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My wife and I have been on 6 or 7 Naturetrek holidays and have inspired many friends to do likewise... it was a truly wonderful holiday and exceeded all our expectations.
T.R. Wales
Norway's Varanger Fjord
Tour Code: NOR04A 5-day birdwatching tour to the Varanger Peninsula at the northern tip of Europe in search of Steller's and King Eiders, Gyr Falcon and other arctic birds.
5 days
from
£2,895 (Inc flights)
£2,895 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£2,495
£2,495
Highlights
Summary
Varanger Fjord, at the northern extremity of mainland Europe, is the unusual destination for this exciting birdwatching holiday. Here, in a sparsely populated land of mountains, glaciers and tundra we will witness the specialised Arctic birdlife respond to the approach of spring and observe great assemblies of sea duck along the coast, including the largest concentration of Steller's Eiders in Europe. King Eiders and Gyrfalcons will be amongst other target species here, while further south in Finnish Lapland the inhabitants of the vast taiga forests will be our objective, with Three-toed Woodpecker, Siberian Tit and the confiding Siberian Jay among the avian highlights.
- Take a rare glimpse of the Arctic in early spring
- Enjoy large flocks of Steller's Eider, King Eiders and Gyrfalcon
- Look for Siberian Tits and Siberian Jays in the taiga forests
- Seabirds, including Brünnich's Guillemots on an offshore island
- ‘Northern Lights’ – a possibility
- Be guided by our expert local ornithologist(s)
Grading
Easy birdwatching walks.The Varanger Peninsula lies at the most northern tip of Europe, a sparsely populated land of mountains, fjords and glaciers extending out from the continent towards the icy wastes of the Arctic Circle. For much of the winter the interior of this region is a Christmas card scene of thick snow, the haunt of Willow Grouse and Snowy Owl, but thanks to the influences of the Gulf Stream, the deeply indented coastline is largely free of ice, providing sheltered havens for large rafts of sea-duck. Most of Europe’s Steller’s Eiders crowd into Varanger Fjord, sharing the open water with Common Eider, King Eider and Long-tailed Duck, to create a unique assemblage of birds that will be one of the highlights of this unusual early spring tour.
Our tour begins at Ivalo, in Finnish Lapland, amidst wonderful northern taiga forests where the likelihood is that snow will be covering the ground. Reindeer sled is a popular form of transport here, and it would almost seem appropriate for Father Christmas to suddenly appear along one of the forest roads! A surprising number of birds choose to remain in these forests throughout the harsh winter months and now, with the unmistakable signs of spring all around, the new season is celebrated by courtship displays and the beginning of song. Three-toed Woodpeckers will be one of the birds we will be hoping to find, along with Siberian Tit, Arctic Redpoll, and Common, Parrot and Two-barred Crossbills. Although perfectly adapted to survive the rigours of the climate, many of these northern birds also appreciate a helping hand from humans, and garden bird tables in the villages are as popular with the local birdlife as they are in Britain. As we continue north along the Arctic highway into Norway, we will pause at some of the roadside feeding stations and hope to obtain close-up views of the various species coming to supplement their diet at the bird tables. The handsome Siberian Jay is one of the most adaptable of the taiga inhabitants and quick to take advantage of any free meals, often becoming remarkably confiding in such situations.
The trees are gradually replaced by open tundra as we cross Varanger Peninsula to the small fishing port of Vardo where we stay for two nights. Fringed by thickets of Mountain Birch, the blue waters of Varanger Fjord and the surrounding tundra represent one of the most accessible examples of Arctic habitat on the mainland of Europe. Arriving at the shores of the fjord our initial impression will be of the sheer numbers of sea-duck bobbing offshore, a view consolidated on the following day as we scan through the rafts of Common, King and Steller’s Eiders, many of the males energetically performing their courtship displays. The crooning calls of the Common and King Eiders fill the air and mingle with the cries of nearby Long-tailed Ducks, the males resplendent in summer plumage. White-billed Divers are occasionally seen ploughing through the waves like pocket battleships, their ivory-coloured beaks gleaming in the morning sun, whilst inquisitive seals interrupt their fishing to peer at us. When we have absorbed the sights and sounds of the inshore waters, and weather permitting, we will board a small boat to visit Hornøya Island which is an important seabird breeding island in the fjord. Brünnich’s Guillemot, one of the species of most interest to British birdwatchers, is numerous here, but there are also a thousand pairs of Puffin, plus breeding Black Guillemots, Razorbills and Guillemots — five members of the auk family all found on the one island. A huge Kittiwake colony adds to the spectacle and Glaucous Gulls may be present amongst vast, noisy colonies of Herring and Greater Black-backed Gulls. Returning to shore, we will look out for one of the local White-tailed Eagles soaring above the fjord and later in the evening there may be spectacular free entertainment, as the flickering lights of the Aurora Borealis illuminate the night sky, a true Arctic conclusion to our stay in this magical place.
