My Adventure Through Norway: Exploring Tromsø, Capturing the Northern Lights, and More!
As someone who loves the chill of winter and the beauty of cold destinations, my adventure to Norway—specifically Tromsø—was a journey I had planned meticulously. This wasn’t just about experiencing a new place; it was about capturing the magic of the Northern Lights and the untouched beauty of Norway through my camera lens. My trip was packed with thrilling activities, stunning landscapes, and plenty of new photography skills to master.
From snowy treks in the mountains to chasing the elusive Northern Lights and even a spontaneous detour into Finland, every moment of this trip felt like an adventure. Plus, the photography opportunities were beyond what I had imagined.
Gearing Up for the Arctic
Given that I had already seen the Northern Lights in Iceland but wasn’t able to capture them due to lack of proper gear, I knew this time would be different. I had prepared carefully for this trip, making sure I had all the right equipment to do justice to the beauty of the Arctic.
For starters, I invested in a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod, which was not only lightweight but sturdy enough to handle the extreme conditions in the snow. Perfect for long-exposure shots of the night sky! Along with this, I found the perfect camera bag designed specifically for photographers. It was waterproof, lightweight, and had all the space I needed for my lenses, batteries, and other gear, making it easy to access everything without fumbling around in freezing conditions.
I also finally made the jump and bought a 10mm f/2.8 lens that I’d been eyeing for ages. Its wide aperture made it perfect for astrophotography, especially under the dim Arctic sky. It was a manual focus lens, which can be tricky to handle in the dark, but it was absolutely worth it. This gear made all the difference in capturing the Northern Lights and the starry sky in all their glory.
The Magic of the Northern Lights
One of the main highlights of the trip was, of course, chasing the Northern Lights. This wasn’t my first time seeing them, but in Tromsø, they were nothing short of breathtaking. The sky lit up with colours so vivid it felt like I was watching a celestial ballet. It was -23°C, but I hardly noticed the cold as I was completely absorbed in getting the perfect shots.
I’ll never forget one night in particular—we travelled deep into the Arctic wilderness, and even ended up crossing into Finland, just to find the best viewing spot. I stood there in my thick thermal layers, camera ready on the tripod, fingers numb, but heart racing with excitement. Two hours passed before the lights appeared, but when they did, it was magical. The thrill of experimenting with different long exposures while the lights danced across the sky was unforgettable.
What really added to the experience were the people I met along the way. One evening, I even teamed up with a fellow photographer I’d met by a frozen lake, and we attempted some light painting, crafting patterns into the night sky. We laughed our way through the freezing temperatures, bonding over our shared love for photography. It’s incredible how quickly you make connections in these settings—people from all walks of life drawn together by the same passion.
Exploring Tromsø and the Surrounding Wilderness
Tromsø itself is a small city, and while the shopping district didn’t hold much excitement for me, it’s the natural beauty that truly made this place special. I spent hours wandering through the charming streets, snapping photos of the colourful wooden houses nestled against snowy hillsides. There’s a certain simplicity in Tromsø’s architecture that, when paired with the dramatic landscape, makes for beautiful photos.
Outside of the city, I had the opportunity to explore the fjords and embark on a trek through the surrounding mountains. The trek was both thrilling and slightly dangerous, but it was all part of the adventure! With my GoPro strapped on, I was able to capture some amazing shots of the winding paths, snow-capped peaks, and the peaceful silence that only the wilderness can offer. It was challenging, balancing the camera and trekking, but every time we stopped for a break, I’d whip out my DSLR and capture the surreal, icy landscapes.
One of my favourite photography moments was asking a friend to stand at the edge of a fjord, gazing out into the distance. The shot I got—her figure silhouetted against the expanse of the ocean—became one of my all-time favourites. It’s these moments of stillness and reflection that I try to capture in my photos, bringing life and a sense of narrative to each scene.
Sledding with Wolves and an Unfortunate Whale-Watching Experience
Another unforgettable part of my trip was going on a wolf sledding tour. This was something completely new for me, and it was both exhilarating and physically demanding. We took turns either pushing the sled or sitting in it while being pulled by these incredible animals. Being out in the wilderness with a pack of trained wolves was surreal. The experience was tough but rewarding, and I managed to capture some stunning action shots with the sleds racing through the snowy terrain.
However, not everything went according to plan. I had booked a whale-watching tour, hoping to get up close and personal with the majestic blue whales. Unfortunately, the ocean was so rough that I became terribly seasick, despite having taken precautions. I ended up missing the entire tour as I slept through the trip, unable to even catch a glimpse of the whales. Luckily, the tour company was incredibly kind and even refunded me. Next time, I think I’ll try a land-based location to photograph killer whales instead!
A Journey to Remember
My seven days in Tromsø were nothing short of extraordinary. From the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights to the peaceful moments spent capturing the beauty of the fjords, this trip was a perfect blend of adventure and photography. I learned so much—not just about the technical aspects of astrophotography and shooting in cold conditions, but also about Norway’s rugged beauty, its people, and the incredible experiences it offers.
This won’t be my last trip to the Arctic, but it will certainly be one I’ll never forget. The memories I made, the friendships I formed, and the photos I captured will always remind me of just how magical this journey was. Norway, you were a cold, captivating dream.