Láhko National Park/Svartisen Glacier/Gildeskål, Norway. July 31st – August 6th, 2023

The Arctic Circle divides Norway in half at it’s narrowest point, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Sweden to the east. The uniqe and beautiful locations Marmorslottet (Marble Castle) Svartisen Glacier and Láhko National Park is located right there

Láhko National Park with its spectacular marble and limestone formations (karst formations), surrounded by mountain peaks and glaciers. It is here that we will have our seven-day workshop with daily outings to this unusual and spectacular landscape in the center of a country that is beautiful wherever you look. We will also spend a full day by the Svartisen Glacier, which stretches itself almost down to the sea in Meløy municipality and also the wonderful Marble Castle in Rana. One of our workshops days we will also go to visit interesting and less known locations in Gildeskål.

Bjørn´s sense of adventure and exploration, excitement and enthusiasm will rub off on you, but you won’t need his inspiration to ignite yours; the area is sure to engage you from the moment you step into it.

Most of the time we stay outdoors with our cameras for field work. We spend as little time indoors as possible. You should be devoted to nature as well as photography to take part in this event.

The workshop is a perfect time to delve into Bjørn´s and your own choices. And it’s a perfect opportunity to refine and expand your photographic vistas. It is also a good opportunity to get to know people who share your interests into analog photography and nature.

The area

The distinctive geology of the Salten and Helgeland region in Northern Norway provides unique photographic opportunities. Throughout the region you will find intriguing surfaces and structures, potholes – and a lot of caves. The region also offers wonderful beaches backed by steep coastal mountains.

 Marmorslottet (The Marble Castle)

A unique geological site, shaped by glacial action thousands of years ago. Within a quite small area you will find the most beautiful geological shapes. We will spend a full day at Marmorslottet, so you will have all the time you need to perfect your compositions.

 Láhko National Park

A wonderful mountain plateau north of the Polar Circle. Láhko NP is the largest continuous area of alpine karst in Europe and it provides literally thousands of interesting photographic opportunities. Throughout the national park you will find the most spectacular geological textures, caves and natural bridges. Exploring Láhko NP is like walking for hours through a gigantic work of art.

 Svartisen Glacier (Engenbreen)

Situated close to the Polar Circle, between Marmorslottet and Láhko National Park. One of the tongues from this glacier, Engenbreen, reaches all the way to the coast at Meløy. Apart from the glacier itself, we will find a wealth of other interesting photographic opportunities in its nearby surroundings. Here, our attention may be attracted by small waterfalls, potholes and interesting geological textures.

 Gildeskål and Saltdalen

Apart from the locations mentioned above, we will also visit a number of other interesting locations at Gildeskål and Saltdalen. Here, we will find enormous potholes, spectacular cliffs and magical scenery alongside beaches and in pine forests.

 Saltstraumen

The world´s strongest tidal current – and one that provides a unique photographic opportunity.

 The tour

This beautiful area is the playground for an intensive 7 day-long photo tour in the summer of 2023. The emphasis during this trip is on improving your photography skills, learning to “see” and learning how to use creative techniques. We will of course mainly photograph the beautiful landscapes, which can be found literally around every corner – but we will also spend time creating abstract and creative images. We will work and play with our cameras from 9AM to 9PM every day.

 What you will learn

Composition, camera adjustments, how tu utilize different focal lenghts, how to meter light, use of filters, intimate landscapes, abstract photography, shapes and lines and a lot more.

 Transport during the workshop

We will be driven around in a minibus with up to 9 passengers per vehicle. There will be enough space for all your equipment.

 Accommodation

Since the workshop is a round trip, we will be staying at three different locations. The two first nights will be spent at a hotel in single rooms. For the rest of the workshop we will be staying in a large cabin with 9 single or double rooms. See more detailed information below.

Food and drinks

Paricipants cover the cost for all meals themselves. Breakfast and lunch will be purchased in the supermarket and prepared by ourselves. Dining is either in our accommodation or in one of the local restaurants. Alcoholic beverages and special requests are not included.

 Who is this aimed at?

This tour is intended for avid nature photographers who want to improve their skills at photographing landscapes and details with large format camera. Considerable attention will therefore be invested in learning and applying various techniques in the field of landscape photography and learning to “see” shapes and patterns. This is a perfect tour for any nature photographer keen to immerse themselves in a beautiful summer setting, and who wants to learn to shoot better and return home with a varied portfolio filled with stunning shots of this beautiful region.

 Itinerary & Accomodation

• Day 1. Arrive at Bodø airport. Introduction, explanation and transfer to Mo i Rana. Lunch at Storjord in Saltdal and dinner in Mo i Rana.

  • Accomodation (single room occupancy): Scandic Meyergården in Mo i Rana. Price: NOK 1190.-. Book at Scandic Meyergården.

• Day 2: Marmorslottet. In the afternoon we go to Storjord in Saltdal for dinner and even more photography.

  • Accomodation (single room occupanc): Storjord Hotel at Storjord. Price: NOK 1290.-. Book at Storjord Hotel.

• Day 3: Gildeskål. We visit potholes, a cave and a beach. Lunch at Inndyr and dinner at Ørnes. We arrive at Meløy Adventure cabin in the evening.

  • Accomomodation (single room occupancy) (day 3-7): Meløy Adventure. Glomfjord. Price: NOK 790.- (Standard room) / NOK 990.- (Upgraded room). per night. Book by email: post@meloyadventure.no.

• Day 4: Láhko National Park. Dinner at Meløy Adventure.

• Day 5: Svartisen Glacier. Dinner at Brestua.

• Day 6: Láhko National Park. Dinner at Meløy Adventure.

• Day 7: Gildeskål. Return to Bodø. Depart from Bodø Airport.

Physical requirements

You have to be used to hiking with a backpack in order to take part in this workshop.

Clothing

Although it is still summer, the weather can still be cold in northern Norway and the temperature can drop to 6-7 degrees. We might also be lucky and experience warm days with temperatures around 20 degrees. So make sure to bring clothing for all conditions. Reaching some of the locations involves some off-trail hiking, so please bring hiking boots that support your ankles.

 List of clothing:

• Thin gloves for photographing

• Warm hat

• Scarf 

• Warm thick (woollen) sweater 

• Rainproof clothing

• Windproof jacket and trousers

• Waterproof mountain boots

• Sunglasses

• Trekking poles