Lofoten Islands. Photo and Travel Guide. Second Edition 2020. PDF e-book
Lofoten is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists and photographers around the world. I wrote this manual to share my Lofoten travel experience with you. I’d be very glad if this book helps and inspires you to create new amazing photos.
Introduction
Are you planning a visit to the Lofoten Islands and are you looking for useful information about it?
You have found it!
I am Marat Stepanoff a writer and full-time professional photographer.
Two years ago I created this online resource to help you find the information you need and inspire you on this journey.
Today it is one of the most popular sites about the Lofoten Islands with online traffic of several thousand people per month.
I also wrote a Lofoten Islands Photo and Travel Guide.
And compiled Google map of the Lofoten Islands, which was viewed by more than 33,000 people only during the first year.
Explore it and follow the links for the complete information you need. You will not get lost here. And from any page, you can get into the section of the site that interests you.
Quick Planing Lofoten Islands Travel Guide
- Find the best flights to Lofoten
- Travel insurance. This is very important especially if your activity involves hiking, biking, kayaking, and hiking in the mountains. I recommend the insurance company Word Nomads
- To rent a car get great deals on Rentalcars
- Lofoten Accommodation: Elisassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy, Reinefjorden Sjøhus in Reine, Anker Brygge located on an island just off Svolvær Harbor, Scandic Leknes Lofoten the best in Leknes, Nusfjord Arctic Resort in Nusfjord
- If you’d like Activities:
- Read Lofoten Islands Travel Guide
- Look into my camera bag
Lofoten Islands | The Unbridled Beauty of the Arctic Archipelago
The Geography of the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are located in the severe waters of the Norwegian Sea between the 68th and 69th parallels north of the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway.
Еhe archipelago consists of seven islands: Austvågøy, Gimsøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøy, Moskenesøy, Værøy and Røst. The area of the islands is about 1,230 square kilometers (474 square miles). About 24,000 inhabitants live here.
The main city is Svolvær. Harstad, Reine and Leknes are major cities of the archipelago.
Lofoten Islands is located 170 km above Arctic Circle and has seven islands.
Five main of them called Austvågøy, Gimsøya, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøya, and Moskenesøya and easy for the journey. Two small Værøy and Røst accessible by ferry.
Austvågøy, Gimsøya, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøya, and Moskenesøya connected by the E10 scenic route and called “King Olav V route”.
This is a 186-mile road passing through all five islands and connecting the Lofoten Islands with the mainland. Perhaps this is one of the most picturesque routes in the world.
This is the edge of wild, wild nature, majestic mountains, deep fjords, noisy bird colonies and long sandy beaches.
If you are looking for unforgettable impressions of nature, Lofoten Islands will more than meet your expectations. Due to the varied landscape, mountain tours, skiing, rafting, and diving are also possible here.
It is also one of the best places in Norway for surfing and one of the most northerly in the world. But above all those are stunning landscapes for your photography!
The Lofoten Islands History
The first people came to Lofoten 7,000 – 8,000 years ago. During the Stone Age, people made fishing and hunting and grain was harvested early as 4,000 years ago.
The Viking Age is the next period of history.
The Lofoten Islands have deeps roots in the Viking Age. In the Lofotr Museum of the Vikings, one can completely immerse oneself into their life. In the town of Borg where the museum is to be found, archaeologists have discovered the longest dwelling of the Vikings ever found. The building was 83 meters long and has been recreated as a living museum.
The Lofoten Fisheries has been important. In 1107, King Øystein built a church in Storvågan and also built the first fisherman’s cabins (rorbuer).
Until recently, fishing remained the main source of income for locals.
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Climate in Lofoten
The warm Gulf Stream has a strong impact on the climate of the Lofoten Islands.
The climate in the Lofoten Islands is in winters mild and summers cool. January and February are the coldest months with an average temperature of 33°F. July and August are warmest with an average temperature of 54°F. The weather is rainy all year round, May and June are the driest months, with an average rainfall of 40mm.
Due to the warm Gulfstream, the climate in the Lofotens is much milder than in other parts of the world at this latitude. From May to July the sun never sets and from September to mid-April, you can observe the Northern lights.
THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS TRAVEL INFORMATION
Lofoten Islands travel map
There is an interactive Google map of the Lofoten Islands. This will help you plan your trip. Save this Google map on your smartphone or tablet and use it during the trip.
This is an exclusive map of Lofoten that I created especially for you. Save it in your Google maps!
How to get to Lofoten Islands
There are three most convenient ways to get to the Lofoten Islands.
- By plane. Svolvær Airport and Leknes Airport both have regular flight direct flights to several Norwegian and international airports.
- By ferry. From Bodø to Moskenes depending on conditions 3h 15m – 4 hr
- By car. The E10 connects the mainland to Lofoten. This is a beautiful scenic route passing as far as Å i Lofoten.
The best time to visit Lofoten Islands
The landscape changes completely from one season to another!
