A journey to Norway Varangerhalvøya
Our journey started in Sweden on 28 maj 2024, navigating through Oslo before touching down in Kirkenes, Norway. Excitement filled the air as we embarked on this expedition to the mesmerizing Varanger Peninsula.
Pasvik Nationalpark
Nestled within the embrace of Pasvikdalen, our accommodation at Birk Husky greeted us with warm hospitality and snug cabins nestled along the serene Pasvik River. As the sun began its descent, we embarked on a leisurely evening exploration, basking in the golden glow of the Norwegian twilight. Our journey took an enchanting turn as we veered northward to behold the splendor of a birdwatching tower, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Across the tranquil waters of the Pasvik River, Russia beckoned with an allure of mystery and intrigue, casting a captivating spell over our adventurous souls.
Our keen eyes catch sight of a majestic short-eared owl gliding gracefully over a field, its silent flight a testament to the magic of the wilderness. Nearby, a Bar-tailed godwit feeding in the field.
As we embarked north to Varanger , our eyes are treated to a sight that fills our hearts with wonder – a mother moose and her two newborn calves, a tender moment captured in the midst of nature's embrace. One of the calves can barely be seen in the picture.
Båtsfjord
Our first stop took us to Tanamunningen, a long sand pier where we could drive out and explore the rich birdlife thriving in the area. With every step, a world of colorful plumage and melodic bird songs unfolded, making this a memorable start to our day.
The next destination on our journey was Båtsfjord Brygge, where we arrived at 13:00. Our exploration of Varanger continued as we made our next stop at Syltefjord, where we had the rare opportunity to discover the majestic Yellow-billed loon. Despite its appearance revealing small traces of oil damage, the beauty of its plumage and its presence in the wild were a reminder of nature's vulnerability and strength.
This day of exploration and discovery was a reminder of Varanger's riches and allure, and we felt deeply grateful for the opportunity to partake in its beauty and magic. With hearts full of memories and minds filled with inspiration, we look forward to continuing our journey through this magnificent part of the world.
Bärlevåg
Today, we woke up to a wonderful morning and started the day with a fantastic breakfast that gave us energy for the day's adventures. With coffee in hand and a smile on our faces, we then set our course towards Berlevåg, ready to explore everything this gem in Varanger had to offer.
Our first stop took us to the picturesque Kongsfjord, where we spent hours admiring the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. Here, we had the unique opportunity to photograph Kittiwakes, soaring majestically over the sparkling water. We also visited an old country store, where the echoes of history felt palpable, and every detail told a story from the past.
After experiencing all that Kongsfjord had to offer, our journey continued to Berlevåg along a gravel road winding through the Norwegian countryside. Along the way, we had the joy of seeing many majestic white-tailed eagles. In Berlevåg, we took the time to explore the town and admire its charming houses and picturesque streets.
On our way back we decided to go back to Syltefjord, where we had the opportunity to see the rare Yellow-billed Loon. To our surprise the bird was still there, indicating that he was truly suffering from oil damage. Later on on we heard that he had made it to Vardo and was in better shape.
Magistertoppen
Our time amidst the majestic mountains was spent capturing the beauty of both birds and the expansive landscape. Despite the lingering snow, our exploration was hindered, impeding our access to some of our planned destinations. While some lakes remained frozen, we found open expanses on most of them, providing unique opportunities for observation and photography.
Southern part of Varangerhalvøya
We spent the last four days on the southern side of the Varanger Peninsula, between Jacobselv and Hamningberg. The drive from Vardo to Hamningberg was particularly stunning, offering many photo opportunities along the scenic coastal road. However, our main focus was capturing the courtship displays of the Ruff, which we found at several leks along the southern coastal road and in the mountains.
One evening stood out with beautiful weather in the mountains and 10-15 Ruffs displaying. The displays were unique, with short bursts of activity followed by 10-minute breaks between each session. Another highlight was the rare sighting of an Arctic fox in its nearly full winter coat.
While there are many places to visit in the area, we chose to focus mainly on the mountains, Vadsøya, Ekkerøy, and all the small fishing villages along the way.
It's worth mentioning that Norway is known for its high cost of living, and this trip was no exception. Everything from accommodation to food was quite expensive. However, the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife experiences made every penny worth it. Just be prepared to budget accordingly if you're planning a visit! The trip was absolutely amazing. The combination of stunning natural beauty, the thrill of spotting rare wildlife, and the charm of the small fishing villages made it an unforgettable adventure and it was time to get home on the 4 June.
