Magical Scenery: With Two Zooms Through Colorful Scandinavia

Scandinavia in the fall—a world of its own. Golden birch forests, deep blue lakes, and rugged fjords rising majestically from the landscape create a breathtaking backdrop that has long captivated Bastian Klein.

There is something truly magical about the landscapes of Scandinavia. Especially in the fall, nature reveals its full splendor—making it a paradise for landscape photographers. Last year, I finally had the chance to explore the vastness of the far north through my lens. For three to four weeks, I was on the road—my trusty car doubling as both a comfortable home and a reliable travel companion, guiding me safely through this unforgettable adventure. My destination: Lofoten and Vesterålen, two regions in northern Norway renowned for their dramatic coastal landscapes.

This journey, however, was about more than just chasing the auroras, which I described in an earlier blog post. This time, my focus was on the sheer diversity of the landscapes and the challenge of capturing their indescribable magic through photography

Once again, the unpredictable, ever-changing weather dictated my route. To maximize my chances of clear nights, I had to constantly adapt and improvise, much like on my first trip. I took a long detour through Sweden and Finland, making my way to the North Cape before finally reaching my main destinations.

It didn’t take long to realize that this trip was far more than just a photographic adventure—above all, it became a lesson in flexibility and perseverance.

To minimize lens changes, I deliberately chose just two lenses: TAMRON 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD and TAMRON 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD. This weatherproof combination gave me the confidence to fully focus on my photography, no matter the conditions.

The 28-300mm is my versatile all-rounder, perfect for capturing both sweeping landscapes and intricate details. Its image stabilizer ensures sharp shots, even in low light. The 17-28mm, on the other hand, is my go-to wide-angle specialist, ideal for dramatic perspectives and breathtaking aurora shots.

Light is the soul of landscape photography. Right at the start of my journey, I witness an unforgettable sunset at the Knude Lighthouse in Denmark. The warm glow bathes the dunes in a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. This magic continues in Norway: a sunrise over a calm lake, birch trees ablaze in orange – a breathtaking sight.

As my journey unfolds, so do the landscapes. In Finland’s Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, the Nordic light reveals its full drama. The low sun casts the terrain in golden warmth, while dark rain clouds on the horizon add a striking contrast, creating an almost cinematic tension.

I tell stories with light. By layering foreground, middle ground, and background, I create depth in my images. Design principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, or reflections guide my composition. But in the end, light dictates the scene. In Pallas-Yllästunturi, I captured the same mountain range twice – once bathed in golden light, once under looming dark clouds. Two moods, one story.

The rugged beauty of the North Cape presents a unique challenge. Gale-force winds and relentless rain turn every step outside the car into an ordeal. But nature on Magerøya, Europe’s northernmost island, offers its own reward: rainbows stretch across the dramatic coastline, and the ever-changing interplay of wind, rain, and sun creates moments of breathtaking intensity

More often than not, I find myself shooting directly from the car – and my 28-300mm lens proves to be a lifesaver. It allows me to capture spontaneous shots without leaving my sheltered position, making it possible to take striking photos even in the harshest conditions.

After days of stormy weather in the north, the skies finally clear. Eager with anticipation, I set off once more.

On Mount Salmivaara, I witness a sunrise that bathes the landscape in gold, while mist drifts over the rolling hills – a truly magical moment. Later, on the island of Sommarøy near Tromsø, I experience an unforgettable dawn. The light dancing on the fjords makes this moment one to remember.

Despite the stark contrast between the bright sky and the darker landscape, a single exposure is enough. I shoot in aperture priority mode (A) at ISO 100 and keep an eye on the histogram to prevent blown-out highlights. In post-processing, I’ll gently lift the shadows to enhance the dynamic range without losing the natural atmosphere.

One of the highlights of my journey awaits me on the island of Andøya. As I ascend towards the Måtind viewpoint, the sun suddenly breaks through the clouds – an almost mystical display of light. Instinctively, I reach for my 28-300mm and capture the moment before it fades just seconds later. Once at the top, I finally get the shot I had envisioned: warm sunlight illuminating the rugged cliffs as they plunge into the sea.

Our journey continues to the Lofoten Islands – a dream destination for landscape photographers. Even in the rain, these islands offer spectacular scenes: towering mountain ranges, red fishermen’s huts, pristine beaches – a landscape that feels almost surreal. I knew immediately that I had to see this iconic region with my own eyes and capture its essence through my lens. But even here, the weather proves to be a challenge.

At Uttakleiv Beach, waves crash against the rugged rocks, while in Hamnøy, the fishermen’s huts glow in striking contrast to the imposing Olstinden mountain. In the misty Nusfjord, one of Norway’s oldest fishing villages, I catch a glimpse of a life shaped by the sea and time. Thanks to my weather-sealed lenses, I can shoot freely despite the wind and rain.

The combination of my 28-300mm and 17-28mm lenses allows me to capture the full grandeur of the Lofoten – from sweeping sandy beaches to dramatic mountain peaks. This region truly is a paradise for photographers.

On my journey home through southern Norway, I pass the breathtaking landscapes of Geirangerfjord and Aurlandsfjord, following long stretches of the legendary Atlantic Road. As the blue hour sets in, I capture the light trails of passing cars on the iconic Storseisund Bridge using a long exposure. To achieve smooth, continuous light trails, I opt for an exposure time of at least one minute, setting my aperture to F/16 and ISO to 50. An ND8 filter extends the exposure to 80 seconds, allowing me to fully embrace the magic of this fleeting moment.

On the last morning of my trip, a dense sea mist shrouds the Danish landscape. Soft rays of sunlight pierce through the haze, casting a fairytale-like glow— a magical and fitting end to my Scandinavian journey.

This journey has once again reminded me why I love landscape photography. Scandinavia captivates with its raw, untamed beauty. Every day brought new challenges, but it was the balance between careful planning and spontaneous moments that made the experience truly special. The most unforgettable scenes unfolded when I embraced the unexpected. With my images, I hope to capture the magic of these landscapes and inspire others to explore the far north. Northern Europe has left its mark on me—I know this won’t be the last time.