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We Traveled 3500km To Sleep In A 5-Billion-Star ‘Hotel’ In Norway And It Made Our Jaws Drop
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We Traveled 3500km To Sleep In A 5-Billion-Star ‘Hotel’ In Norway And It Made Our Jaws Drop

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We drove my old rickety Ford Escort from Helsinki to Troms with my adventure buddy Mika-Pekka Markkanen. Then visited Senja and Lofoten islands and drove back. The whole trip took 12 days and we drove more than 3500km. We slept our nights mostly in a wind beaten tent that was definitely not suitable for winter camping in Norway. One windy night we found shelter from an abandoned camping site and got to sleep in a cold fire hut. At least we got a shelter from the wind. There was a shower too, but we didn’t have any coins for hot water, so we had an ice cold shower.

One unforgettable night we spent in a cave, with water dripping on my face the whole night – like a Chinese torture. Afterwards, we learnt that ancient human bones and skulls from the cave have been found there. One miserable night we spent in the car, which was my travel buddy Mika-Pekka’s birthday. Later that night we decided to try to pitch the tent, which then flew away by the wind, but got stuck to some bushes, thank god. Mika-Pekka’s camera gear was inside the tent. The tent landed in a puddle and the camera gear got soaked, with luck on our side nothing broke. In about 5 minutes our car keys got stuck in the car’s back trunk. Panicking for a while and cursing the night we got ourselves together and managed to retrieve the keys. Finally, we got some sleep for a few hours in the wet tent, with the roof flapping on our faces due to some crazy winds.

Ok, that’s enough. I guess you all got the point that this was no luxury holiday in a 5-star hotel. Instead, for most of the nights, we had a 5 billion star hotel! Enjoy the images, pandas!

More info: Facebook | Instagram

When the sky exploded

A G2-class geomagnetic storm hit earth and produced the most beautiful Northern lights I’ve ever seen!

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Billion star hotel

To create this image I set my camera on a tripod and took a 30 second exposure shot. During these 30 seconds I ran inside the tent and light-painted a heart on the side.

Aurora eruption

It’s like a volcano, only erupting with auroras!

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The Northern lights started usually right when it got dark enough for them to show up.

Flaming mountains

Crystal reflections

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The green sky

Aurora river

Water flowing down from the mountains carve these small rivers on the sandy beach in Kvalvika beach, Lofoten.

The faint one

Sometimes there’s only faint auroras. But they can be beautiful too.

Sea, you are scary

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Big waves crashing on the rocks made it scary to photograph here.

Aurora strike

My favorite shot from this trip. Waited for the lights to hit the Andenes lighthouse and when they did, I only got few attempts to get the shot. And here it is!

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A night in a cave

There were two big caves in the area.

The camp

In this image Mika-Pekka light-paints a spiral on the tent and I took a picture of it.

Uprising

What do you see?

Starman

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Selfie of me on a rock, far away in the distance.

The caveman

This is the cave we slept in. And that’s Mika-Pekka balancing on a very slippery rock while the Northern lights are glowing in the distance.

Don’t let the U.F.O take you

This UFO cloud was there for maby a minute. Got lucky to get a shot of with with my friend down on the beach to give some scale.

Burst of colors

The burst of a corona above us.

Crack of dawn

Aurora house

Welcome auroras

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This was one of the best night’s I’ve had!

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jacobchamberlain avatar
The Alchemist
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was amazing. I left my living room for a minute there and was in Norway. Words aren't enough to describe this.

damonbeckford avatar
pearldsouza avatar
pearl dsouza
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

look like a fantasy world. Sitting in India I'm dreaming of Norway, thanks for these magnificent pictures... I wish you lots of adventures and success. :)

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They really are amazing! Thank you very much :) Hopefully you'll have the chance of seeing them even once in your life! I'm actually Going to Nepal in 2,5 weeks and from there continuing to India and probably travelling and photographing there for 3-5 months :)

Load More Replies...
joelei avatar
Joel Ei
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very amazing pictures. I lived in Alaska for 16 years and saw some of those northern lights. I didn't have a good camera tho, so no pics.

