This short itinerary is designed for a long weekend in the Lofoten Islands, focused on photography, light chasing, and slow exploration. It’s based on our autumn trip traveling with friends and adapting plans to weather and conditions.
Want to copy it? Every pin in the file matches the locations below, including backup waterfalls, beaches, and aurora pullouts.
Day 1 – Arrival & Å / Åmøy
Fly into Evenes Airport, rent a car, and drive into the Lofoten Islands. Check into a traditional red rorbu by the sea and spend the afternoon scouting nearby locations.
Wake up early for sunrise around Å and Åmøy. Strong wind, fast clouds, and sudden rain can produce incredible light and rainbows.
Day 2 is where the trip stops being a simple route and turns into a light chase. If you want the exact pull-offs, bridges, and small roadside stops we kept coming back to, I broke them down in this guide to the best photo spots in the Lofoten Islands.
Day 2 – Reine, Waterfalls & Dragon Eye
Start the day near Reine for early light. Explore roadside viewpoints before crowds arrive, then move inland to waterfalls and streams for long exposures.
In the afternoon, photograph the famous rock formation often called the “Dragon Eye”, using textures and reflections for strong foregrounds.
After dark, check aurora forecasts and move away from village lights if conditions are right.
Day 3 – Henningsvær & Return
Head to Henningsvær in the morning and capture the iconic football pitch from above if wind conditions allow.
Enjoy brunch in town, then drive back toward Evenes. Stay alert for wildlife — we encountered a moose along the road.
Notes & Practical Tips
- Renting a car is essential for flexibility
- Weather changes quickly — always have a backup plan
- Book restaurants in advance, especially in smaller villages