HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PHOTO TOUR
- Good chance of close encounters with Orcas and Humpback whales
- Magnificent mountain landscapes
- Good chance of photographing the northern lights
- A 6-day expedition cruise aboard the classic vessel M/S Stockholm, a cozy favorite built in 1953
- Zodiac inflatable boats used for better photo angles, with a maximum of 6 participants in each
- The tour leader and expedition leader will take you to their favorite spots, and you’ll receive personal photographic guidance and tips in a small group of like-minded travelers
Slowly, the sun rises above the horizon, and from the deck of M/S Stockholm we take in the morning in Northern Norway’s dramatic fjord landscape. Suddenly, the silence is broken by a powerful sound as an orca breaks the surface just a few meters away. Its gleaming black dorsal fin rises majestically against the grey sky, and your heart beats faster in awe. To encounter this intelligent and social giant in its natural environment is an experience that etches itself into the soul. Orcas are known for their strength and grace, and Northern Norway’s fjords are among the very best places in the world to watch them hunt herring in their natural habitat – a unique and spectacular display that peaks in late autumn.
ORCA ENCOUNTERS
Northern Norway is a land of contrasts and magic. Here, the raw, wild sea meets towering mountains in a landscape both grand and tranquil. For more than 15 years, vast shoals of herring have gathered in the northernmost waters of Norway during winter. With the herring come those who feed on them – the whales. Each year, hundreds of whales arrive in the fjords around Alta to feast on this abundance. Most notably, it is the orcas that turn the fjords into their winter dining table, but humpback whales and fin whales can also be seen here. It’s not uncommon to witness groups of 20–30 orcas, and often we have the chance to follow them as they move through the fjords. The orcas are unafraid and often curious; with luck, we may see them “spyhopping” to watch us or witness a spectacular “feeding ball” as they herd herring.
The orcas’ behavior offers us extraordinary opportunities to photograph these “wolves of the sea.” We hope to capture both close-up portraits and wide shots of them in their environment with the dramatic mountains as a backdrop.
HUMPBACK AND FIN WHALES
Although orcas are our main focus, we will also search for humpback whales and, with some luck, watch them dive and raise their flukes in a classic pose. The fjords are sometimes visited by the fin whale, the second largest animal on Earth. Despite their immense size, they rarely show much above the surface, making them less of a photo subject—but of course, seeing them is still an awe-inspiring experience. These vast whale gatherings are truly one of the great spectacles of nature, not only in Scandinavia but in the entire world, and a must for every nature enthusiast.
Aboard M/S Stockholm, a charming and well-equipped vessel, we will travel safely through the fjords and out onto the open sea. With comfortable cabins and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the ship offers space for both companionship and reflection. One of the advantages of staying aboard is that we can constantly follow the whales’ movements and remain close to them. We also have access to two Zodiacs, each accommodating 12 people, providing plenty of room for equipment and mobility to capture the best photographic angles.
As night falls over the Arctic landscape, we hope the sky will, on at least one evening, transform into a stage for the enchanting dance of the Northern Lights. Green, violet, and pink ribbons of light sweep across the stars, creating magical conditions for photography. The aurora borealis is one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, and Northern Norway is among the world’s top places to experience and photograph this wonder.
THE VESSEL M/S STOCKHOLM
For this voyage, we charter the entire M/S Stockholm, a classic ship originally built in 1953 for the Swedish Maritime Administration. In 1998 she underwent a complete refit and began a new chapter as a comfortable vessel for polar expeditions. M/S Stockholm accommodates up to 12 passengers in cozy twin cabins with bunk beds, private facilities, and small windows (portholes). With her beautiful brass fittings and wooden decks, M/S Stockholm is a magnificent piece of maritime history, admired for her charm and elegance.
