Norway, September 2016

September Sun

The low angle of the midday September sun lights up the Norwegian coast, driving along the E-10 highway in the Lofoten Islands.

Weather Everywhere

Clouds and storms were never very far off during our time in Lofoten. A backlit rain squall provides a dramatic view from Haukland Beach in the Lofoten Islands, Norway.

Haukland Beach

Dramatic clouds build above Haukland Beach in the Lofoten Islands, Norway.

Hike Up Mannen

Our first attempted hike was up Mannen - it was supposed to be easy. We managed to get pretty high up before we finally lost the trail. Great views of Vik and Haukland beaches were still possible from our vantage point.

Hike Up Mannen #2

A similar view from a higher vantage point as the weather continues to develop around us.

Uttakleiv Beach

Even in a light rain, it is easy to see why Uttakleiv Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in the Lofoten Islands.

Weak Aurora

We wanted a good aurora display on our trip so Claudia could see aurora for the first time, but with so much rain and clouds it was not to be. The one clear night did allow the camera to see what the naked eye could not, a weak auroral display radiating from the north.

Pastel Peaks

Driving down the coast of Lofoten towards Reine, a far off set of peaks is silhouetted by some fleeting sunset light.

Reine Sunset

The rapidly changing weather sometimes provides a stunning surprise - this spectacular Reine sunset popped up seemingly out of nowhere.

The E-10 Highway

The E-10 Highway is the main road through all of the Lofoten Islands. It is in good shape and a fun drive, if a little bit narrow in spots. Here it is heading out of Reine towards Sakrisøy.

Sliver of Sun

The fickle morning sun just manages to peak out from under a lowering fog bank to light up the tips of the far peaks to the north of the town of Reine, Lofoten Islands, Norway.

Sun and Fog

Sunshine battles with fog in the town of Reine, Lofoten Islands, Norway.

Reine Morning View

Big blue skies greeted us this morning for the first time, and highlighted the famous peak above the town of Reine. 10 minutes after this image was taken the peak was completely socked in by fog.

The Long View

The view back towards the mainland from the slopes of Offersøykammen in the Lofoten Islands as we get started on our hike was very special, and for just a few hours we had the best weather of the entire trip as well.

View Out To Sea

A view out to sea while hiking up Offersøykammen, Vestvågøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway.

Offersøykammen Panorama

An 8 frame stitch from high up the side of Offersøykammen in Vestvågøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway on a late September afternoon.

Stormy Country

The weather along the coast of Norway in September can be stormy, as it was for this visit, with only small breaks in the clouds and rain for many of the days.

Aurora in Downtown Tromsø

Conditions had been looking favorable for some aurora, and a short but dramatic display happened right outside the hotel, which was naked eye visible. This streamer showed up over the bridge to the mainland for a minute or 2, then was gone. The red color was not quite visible by eye, but was captured by the camera.

Aurora in Downtown Tromsø #2

Here is another view of aurora over the bridge in Tromsø Norway only 13 seconds later, to give an idea of how dynamic the display was.

Aurora in Kvaløya

After seeing such a nice display of aurora in Tromso, I decided to drive out to try to find a darker location without any city lights, so I headed over to the island of Kvaløya . I found a nice location with views to the north, but nothing much was happening. Right before packing up, I looked behind me and saw LOTS of activity directly overhead. This was my favorite capture, with lighting on the rocky ridge provided by an ~82% full moon.

Silent Streamer

Bright aurora streams over a moonlit ridge in Kvaløya, Norway.