We’re going to the Lofoten Islands (Norway)...

Are you in?

Around the New Moon...

From January 19th to January 25th 2026, Francesco Gola and Laura Oppelt (PhotoPills Masters) will be traveling across the Lofoten Islands to photograph the Aurora Borealis, the Moon and January’s endless Golden Light along with Arctic frozen landscapes, wild beaches, dramatic mountains and picturesque fishing villages...

Right when the Sun is in the period of solar maximum, which means we will be more likely to see and photograph the dancing green lights of the Aurora!

Of course...

We’ll be taking photos all day long...

In late January the golden hour lasts for more than 6 hours non stop in Lofoten!

But...

Can you imagine it?

To photograph the Aurora Borealis, the Moon and the magical winter Golden Light with massive snow-capped peaks, stunning rock formations, vibrant red cabins (known as rorbu), endless Arctic fjords, brave seascapes, remote beaches, lonely trees and the frozen landscapes...

We’re dreaming about it!

To achieve it, we’ll use the planning power of PhotoPills and the expert knowledge of Francesco Gola and Laura Oppelt to always be at the right place at the right time.

Top secret: we have quite a few legendary photos planned already... including a super cool Moon alignment ;)

The Deal (Only 1 Spot Left)

We're offering you a €500 discount on the regular price!

All you have to do is to book the last spot available before Sunday December 14th.

Read carefully all the details of this unique adventure.

And when you’re ready, click here to book your spot:

PRICE & BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Please, book as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

The Adventure

12 PhotoPillers | 2 PhotoPills Masters | Lofoten Islands (Norway) | Endless legendary photos

Warning! This is not a honeymoon...

We’re recruiting 12 brave PhotoPillers (PhotoPills and photography nerds) to join us on a 7-day expedition to photograph the Aurora Borealis and January’s endless Golden Light along with some of the most precious treasures hidden in the Lofoten Islands.

It’s winter and it’s going to be cold!

The average temperature is between 1ºC (33ºF) and -2ºC (28ºF). The mountains and hillsides will be covered in a white blanket of snow, creating a picturesque winter scenery.

Also...

The Sun is in the period of solar maximum, which means we will be more likely to see and photograph the dancing green lights of the Aurora!

And the golden hour lasts for more than 6 hours!

So...

This is a non-stop adventure to chase legendary photos and you are a key asset!

We have planned tons of photos, and we’ll travel many kilometers (and hike a few more) to capture them...

But we also want to maximize our flexibility in terms of itinerary and schedule in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that the changing weather will surely put in our way.

If we're fortunate enough to be out photographing the Aurora at night and it takes us into the late hours, we'll take a little extra sleep the next morning, skip Sunrise and kick start our day a bit later.

On the other hand, if the conditions make us skip the nighttime photography session, we'll rise and shine early to catch the Sunrise.

Whichever path we take, you can count on us to seize every photo opportunity and be right where the magic happens!

You are about to embark on a PhotoPills’ style journey. And it’s not going to be a honeymoon precisely... :P

You’ll be a true PhotoPiller!

Are you in?

Day 1. Monday, January 19th - Welcome to the Lofoten Islands

It’s Monday afternoon, and you land at Leknes Airport (LKN) in Lofoten, located at the 68th and 69th parallels north of the Arctic Circle in North Norway.

Welcome to the Arctic!

With its dramatic mountains, picturesque fishing villages, pristine beaches, and ever-changing light, Lofoten offers a plethora of opportunities to capture mesmerizing images...

And we’re all ready for action!

3:00 pm

After collecting your luggage, take the exit door to the main hall to meet Francesco Gola and Laura Oppelt... And probably a few more PhotoPillers :)

3:35 pm

Our first stop will be Hattvika Lodge, our base camp for the whole expedition :)

The lodge is located in an authentic fisherman’s area, where ambient oozes of history and a great view to the harbor of Hattvika. You’ll be surrounded by the islands’ typical fishermen cottages or rorbuer – the distinctive red cabins lining much of the coastline.

Here you’ll be sharing a traditional fisherman cottage or rorbu with a few other PhotoPillers. You’ll enjoy your own private room and share the bathroom (1 bathroom for 2 PhotoPillers) and living room area.

5:00 pm

Expedition briefing.

