In my first visit to Norway, in 2016, I visited the Lofoten archipelago. Ever since, I had wanted to return to the region in the winter to see the dramatic landscapes covered in snow. On Dec 31, 2024, I arrived solo in the small airport of Narvik, Norway, for what would be my fourth visit to Norway. I’d spend the next 8 days driving as much as I could in the Arctic Circle, with the intent of seeing the northern lights, skiing for 2 days, and just experiencing the winter wonderland.
This trip was during Polar Night, where the sun technically never rises above the horizon for 32 days. Yet, for a few hours each day, twilight would fill the sky for what felt like an abbreviated day. Driving was largely riddled with sleet, hail, snow, and with a high-risk warning for avalanches along the mountainous roads. These were some of the worst driving conditions I’ve ever witnessed, and despite two days of attempting to reach Lofoten, I had no qualms forfeiting this goal. Instead, I enjoyed walking and hiking at odd hours most nights in pursuit of seeing the northern lights.
Near the end of the trip, after hours of searching for the lights in -5F temps, I started to pack my camera bag and head back to my lodging to warm up. At this exact moment, the lights reared their head and provided a strong display for the next hour. I was as ecstatic as the first time I unexpectedly witnessed them in 2016, and I hadn’t properly seen them since. The following night — my last night of the trip — provided a nearly identical experience. The following photos are displayed in chronological order.