At a Glance
Quick OverviewNorway offers some of the most photogenic landscapes on Earth—over 1,000 fjords carving through dramatic mountains, fishing villages with red wooden cabins reflected in still waters, the ethereal dance of the northern lights, and summer’s endless midnight sun casting golden light across Arctic beaches. From the iconic peaks of Lofoten to the UNESCO World Heritage fjords of the west coast, every region delivers postcard-worthy scenes. But capturing Norway’s beauty requires planning: knowing when golden hour occurs (it varies dramatically by season), which viewpoints offer the best compositions, and how to navigate the challenging weather. This guide covers everything you need to create stunning images from your Norwegian adventure.
According to PhotoHound, Norway features over 144 documented photo locations, making it one of Europe’s richest destinations for landscape photographers of all levels.
Best Photography Regions
Lofoten Islands—Norway’s Photography Paradise
The most photographed location in Norway:
Located above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands offer a surreal blend of mountain peaks, fjords, and colourful fishing villages. According to Max Rive Photography, Lofoten provides a constantly shifting canvas—from the golden glow of midnight sun to the ethereal shimmer of northern lights.
Key photo locations:
| Location | What to Shoot | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reine | Village reflections, mountains | Any time, best dawn/dusk |
| Hamnøy | Iconic red cabins, bridge | Early morning reflections |
| Haukland Beach | Aurora, midnight sun | Night (winter) / 24hr (summer) |
| Reinebringen | Aerial view of Reine | Summer (accessible hike) |
| Kvalvika Beach | Remote beach, dramatic cliffs | Golden hour |
| Uttakleiv Beach | Heart-shaped rock, aurora | Winter nights |
Why Lofoten works:
- Mountain peaks rising directly from the sea create dramatic compositions
- Fishing villages provide colourful foregrounds
- Beaches offer reflections and leading lines
- Aurora visibility excellent September-March
- Midnight sun June-July above Arctic Circle
Senja Island—Lofoten’s Less-Crowded Alternative
Dramatic coastline without the crowds:
Senja is Norway’s second-largest island, featuring dramatic cliffs rising from the ocean, small fjords, and fishing villages nestled on flat land between mountains. For photographers, it offers Lofoten-quality scenery with significantly fewer tourists.
Key spots:
- Husøy fishing village
- Tungeneset Devil’s Teeth rock formations
- Bergsbotn viewpoint
- Mefjordvær village
Western Fjords—UNESCO Landscapes
Classic Norwegian fjord photography:
| Viewpoint | Location | What You’ll Capture |
|---|---|---|
| Dalsnibba | Geirangerfjord | 1,500m elevation, complete fjord overview |
| Stegastein | Aurlandsfjord | Architectural platform, fjord depth |
| Ørnesvingen (Eagle Bend) | Geirangerfjord | Seven Sisters waterfalls |
| Flydalsjuvet | Geirangerfjord | Classic cruise ship viewpoint |
Geirangerfjord from Dalsnibba:
At 1,500 metres elevation, Dalsnibba provides the ultimate Geirangerfjord overview, showcasing the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls and the dramatic S-curve that makes this UNESCO World Heritage site legendary. Early morning visits provide the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Nærøyfjord from Stegastein:
This architectural viewing platform extends 30 metres over Aurlandsfjord, providing unobstructed views down one of Norway’s narrowest fjords. The glass barrier creates clean compositions.
Lysefjord and Preikestolen
Iconic cliff photography:
There are few better views of a Norwegian fjord than Lysefjord taken from the top of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). This flat clifftop provides an incredible view along the fjord in both directions and is accessible via an 8 km roundtrip hike from Stavanger.
Photography tips:
- Arrive before sunrise for best light and no crowds
- Use wide-angle for the cliff-and-fjord composition
- Telephoto captures hikers for scale
- Fog can create moody atmospheric shots
Romsdal and Trollstigen
Dramatic mountain scenery:
The Romsdal Valley features some of Norway’s most dramatic peaks, including Romsdalshorn and Trolltindene. Trollstigen’s hairpin road creates incredible compositional opportunities, especially with morning mist filling the valley.
Lyngen Alps
Alpine peaks above Arctic fjords:
The Lyngen Alps combine dramatic Alpine-style peaks with Arctic coastal fjords—a unique combination perfect for northern lights photography with mountain backdrops.
Northern Lights Photography
Best Aurora Locations
Top spots for capturing the northern lights:
| Location | Why It Works | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Ersfjordbotn (Tromsø) | Fjord foreground, mountain framing | 30 min from Tromsø |
| Haukland Beach (Lofoten) | Beach reflections, mountain backdrop | Lofoten Islands |
| Senja | Dramatic coastline, fewer people | 3 hrs from Tromsø |
| Alta | Clear skies, observatory | Northern Norway |
Tromsø area:
Tromsø sits in the aurora belt, making it one of the world’s best places to photograph the northern lights. The best spot isn’t in the city itself but at Ersfjordbotn, a 30-minute drive west, where the fjord creates a perfect foreground with mountains framing the dancing lights above.