Francesco and Laura will go over the itinerary for the week, explaining the logistics, the locations and the photo opportunities we’ve specially planned for you. They’ll also cover the recommended gear and some important safety instructions.

Nighttime begins at 6:08 pm.

7:20 pm

Dinner in a local restaurant. This will be our first opportunity to taste the local cuisine.

Lofoten is a fishing hub, so get ready to enjoy lots of fish and seafood... But there are meat, vegetarian and vegan options too!

Ah! And don’t forget the knekkebrød, the traditional Norwegian crispbread that is often served alongside meals.

9:10 pm

In January, nighttime lasts for more than 12h in Lofoten...

The Moon is below the horizon...

All we need (and long for) when we’re out there in the cold, at night, is a clear sky and the greens, the blues and the reds of the Aurora dancing above our heads.

For the first night in Lofoten, we’ve chosen a beautiful beach...

In the municipality of Vestvågøy, we find the stunning Vik Beach, where the golden sands meet turquoise waters against a backdrop of majestic mountains, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.

If the sky is clear and we’re not lucky with the Aurora, we’ll photograph the thin Milky Way and a circumpolar image (Star Trails) above the peaks in front of us.

Before you choose your shooting spot, check PhotoPills to understand where exactly the Milky Way will be:

Tip: If you’d like to shoot a circumpolar image, you need to know that the PhotoPills map is oriented in a way that North is upwards... There you’ll find the Polaris. So choose your shooting spot and shooting direction wisely.

And if the sky is not clear, we’ll go to bed and wake up for Sunrise!

Sounds like a plan, don’t you think? :)

12:30 am

Bed time at the always super comfortable Hattvika lodge.

It’s been a long long first day... and many more will come!

Are you ready?

The chase of legendary moments in Lofoten has just begun ;)

Photographic Pills:

• Aurora, Milky Way, Star Trails, long exposures and reflections at the Vik Beach (Vestvågøy).

Day 2. Tuesday, January 20th - The Wonders of Hamnøy

7:00 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:55 am

Hamnøy or Hamnøya is a picturesque fishing village in Moskenes Municipality, on the eastern side of the island of Moskenesøya, celebrated for its postcard-perfect beauty and quintessential Nordic charm.

Set amidst a stunning natural landscape of towering mountains, serene fjords, and crystalline waters, Hamnøy encapsulates the essence of the Lofoten archipelago.

The village is characterized by its vibrant red and yellow fisherman's cabins or rorbu, which line the shoreline and add a vivid burst of color against the dramatic backdrop. These traditional cabins, often perched on stilts above the water, are a testament to the area's rich maritime history.

Hamnøy's quaint harbor, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and jagged cliffs, evokes a sense of tranquility and timelessness. Its wooden docks and charming bridges connect the village with a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.

The interplay of light and shadow across the landscape creates ever-changing vistas, making Hamnøy a canvas for stunning photography, especially during the golden hours of Sunrise and Sunset.

And there we’ll be, at Sunrise, photographing the iconic village.

We’re framing northeast, towards the bridge, the iconic red cabins and majestic mountain (Festhæltinden) in the background.

Since there are no obstructions, the mountains will be catching the very first light.

Blue hour begins at 8:47 am, golden hour begins at 9:18 am, Sunrise is at 10:18 am.

10:30 am

Toppøya is this quiet little island tucked away in the Lofoten Islands, and it has one of the best views you’ll find of Olstinden: a striking peak that’s kind of a celebrity in the area.

It’s especially magical in winter. Everything’s covered in snow, the shoreline sometimes freezes over, and the whole scene turns into this dreamy mix of mountains, sea, and sky.

Sunrise is when it really shines as the light is soft and pastel, and it makes the whole landscape feel like something out of a fairytale.

Olstinden just shoots up out of the fjord, and with the sun low on the horizon, you get this gorgeous golden glow against the cool blues of the snow. That soft Arctic light brings out every detail in the snowy peaks... It’s a photographer’s dream!

Sometimes the water is totally still, so you get these perfect reflections of the mountain and the sky. Other times it’s wild and full of energy, which can make for some really dramatic shots with waves in the foreground..

Once you’re on Toppøya, you’ll notice the whole composition shifts a bit. The angles, the landscape, the way the peaks line up... All the details can surprise you in the best way.

