Local Guides with a Lifelong Passion for the Arctic

Learn more about Vesterålen Tours, our local roots, and our dedication to Northern Norway. We provide personal, flexible, and authentic wildlife and photography safaris tailored to bring you close to nature across Vesterålen and Lofoten.

Born and Raised in the Heart of the Arctic

Vesterålen Tours was built on a lifelong passion for Northern Norway's coastal landscapes, rich wildlife, and dramatic seasonal shifts. Based in Vesterålen, we specialize in custom private safaris and small-group photography expeditions across both the Vesterålen region and the neighboring Lofoten archipelago.

Our approach relies entirely on genuine local expertise. Having spent decades exploring this terrain, tracking local wildlife, and studying regional weather patterns, we know how to adjust each journey to shifting microclimates. From reading satellite data for Northern Lights chases to finding quiet coastal spots, we deliver authentic experiences.

Whether you are looking for a dedicated photography tour, a private moose safari, or an exclusive shore excursion from your cruise ship, we share our home with you in a safe, personal, and flexible way, avoiding crowded routes for unforgettable Arctic encounters.

Safe & Comfortable Arctic Transport

We operate with modern, winter-ready 4WD vehicles built to navigate Northern Norway’s coastal and mountain roads safely year-round.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2025)

  • Capacity: 8 passengers + 1 wheelchair spot
  • Features: 4x4, modern comfort, spacious seating, and full wheelchair accessibility

Mercedes-Benz Vito (2016)

  • Capacity: 7 passengers
  • Features: 4x4, flexible seating, ideal for smaller private groups and families

Large Groups & Cruise Transport

For larger parties and cruise shore excursions, we partner with trusted local companies to provide modern minibuses and coaches with professional drivers.

Meet the Guides Behind Vesterålen Tours

Born and raised in Vesterålen, our guides have spent a lifetime exploring the region, tracking local wildlife, and monitoring Arctic weather systems. With years of specialized experience in photography, satellite data analysis, and microclimate forecasting, Marius and Jens are dedicated to giving you an authentic and safe adventure.

Marius Birkeland

Been chasing the northern lights since the 2003 halloween solar storm. Been photographing it since then. Knows the region of Vesterålen better then most know their backyard. Tracked animals since he was a child and photographing them since 2003. Good at predicting the northern lights from satelittdata, and the local weather.

@marius.birkeland83

Jens Andre M. Birkeland

Been photographing the northern lights and wildlife since 2015. Been addicted to Vesterålens nature since he was a child. Good at reading the weathermaps and predict wich direction to go to find clear sky.

@jens.birkeland

Vesterålen Tours in the Media

Read news coverage, interviews, and media features highlighting our wildlife safaris, Northern Lights chases, and work across Northern Norway. Here are a few stories and articles featuring Vesterålen Tours.

Norwegian links:

https://www.visitnorway.no/media/nyheter-fra-norge/nei-denne-fantastiske-nordlysvideoen-er-ikke-timelapse/

https://nordnorge.com/artikkel/jens-og-marius-fanger-nordlyset-i-vesteralen/

https://www.vgtv.no/video/205926/aunfjellet-aaaaaa-daeven

https://www.vol.no/nyheter/sortland/2019/08/08/%E2%80%93-Siden-de-har-97-millioner-f%C3%B8lgere-synes-vi-det-er-kult-at-de-deler-videoen-v%C3%A5r-19650069.ece

https://www.blv.no/nyheter/du-aner-ikke-hvor-mange-ville-dyr-vi-har-for-du-ser-etter/?fbclid=IwAR17hifcfz_nu4P_eTycdnG2yeGOe1_Ak1GPGkkTtZ1TcOtfx5RwXt9Tlkk

https://www.nrk.no/nordland/marius-tok-denne-fantastiske-nordlysvideoen-_-og-her-er-hans-beste-fototips-1.13311697

https://www.vol.no/nyheter/sortland/2017/01/05/Se-levende-n%C3%A6rbilder-av-dansende-nordlys-14020969.ece

https://www.blv.no/okategoriserade/nordlyset-tar-av-for-jens/

https://www.nrk.no/nordland/reiselivet-jubler-over-en-ny-detalj-i-fortnite-1.14342923

https://www.nrk.no/nordland/delfiner-i-midnattssol-1.11110255?fbclid=IwAR0h6HQJHhvkrJ9cbLHWSLAkeC7AogqTpPJyL1wMYmNrT1bx3CfKI0XNoKk

https://nordnorge.com/artikkel/in-vesteralen-you-can-see-the-midnight-sun-over-the-ocean/

