Traveler’s Journal: Chasing the Northern Lights — Norway’s Arctic Circle

As a travel photographer, I’ve always been drawn to places where light and landscape conspire to create magic. Norway’s Arctic Circle had long been my ultimate dream — a region where unpredictability meets breathtaking beauty, and capturing the perfect shot becomes an art of persistence and patience.

Our 12-day family adventure began in Tromsø, a small city nestled within the Arctic Circle, during October —Norway’s rainiest month. Most photographers might have abandoned hope, but I believe challenging conditions are where magic happens. With a forecast predicting 90-100% chance of rain, I knew capturing the northern lights would take more than just luck.

Upon arrival, I hired a local aurora guide. At 5 p.m. sharp, we set off – chasing any patch of sky that promised a break in the relentless clouds. To our surprise, the route took us far beyond Norway, winding through Finland and Sweden. The hours on the road tested our endurance, but when the northern lights finally emerged – delicate streaks of green swaying between breaks in the clouds — it was worth every mile.

Our next stop, Senja, took us deeper into Norway’s rugged Arctic beauty. Known for its dramatic landscapes, Senja is where jagged mountains plunge straight into the sea. We took our kids on a mountain hike to see Segla Peak, often called the “sail of Senja”— a sheer-sided mountain rising like a jagged sail above the fjords, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Norway’s Arctic wilderness.

Our waterfront Airbnb in Senja gifted us magical moments too – brief glimpses of the northern lights cutting through rain clouds, illuminated by the full moon. The interplay of light and weather felt otherworldly, a reminder that even imperfect conditions can reveal extraordinary beauty.

Finally, we reached the Lofoten Islands, a photographer’s paradise where mountains plunge into steel-gray fjords and red fishermen’s cabins (rorbuer) dot the rocky shores.

From our base in Napp, each direction told its own visual story. Heading north led us to Haukland Beach and Henningsvær; heading south took us to Nusfjord, Ramberg, Hamnøy, Reine, and the southernmost tip of Å.

At Storsandnes Beach, I set up my camera two nights in a row during rain breaks. Around midnight on the second night, in complete solitude, the sky exploded with color. Vibrant green and purple ribbons rippled and twisted overhead—a fleeting spectacle that felt deeply personal, as if nature had prepared it just for me. These moments are rare and precious, the kind of beauty that isn’t handed to you but earned through patience and an open heart.

For those who dream of chasing the northern lights, Norway’s Arctic Circle is a place that challenges and rewards you in equal measure. The unpredictable weather, long nights, and rugged landscapes become part of the story. But it’s not just about seeing the lights — it’s about embracing the journey, finding beauty in unexpected moments, and discovering that sometimes, the most magical memories are the ones you work hardest to capture.

About the author

Belinda Shi, a former business professional turned photographer, has explored six continents and documented her family’s travels across 35 countries. Living with her husband and two sons, Belinda now helps mirrorless camera enthusiasts worldwide capture timeless moments and find joy in life’s most meaningful adventures.

About Traveler’s Journal

Traveler’s Journal is an adventure presentation speaker/photo series presented by the Peninsula Trails Coalition to raise funds for Olympic Discovery Trail projects. There will be four presentations on Thursday evenings during the month of February:

Feb. 6: “Chasing the Northern Lights: A Family’s Adventure in Norway’s Arctic Circle,” by Belinda Shi

Feb.13: “In Search of Sea Wolves: Kayaking the Great Bear Rainforest,” by Dave Shreffler

Feb. 20: “Iceland,” by John Gussman

Feb. 27: “Siberian Arctic,” by Leslie Saxon West

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Dungeness River Nature Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Rd.

Admission: Suggested donation of $10

Photo by Belinda Shi
With an aurora guide, the Shi family’s travels extended beyond Norway to Finland and Sweden.

Photo by Belinda Shi With an aurora guide, the Shi family’s travels extended beyond Norway to Finland and Sweden.

Photo by Belinda Shi
Belinda Shi and her family watch the sunrise at Stornappstinden in Norway.

Photo by Belinda Shi Belinda Shi and her family watch the sunrise at Stornappstinden in Norway.

Photo by Belinda Shi/ Belinda Shi and her family enjoy the view during their Segla/ Hesten hike in Norway.

Photo by Belinda Shi/ Belinda Shi and her family enjoy the view during their Segla/ Hesten hike in Norway.

Photo by Belinda Shi/ One of Belinda Shi’s children takes in the scenery from Flakstadveien in Norway.

Photo by Belinda Shi/ One of Belinda Shi’s children takes in the scenery from Flakstadveien in Norway.

Photo by Belinda Shi/ Family members of Belinda Shi hike up a slope on the Segla/ Hesten hike in Norway.

Photo by Belinda Shi/ Family members of Belinda Shi hike up a slope on the Segla/ Hesten hike in Norway.

Photo by Belinda Shi/ During a tour of the northern lights, the Shi family’s travels extended beyond Norway to Finland and Sweden.

Photo by Belinda Shi/ During a tour of the northern lights, the Shi family’s travels extended beyond Norway to Finland and Sweden.