And thanks to the super long golden hour, we’ll have plenty of time to work with the light and capture Olstinden in all its glory.

You’ll also have a few different shooting spots to choose from, depending on what kind of shot you’re going for.

No worries though... Francesco and Laura know this place inside out and will guide you to the absolute best spots.

12:15 am

At a short driving distance we find Sakrisøy, a fishing village known for its cluster of distinctive red and yellow fisherman's cabins standing along the shoreline.

Here, we have lunch at a local restaurant.

1:30 pm

Sakrisøy's harbor, with its small boats and fishing paraphernalia, adds to the village's authenticity and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the local fishermen.

Here we know a few good shooting spots to photograph the cabins and the mountains behind them.

One of them is a viewpoint at the top of a hill offering amazing views over Sakrisøy's harbor. Right before Sunset, we’ll do a 0.6 km (0.37 mi) hike with a 40 m (131 ft) ascent, which will take us around half an hour.

From the top, you’ll get awesome views looking out over Sakrisøy and even across to Reine. It’s a perfect spot to catch that soft evening light.

Another fantastic spot features a yellow cabin that is perfectly placed for a super cool composition...

Wait and see!

Sunset is at 2:16 pm, golden hour ends at 3:16 pm and blue hour ends at 3:46 pm.

3:50 pm

After walking downhill, we get to the bus and drive back to the hotel.

5:00 pm

Take some time to leave your gear in your room at Hattvika Lodge and dress comfortably for what’s coming up.

5:30 pm

Francesco and Laura invite you to a PhotoPills class in a conference room we’ve specially booked for the occasion.

You’ll learn how to plan your shots with military precision using the Planner, Augmented Reality, and a few tricks you probably didn’t know existed.

Nighttime begins at 6:11 pm.

7:35 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

9:00 pm

If the aurora forecast looks promising, right after dinner, we will head out to the north part of Flakstadøya island, this area offers several beautiful spots facing the North East such as the beaches of Storsandnes and Vikten.

Today we’re checking out Storsandnes Beach. It’s tucked away on the northern coast of Flakstadøya, and it’s one of those quiet, out-of-the-way places that feels like your own private stretch of sand.

You’ve got dramatic mountains on one side and the endless Arctic Ocean on the other. Total peace.

In winter the sky gets properly dark, there’s almost zero light pollution, and when the aurora shows up, it’s seriously jaw-dropping. The lights ripple and swirl in shades of green and purple, and when they reflect off the wet sand or the water, the whole scene feels unreal.

This beach gives you tons of ways to get creative. You can frame the lights dancing over the sea, use the jagged rocks as silhouettes, or find little tidal pools that mirror the sky.

Storsandnes is a great chasing start as it gives an unobstructed view towards the north. Because the beach is so open, you can capture these massive, wide-angle shots that really show off the scale of it all.

1:25 am

Bed time at Hattvika lodge. Sweet dreams!

Photographic Pills:

• Sunrise at Hamnøy.
• Golden hour from Toppøya.
• Sunset and yellow cabins at Sakrisøy.
• Golden hour towards Sakrisøy and Reine from a hill.
• Aurora and reflections in Storsandnes beach (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 3. Wednesday, January 21st - The Three Beaches

7:30 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:15 am

Today we’re heading to Skagsanden beach, our Sunrise location.

But before that, we stop at a grocery store to get something for our lunch in the field.

9:10 am

Skagsanden Beach is one of those spots that just feels like it was made for landscape photography, especially in winter.

It’s located on the coast of Flakstadøya, and it’s got everything: white sand, wild tidal patterns, and mountains that look like they’ve been plucked from a fantasy movie.

The cool thing about this beach is how open and wide it is. You’ve got these tidal pools and streams carving through the sand, constantly shifting around and revealing patches of dark sand that make the scene pop.

So there’s no shortage of creative angles to explore here!

Catching a Sunrise here in January is honestly something special.

The Sun rises low and slow, just behind the mountains off to the right. Even though it stays pretty close to the horizon, the light can be incredible, especially when it starts to peek through the gaps between the mountains and fjords.

You’ll see the wet sand and shallow pools start reflecting all those soft sky colors, making the foreground super dynamic. And that mix of black sand, snow, and water textures is perfect for adding depth.