https://nordnorge.com/aktivitet/mot-dyrelivet-i-vesteralen-med-kamera/

https://nordnorge.com/aktivitet/dra-pa-elgjakt-i-vesteralen-bevaepnet-med-kamera/

https://www.blv.no/nyheter/nordlysnetter-over-vesteralen/

https://iharstad.no/magisk-lysshow-paa-aunfjellet-det-her-er-droyt/01.10-06:51

https://www.nrk.no/nordland/_-nordlyssesongen-er-i-full-gang-1.14701023

https://www.vol.no/nyheter/2021/08/09/%E2%80%93-Det-ble-b%C3%A5de-komiske-%C3%B8yeblikk-og-unike-bilder-n%C3%A5r-reven-kom-s%C3%A5-n%C3%A6rt-24398309.ece

https://www.nrk.no/nordland/naergaende-rev-i-lofoten-biter-fotograf-i-rumpen-1.15604508

https://www.vgtv.no/video/223179/utrolige-naerbilder-av-rev-tisser-du-paa-kamera-mitt?utm_source=vgfront&utm_content=hovedlopet_row3_pos1

https://www.blv.no/nyheter/kundene-strommer-til-etter-at-nysgjerrig-rev-har-gatt-viralt/

https://www.dagbladet.no/video/moter-leken-rev-i-lofoten/2TNJAwW3

English/other language links:

https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/moose-safari/

https://www.visitnorway.com/media/news-from-norway/this-amazing-video-of-the-northern-lights-was-caught-in-realtime/?lang=uk

https://nordnorge.com/en/artikkel/jens-and-marius-catch-the-northern-lights-in-vesteralen/

https://nordnorge.com/en/artikkel/in-vesteralen-you-see-the-midnight-sun-over-the-atlantic/

https://nordnorge.com/en/aktivitet/wildlife-safari-in-vesteralen/

https://nordnorge.com/en/aktivitet/go-moose-watching-in-vesteralen/

https://www.citizen.co.za/multimedia/2596392/watch-curious-baby-fox-stumbles-upon-a-pair-of-photographers-in-norway/

https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/lifestyle/curious-baby-fox-wildlife-photographers-v6e9f1bc9?fbclid=IwAR0l8xFHpZhaXDLoAH_RaFelZ4XSLn3kQiw7sl6vOSPyslRPVcZAk1HRAHs

https://www.nu.nl/288766/video/nieuwsgierige-vos-trekt-noorse-fotograaf-aan-broek.html

https://napavalleyregister.com/news/world/adorable-moment-baby-fox-stumbles-upon-a-pair-of-photographers-in-norway/video_2069852a-a443-5a9e-a9c9-a15ba1a48a65.html?fbclid=IwAR2qavBzb6jgW5VetVUi3LA3dYzTmJV2NVS7XspoGtb69XiRsnQ-ey2MYM0

https://www.wfmz.com/news/world/adorable-moment-baby-fox-stumbles-upon-a-pair-of-photographers-in-norway/video_ec9bf004-d911-56bd-92c8-b0795e7fa2e8.html?fbclid=IwAR10TYuKp9-DdmPC_JmXGsXhI3nb_6_jG0WJo8awTrY8-reQY2rQeA418Io

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/news/photographer-makes-friends-with-a-fox-cub-in-this-adorable-tiktok-video

https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210823_97097053

https://www.news24.jp/articles/2021/08/26/10929971.html?fbclid=IwAR3M6_cF0RWhy8uZFBpfrabkPflxiPZRDdicNkl9tXvILYPjbTrmm71zMZI

https://zyciewnorwegii.pl/wyjatkowe-spotkanie-fotografa-z-ciekawskim-lisem-z-lofotow/?fbclid=IwAR314z3uF6bX8OoBwjnsJYp5WShLd4rX3pg9xCAPzdvUy5DjLb9We6YTqvo

https://www.expressen.se/tv/nyheter/har-biter-ravungen-norske-fotografen-i-rumpan/?fbclid=IwAR0Z0a4UClNiSpg0OVEZUWh7AAbHrFtOa3elHbxwrn2wcbDJILwcF7mJQ6A

https://m.demotywatory.pl/5087737?fbclid=IwAR0r1Wu3pyZe3jidZG4AH83995RUECJYtdjUKRtHxCmgQQYa1U8IrTDikKw

https://scanmagazine.co.uk/vesteralen-tours-tour-norways-spectacular-north/

Join Us in Vesterålen and Lofoten

Explore Vesterålen and Lofoten with local guides born and raised in the region. We monitor daily wildlife patterns, weather shifts, and seasonal light conditions to bring you to the right places at the right times. Choose from our standard safaris or get in touch to design a custom private itinerary tailored to your preferences.

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