Arctic circle adventure in Norway

A magical 18th birthday it was...

For years, I had a strange yet familiar calling to what is now my favourite place on earth, Norway. This mysterious feeling of familiarity has still not revealed itself to me, but if there's one thing I know, it's that I want to go back time and time again. From the snowy weather, incredible photography opportunities, amazing food, and the overall kindness and hospitality of the Norwegian people, I cannot recommend this country more.

During my 18th birthday in December, I travelled to Tromsø with a brief stopover in Bergen. While Tromsø was the main attraction, both cities were stunning, especially captivating in the snowy winter, which added to the overall experience. Bergen stood out with its distinctive atmosphere, featuring colourful buildings by the waterfront and houses perched on the mountainside. I explored a bustling Christmas market in Bergen, where festive carollers filled the air with melodious tunes, and families gathered in a spacious tavern-style bar to revel in the holiday spirit, which had me itching to grab my camera and capture these moments in time.

Once my mind was fixated on getting the best photos, I found myself drawn to the enchanting glow of the Ferris wheel as it illuminated the night sky like a beacon of light in the darkness. The vibrant colours enticed me to venture into the cold air to capture some stunning shots, which turned out to be truly rewarding. With anticipation, I held onto my camera tightly as I reached the summit, where I was welcomed by the sight of a fjord in the distance and the city illuminated with people relishing the bustling market below.

With a big smile on my face, I was in my element as I clicked my camera, capturing everything through my lens. The vibrant colours of the scenery popped against the backdrop, creating a mesmerizing contrast. Each click of the camera shutter felt like freezing a perfect moment in time, preserving it forever. The soft natural light illuminated the scene, adding a magical touch to the photographs. I felt a sense of joy and fulfilment as I immersed myself in the photography, capturing the beauty of the world around me.

Waking up on my 18th birthday in the picturesque city of Bergen was a moment I will cherish forever. The anticipation and excitement bubbling inside me were indescribable as I knew that the day had finally arrived for my journey to Tromsø. The crisp morning air filled with a sense of adventure as I packed my bags and, most importantly, my camera, my heart racing with the thrill of what my camera will capture to add to its collection in the magical city of Tromsø.

Upon landing, tears welled up in my eyes as I was overcome by that sense of familiarity. Gazing at the enchanting snowy scenery, I realized that the photos I would take here would be infused with deep emotion and a strong desire to capture the scene exactly as I envisioned. I had so much planned such as meeting with the indigenous Sámi people, riding with reindeer, and of course chasing the northern lights through the snowy forest.

Despite my short 4-day stay, I successfully completed all my planned activities, including the unforgettable northern lights chase. Accompanied by an eccentric tour guide who exuded passion, I felt assured that I was in for a remarkable experience. Upon arriving at the woodland location, I harbored slight doubts about witnessing the lights on my birthday, but my faith in Norway remained steadfast. As we gathered around a campfire for my birthday celebration singing, the tour guide's intuition signaled an approaching spectacle. Following his lead, I peered through my viewfinder and beheld a sight that only a mere 1% of individuals have had the privilege to witness in their lifetimes - the mesmerizing northern lights.

Sometimes these lights move around too much for the naked human eye to see, but the power of my camera captured them perfectly. I felt so powerful in that moment, being able to add the northern lights to my body of work. It's a privilege to be able to document these natural wonders and share them with others.

This really topped off my overall experience and put a bow on it as my gift. I have been back to Norway a lot since and have enjoyed it every time, so go check out what I am talking about in person if you get the chance.

Photos available for purchase upon request as well as more northern light photos.