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

Are you in?

Around the Waning Gibbous Moon...

From January 24th to January 30th 2027, Francesco Gola and Laura Oppelt (PhotoPills Masters) will be traveling across the Lofoten Islands to photograph the Aurora Borealis and January’s endless Golden Light along with Arctic frozen landscapes, wild beaches, dramatic mountains and picturesque fishing villages...

Just after the solar maximum, when solar activity remains high. A prime time to witness 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 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...

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, July 19th.

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 the magical winter’s 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...

It’s just after the solar maximum, when solar activity remains high. A prime time to witness 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 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. Sunday, January 24th - Welcome to the Lofoten Islands

It’s Sunday 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.

6:00 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.

Nighttime begins at 6:20 pm and the Moonrise (Waning Gibbous 92.5%) is at 6:56 pm.

7:25 pm

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

The Moon will be visible, bathing our foreground in its soft light...

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 snowy landscape under the Moonlight.

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

Tip: Since the Moon will rise from the east you might as well want 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? :)

10:45 pm

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, night shots, long exposures and reflections at the Vik Beach (Vestvågøy).

Day 2. Monday, January 25th - The Beaches

6:15 am

Good morning PhotoPillers!

This is the wake-up call for an epic day ahead. Get your gear ready; an amazing adventure is waiting for us.

7:00 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

7:30 am

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

8:15 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 8:34 am, golden hour begins at 9:02 am and Sunrise is at 9:55 am.

11:05 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.

Between 11:50 pm and 12:30 pm today, something pretty special happens. The Sun shines 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 right after that, the Sun hides behind the peaks again, giving you another quick shot at that magical lighting.

1:05 pm

We’ll grab some quick lunch on the go.

2:00 pm

Now it’s time to move on to the King of Lofoten beaches, Hauklandstranda (Haukland Beach), located on Vestvågøya.

This beach is famous for its white sandy shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters, all framed by the dramatic Lofoten mountains. In winter, a light layer of snow often covers the beach, providing a beautiful contrast with the water and dark sand patches.

Hauklandstranda offers a fantastic variety of compositions. The light is especially stunning in the afternoon and early evening when the Sun is making its slow arc across the background, allowing for glorious light scenarios if the clouds are on our side.

We're aiming to capture sunbursts right along the ridge of the small island in our view. There’s also a small river that flows into the ocean here, which constantly shifts its position and creates stunning textures, dark sand deposits, and water ripples. We can use it as a leading line, focus on the beautiful patterns it carves, or utilize the slower sections for dreamy reflections.

But the real secret lies on the left edge of the beach, where gorgeous rock formations provide the perfect foreground for seascapes with that wonderful mountain backdrop.

Today, high tide is at 2:20 pm, so the water will be creeping up close to the snow line. Let’s make the most of the light before it starts to fade.

Sunset is at 2:39 pm, golden hour ends at 3:33 pm and blue hour ends at 4:02 pm.

4:05 pm

After a short walk, we get to the bus and drive back to the hotel.

4:35 pm

Take some time to relax at Hattvika Lodge.

5:45 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 6:24 pm.

7:50 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

9:50 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.

The Moon (Waning Gibbous 84.6%), rises at 9:02 pm, meaning that both the mountains and the beach will be gently illuminated from the right by its light.

The tide will be fairly low, so the wet sand turns into this giant mirror, and suddenly you're chasing reflections of the aurora everywhere.

Between the stars, the Moon, the lights, the textured black sand, and the mountains in the background, you can end up with a rich, layered shot that feels almost surreal...

1:00 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, golden hour and blue hour at Skagsanden beach.
• Golden hour and sunbursts at Vareid beach.
• Sunset at Golden hour and sunbursts at Haukland Beach.
• Aurora and reflections in Skagsanden beach (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 3. Tuesday January 26th - The Wonders of Hamnøy

6:15 am

Wake up!