When the light hits the mountain peaks just right, it’s magic.

We’re hoping for that early pink-and-gold glow today. As the sun comes up, those peaks in the distance should start catching the light beautifully.

Now’s the moment to scout a good foreground and get set for a long exposure. The idea is to smooth out the water and clouds into a silky layer that contrasts with all those textured details around it.

Let’s get everything dialed in before the light show starts...

Blue hour begins at 8:45 am, golden hour begins at 9:14 am and Sunrise is at 10:03 am.

11:40 am

Vareid, over on the island of Flakstadøya, has a totally different vibe compared to the sandy beaches you might see elsewhere in Lofoten.

The shoreline here is raw and rugged with dark, jagged rocks jutting out into the ocean with waves constantly crashing into them. It’s wild and untamed, especially with those snowy mountains rising up in the background.

When you're photographing this area, you really want to lean into that wild beauty. The rocks up front make great natural lines that guide your shot leading your eye toward the sea or those distant peaks.

If the water's rough (and it often is), it's a great chance to play with long exposures. You can get that smooth water effect that contrasts nicely with the sharp, textured rocks.

What really pulls everything together is the light.

In winter, those snowy mountains look epic, and if the Sun breaks through the clouds or a mountain gap, you can get some really moody, dramatic shots.

Right around 12:20 pm, something pretty special happens. The Sun starts to shine through this little gap between the peaks at the end of the fjord on the left. We're there at the right time, so there’s a good chance you’ll catch some incredible sunbursts and gorgeous light flooding the whole scene.

It doesn’t last long, but when it hits, the whole scene lights up in a way that’s totally worth the wait.

Stick around a bit longer because just after 12:40 pm, the Sun hides behind the peaks again, giving you another quick shot at that magical lighting.

1:25 pm

Not far away from there is Vikten beach.

It’s got this crazy mix of wild mountains, smooth rocks that look like they’ve been sculpted by the wind, and these huge, open views over the Norwegian Sea.

What makes Vikten so special is how varied the coast is. One moment, the waves are crashing hard and dramatic, and the next, it’s calm and peaceful with these beautifully shaped rocks just soaking in the light.

There’s a sweet spot along the shore that hardly anyone talks about (but that we’re about to show you!): a handful of stunning tidal pools that are just perfect for wide-angle shots. They add this amazing depth and foreground interest, especially when you’ve got snow-covered Bjorntinden looming in the background.

That mountain really pulls the whole scene together. The contrast between those soft, polished rocks and the rugged peak is just magic.

In winter the light gets all soft and golden, brushing over the snow and rocks. So if you capture a long exposure, the water goes silky around the rocks, and everything takes on this calm, dreamy vibe.

And if we're lucky? The Sun’s last rays hit Bjorntinden just right, pulling the viewer's eye straight to that glowing peak before wandering back through all the cool textures in the foreground.

Sometimes, the clouds catch that late light too, giving the whole scene this subtle, glowing atmosphere.

Sunset is at 2:26 pm, golden hour ends at 3:24 pm and blue hour ends at 3:53 pm.

4:00 pm

After a relatively short drive, we’re back at Hattvika Lodge.

Relax...

5:00 pm

Post-processing class with Francesco and Laura.

The goal of the class is to show you the exact step by step workflow to edit your landscape images, to enhance them and make them pop!

7:05 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

8:30 pm

If the aurora forecast looks promising, right after dinner, we will head out back to Skagsanden beach to photograph the northern lights.

It’s one of those places that’s gorgeous during the day, but at night? Total magic.

What’s great is that all those photo angles you scouted during the day? Now they’re perfect for night shots with the aurora lighting up the sky behind them.

The view up north is wide open, so even if the aurora activity is kind of low, you’ve still got a good shot at seeing those lights sneak in above the peak of Hustinden.

Low tide here is seriously where the magic happens.

The wet sand turns into this giant mirror, and suddenly you're chasing reflections of the aurora everywhere.

Between the stars, the lights, the textured black sand, and the mountain silhouettes, you can end up with a rich, layered shot that feels almost surreal...

12:50 am

Our bed at Hattvika Lodge feels so comfortable tonight...

It’s been a long day. Rest well my friends because the adventure continues tomorrow!