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks Joel! You must have witnessed some amazing auroras in Alaska! Even though you couldn't photograph them, the main thing is you saw them :)

Load More Replies...
evisa-isabella-rose avatar
Evisa Isabella Rose
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Luxury for the eyes and soul! 5-billion stars hotel > 5 stars hotel :)

cmiilu avatar
Chris Miilu
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I saw these pictures they reminded me of the merchant marine captain I knew in Greenwich, CT. He talked about ships hidden in Norway to keep them from the Germans. He also talked about the incredible Norwegian skiers who skied down the mountains in white to snipe at Germans. Sweden capitulated; Norway fought a tough battle of resistance and got many downed British pilots back home via fishing boats. A tough mountain people.

bilqisfdh avatar
Bilqis fdh
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Flew to norway with my friends last 2 weeks for this..but unfortunately it was so cloudy and foggy we can't see any auroras :(

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh no, sad to hear! :( That's the biggest problem with auroras, that you need a clear sky to see them :s Hopefully next time you'll have better luck with seeing them! :)

Load More Replies...
fangyunlin avatar
Frank Lin
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome pictures! Any chance you can share the places you visited and how to get there?

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks Frank! Locations are Troms, Senja and Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway. You can get anywhere with a car.

Load More Replies...
outchemy avatar
Dominique
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Staggering !! I do agree this is one of those LIFE experiences we have all dreamed of experiencing!

damonbeckford avatar
atlantike avatar
Arty
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good picture skills! I just come back from a trip (more cloudy unfortunately) in a secluded part in the North as well and my picture are nothing like these ;) picture-57...382b6f.jpg picture-57e91ea382b6f.jpg

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You just need to practice! Shutter speed was determed on how strong the northern lights were. On the strong ones i had a shutter speed of about 2-4 seconds. On the weaker ones 20-30 seconds, also to get the stars really pop out :)

Load More Replies...
hattawaymonica avatar
Monica Hattaway
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just absolutely breathtaking, can't imagine actually being there...one day I will get there. Keep shooting and posting !!

norainiag avatar
Noraini Ghani
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

great pictures.. magical Norway.. I am booking my ticket Aug-Sept next year (2017)

martien avatar
Martien Janssen
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome photos, I'd love to go exactly that kind of trip, drive with a buddy, sleep in tents and caves, so cool!

feenewlands avatar
Fee Newlands
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow!! Thank you so much for sharing these awesome photos of your adventure.,. Breathtaking beauty.

nupurgrover11 avatar
nupur grover
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dreamy pictures!! Loved each one of them, especially the way you photographed the sea. Can you give some information on the camera and lenses you use?

emmabubby03581 avatar
Shannon Langdon
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an amazing sight. I especially love the shots showing the scale of how magnificent the aurora really is. Although one can't really know, until we are fortunate enough to be there in person! You did a grand job of relaying this. Thank you so much, I almost felt as if I were there! Have a wonderful adventure ahead! Share pictures when you can...💖💖✌

emmabubby03581 avatar
Shannon Langdon
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These pictures have to be some of the most beautiful I have ever seen of the Auroras. I especially love the scale on a few of the shots. I can only imagine how spectacular it was to have been there in person. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonder many of us can only dream of.💖💖

dag avatar
Dag Rommen
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi, Is it possible to buy a high resolution copy of the one from Andenes lighthouse? My grandfather was a lighthouse keeper there many years ago. Just fantastic....

marijadjuric avatar
Marija Djuric
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most incredible, gorgeous images!!! Thank you so much for sharing! It is my dream to see the auroras, you just made my dream come true a little bit :)

hanilia avatar
Rohani Sabtan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like I just landed in Norway and watched the beautiful aurora's . Thank you for sharing with us

bgreen110502 avatar
Bryan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Truely, the exact denotation of awesome. Wish I could do that.

jacobchamberlain avatar
The Alchemist
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was amazing. I left my living room for a minute there and was in Norway. Words aren't enough to describe this.

damonbeckford avatar
pearldsouza avatar
pearl dsouza
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

look like a fantasy world. Sitting in India I'm dreaming of Norway, thanks for these magnificent pictures... I wish you lots of adventures and success. :)

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They really are amazing! Thank you very much :) Hopefully you'll have the chance of seeing them even once in your life! I'm actually Going to Nepal in 2,5 weeks and from there continuing to India and probably travelling and photographing there for 3-5 months :)

Load More Replies...
joelei avatar
Joel Ei
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very amazing pictures. I lived in Alaska for 16 years and saw some of those northern lights. I didn't have a good camera tho, so no pics.