Lofoten beaches:
According to 68 North, the beaches of Flakstadøy and Vestvågøy are some of the most popular and photogenic locations for shooting the northern lights. Haukland, Vik, and Utakleiv beaches, separated by short sections of road, face different directions, letting you move between them as the aurora moves through the sky.
Aurora Photography Settings
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Aperture | f/2.8 or wider |
| ISO | 1600-6400 |
| Shutter Speed | 5-25 seconds |
| Focus | Manual, infinity |
| White Balance | Auto or 3500-4000K |
| File Format | RAW |
Seasonal Photography Guide
Spring (April-May)
Waterfalls and wildflowers:
- Snowmelt creates powerful waterfalls
- Waterfalls at peak flow throughout fjord country
- Late snow on mountains with green valleys
- Fewer tourists at popular viewpoints
- Variable weather creates dramatic skies
Summer (June-August)
Midnight sun magic:
- 24-hour light above Arctic Circle
- Extended golden hours everywhere
- Best for hiking to viewpoints
- Greenest landscapes
- Popular locations can be crowded
Best summer subjects:
- Midnight sun over Lofoten beaches
- Trolltunga and other demanding hikes
- Atlantic Road in good weather
- Mountain wildflowers
Autumn (September-November)
Northern lights and autumn colours:
According to photography guides, September offers the unique combination of autumn colours with the return of northern lights—arguably the most versatile photography season.
- Aurora season begins late September
- Colourful hillsides especially around Oslo
- Fewer crowds than summer
- Dramatic weather systems
Winter (December-February)
Snow and aurora:
- Snow-covered landscapes
- Best northern lights viewing
- Blue hour extended at low latitudes
- Whale watching in northern Norway
- Challenging but rewarding conditions
Winter subjects:
- Aurora over snowy landscapes
- Blue hour fjord reflections
- Orcas and humpback whales near Tromsø
- Frozen waterfalls
Essential Camera Gear
Lenses
| Lens | Use |
|---|---|
| Wide-angle (12-24mm) | Fjords, waterfalls, aurora, interiors |
| Standard zoom (24-70mm) | General purpose, villages |
| Telephoto (70-200mm+) | Wildlife, compression, details |
Wide-angle is essential:
By far the most used lens in Norway. A very wide lens is essential for capturing large waterfalls, expansive fjord panoramas, and northern lights with foreground interest.
Filters
- Polariser: Essential for fjord reflections and cutting glare
- ND filters: Long exposures on waterfalls, smoothing water
- GND filters: Balancing bright skies with darker landscapes
Other Essentials
- Sturdy tripod: Wind is common; cheap tripods shake
- Extra batteries: Cold drains power quickly; carry 3-4
- Weather protection: Rain covers or weather-sealed gear
- Silica gel packets: Prevent condensation damage
- Head torch: Essential for pre-dawn shoots and aurora chasing
Practical Planning Tips
Transportation
Car hire essential:
You definitely need a hire car to explore all the small towns and viewpoints where public transport can’t reach. Having your own vehicle lets you chase light conditions and arrive at locations for sunrise/sunset.
Timing Your Visit
| Goal | Best Time |
|---|---|
| Waterfalls at peak | May-June |
| Midnight sun | June-July (Arctic) |
| Autumn colours | September-October |
| Northern lights + colours | Late September |
| Snow landscapes | February |
| Fewer crowds | May, September |
Increasing Aurora Chances
According to northern lights guides, a 4-5 night stay significantly increases the chances of seeing the northern lights, accounting for weather and moon phases. New moon periods offer the darkest skies.
Weather Considerations
- Norwegian weather changes rapidly—be prepared for anything
- Dramatic weather often creates the best photos
- Check yr.no (Norwegian weather service) for accurate forecasts
- Coastal areas more prone to rain; inland often clearer
Top Photo Spots Quick Reference
Must-Photograph Locations
- Reine, Lofoten—Fishing village with mountain backdrop
- Geirangerfjord from Dalsnibba—UNESCO fjord overview
- Trolltunga—Iconic rock formation (summer only)
- Preikestolen—Pulpit Rock over Lysefjord
- Stegastein Viewpoint—Architectural platform over fjord
- Atlantic Road—Dramatic bridges over ocean
- Trollstigen—Hairpin mountain road
- Senja coastline—Devil’s Teeth formations
- Ersfjordbotn—Aurora with fjord foreground
- Nærøyfjord—Narrowest UNESCO fjord
Hidden Gems
- Hammarøy Bridge, Lofoten (reflection shots)
- Ørnes viewpoint, Senja
- Naustdal Valley autumn colours
- Vesterålen whale watching opportunities
- Helgeland coastal route
Final Thoughts
Norway rewards patient photographers who plan carefully around weather, seasons, and the extraordinary light conditions created by its extreme latitude. Whether you’re capturing aurora spiralling over snow-covered peaks, fjords reflecting perfect mountain symmetry, or fishing villages glowing in midnight sun, the photographic opportunities here are virtually unlimited. Pack weather-resistant gear, embrace the unpredictable conditions, and give yourself time—the best shots often come when you wait for that perfect moment when light, weather, and landscape align.
Find Photography ToursFor more photo locations, visit LocationScout Norway and PhotoHound Norway.