I advise visiting the Lofoten in different seasons. But summer and winter are preferable.
If you want a hike to secluded beaches or mountains, summer from early July to mid-August is your pick.
If observing the Northern Lights, the snow-capped mountains are considered by many to be the main purpose of the visit Winther is your time.
Unlike most people, I like autumn. There is a riot of colors, easy hiking, epic views, little bite snow in the mountains and the Northern Lights too.
Best Photography Locations in the Lofoten Islands
There are a lot of spots for landscape photography on the Lofoten Islands. Some of them are easily accessible and you can get there by car. Others will have to be reached on foot or even by ferry. In any case, they are available to any person of normal physical shape.
These are some of the most interesting locations for landscape photography.
Haukland and Uttakleiv Beaches
Haukland Beach and Uttakleiv Beach in Lofoten are iconic photography spot for many visitors. The beaches are located 11 kilometers from Leknes.
The first one is Haukland beach. There are a wild camping site and parking. Haukland beach also called Northern Bounty.
Turquoise water, a large sandy beach framed by mountain peaks. This is the best place to start exploring the Lofoten Islands.
Drive through the tunnel or take a walk from Haukland beach to Uttakleiv beach. This is the second beautiful beach in Lofoten.
Find the “Eye of Uttekleiv” among the boulders on the shore. Admire the sunset in summer and the Northern Lights in winter.
I recommend spending at least two days here. Moreover, there are at least three amazing hikes.
Ryten Mountain and Kvalvika Beach
Ryten and Kvalvika are a must-have location in Lofoten. This is not accessible by car. You will have to go on foot. The route is not hard. But it will take a whole day. This is one of the most beautiful hiking trails on the Lofoten Islands.
The Village Reine and Reinebringen
Reine is one of the favorite destinations on the Lofoten Islands.
Reine located 5km from Hamnøy and 3km from Sakrisøy. This means that you can visit all three locations during one photo session. The main viewpoint of Reine is the bridge that you will find as a turn left from E10 to Reine. Just stay your car in the parking lot and walk along the bridge.
There is a start to the trailhead to Reinebringen. Only 400 steps up the stair and you are on the top.
Hamnøy
If you saw photos of the Lofoten Islands, then most likely it was a view of the Hamnoy village. The best time to shoot is dawn.
Don’t limit yourself to the classic view from the bridge. Take a walk around the village and find other photographic angles. I like this place. Here are considered wildlife and architecture. It looks very harmonious.
Sakrisøy
To take pictures of the Sakrisøy you do not have to visit it. The best view opens from the other side of the bay. Take a walk from the bridge from which you shot the Hamnoy and find the best photo spot for yourself.
This, as well as the Hamnoy, is a typical dawn location.
Mannen Mountain
I believe that one of the best views of the Lofoten Islands opens from Mannen mountain.
There is not very hard hiking to the top, but you will have a view of Uttakleiv Beach on one side and Haukland Beach and mountain peaks behind it on the other. It is just amazing views.
Climbing the mountain will take no more than one hour. Plan to get upstairs about one hour before sunset.
Bunes and Horseid Beaches
If you plan to visit both beaches it will take at least two days. You will also need a tent and camping equipment. There are no hotels or campsites on the Bunes and Horseid beaches.
A reasonable compromise may be a visit only to Bunes beach.
Storsandnes Beach and Myrland
Located next to each other Storsandnes Beach and Myrland is a great place for evening photography sessions and observation of the Northern Lights in winter.
Fisherman’s huts Rorbuer
To see traditional fisherman’s huts, get to Å or Nusfjord. These are two old fisherman villages that have retained their pristine flavor.
Rorbuer is a traditional fishing hut in Norway. Most of them are hotels now. This is a comfortable accommodation for the most demanding tourists.
Some fishing villages are hotels now and points of interest for visitors. In addition to hotels there are restaurants, souvenir shops and museums.
The Midnight Sun in Lofoten Islands
Lofoten Islands are located more than 150 km beyond the Arctic Circle. Therefore, here in the summer, there is a natural phenomenon called the Midnight Sun. From May 26 to July 19, every year, the sun does not sink below the horizon.
Thousands of tourists come to the land of the midnight sun to enjoy it.
Of course, the Midnight Sun is a theme for landscape photography. And the Lofoten Islands is one of the most beautiful places to shoot it.
The Northern Lights in Lofoten Islands
From late August to mid-April you can see the Northern Lights on the Lofoten Islands.
Much depends on the weather and solar activity, but if you are lucky your portfolio will be replenished with new amazing pictures.
Outdoor Activities
You may be limited himself to landscape photography, but it will not be right. There are many outdoor activities.
Hiking
First of all, these are not heavy but extremely picturesque hiking in the mountains. Actually, without hiking, you won’t take many beautiful photos.
Surfing
The second most popular hobby is surfing. Places, where you can surf, are Unstad Beach and Skagsanden Beach. Here you can rent the necessary equipment.