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks Joel! You must have witnessed some amazing auroras in Alaska! Even though you couldn't photograph them, the main thing is you saw them :)

Load More Replies...
evisa-isabella-rose avatar
Evisa Isabella Rose
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Luxury for the eyes and soul! 5-billion stars hotel > 5 stars hotel :)

cmiilu avatar
Chris Miilu
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I saw these pictures they reminded me of the merchant marine captain I knew in Greenwich, CT. He talked about ships hidden in Norway to keep them from the Germans. He also talked about the incredible Norwegian skiers who skied down the mountains in white to snipe at Germans. Sweden capitulated; Norway fought a tough battle of resistance and got many downed British pilots back home via fishing boats. A tough mountain people.

bilqisfdh avatar
Bilqis fdh
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Flew to norway with my friends last 2 weeks for this..but unfortunately it was so cloudy and foggy we can't see any auroras :(

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh no, sad to hear! :( That's the biggest problem with auroras, that you need a clear sky to see them :s Hopefully next time you'll have better luck with seeing them! :)

Load More Replies...
fangyunlin avatar
Frank Lin
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome pictures! Any chance you can share the places you visited and how to get there?

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks Frank! Locations are Troms, Senja and Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway. You can get anywhere with a car.

Load More Replies...
outchemy avatar
Dominique
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Staggering !! I do agree this is one of those LIFE experiences we have all dreamed of experiencing!

damonbeckford avatar
atlantike avatar
Arty
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good picture skills! I just come back from a trip (more cloudy unfortunately) in a secluded part in the North as well and my picture are nothing like these ;) picture-57...382b6f.jpg picture-57e91ea382b6f.jpg

damonbeckford avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You just need to practice! Shutter speed was determed on how strong the northern lights were. On the strong ones i had a shutter speed of about 2-4 seconds. On the weaker ones 20-30 seconds, also to get the stars really pop out :)

Load More Replies...
hattawaymonica avatar
Monica Hattaway
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just absolutely breathtaking, can't imagine actually being there...one day I will get there. Keep shooting and posting !!

norainiag avatar
Noraini Ghani
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

great pictures.. magical Norway.. I am booking my ticket Aug-Sept next year (2017)

martien avatar
Martien Janssen
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome photos, I'd love to go exactly that kind of trip, drive with a buddy, sleep in tents and caves, so cool!

feenewlands avatar
Fee Newlands
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow!! Thank you so much for sharing these awesome photos of your adventure.,. Breathtaking beauty.

nupurgrover11 avatar
nupur grover
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dreamy pictures!! Loved each one of them, especially the way you photographed the sea. Can you give some information on the camera and lenses you use?

emmabubby03581 avatar
Shannon Langdon
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an amazing sight. I especially love the shots showing the scale of how magnificent the aurora really is. Although one can't really know, until we are fortunate enough to be there in person! You did a grand job of relaying this. Thank you so much, I almost felt as if I were there! Have a wonderful adventure ahead! Share pictures when you can...💖💖✌

emmabubby03581 avatar
Shannon Langdon
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These pictures have to be some of the most beautiful I have ever seen of the Auroras. I especially love the scale on a few of the shots. I can only imagine how spectacular it was to have been there in person. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonder many of us can only dream of.💖💖

dag avatar
Dag Rommen
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi, Is it possible to buy a high resolution copy of the one from Andenes lighthouse? My grandfather was a lighthouse keeper there many years ago. Just fantastic....

marijadjuric avatar
Marija Djuric
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most incredible, gorgeous images!!! Thank you so much for sharing! It is my dream to see the auroras, you just made my dream come true a little bit :)

hanilia avatar
Rohani Sabtan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like I just landed in Norway and watched the beautiful aurora's . Thank you for sharing with us

bgreen110502 avatar
Bryan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Truely, the exact denotation of awesome. Wish I could do that.

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