Duration: 6 days
Season: spring and summer.

Visit the wild and beautiful Varanger, with its rich culture and spectacular nature. You will experience the best Varanger has to offer in nature and culture highlights. 

Highlights

• The Arctic nature and wildlife 
• Learn about the Sami cultures
• Experience life in Arctic Norway
• Tundra birds and animals
• See reindeers in the wild.
• Visiting small villages
• National tourist road of Varanger

Arrival in Kirkenes, Kate will greet you at the airport. From there, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Kirkenes Harbour, where we will board the Coastal Steamer departing at 12:30 PM.

The journey takes you from Kirkenes to Båtsfjord. Here, you will experience life along the spectacular Arctic coastline. The Coastal Steamer makes a brief stop in Vardø, before arriving in Båtsfjord at 10:00 PM. Here you will stay at Båtsfjord Brygge, a charming hotel by the harbour. 

The following day we will take RIB to Syltefjordstauran, where you can experience bird cliffs with lots of Gannets. You’ll also see puffins, kittiwakes, white-tailed eagles and many other birds. If we are lucky, we might also catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins that frequent the area.  
After a tasty lunch in Syltefjord, we will head for Ommot Niillas Siida.

This is the summer residence of the reindeer herders in the area. Here we will get to know the surroundings, the birds and wildlife in the area. You will learn about the reindeer herding traditions, and the Utsi family and how they have lived of reindeer herding for generations. 

After a good night’s rest, we will begin with breakfast. We’ll start the day with a hike in the vicinity of the cabin. We will look for tundra birds and animals, and you’ll also get a better understanding of the Sami culture. Following lunch at the cabin, we may arrive at the day’s highlight: a visit to reindeer corrals that is used when working with the reindeers. You will learn how we work with reindeer and how crucial they are to life in the north. The day concludes with dinner at the cabin.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, Ommot Niillas siida. Fuel up for a day of exploration and adventure in the Arctic. Embark on a scenic drive towards Nesseby, where you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and the serenity of the Arctic wilderness.
The next stop is at Varanger Lodge where you will meet Edgar Olsen, a local fisherman who will take you on a memorable sea adventure. You’ll have the chance to catch your own meal, whether it be the majestic king crab or the delicious halibut or cod. Your accommodation will be at his lodge right by the seashore, where you can indulge in luxurious views and the finest sauna experiences.
 Together with Edgar you head out to the surrounding mountains where you will give a try at fishing
arctic char and enjoy a lunch by the camp fire. As the day winds down, savor a dinner from local
delicacies at Varanger Lodge.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at Varanger Lodge. After breakfast you will join your host
Edgar for deep sea fishing and king crab excursion at Varanger fjord. The boat that Edgar skippers,
the Vesterelvjenta, is the same one he uses for his professional fishing. You will learn about King Crab fishing, how to handle and prepare the catch and you will get a try at fishing for cod, halibut or catfish. After an active morning at sea a delicious lunch is served of the days catch.
In the afternoon you will have a chance to take stroll at fishing village of Nesseby, perhaps spotting
some birds by the bird sanctuary by Nesseby church or just relaxing and enjoying a hot sauna.
In the evening, a flavorful meal of seasonal ingredients is served at Varanger Lodge.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Varanger Lodge, preparing you for another day of Arctic exploration. Embark on a scenic drive towards Vardø together with Kate as your guide, taking in the Arctic landscapes and coastal views along the way. Make a stop at the charming village of Ekkerøy, known for its picturesque coastal scenery and historical significance. We will also go for a short walk to see the bird cliffs full of kitty wakes. The sound of thousands of birds is thrilling.

Visit Hornøya Bird Cliffs: Venture to Hornøya, an island renowned for its dramatic bird cliffs. Witness the mesmerizing spectacle of countless seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, shags, razorbills and gulls, nesting on these rugged cliffs. Hornøya is the jewel in Varanger’s crown, hosting approximately 100 000 seabirds.
Visit The Steilneset Memorial: Explore The Steilneset Memorial, a thought-provoking tribute to the victims of the 17th-century witch trials. The memorial combines modern art and history, offering a poignant and reflective experience.
Explore Vardøhus Fortress: Visit the historic Vardøhus Fortress, which has stood as a sentinel on the Arctic coast for centuries. Learn about its role in Norwegian history and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Dinner at Vardø Hotel: Indulge in a delicious dinner at Vardø Hotel, where you can relish local cuisine while reflecting on your day’s adventures.
As your Arctic journey comes to a close, head to Vardø Airport for your evening departure. Take with you the memories of your extraordinary exploration of the Arctic’s natural and cultural treasures.