Kayaking
Kayaking is also very popular in the Lofoten Islands. Besides the fact that you get the opportunity to shoot the beach from an unusual angle.
Where to stay
Booking.comTravel Equipment
Of course, your equipment will depend on the time of year when you go on a trip. But it should be remembered that Lofoten is located beyond the Arctic Circle and even in summer it is cool. In any case, I recommend having a Layer System.
Let’s look at what equipment you need in summer and winter.
Summer Equipment
You should understand that in summer the temperature ranges from 4-6 ° C in the morning to 10-14 ° C, sometimes up to 20 ° C in the afternoon. It rains all the time. The mountains are very windy.
I recommend summer equipment from the layers:
- Lightweight hiking boots and sneakers or sandals for walking
- Lightweight hiking pants that dry quickly
- Several t-shirts
- Light fleece jacket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- If necessary, you can wear it all together
- Sunscreen
Winter Equipment
In winter, temperatures rarely drop below zero.
Strong winds, wet snow or rain will be your constant companions.
- Warm waterproof jacket required
- Warm hiking boots
- Warm hiking pants
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece jacket
- A hat
- The gloves. I strongly recommend Vallerret Photography Gloves
Photography Gear for Lofoten Islands
- Camera DSLR or mirrorless
- Extra batteries
- Lenses 14-24mm (full-frame), 24-70mm, 70-200mm (optional)
- Сable release
- Tripod. I use a Gitzo carbon tripod and ball head.
- Filters ND, grad ND, polarizer
- Chargers, spare CF/SD cards
- Laptop for editing with software: Lightroom or Photoshop
Useful Tips for Travel to the Lofoten Islands
In Norway, everything is like everywhere but there are features
Some of them.
Language: Norwegian. Of course, no one understands the Norwegian language, but the Norwegians are great guys and they know about it. Therefore, everyone speaks English.
Currency: NOK (Norwegian Krone). The difference in rates between USD / Euro is approximately 1: 9 or so. Norway is a very advanced country and you do not need cash. Well, almost never. Well, if only at a gas station or for a ferry ticket to the Bunes beach or maybe somewhere else. However, somewhere there will always be a pockmarked ATM.
Phone and Internet: Almost everywhere there is a telephone connection and 3G and 4G.
Each hotel has Wi-Fi. Also Wi-Fi is available in restaurants and large stores. You will have no problems posting a story on Instagram.
Informational resources
RORBUER
THE BEST ACTIVITIES ON THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS
- Explore the Lofoten Islands with Lofoten Archipelago 5-Hour Panoramic Tour from Svolvær
- Enjoy the magic of the Northern lights
- Discover Lofoten with Kayaking (only summer-time). Admire the breathtaking scenery and kayak around Trollfjord
- Up your photography skill with Photography Tour of the Lofoten Islands
- Join our Northern Lights weekly photo tour
MOST SCENIC PLACES
Explore new places in Lofoten. You have already heard of some of them. There is my absolute TOP of the best locations you should visit during your trip.
Unstad beach is very famous among surfers. But you can here relax, take pictures and go hiking. I like to shoot a sunset on the Unstad beach. Read More
You will definitely see Storsandnes beach if you go to Mirland. The place is very beautiful. But not so popular. Perhaps this is good for the Storsandnes beach. It’s a good place for wild camping. Read More
Myrland is a tiny fishing village. It’s a little difficult to get here without a car. There is nothing interesting here, except for a small and very beautiful beach. Read More
Vik beach located on the way to Uttakleiv beach. This beach is not as popular as its famous neighbors such as Haukland and Uttaklev. But Vik is a very beautiful place. Be sure to visit. Read More
I do not like the Ramberg beach. There are always a lot of people. Past often passing cars. But if you walk along the coast towards Skagsanden beach we can find landscapes like on this photo. Read More
I shot this photo on Yettersand beach. It was 1-30 a.m. Yes, it’s the midnight sun. Until July 17, you can have time to watch it. Amazing feeling. But it’s very difficult to wait for the Golden Hour. But sunset and dawn at the same time. It’s good. Shoot the sunset, then the dawn. You don’t have to go to bed late and get up early. Just be ready to take pictures by midnight. Read More
Be sure to take the time to hike at Holandsmelen. The view from the mountain is amazing. Read More
Lofoten Islands. Travel and Photo Guide.
The Lofoten Islands are my main photographic topic. If you want to find out the best points of view on Lofoten Islands and extend your personal knowledge about taking photos you should read my book “Lofoten Islands Travel and Photo Guide”.
Lofoten Islands. Photo and Travel Guide. Second Edition 2020 PDF e-book
Lofoten is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists and photographers around the world. I wrote this manual to share my Lofoten travel experience with you. I’d be very glad if this book helps and inspires you to create new amazing photos.
$ 14.90
LOFOTEN ISLANDS: Photo and Travel Guide Yes, I want to read it
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