Photography tour to Sweden: special nature in the far north
This photography trip to the far north of Europe, where light, silence, and space define the rhythm, is unique in our program. In September, we’ll travel to Swedish Lapland. From rugged valleys to the open landscapes of the tundra, we’ll search for stunning autumn colors, wildlife, and the Northern Lights. We’ll travel slowly, with time to observe, enjoy, hike, and photograph. With nature as the star, and the Northern Lights as the icing on the cake. What more could you ask for?
Arctic beauty of Northern Sweden
Northern Norrbotten is the destination of this exceptional photography journey through Swedish Lapland. We set out from a remote Sami village, where open tundra, birch forests, rivers, and alpine landscapes intersperse. Along the way, we pass Kiruna, a city that is literally being relocated due to the surrounding mining industry.
The area is rich in wildlife. We might encounter reindeer on this trip, while in the valleys there’s a chance of seeing moose. Birdwatchers can look out for golden eagles and rough-legged buzzards, while rock ptarmigans and willow ptarmigans sometimes offer surprisingly good photo opportunities. Hawk owls, Eurasian jays, redpolls, and snow buntings also fly around here. This environment is perfect for capturing animals in their natural habitat, with space, silence, and the characteristic Arctic light as key ingredients.
Autumn colours and Northern Lights in open landscape
In the second part of the trip, we shift our focus to the Northern Lights and the magnificent Arctic landscape. A clear microclimate and open views are ideal for photographing the Northern Lights. With a bit of luck, they might dance above a lake on a windless evening for the perfect reflection!
During the day, we’ll explore strong compositions with lines, textures, and colors, while the soft September light adds depth to the landscape. Thanks to the many possibilities, we can flexibly adapt to light, weather, and animal activity. This region combines nature, wildlife, and night photography for a powerful and varied photographic finale to the trip.
What makes this photography trip to Sweden so special?
- The combination of light, landscapes and colours makes Swedish Lapland the ideal place for photographers.
- We have a great chance to spot unique wildlife during our walks, always in their natural habitat.
- September is a photographic highlight: autumn colours, low Arctic light, active wildlife and an increasing chance of the Northern Lights make this period exceptionally diverse.
Meet your tour guide
On this journey, you'll be joined by Hanneke Van Camp. She's a nature photographer and biologist based in Belgium, but spends most of the year travelling in Arctic Europe. Her love for the area led her to publish the book "Sápmi - Living Landscapes" in 2025.
During this journey, she will share her experiences in the far north to elevate your experience. Her photography is characterized by tranquility, subtlety, and a strong connection to the environment.
As a guide, Hanneke combines her background as a biologist and science communicator with her photographic vision. She not only guides you through the process of capturing images but also helps you better understand the landscape and wildlife, paying attention to respect, context, and the experience of nature.
Is this photography tour to Sweden something for you?
- You enjoy slow travel and mindful photography. You take your time walking, observing, and waiting for light or wildlife. You’re more interested in the process and the experience than in checking off locations.
- You’re in good physical condition. Walking 5 km in hilly terrain is no problem for you. You can walk 5-10 km daily with your photography gear.
- You feel at home in rugged nature and changing conditions. Long days outdoors, fluctuating temperatures, changeable weather, and hiking over uneven terrain don’t intimidate you.
- You have a strong interest in nature and wildlife. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, you enjoy observing behavior, landscapes, and details, and are open to learning.
Gallery
Planning is key
Itinerary & Locations
We fly to Kiruna via a stopover in Stockholm. From there, we drive to Camp Ripan, our base in Kiruna for the first night. Flights are not included in the price.
NOTE: The locations in the program are not completely accurate. Our program is frequently copied, we therefore remain deliberately vague. Registered participants will receive the correct locations after registration.
From Kiruna, we drive to a remote area where we’ll spend the first part of our journey. This region is characterized by its beautiful river delta and some magnificent Scots pines. Add to that the rugged Arctic mountain landscape with its high peaks, glaciers, vast valleys, and pristine wilderness, and you know you can take photos to your heart’s content.
Here we have a chance of encounters with reindeer and moose. In the sky, we’ll keep an eye out for golden eagles. Ptarmigans also regularly appear here.
We’re enchanted by the fantastic surroundings. The natural beauty here is endless. All around us, we see the influences of the rich Sami culture.
It’s time to head even further north. The drive takes two hours, but you’re constantly surrounded by landscapes you won’t find anywhere else.
This region is a delight for any nature lover and photographer. The Northern Lights regularly dance above one of Sweden’s largest lakes.
We explore the area and search for autumn colours that contrast with the blue water in the canyon. We enjoy the many beautiful views and hope to capture stunning photos of the many species we might encounter here.
Sadly, our time in this wonderful world is over. It’s time to head home. We fly via Stockholm again.
Photography tour to Sweden: special nature in the far north
- insurance guarantee fund
- tips for local collaborators (horeca, hotel,...)
- enthousiast guiding by professional STARLING photographer
- all transport at site
- all nights
- all meals
- all excursions and entrance tickets for parks
- all drinking water
- travel insurance and cancellation insurance (available for purchase through us)
- personal expenses
- international flights and airport taxes
- extra nights
- alcoholic beverages and soda