11-Day Winter Photography in Northern Norway | Chasing the Northern Lights in Lofoten

Day 1, February 17: Shanghai → Helsinki (Reference flight: AY088 February 17, PVG-HEL 21:00-05:15(+1))

All day

Today is the departure day. Please arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport as specified in the departure notice.

After checking in under the guidance of the tour leader, we will first fly to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, for transit.

Please arrive at the airport at least 3 hours in advance for international flights.

Day 2 February 18: Helsinki → Tromsø (Reference flight: AY 541 February 18 HEL-TOS 07:10-09:40)

All day

Land in Tromsø in the morning. Located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway. For those eager to witness the Northern Lights, this city is an excellent choice, with sightings available from September to March.

·afternoon

After lunch, we had our first acquaintance with Tromsø in the afternoon:

[Polar Aquarium] (Exterior) The exterior design is avant-garde and simple, with 5 rectangular "ice cubes" stacked together.

The Arctic Cathedral (exterior), often referred to as the "Tromsdalen Kirke," is located in the mainland part of Tromsø east of the city. Built in 1965, it faces the bridge. Its interlocking triangular structure, inspired by glacial crevasses and the aurora borealis, is a prominent Tromsø landmark. The stained glass on the east wall depicts the Nativity scene.

[Port Area] (Exterior) The port area is where the city of Tromsø started, with several reconstructed colorful warehouse buildings.

[Tromsø Bridge] (Exterior) The Tromsø Bridge was built in 1960 and is 1,016 meters long. It spans the strait and connects Tromsø Island to the mainland.

In the evening, take the cable car up to Mount Storstein and take a bird's-eye view of the blue night view of Tromsø covered in snow.

·night

Stay in Tromsø that night and have a good rest.

Day 3 February 19: Tromsø → Somanoy Island (Snowmobile Experience)

·morning

After breakfast, go snowmobiling and take photos of the special scenery of Tromsø covered with snow in winter.

·afternoon

In the afternoon, we departed for Somanoi Island, also known as "The Land of No Time." Crossing the bridge, we entered this timeless place. In winter, the island seems to be in an endless slumber. The aurora borealis pierces the night sky, illuminating the island with a vibrant light, replacing sunlight. Here, time loses its meaning, and only our biological clock serves as our true measure.

·night

After dinner, if the weather is good, embark on a dreamy Northern Lights photography tour. The gorgeous aurora is so graceful that it feels like you've been transported to a fairytale world.

Driving distance: Tromsø - 56km - Somanoy Island

Day 4 February 20: Somanoi Island → Narvik → Harstad

·morning

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll around the peaceful and tranquil Somanoi Island.

Drive to the fjord town of Narvik in northern Norway at an opportune time. Narvik is located within the Oftfjord in northern Norway, bordering the Vestfjord in the Norwegian Sea. Due to its prime location, the port is located in Narvik Bay, on the eastern southern shore of Oftfjord, making it a natural harbor that remains ice-free year-round. Strolling through the town, the wondrous encounter between the fjord and the mountains is breathtaking, like a painting. Here, you'll feel surrounded by mountains and embraced by the fjord. That tranquil beauty can only be truly felt from this very moment.

·afternoon

In the afternoon, we drove to the Norwegian town of Harstad to check in.

Driving distance: Somanoy Island - 56 km - Tromsø - 233 km - Narvik - 100 km - Harstad

Day 5 February 21: Harstad → Andenes (whale watching) → Sortland

All day

After breakfast, depart for Andenes. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a whale watching excursion. Be sure to keep your shutter ready. Norway is home to approximately 75 whale species, which are part of the North Sea marine ecosystem. Whales can be found year-round in these waters, which are a perfect habitat for many species, including sperm whales, humpback whales, pilot whales, minke whales, fin whales, and killer whales.

Tips:

Whale watching activities are greatly affected by weather conditions. If the activity provider cancels the activity due to bad weather conditions, the relevant fees will be refunded;

If the whale watching activity is cancelled due to weather conditions, the tour leader will organize a coastline slow-motion photography teaching activity based on the actual situation.

·night

Stay in Sutherland that night.

Driving distance: Harstad - 170km - Andenes - 100km - Sortland

Day 6 February 22: Sutherland → Henningsvær → Svolvær

·morning

After breakfast, we'll depart for Henningsvær to photograph the famous Henningsvær Stadium (football stadium). Henningsvær is a small fishing village of only 500 residents, situated on two connected islands in northern Norway. Surrounded by towering mountains and a tranquil, dark blue ocean, its natural landscape is exceptionally beautiful. The stadium is built on solid rock at the southern end of the island, surrounded by asphalt roads so spectators can stand and watch the game.

·afternoon

In the afternoon, we depart for Svolvær. Located on the southern coast of Østfalla Island in Norway's Lofoten Islands, Svolvær stands against the backdrop of towering rocky peaks and faces the gloomy and mysterious Norwegian Sea. This modest town boasts modern island amenities and a vibrant lifestyle. Its breathtaking mountain and seascapes and affluent local life create a hidden paradise on earth.

[Svolvaer City Square] is located on the port side in the city center. It is a place for local residents to relax and travel. The edge of the square is the bay port, which is worth a daze here.

