Northern Lights in Reine, Norway

In 2001, Reine was voted Norway's most beautiful village, and the intervening years have only strengthened that claim. This tiny fishing village (population ~300) in the southern Lofoten Islands sits at the foot of towering granite peaks that plunge into the crystal-clear waters of Reinefjorden. Traditional red rorbuer (fishermen's cabins) line the shores, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in all of Scandinavia.

When the northern lights appear above Reine, the scene transcends photography and enters the realm of art. The aurora reflects in the still fjord waters, the mountain silhouettes add dramatic depth, and the warm glow from the rorbuer windows provides human-scale warmth against the cosmic display overhead. It's little wonder that Reine and nearby Hamnoy are among the most photographed aurora locations on Earth.

At 67.93°N, Reine needs only a KP index of 2 for aurora activity. Light pollution is essentially nonexistent. The challenge here isn't finding aurora - it's choosing which of the many spectacular compositions to photograph first. Check the aurora forecast and prepare for unforgettable nights.

Hamnoy Bridge: The most iconic aurora photography location in Lofoten, if not the world. Standing on the bridge between Hamnoy and Sakrisoy, you see red rorbuer with Festhelltinden and Olstinden mountains soaring behind them, reflected in the calm harbor waters. With aurora dancing above, this is the shot that has graced a thousand magazine covers.

Reinefjorden Viewpoint: Multiple viewpoints along the road offer vistas across Reinefjorden with Reine village and its surrounding peaks. The fjord's sheltered waters often produce mirror-like reflections of both the mountains and the aurora.

Reinebringen: The famous hike (not recommended in winter due to dangerous conditions) offers spectacular daytime views. Instead, the lower road approach to Reine from the east provides excellent aurora viewpoints without the climb.

Sakrisoy: The tiny yellow-painted rorbuer village between Hamnoy and Reine offers its own photogenic perspective, with a quieter atmosphere and excellent views of the surrounding peaks.

Tind (A i Lofoten): The very end of the road in Lofoten, just beyond Reine. This tiny settlement represents the end of the line - and offers dark skies and dramatic mountain-fjord compositions for aurora viewing.

Reine's aurora season spans September through March:

September-October: Early season with mild temperatures and autumn colors. The mountains around Reine still hold late-season warmth, and the absence of snow means the landscape shows its raw geological beauty. Aurora appears against mountain rock faces rather than snow.

November-January: Snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. The brief midday twilight illuminates the snow-capped peaks in soft pastels before darkness returns for aurora viewing. This is peak atmospheric season, with the combination of snow, mountains, and aurora creating the classic Lofoten winter images.

February-March: The returning sun creates golden hour light on the mountain peaks during the day, while nights deliver aurora. The snow is deep, weather is often more stable than midwinter, and the equinox effect can bring enhanced geomagnetic activity. Many photographers consider this the ideal window.

Getting There: Reine is located near the end of the E10 highway in Lofoten. The nearest airports are Leknes (LKN, 30 minutes drive) and Svolvaer (SVJ, 1.5 hours). The Moskenes ferry terminal (connection to Bodo) is just 10 minutes south.

Accommodation: Eliassen Rorbuer offers beautifully restored fishermen's cabins right on the waterfront with mountain views. Reine Rorbuer and several other providers offer similar traditional accommodation. These cabins are extremely popular - book 3-6 months in advance for peak aurora season. Expect to pay 1500-3500 NOK per night.

Dining: Options are limited in Reine itself (the Bringen Restaurant at Eliassen Rorbuer is the main choice), so consider self-catering in your rorbuer. The nearest supermarket is in Reine or Sorvagen. For restaurant dining, Henningsvaer (45 minutes north) offers more choices.

Photography Tips: The Hamnoy Bridge viewpoint gets crowded at dawn and during aurora events. Arrive early, bring a headlamp (red light mode), and be respectful of other photographers. A 14-24mm wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing both the landscape and sky. See our aurora photography guide.