Lofoten’s best photo spots for instagram

Lofoten is a photographers dreamland. Situated off the coast of Northern Norway, just above the Arctic circle, you'll find this Hawaiian, Jurassic park landscaped, known as Lofoten. It's quickly becoming a tourist hotspot in summer, known for its hikes and clear waters, and in winter you'll find photographers from all over the world, gathering to shoot the beautiful Northern Lights. I was lucky enough to live here for 4 months last year, from March to Early July. I didn't get to photograph as much as I would have liked due to some personal road blocks, but never the less, I still got out and got to shoot at some amazing locations. Here are my TOP FIVE locations;

1. Kvalvika Beach
   This beach is absolute paradise, especially if you get here during the winter months, or even just before summer when the sun still sets. If you get here in summer, its still a spot that takes your breath away, but it doesn't get that magical golden hour as the sun never fully sets during this period of midnight sun. This beach is only accessible via hiking, so don't expect to drive right to the beach. It is not a hard hike by Lofoten standards, it's relatively easy and will take you around 1-1.5 hours to get here, depending on your fitness levels. There are multiple points to get shots, the varieties are really endless. As you hike over the ridge, you'll see the beach from above, then on the trek down to the beach theres multiple points all around to get magical shots. You can also hike to Ryten from Kvalvika Beach, which is the iconic view you've probably seen plastered all over your social media pages.

2. Reine & Sakisrøy

   These two spots are pretty well known and for good reason. Reinebringen is probably the most well known location in Lofoten, with its views now plastered all over social media, as well as its promotional ads around the world. There are spots all around Reine that'll give you great views not just the iconic spots. There is a light house you can drive out to and if you are lucky enough you may just spot an orca as they pass through. Just outside of town, there is a massive area where they dry out the local speciality 'torskfisk'. They hang the dried cod in rows and rows, which can make for a very unique photo. From Sakisrøy, you'll get the iconic yellow hut that stands before the fjord and mountain views or maybe you fancy snapping a photo of the little red rorbu's along the shoreline. In Sakisrøy you will discover that water is always crystal clear, kayaks are ready for hire, so why not jump at the chance to capture a unique shot, with a kayak as your subject instead of the cliche yellow hut?!?
   

3. Fløya, Svolvær
   Fløya is a hike you can do that will take you to the top of the mountains overlooking the beautiful Svolvær(Takes 1-2 hours). If you timed it perfectly in winter, you could get an amazing view of the sunrising over Svolvær! Of course, you'd want to be very comfortable on the mountains in snowy winter conditions, otherwise it could be extremely dangerous. From the top of Fløya, you can also look back and see the deep blue waters of a fjord, which makes a beautiful view. If you get the chance to watch a boat zip through, it makes for an unreal photo, as you capture the waves break and leave behind an incredible white trail. 

4. Henningsvær 
   Situated about 30 minutes from Svolvær, you have the amazing Henningsvær. There are multiple spots here to take beautiful photos. Theres a photographer in town who has a gallery there, if you go in and have a look, it might give you some ideas for which stunning locations you want to photograph here. Festvågtind is a hike you can do in this area. It gives you a view of Henningsvær from 500m above. This hike also gives you a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The hikes takes around 2 hours or less if you're in relatively good shape. It is quite steep for a lot of it, with little flat areas for a rest, so be prepared to be exhausted but I promise the views are worthy! 
   

5. Holandsmellen
    Located just outside of Leknes you'll find Holandsmellen. This is a hike that'll give you beautiful views over Haukland Beach and surrounding areas. We managed to get here around sunset and the view was spectacular. The hike takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on how fit you are, by Lofoten standards its a relatively easy hike. This hike is a less touristy one, which means more chance of being up there alone and with no one getting in the way of your shots!