Photographic Pills:

• Sunrise at Skagsanden Beach.
• Golden hour and sunbursts at Vareid beach.
• Sunset and golden hour at Vikten beach.
• Aurora and reflections in Skagsanden beach (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 4. Thursday, January 22nd - The Moon Alignment

7:00 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:45 am

For Sunrise, we are photographing the fishing village of Reine from a panoramic viewpoint. Since there are no obstructions, the mountains will catch the very first light at Sunrise.

Here, we will have the opportunity to photograph both wider scenes and tight shots with the beautiful cabins, peaks, and fishing boats.

This bay is quite sheltered, and if there is no wind, we will get the reflection of Olstinden in the water.

Since the golden hour never ends, we will have time to try different compositions with great light.

Blue hour begins at 8:42 am, golden hour begins at 9:11 am, Sunrise is at 10:07 am.

10:25 am

We stop at a café for snacks and coffee. Oh, and it’s also the perfect time to buy something for our lunch in the field.

11:25 am

After a 30-minute drive, we get to our next location.

Situated against a backdrop of steep mountains and open sea, we find a little secret fishing village that offers breathtaking natural landscapes...

The village is surrounded by rugged terrain that meets the water's edge, with traditional red and yellow fishermen's cabins (called rorbuer) adding a splash of color to the landscape.

These rorbuer often stand on stilts and line the water, offering a picturesque view that seems to leap straight out of a postcard.

The goal here is to photograph the scene during the golden hour and before Sunset.

12:50 pm

Not far away from there, we’ll stop to photograph a beautiful bridge and a spectacular super pointy mountain at Sunset.

The Fredvang Bridges are iconic structures, renowned for their stunning and picturesque setting.

The south bridge is called Kubholmleia Bridge and the north bridge is Røssøystraumen Bridge. The length of both bridges is 240 m (787 ft) and the main span is 115 m (377 ft).

These bridges serve as a gateway to breathtaking landscapes, connecting the small village of Fredvang with the neighboring islands.

Set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, serene fjords, and the clear waters of the Norwegian Sea, the Fredvang Bridges offer a captivating blend of human engineering and natural beauty.

These bridges have become a symbol of the Lofoten Islands, drawing photographers, hikers, and travelers who seek to experience the harmonious convergence of rugged terrain and graceful architecture in this remote and captivating corner of the world.

And we won’t miss the opportunity to photograph them in golden hour, as the Sun is setting in the southwest!

No time to waste!

1:05 pm

Are you ready for the Moon alignment coming up?

Yeah!

Let’s get ready!

The Moon’s only about 13.7% full, but it’s lining up perfectly with the peak of Volandstinden... and it’s going to look like it's just 17 meters wide.

Even though it happens during the day, being up in the Arctic in January gives it a really unique atmosphere.

There’s a lot of creative potential here. That 17-meter Moon gives you options: from tight, minimal shots with a telephoto lens to wide-angle landscapes that show off icy textures, bridges, and the Moon floating above it all.

1:30 pm

It’s hard to resume our concentration after the emotion of capturing the Moon alignment... But the day is far from being finished!

Considering the gorgeous location in which we are, take some time to shoot the little bays with icy structures.

Oh... And there’s more...

There’s a little hill a few steps away from the parking lot. Ready to go to the top?

We won’t catch the actual Sunset here because the mountains block it, but honestly, the view still puts on a show.

The sky often lights up beautifully, and you get this amazing line of sight straight toward some of the biggest peaks on Moskenesøya. Even down by the bays, it can still look pretty stunning.

OK, let’s go to get some rest!

4:30 pm

One hour later, we are back at Hattvika Lodge.

Time to recharge and take in everything you just captured.

6:20 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

8:15 pm

Haukland Beach is seriously one of the prettiest spots around. It’s super peaceful and has this calm vibe that makes it perfect for night shots.

You've got soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and these rugged mountains all around... The mountains, especially Mannen and the nearby peaks, frame everything so nicely.

What’s cool is that since we're facing north to shoot Mannen, this beach ends up being a prime spot for catching the northern lights. And the timing works out perfectly – we’ll also be able to grab some shots of the moon setting.

Isn’t it a pretty magical combo?