I hope you had a good sleep, because today we have a long long day exploring some of the most beautiful places in Lofoten.

7:00 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:40 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 8:31 am, Golden hour begins at 8:59 am, Sunrise is at 9:51 am.

10:45 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.

11:55 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.

After some time taking photos, we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant.

1:15 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 2:49 pm, golden hour ends at 3:41 pm and blue hour ends at 4:09 pm.

4:35 pm

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

5:45 pm

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

7:20 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

9:20 pm

We get to our new destination.

Vikten, situated on the northern side of Flakstadøya, offers a quiet coastal spot with a shoreline that feels raw and open to the Arctic elements. The setting can be spectacular when conditions align, primarily due to the vast array of foregrounds available and Bjørntinden's commanding presence, which adds character and depth to the background.

When the aurora lights up the sky, we approach the image in layers: utilizing the textured rocks and small coves for the foreground, establishing Bjørntinden as the visual anchor in the distance, and allowing the moving light to fill the sky above.

This place provides numerous angles within a short walking distance, enabling quick adjustments based on where the strongest curtains of light form.
Low tide is at 9:47 pm, so we can try some reflections on the receding water as well.

With the Moonrise (Waning Gibbous 74.9%) at 11:01 pm, we will get the chance to compare photographs taken before and after the moon's light appears.

Some fellows prefer darker skies; others like the effect of the Moon...
Which team are you on?

12:55 am

After a 45 minute drive, we get back to our hotel.

Good night my friends!

Photographic Pills:

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

Day 4. Wednesday, January 27th - 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 27th 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 5. Thursday, January 28th - The Dragon’s Eye

6:15 am

Gooooood morning PhotoPillers!

Are you ready for another beautiful day full of incredible experiences?

Yeah?

Alright! Get your stuff ready!

7:00 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:30 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 (which we will) after a cold night, the textures and reflections get even more dramatic.

Blue hour starts 8:25 am, Golden hour starts 8:53 am, Sunrise 9:43 am.

10:50 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, so we hope the peaks will be nicely lit :)

11:20 am

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!

12:45 pm

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

1:35 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, 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 2:54 pm, golden hour ends at 3:45 pm and blue hour ends at 4:12 pm.

4:25 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.

During these 15-minute one-on-one sessions, each master photographer will meet with six. participants.

You are free to use this time to ask questions about photography in general, get personalized feedback on their images, receive guidance on planning shots with PhotoPills, or get help with image editing.

8:05 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

9:20 pm

We go back to Uttakleiv Beach for our last session of the day.

There will be no Moon tonight and we’re here for a treat: capturing the Northern Lights.

But, 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.

1:15 am

Bed time...

What a day this has been!

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 6. Friday, January 29th - The Bridges

6:15 am

Ready for another amazing day?

Light won't wait for us!

7:00 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:30 am

For Sunrise, we'll photograph the Fredvang Bridges on Flakstadøya. These elegant, curving structures connect to Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago, offering breathtaking fjord vistas. Volandstinden is visible from our spot, a majestic peak that strikingly resembles a witch's hat.

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

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

We arrive early to capture the bridges lit against the deep blue winter sky during the magical blue hour.

No time to waste!

At dawn, the sun rises ahead, bathing the sky and Volandstinden in a warm glow and rich color.

With cloud cooperation, the sky can explode with golds, oranges, and pinks, silhouetting the bridges and Volandstinden.

The bridges' curves naturally lead the eye toward the mountain, creating an unforgettable composition, especially if the snow-covered fjord reflects the intense sky colors.

Blue hour begins at 8:23 am, golden hour begins at 8:50 am, Sunrise is at 9:39 am.

11:30 am

We arrived at the platform at Reinefjord Sjøhus for another picturesque location. This place might ring a bell since it sits at the opposite side of Hamnøy.

Prepare to unleash the full potential of your long exposure photography gear, particularly your Neutral Density (ND) filters paired with a sturdy tripod!

