential for low-light photography.

For many travelers, content like “Eric took us wonderful photos” is a highlight, but it’s also an empowering skill that allows you to go home with images you’re proud of. As the reviews suggest, guides are helpful and friendly, making the learning process engaging and approachable. Some guests, like Corey, appreciated the photos they received, though they hoped for more of the lights themselves, which is understandable given the unpredictable nature of the phenomenon.

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What’s included and what to bring

Included in the tour are warm drinks and a tripod, along with the expertise of guides and photographers. However, you’ll need to bring your own camera (or smartphone if you’re just interested in snapshots) and warm clothing — think layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes. The area can get quite cold, especially late at night, so being prepared is key.

The weather factor

In Norway, especially in winter, the weather can change quickly. The tour provider states they reserve the right to reschedule or cancel in case of poor weather, with a full refund. This is a sensible policy, but it means you should be flexible with your plans and check the weather forecast beforehand.

Who should book this tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want more than just a casual view of the Northern Lights. It suits photographers eager to improve their skills, as well as culture lovers interested in the Aurora’s significance. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate small group sizes and personalized attention—you’ll find guides eager to make sure everyone gets the best experience possible.

Final thoughts

For around $142, this tour offers an excellent balance of spectacular natural scenery, cultural storytelling, and practical photography skills. You’ll get the chance to witness the Northern Lights in a setting that’s both beautiful and meaningful, armed with tips to help you capture this fleeting phenomenon. The intimacy of a small group means you won’t feel rushed or lost, and the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making the experience all the more memorable.

If you’re someone who wants to turn a chance encounter with the Aurora into a personal achievement — be it a photo or a story — this tour is a strong choice. Just remember to come prepared with warm clothes and your camera gear, and be ready for a night of wonder, learning, and perhaps a bit of luck.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with starting times available based on availability.
• Where does the tour start? Pickups are at Svinøya Rorbuer at 8:15 PM or the Thon Hotel Lofoten at 8:30 PM.
• Is the tour suitable for children? The information provided doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the late hours and outdoor conditions, it’s best for older children or teenagers.
• What should I bring? You should bring comfortable shoes and warm clothes. Cameras are not included, so bring your own if you want to photograph the lights.
• What’s included in the price? A professional photographer guide, tripod, and warm drinks are included, along with the guided experience.
• Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• What happens in bad weather? The tour may be rescheduled or canceled in poor weather, with a full refund provided.
• Is transportation provided? Yes, transportation is included from the designated pickup points in a small group vehicle.
• Will I get photos of the Northern Lights? Guides may take photos of the group, but based on reviews, the focus is on teaching you how to take your own pictures.

This honest, detailed review should help you decide whether this Northern Lights tour aligns with your travel goals — whether it’s capturing that perfect shot or simply marveling at one of nature’s most enchanting displays.

You can check availability for your dates here: