SPECIAL EDITION | ONLY 5 GUESTS

Backcountry Journeys Presents 

Arctic Autumn:
Lofoten Colors & Northern Lights

8 Days | Fitness Level: 1 | Starting at $8,995
September 22 - 29, 2025

Reservations Available Now

Golden Landscapes & Northern Lights

This fall, join us for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph Norway’s legendary Lofoten Islands at the height of Arctic autumn. Timed perfectly with the autumnal equinox and the peak of the solar cycle, this exclusive workshop offers the rare chance to capture golden fall color and powerful aurora displays in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes. With only 5 spots available, this is a special edition departure we’re offering just once — and only in 2025.

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 Limited Edition, One-Time Departure 

This is a limited-edition, one-time departure—a truly exclusive opportunity to experience the Lofoten Islands in a way few ever will. We've never offered an autumn workshop here before, and we don’t plan to again. With just 5 spots available, this intimate adventure is designed for photographers who crave something rare: the chance to capture Lofoten’s vibrant fall colors, iconic coastal landscapes, and the magical aurora borealis—all in one unforgettable trip. If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing the Arctic like no one else, this is your moment.


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Peak Aurora Season at the Solar Cycle Maximum 

We’ve timed this departure for a reason: it aligns perfectly with the autumnal equinox and the height of Solar Cycle 25—a rare combination that dramatically boosts your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis at its most intense. This is peak aurora season, offering some of the best conditions in years to photograph the Northern Lights as they ripple across the Arctic sky, illuminating Lofoten’s rugged peaks and reflective fjords in an otherworldly glow. If capturing the aurora has been on your bucket list, there’s never been a better time!


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Fall Color in the Arctic Circle 

Fall in the Arctic Circle is brief, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable—and we’ve planned this trip to hit it at its peak. Picture golden birch forests, crimson tundra, and fiery mountain slopes, all set against Lofoten’s dramatic fjords and jagged peaks. The contrast is breathtaking, offering a vibrant, textured palette that transforms each landscape into a painterly masterpiece. This fleeting season adds a rare and powerful dimension to Arctic photography—one that most never get to see, let alone capture.


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 Only 5 Guests | Now with Single Supplement Option 

With only 5 guests total, this workshop is designed for an intimate, highly personalized experience—giving you more one-on-one instruction, greater flexibility in the field, and the chance to truly connect with the landscape. And for the first time ever on a Lofoten trip, we’re offering a single supplement option, allowing you to enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room if desired. It’s our most exclusive Arctic adventure yet—crafted for photographers who value space, focus, and a tailored experience.


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World-Class Landscape Photography 

Lofoten is a world-class destination for landscape photography, and this trip offers the rare chance to see it in an entirely new light—autumn light. From iconic fishing villages nestled between sea and stone, to glassy fjords reflecting gold-tipped peaks, to sweeping Arctic beaches under vibrant skies, every scene is a masterclass in composition and contrast. It’s one of the most photogenic places on Earth—and with fall color and northern lights in the mix, this is your opportunity to capture it like never before.


Special Edition: One-Time Departure
Reservations Available Now!
 
September 22-29, 2025
Only 3 Spots Left!
Trip Leader(s)
Doug Marshall
Starting From
$8,995.00
Single Supplement:
+$1,495
  Deposit: $3,000  
Start/End
Start: Leknes, Norway

End: Leknes, Norway
Dates
9/22/25 - 9/29/25
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This
Group Size
Limited to 5 photographers
Highlights
  • Capture Autumn's Golden Glow: Photograph the Lofoten Islands at their most colorful, with vibrant fall foliage, golden birch forests, and striking contrasts against dramatic fjords and jagged peaks.

  • Chase the Northern Lights During Solar Peak: Maximize your chances to witness and photograph powerful aurora displays during the solar cycle peak, with dark skies and optimal conditions around the autumn equinox.

  • Iconic & Remote Locations: Explore and shoot classic Lofoten landscapes, including Reine, Hamnøy, Uttakleiv, Haukland Beach, and hidden gems—all within short distances from our cozy accommodations.

  • Expert Instruction in a Small Group Setting: Receive personalized photography guidance from professional photo instructors in an intimate group, ensuring one-on-one attention both in the field and during editing sessions.


This Special Trip Departure is valid for new trip reservations only (no transfers, trip credit, or discounts).
Trip Itinerary

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1 (D)
We recommend the morning flight at 8:35 am from Oslo, landing at 11:25 am in Leknes. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up from the airport or from a nearby hotel if you chose to arrive early. After a trip orientation and checking into our cozy cabins, we’ll head out for a sunset shoot if the light cooperates—autumn skies can be incredible this time of year!

Later, we’ll enjoy our first group dinner together, getting to know each other and reviewing the aurora forecast. If the skies are clear and the aurora is active, we’ll head out for our first night session under the stars.

Tip: We recommend buying lunch in Oslo or Bodø before arriving in Leknes, as we’ll be focused on settling in and getting out shooting once you arrive.

Note: Depending on your flights from the U.S., it may work best to overnight in Oslo at an airport hotel or arrive in Leknes a day early. This extra night is not included, but we’re happy to help with your travel planning—this is a route we know well!

Day 2 - 4 (B,L,D)
Over the next few days, we’ll explore the dramatic landscapes around the charming fishing village of Reine, where autumn colors light up the mountainsides and the peak of Olstind Island towers over the fjord. Expect golden birch trees, crisp reflections, and moody weather that can make for dynamic photography.

We’ll spend time photographing the iconic beaches of Flakstadøya Island, including Skagsanden, Myrland, and Storsandnes. These locations offer countless opportunities for long exposures, coastal abstracts, and classic seascapes. Each evening, we’ll monitor the aurora forecast and head out at night if the northern lights make an appearance—September often brings dark skies and great chances for the aurora, with milder weather than mid-winter.

Days 5 - 7 (B,L,D)
We’ll shift our focus to Vestvågøy Island and the Leknes area, photographing the stunning beaches of Uttakleiv, Haukland, and Vik. This time of year, the landscape is a mix of golden grasses, autumn foliage, and dramatic skies—perfect for creative compositions.

We’ll visit lesser-known viewpoints for fresh perspectives on this wild landscape. Whether it’s wide fjord views or intimate autumn details, we’ll slow down and make the most of the changing season. And of course, each night we’ll be ready to chase the aurora if the conditions are favorable!

Day 8 (B)

On our final morning, we’ll have one last sunrise session in the fjords before returning for a hearty breakfast together. Afterward, we’ll transfer back to Leknes Airport for flights at 1:35 pm, where the trip concludes.


What's Included   

  
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

     

What's Not Included   

  • Flights to and from Leknes, Norway (LKN)

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Snacks

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance (recommended for possible flight delays) - see plans here.

     

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Meet Your Trip Leader

Doug received his first camera, a Kodak Brownie, at the age of six. That’s the day he fell in love with the fact that one could essentially freeze a moment in time with a click of a button. That Brownie met its demise only a few days later, as Doug was running up the backstairs to his house in rural Pennsylvania and he tripped, smashing the camera into a multitude of pieces. Despite being totally devastated, the youngster did not let this incident shatter his zeal for photography! Doug still has the same passion and excitement for capturing moments in time, those special in between times, in his over 20 years as a professional photographer. Doug’s photography is focused on documenting the natural world, people interacting with the natural world, and the magic these moments display. It is with optimism, that his images will inspire the viewer to take action.

Doug’s guiding experience is extensive, with close to 23 years leading trips around the American West, Canada, and down through Belize with youth with varied learning styles and diagnosed learning disabilities.  Doug is a firm believer that the Natural World is the greatest educator if we take the time to listen and observe.

 WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS,
WORKSHOPS & SAFARIS 

Backcountry Journeys offers over 100 global photography tours and workshops, spanning iconic U.S. National Parks to the wild savannahs of Africa, catering to all interests and skill levels. As one of the top-rated, all-inclusive providers in the industry, we ensure a highly personalized and memorable experience that's rooted in our deep passion for photography.

UNPARALLELED
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS

Discover over 100 global photography tours and workshops, from U.S. National Parks to Africa's savannahs, designed for all skill levels. Enjoy personalized experiences with our small groups and hands-on guidance from certified photo instructors. 

THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS

Our team handles all logistics, ensuring a seamless experience, supported by an on-call support line. World-class Trip Planners meticulously plan every detail, while our exceptional customer service ensures your experience exceeds expectations.

WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY

Our adventures blend breathtaking locations with lasting connections among like-minded photographers. We foster a warm, inclusive atmosphere that encourages friendships beyond the trip. 
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HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve
made on the site – we guarantee it!
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