When the Moon (15%) starts to dip below the horizon, it throws this soft glow across the water, like a path of light leading out to sea. It's gentle, but it lights up the beach and the mountain edges just enough, without drowning out the stars.

If we get lucky, the aurora might show up too, swirling above the peaks and adding that extra bit of drama.

And the snow on the mountains? It catches that Moonlight in such a beautiful way that makes the whole scene feel almost unreal.

The beach itself helps out too. There’s this little river, plus areas of wet sand and tidal reflections that can give your foreground some shine and texture, reflecting both the Moon and the stars above.

The Moon’s size in the frame will be around 18 m, so you’ve got room to play with different lenses: you can go wide and let the Moon be a small detail in the big scene, or zoom in and make it the main subject watching it slowly sink into the sea like a glowing ball.

And don’t forget to glance back toward the beach now and then. If the aurora lights up, that river makes an awesome leading line right up to the mountains.

1:15 am

Bed time!

Photographic Pills:

• Sunrise at Reine.
• Golden hour at a secret fishermen village and at Fredvang bridges.
• Moon alignment with the peak of Volandstinden.
• Sunset and golden hour at Fredvang bridges.
• Aurora and reflections in Haukland beach (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 5. Friday, January 23rd - The Secret

I’ve been giving you lots of details of this amazing expedition to the Lofoten Islands.

Maybe far too many...

But on January 23rd we’ll do something very special...

What will that be?

Well, you'll have to be there, with us, to figure it out :P

Day 6. Saturday, January 24th - The Dragon’s Eye

7:30 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:50 am

We’ll be at Flakstadpollen, a peaceful fiord on the island of Flakstadøya, and in winter, it turns into a bit of a wonderland. So it's our go-to spot for catching today’s Sunrise.

The fiord is surrounded by dramatic peaks like Stortinden – a sharp and triangle-shaped, standing at 866 m (2,841 ft).

Early mornings, the edge of the bay often freezes up, giving us this calm, icy surface that reflects the mountains beautifully. Snow everywhere, crisp air, and that untouched look make it a dream for wide-angle shots.

This time of year in Lofoten, the Sun comes up and goes down almost directly in the south. Since we’ll be facing west to shoot, we’re counting on that soft morning light hitting the side of the peak just right. It should be gorgeous.

The Sun stays low, casting a gentle, warm light that plays perfectly against the frosty blues and whites of the landscape.

Now, it’s up to us to find a solid foreground to make the scene pop. Ideally, some broken ice would be awesome, especially if it leads the eye right toward Stortinden. That kind of natural line can really tie the whole shot together.

And if you can catch it at low tide after a cold night? Even better. The textures and reflections get even more dramatic.

Blue hour begins at 8:34 am, golden hour begins at 9:03 am, Sunrise is at 9:57 am.

11:35 am

With a surface of 0.76 km2 (0.29 mi2), Storvatnet (the big lake) is the biggest lake on Averøya island.

The broken ice layers in the frozen lake, the surrounding tall mountains and the golden light (remember that we’re still in golden hour) are the elements we need to work with to get our shot.

In the south now, the Sun is still very low in the sky (1.45º), so we hope the peaks will be nicely lit :)

But...

If there is no ice in the lake, we’ll go to Nusfjord instead.

This place could be the perfect scenario of a fairy tale...

Nusfjord is one of the oldest and best-preserved fishing villages in Lofoten. Some of the cabins date back a couple of hundred years.

28 people live here.

Here, we’re standing at the planned shooting spot. This time located on a small hill. It’s a fantastic vantage point to capture the beauty of the red (and ochre) cabins and the peaks at the back.

The Sun, in the south, is perfectly placed to give us the light direction we want in the scene.

Time to press the shutter!

12:35 pm

Quick lunch at a pit stop. Days are short, and we don’t want to spend too much time sitting at a restaurant.

1:25 pm

Uttakleiv Beach, located on the north side of Vestvågøy island, is one of those spots that feels like it was made for photographers. It’s got these smooth, rounded boulders scattered all over the shoreline, and the whole thing is framed by epic mountains.

With good conditions the mountain in the background, known as Høgskolmen, catches the light during Sunset, and because it’s kind of off the beaten path, it’s usually nice and quiet.

In winter, the place transforms: those big rocks contrast beautifully with the snow, and everything feels just a bit surreal.