The dramatic coastal landscapes of Lofoten, with their rugged mountains plunging into the icy waters, present an unparalleled opportunity to capture breathtaking scenes with a silky, ethereal effect on the moving water.

Imagine the scene: the waves rolling onto the shore, transformed by a long exposure into a smooth, misty surface that beautifully contrasts with the sharp, defined rock formations. This signature look is achieved by using ND filters to extend your shutter speed, even in daylight.

Furthermore, if the weather cooperates, we anticipate the added magic of scattered clouds drifting across the sky. Utilizing a long exposure in this scenario will not only soften the water but also blur the movement of the clouds, painting soft, dramatic streaks across the frame.

12:35 pm

We stop at a local restaurant for a well-deserved lunch.

1:45 pm

Back in the grind!

Now it’s time to photograph the fishing village of Reine from a panoramic viewpoint. Since there are no obstructions, the mountains will catch good light.

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 a scene bathed in soft orange.

Sunset is at 3:04 pm, golden hour ends at 3:53 pm and blue hour ends at 4:19 pm.

5:40 pm

OK, let’s go to get some rest at Hattvika Lodge.

Time to recharge and take in everything you just captured.

7:20 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

9:50 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. If the sky is clear and the Aurora forecast is promising, we will head back to the iconic village of Hamnøy for a night session.

Hamnøy, with its distinctive red rorbu (fishermen's cabins) perched on stilts and the dramatic peak of Olstinden in the background, is already a breathtaking sight during the day. At night, bathed in the eerie glow of the Aurora Borealis, it transforms into a scene straight out of a dream.

The composition we planned during the day, featuring the cabins and the majestic mountains, becomes the perfect canvas for the dancing green, pink, and white curtains of the Northern Lights.

The entire night session will be under a truly dark sky, with no Moon —ideal for maximizing the visibility and intensity of the Aurora. We will position ourselves to capture the lights arching over Olstinden and reflecting in the fjord's still waters, creating a mirror image of the cosmic spectacle.

It’s an electric, cold, and quiet moment—a true highlight of any Arctic adventure.

1:00 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 Fredvang bridges.
• Long exposure at Reinefjord Sjøhus platform.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue at Reine.
• Aurora and reflections in Hamnøy (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 7. Sunday, January 30th - The Farewell

6:15 am

Wake up PhotoPillers!

One last Sunrise...

7:00 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:20 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 Storsandnes Beach.

This wide white-sand beach, framed by dramatic rocks and snow-dusted mountains, is ideal for winter sunrise photography.

Photographers will love the serene atmosphere, the chance to capture the delicate, golden glow of the Arctic morning, and the unobstructed vistas for spectacular sunrises and vivid colors.

Storsandnes Beach at winter sunrise offers soft, pastel light illuminating the snowy sand and rocky formations.

Snow-dusted mountains catch the warm, low-angle light, contrasting with the cold Arctic setting. Reflections on wet sand provide dynamic foregrounds.

The location is ideal for long-exposure photography, capturing the gentle waves and vibrant sky colors.

Blue hour begins at 8:19 am, golden hour begins at 8:46 am, Sunrise is at 9:35 am and golden hour ends at 3:34 pm.

10:50 am

After a 30-minute drive, take a moment to pack your suitcase, making sure you don't forget anything and that everything is properly stored.

With everything ready, it's time to say goodbye to Hattvika Lodge, an accommodation that will surely have been very comfortable for you, with spectacular views and, perhaps, some unforgettable experience or two.

As you leave, take one last look around and take the memories of your stay with you on your journey.

12:20 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 €1,000 deposit is required by Sunday, July 19th.

Price summary:

• Booking deposit: €1,000
• Total price: €5,500

Payment in full is required by September 20th, 2026.

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 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 privateroom 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 of what happened in the PhotoPills Expedition to Iceland... But we had so many adventures and it was so much fun... We can’t wait for the Lofoten Islands, (Norway)!

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.