With over 20 years of experience navigating the challenging Arctic waters, M/S Stockholm has proven her ability to reach remote destinations inaccessible to larger ships. On board, you can enjoy excellent meals in the company of like-minded travelers who share a fascination with the Arctic’s captivating nature, wildlife, and history. The cuisine is of a high standard, and all beverages are included. The intimate atmosphere, reminiscent of a private yacht, ensures a personal and unforgettable experience.
Nature and wildlife are at the very heart of this journey. The crew, captain, and guides on this trip have extensive experience with both the Arctic and photography under its unique conditions. The crew is Swedish-speaking, and participants may come from several different countries. The ship is perfectly suited for photography.
Itinerary
Day 1 (23/10) (Dinner)
We arrive in the Northern Norwegian town of Alta, located 380 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. We check in at our centrally located hotel, close to attractions such as the Northern Lights Cathedral.
Day 2 (24/10) (Breakfast – Dinner)
In the morning, you can explore the charismatic Northern Norwegian and Coastal Sami town of Alta on your own. Perhaps take a look at the impressive rock carvings, weather permitting, as heavy snow may cover them. The Alta Museum is wonderful and worth a visit. In the afternoon, our guides will meet us, and we board M/S Stockholm to settle into our cozy cabins. The expedition cruise has begun!
Day 3-6 (25-28/10) (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
We are now on an expedition cruise, and the itinerary over the coming days will remain flexible depending on the weather and wildlife encounters. At the end of October, the polar night has not yet set in, and we still have several hours of daylight. Even when the sun is below the horizon, we can enjoy spectacular twilight periods. For photography enthusiasts, the light at this time of year can be magical—imagine photographing a group of orcas against a pink sky with dramatic, snow-covered mountains in the background!
In clear weather, we hope to witness the magical Northern Lights—Alta is one of the destinations offering the best chances to experience this fascinating phenomenon. Since 2010, large herring shoals have overwintered in the Northern Norwegian fjords, attracting orcas and humpback whales. Because these are wild animals, it is difficult to predict exactly if and where they will appear, but with some luck, we may experience unforgettable encounters with these magnificent creatures.
During the voyage, our goal is to see both the Northern Lights and whales. When possible, we will embark on exciting Zodiac excursions and refreshing hikes to explore the beautiful archipelago up close. Perhaps the first snow has already fallen, covering the high mountain peaks and creating stunning scenery alongside the picturesque small houses. The area is also a popular habitat for white-tailed eagles, and we will keep an eye out for their impressive wingspan. Øksfjorden, Stjernøya, and Loppa are examples of places where we may make landings.
On board, we listen to the guides’ inspiring lectures, enjoy delicious meals, and keep watch from the deck.
Day 7 (29/10) (Breakfast)
In the morning, we disembark from the ship and begin our journey home from Alta.
Please note: The locations mentioned above are only examples of places we may visit. The exact route of the trip will depend entirely on the weather and potential whale sightings. The captain and expedition leader will do everything possible to maximize our experience. Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
Photographic leader
Jan Gyllensten
Born in 1955, Jan Gyllensten began his photography career at the age of 16, when he left school to pursue an apprenticeship as a photographer. He then spent 40 years specializing in sports photography, covering six Olympic Games and more than 50 World, European, and World Cup finals.
In 2017, Jan decided to retire and stop photographing. He had long held a passion for wildlife and outdoor life, which had led to numerous mountain hikes—but never with a camera… (“I was supposed to be on holiday…”)
It likely didn’t take long before Jan became a restless retiree, as both his wife and close friends asked why he wasn’t bringing a camera to photograph the birds and wildlife he could spend hours simply observing.
What started as a single attempt soon turned into a full-blown passion for nature photography, particularly of birds of prey and wild animals. Travel had always been in his blood from his sports photography days, and over the past five years Jan and his cameras have been traveling extensively once again.
Jan’s photographic roots are in analog and mechanical photography, long before autofocus and other automatic features existed. Back then, understanding light metering, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and depth of field was crucial to capturing a good image. Today, Jan enjoys sharing his insights on how these parameters can be combined with the automatic capabilities of modern cameras.