Snow’s covering everything. The sea is slowly weaving around those big boulders near the shore. Off in the distance, sharp mountain peaks are reaching up into the low-hanging clouds.

There’s so much to play with here. You can go wide and capture the whole scene or get in close for some cool textures and details with the rocks. Those smooth boulders in the front really pop against the icy water and snowy peaks.

There’s also a rock that looks like a dragon’s head and this super cool rock pool people call the dragon’s eye.

And now, with the Sun hiding behind those peaks around 2:33 pm, the sky lights up in fiery oranges and reds.

That’s the image we’ve got in our heads... And now it’s our mission to capture it.

Sunset is at 2:33 pm, golden hour ends at 3:28 pm and blue hour ends at 3:57 pm.

4:30 pm

We’re back at Hattvika Lodge where you can relax, have a coffee or check your pictures.

5:30 pm

Time for a photography roundtable with Francesco and Laura.

It’s time to ask all these questions you’ve never asked before!

7:30 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

9:20 pm

One last dance...

It’s our last night in Lofoten! I can’t believe it... time flies!

And we’ll try our best to photograph the Aurora one last time.

We’re back at Uttakleiv beach for the wild scenery, and, if we’re lucky, the Northern Lights!

As always, our plan B is to photograph the thin Milky Way and Star Trails... Or to shoot a dramatic nighttime long exposures!

But if the conditions don't look good at all, we’ll stay at our lodge and enjoy a well deserved sleep.

12:50 am

Bed time...

What a week!

But wait, don’t hurry... There’s one last Sunrise to capture!

Photographic Pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Stortinden.
• Golden hour at Storvatnet lake and/or at Nusfjord fishing village.
• Sunset and golden hour at Uttakleiv beach.
• Aurora and reflections at Uttakleiv Beach (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 7. Sunday, January 25th - The Farewell

7:30 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge and checkout.

9:00 am

Today is our last day in Lofoten... And there is one more shot we want to capture before flying home :)

We drive to the road to Haukland beach, and stop in one location with impressive views looking southeast.

Haukland beach is one of the Lofoten Islands' gems and super popular with good reason.

The beach is surrounded by towering mountains, almost like a natural amphitheater, which makes the views incredible.

Blue hour begins at 8:34 am, golden hour begins at 9:03 am, Sunrise is at 9:56 am and golden hour ends at 3:34 pm.

12:10 am

After a 20-minute drive, we stop at Café Huset in Leknes to get some food and have a quick lunch on the go before heading back home.

12:35 pm

And we arrive at Leknes airport...

As this adventure winds down, it’s hard not to feel a mix of everything: gratitude, wonder, and that bittersweet ache that comes from leaving something truly special behind.

The Lofoten Islands... they’ve left a mark.

From the jagged peaks rising out of icy fjords to the soft, surreal glow of the Arctic light... we weren’t just photographing landscapes. We were living them.

We came chasing Northern Lights, chasing golden light, chasing moments.

But what we found went deeper: the quiet awe, the shared laughs, the late-night edits, the hot drinks after freezing shoots...

That feeling of looking around and thinking... “Yeah. This is exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Saying goodbye to this wild, weather-sculpted wonderland isn’t easy. Because the memories are not just saved on memory cards, they’re etched into us.

Thank you, Lofoten, for every dramatic sky, every still reflection, every moment of pure photographic joy.

This isn’t goodbye.

It’s a promise.

We’ll be back.

Until then, keep chasing the light, my friends. The journey’s far from over.

Book Now and Save €500 (Only 1 Spot Left)

To book your spot to join the Expedition to the Lofoten Islands at a reduced price of €5,500 (the official price is €6,000), a €1,500 deposit is required by Sunday, December 14th.

Price summary:

• Booking deposit: €1,500
• Total price: €5,500

Payment in full is required by December 21st, 2025.

