The Best Photo Spots in Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands are one of the most instagrammable places in Norway. Here are 12 of the best photo spots in Lofoten Islands!

Whether you prefer to get your stunning photos by hiking up mountains, kayaking through fjords, wandering through colorful fishing villages, or road tripping to quiet farms, there are endless Lofoten photo spots to choose from! 

A lush paradise in the summertime and a snowy wonderland in the winter, the Lofoten Islands are one of the most instagrammable places in Norway (and therefore one of the most popular for photographers). So it’s pretty much guaranteed that by going to the locations below, you’re going to go home with some awesome shots!

Best Lofoten Photo Locations

Reine

With classic red Rorbuers (fishing huts), snowy peaks, and a crystal clear bay, Reine is everything you picture in your mind when you think of a traditional northern Norwegian fishing village. While Reine has some great viewpoints, the village is also one of the best spots in the region to photograph the Northern Lights on a clear night — so set your camera to a long exposure and have a remote ready!

Vaeroy

Colorful houses dot the landscape, Breivika beach offers an exotic dose of turquoise, and hiking trails make Vaeroy super accessible. For one of Vaeroy’s most jaw-dropping photography spots, hike on up the trail to Mastadfjellet.

Hamnoy

Just outside of Reine, Hamnoy Island is one of the best photography locations in Lofoten due to its red fishing huts, jagged mountains, and wild coastline. To take advantage of what is perhaps Hamnoy’s most iconic photo location, head out to Hamnoy Bridge; this spot has a clear shot of the huts, coastline, and mountains towering behind.

Read more: Lofoten Islands Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Trollfjord

Only accessible by boat, Trollfjord is a two-kilometre branch of the Raftsund strait that is wedged between 1000-meter tall towering mountainsides. Nestled between the Lofoten and Vesteralen archipelagos, the mouth of Trollfjord is only 100 meters wide, although it eventually opens up to about 800 meters. The narrow strait coupled by the tall mountains gives this region a very dramatic look.

Read more: Lofoten Islands, Norway: Why You Should Visit & What To Expect

Henningsvaer

Not only is Henningsvaer one of Lofoten’s most popular fishing villages, it is also home to one of the most interestingly-placed soccer fields on the planet. The incredible scenery here has been inspiring artists and photographers for years.

Village of Å

Pronounced ‘ohr’, the fishing village of Å is a great spot to photograph a diverse array of red fishing huts, cod-drying racks, and postcard worthy mountain scenes. For a unique vantage point, hop in a boat or kayak and photograph the cute village from the water.

Read more: Where To Stay In Norway (The Best Hotels & Locations)

Svolvaer Harbor

Multi-colored houses line the boardwalk, fishing boats bob in the water, and long docks give unique vantage points in Svolvaer Harbor. Not to mention the harbor is surrounded by mountains, beaches, bays, and the cutest cafes and galleries.

Nusfjord

Not only is Nusfjord one of Lofoten’s most well-preserved fishing villages, it is also one of the most photogenic. Nestled in among towering fjords, red and yellow huts line the scenery while boats bob along in the harbor.

Read more: What to Pack for a Trip to Norway

Ramberg Beach

A beautiful white sand beach on the island of Flakstadoya, Ramberg Beach is all icy blue waters, red fishing huts, and rivers flowing across the sand. In the wintertime, these rivers freeze forming crystallized-looking sand formations.

 Fredvang

Stretching out over the icy waters, Fredvang is home to two of the most iconic and photogenic cantilever bridges in all of the Lofoten Islands. These bridges, adding to the sheep, fjords, and bustling harbour below, make for a photography buff’s dream location.

Kvalvika Beach

Kvalvika Beach is wild Norwegian beauty, chilly turquoise waters, snowy peaks, and untouched sand. In a place as untamed as Kvalvika, no matter what vantage point you choose to photograph from, you’re going to get some great shots. That said, if the weather is right, it’s definitely worth a hike up to Ryten Peak which looks over Kvalvika Beach and will give you an unreal view.

Read more: How to Take Great Travel Photos as a Solo Traveler

Unstad Beach

If you’re a photographer who also loves to surf (although it’s not a prerequisite) then Unstad Beach is for you. A gorgeous beach with perfect waves surrounded by fjords jutting up into the sky, the photos you get from Unstad Beach will have you pinching yourself.

Norway Photo Gear Packing Essentials

Camera Bag: My favorite camera bags include the ONA Bowery Camera Bag and the PacSafe Anti-Theft Camera & Shoulder Bag.

Compact Tripod: Attached to the outside of your backpack, a compact tripod is a must for selfies and long-exposure shots.

Intervalometer: Speaking of taking selfies and long-exposure shots, an intervalometer is a must-pack item.

GoPro: In the event you’ll be trekking or kayaking to places you don’t want to bring your proper camera, the GoPro Hero 7 will do the trick!

Camera Protection: Rain sleeve, backpack rain fly, lens pen, and microfiber lens cloths.

Read more: The Ultimate Packing Guide for Travel Photographers

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