Svolvær Church (Exterior): Located in the heart of Svolvær, it stands out amidst the many tall buildings surrounding it. Located within the Arctic Circle, it boasts a unique, simple, practical, and modern style, unlike other ancient Norwegian churches. This unique fishing village church is beautifully framed by the snow, blue sky, and ocean views.

Overnight in Svolvær.

Driving distance: Sutherland - 115km - Svolvær - 25km - Henningsvær - 25km - Svolvær

Day 7 February 23: Svolvær → Hamnoy → Ao → Reine

·morning

After breakfast, we'll begin our journey along the E10 Highway. The entire E10 section through Lofoten has been designated a Norwegian National Treasure Scenic Route. Like a scenic highway, it showcases the breathtaking beauty of the archipelago and the beauty of the Arctic Circle.

Take photos along the way at [Hamnoy Village] (you will take photos along the way many times during the whole trip). Hamnoy Village is one of the three small fishing villages on Moskenes Island. When you stand in Hamnoy Village in Lofoten, you will feel as if you have traveled through another world in peace and tranquility.

Next , we'll visit Å, known as the shortest town in the world. "Å" in Norwegian is a syllable that signifies the place where everything ends and begins again. Located at the end of the road in the Lofoten Islands, Å is a protected traditional fishing village. It's also a photographer's paradise. Upon first arriving in Å, you'll be immediately captivated by the red Norwegian fishermen's huts.

·afternoon

In the afternoon, we will go to Reine (the photography group specially arranged to stay for two nights. This place is very suitable for photographing the aurora. The scenery is beautiful and the light pollution is small, which will greatly increase the chance of photographing the aurora). Reine is located in the southeast of the Lofoten Islands in Norway. It is an important part of this secret place in the Arctic Circle and is known as "the most beautiful village in Norway."

Climb Mount Reinebringen in Lofoten via a craftsman-built ladder and 870 Sherpa-style steps. From nature's height, you'll see a wider world and the beauty of Lofoten.

Tips: On sunny days, you can choose the hike based on your physical strength. The hike takes about an hour each way up and down the mountain. Please bring crampons in winter.

·night

After dinner, if the weather is good, start your dream Northern Lights photography journey.

Driving distance: Svolvaer - 130km - Ao - 10km - Reine

Day 8 February 24: Reine → Nusfjord → Reine

·morning

Rise early and enjoy some free time to photograph the village. After breakfast, head to Nusfjord to capture the century-old fishing village on Nusfjord, an idyllic spot that attracts countless photography enthusiasts. Here, the 19th-century cod liver oil factory, power station, mountain smokehouse where smoked salmon is made, and red boat docks where fishing gear is stored remain perfectly preserved. The striking yellow cottages by the sea and the bakery, which once provided fresh bread to fishermen for over a century, are still open, allowing visitors to sample the same bread the old fishermen used to make. In the 18th-century shop, buckets hang from ropes hanging from the ceiling, and waiters retrieve change from vintage drawers. Strolling through the area, you'll be greeted by glimpses of history, a magical journey through time.

·afternoon

We will continue to return to Reine to check in after dinner. If the weather is good, we will start our dream trip to photograph the Northern Lights.

Driving distance: Reine - 36 km - Nusfjord - 36 km - Reine

Day 9 February 25: Reine → Lofoten Viking Museum → Evenes

·morning

Rise early for some free time for photography. After breakfast, head to the Lofoten Viking Museum (including a special mead and snacks). This renowned museum in Lofoten is housed in the remains of a recently excavated Viking longhouse. Museum staff will share insights into Viking life, show you a Viking-themed film, and learn about the culture and history of the Viking era. Inside the recreated Viking chieftain's longhouse, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time to the Viking Age. The glow of the heart-shaped lanterns, the wisps of light emanating from the hanging lights on the roof, and the strong smell of tar fill your nostrils. Dating back to 500 AD, this is one of the largest Viking structures excavated to date.

We'll then enter the Viking longhouse and, as guests of ancient Viking nobles, enjoy a unique Viking-themed feast. From customs to ingredients and beverages, the feast is fully recreated, and the enthusiastic Viking lord will entertain with a variety of entertainment and delicious food. Through the superb performances and interactive performances of the actors, we'll journey back to the ancient Norwegian Viking era and experience authentic Viking life.

·afternoon

In the afternoon, we will go to Evenes and check in to the hotel.

Driving distance: Hamnoy Village - 60 km - Lofoten Viking Museum - 222 km - Evenes

Day 10 February 26: Evenes → Tromsø → Helsinki (Reference flight: AY946 February 26 TOS-HEL 18:30-21:20)

All day

After breakfast, depart for Tromsø and board your flight to Helsinki.

Day 11 February 27: Helsinki → Shanghai (Reference flight: AY087 February 27 HEL-PVG 00:40-18:55)

All day

Upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, please hand your passport and boarding pass to your tour leader so they can submit it to the consulate for visa cancellation. Tourists, with a fruitful journey, bid farewell with tears!

According to the requirements of the consulate, some tourists may be notified to go to the consulate for an interview and visa cancellation. Thank you for your cooperation.

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