Please, finalize your booking as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

BOOK NOW

What’s included in the price

• PhotoPills Welcome pack.
• A 7-day expedition photographing the Lofoten Islands with January’s endless Golden Light, the Moon and the Aurora Borealis.
• 7 days of learning, fun and adventure with Francesco Gola, Laura Oppelt and the funniest geek community – the PhotoPillers.
• Full immersion in the PhotoPills method (Imagine.Plan.Shoot!).
• 6 nights of lodging in a private room at Hattvika Lodge (bed & breakfast). You’ll be sharing a traditional fisherman cottage (rorbu) with one or more PhotoPillers. You’ll enjoy your own private room and share the bathroom (1 bathroom for 2 PhotoPillers) and living room area.
• The activities on the Secret Day.
• Ground transportation during the expedition.
• All permits and passes.
• All transfers.

What’s not included

• Flights to/from the Lofoten Islands (Norway).
• Tourist visa (if necessary).
• International medical and travel insurance coverage (strongly recommended).
• Lunch & dinner.
• Snacks, alcohol and beverages.
• Anything not mentioned in the “included” list.

Do you want an example of how huge this will be?

This is a glimpse to what happened in the PhotoPills Expedition to Iceland. We had so many adventures and so much fun... We can’t wait for the Lofoten Islands!

But you don’t have to take our word for granted. Here’s what some PhotoPillers say about the PhotoPills adventures:

“I went to Iceland expecting to have the opportunity to photograph the marvelous landscape and master nightscapes. What I encountered was so much more – 14 kindred souls from across the globe who share a passion for photography. Together we expanded our creative boundaries, learned from one another and had an insane amount of fun in the process. I am confident that everyone came away from the experience a better photographer.”

“From the very moment the guys from PhotoPills announced the expedition to Iceland... I didn’t think it twice! I was using PhotoPills but not at its full capacity, so I had no better chance to learn from the creators of this amazing app. The experience was even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. In Iceland, I discovered a bunch of folks as crazy about photography as I am. I had a blast!

Photography is a continuous learning process, you always find something new that motivates you to improve. And this adventure made me improve more than I could imagine.”

"The PhotoPills guys know how to create a fantastic experience. They bring an infectiously fun energy and are always willing to drop some handy photography knowledge on you that you will take with you. You take their trip and you'll for sure have a good time, get some amazing pics and leave a better photographer."

“During my experience in Iceland I lived wonderful moments and had surprises that were beyond the expected. It completely exceeded my initial expectations! Sharing knowledge, experiences and ways of working and living photography with such a great group has been one of the most enriching life experiences I have ever had.

Who he said that learning and knowledge sharing can not be wonderfully fun?”

“I can't say enough about what a fantastic time I had during the PhotoPills Iceland photo tour! The guys from PhotoPills and Donal Boyd were so knowledgeable, accommodating, and especially lots of fun. Never a dull moment – nonstop action and shooting of amazing landscapes for 10 days. I came away with enough images and memories to last a lifetime!”

FAQs

What’s the temperature in the Lofoten Islands in January?

It’s winter and it’s going to be cold.

The average temperature is between 1ºC (33ºF) and -2ºC (28ºF). The mountains and hillsides can get covered in a white blanket of snow, creating a picturesque winter scenery.

It’s key to wear different layers of clothing (base, middle and shell layers) to be able to adapt to any temperature change, snow and rain.

What do you recommend I bring along for the expedition?

Your sense of adventure and fun, your camera and of course your sense of humor.

Besides that? We’ll send you an email that will give you further details and suggestions about what to bring (gear, clothing, etc.).

Is travel insurance included in the price of the expedition?

No. Participants are suggested to purchase national or international medical and travel insurance coverage.

Also, we recommend you to choose a travel insurance that:

• Covers trip cancellation costs.
• Covers Covid-19 health, travel and cancellation costs.

What is the cancellation policy?

We hope you don’t need to cancel your spot, but if a situation arises where you don’t have a choice, our cancellation policy is the following.

If you choose not to join the Expedition, a cancellation fee may apply. This fee will be equivalent to the cost of the Expedition, minus any savings or additional income we generate If we’re able to fill your spot with another participant.

If we’re able to fill your spot, we’ll refund the payments you’ve made, deducting a €300 administrative fee and any non-refundable costs retained by our travel partners.

However, if there are unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination or nearby that significantly affect the execution of the Expedition or the transportation of passengers to the destination, no penalty will be applied, and we will refund all payments you have made toward the Expedition.

Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.

Credits: All images by Marco Grassi, Felix Inden, Laura Oppelt and Antoni Cladera.