All too soon, it will be time to return to Ivalo, but travelling through the glorious winter scenery of the peninsula there will be plenty more birdwatching opportunities as we pass roadside Ptarmigan, Willow Grouse and perhaps the occasional Snowy Owl or Arctic Fox. A long established Gyrfalcon eyrie merits a diversion along the way and the sight of these big northern falcons gliding over the tundra will be an enduring memory of our early spring visit to this fascinating region, where mainland Europe merges with the Arctic.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Ivalo
Day 2/3
Varanger Fjord
Day 4
Ivalo
Day 5
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable tourist hotels with private facilities.
- Food:
All food included in the price.
Reviews
-
-
(Good value) because the birds on this trip are inaccessible terrain and we saw them with the help of the leader!
Mr & Mrs D. Norfolk -
The trip was very good - made better by the performance of the guide and their boss, Jari, who was exceptional in both personality and effort. He was also an excellent bird spotter.
S. & A.M. Yorkshire -
I thoroughly enjoyed this well organised trip. Excellent food and hotels. Harri Taavetti was an excellent guide and superb driver.
J.H. Cambridgeshire -
Once again, a superb trip! The guide was a really first rate guide - very helpful and well-organised, and a very pleasant manner. He is an excellent birder, and made sure we all saw all the birds. I hope to do this trip again at some stage...a great way to spend a winter weekend!
S.W. Nottinghamshire
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Fri 21st Mar – Tue 25th Mar
1
£2,895
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
David Spivack
Tour Leader: David Spivack
Born in north London, David has been involved professionally in the conservation sector since 1990, whilst during the 80's he actively volunteered locally with the RSPB, the local Wildlife Trust and BTCV in the Lea Valley & Epping Forest areas.
Over the past 30 years, David's professional conservation career has included working for the RSPB in the North of England and at the RSPB HQ at the Lodge, the RSPB in the East of England along with The Wildlife Trusts UK Office and as the UK Director for Falklands Conservation, the Birdlife International partner based in the islands. During this time the roles David has undertaken has ranged from working with young people, volunteers, generating income & profile to support conservation, reserve management and working with UK & International partners and agencies to support conservation work in the Falkland Islands.
Now living in the North Yorkshire Wolds and close to Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head, David currently works for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 17th Mar – Sat 21st Mar
FULL
£2,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
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Among our programme is a significant range of short breaks, designed specially for those wishing to enjoy some of Europe’s top natural history highlights at the best time of year. All of these holidays have the bonus of being short-haul and supported by like-minded wildlife enthusiasts.
Naturetrek Short Break Wildlife Tours
Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to increase our programme both within the UK and abroad. Most of our short breaks are within Europe, for convenience of travel.
For some of our mini-breaks there is an option to travel by plane or train, and we offer a choice of duration and type of break, from a weekend’s birdwatching in the Somerset Levels to a 6-day whale watching tour in the Azores.
A selection of our UK short breaks:
- A winter bird watching break in Norfolk
- An autumn holiday to enjoy the Red Deer rut in Ardnamurchan, Scotland
- A wildlife weekend in the New Forest
A selection of our overseas short breaks:
- In Spain we look for the world’s rarest cat, the Iberian Lynx
- Wolves on the plains in rural northern Spain
- An exploration of La Brenne’s exceptionally rich butterfly-life in northern France
Our specialist recommends...
"We offer two superb short breaks to the lovely island of Madeira in search of whales, dolphins and seabirds. It’s hard to beat our Just Brown Bears trip for families, while if you fancy something off the beaten track, try Estonia in Early Spring for some excellent spring birdwatching."
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Arctic Wildlife Holidays – Specialist Tours and Cruises in the Arctic
The Arctic is special. Bathed in a surfeit of light and pale blue skies during summer, then plunged into constant darkness during the winter, the seasonal contrasts in scenery, light and wildlife at the poles compared with the rest of the planet are stark. Still visited only by the lucky few, the Arctic has for centuries held an irresistible magnetism for explorers.
For the wildlife enthusiast and the adventurous-spirited, the Arctic has a bewitching appeal and well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s top wildlife destinations. Naturetrek Arctic expeditions are special in that we usually charter an entire ship (30 to 80 berth), and operate our Arctic holidays as dedicated wildlife cruises, focusing solely on the region’s wildlife and visiting the very best wildlife sites. All our Arctic holidays are also accompanied by expert naturalist guides.
Here are some of the reasons why Naturetrek’s Arctic holidays are so successful:
- Our cruises focus solely on the Arctic’s spectacular wildlife.
- We only charter small ships ranging in size from 30 - 80 berths.
- All operate at the best times of year for wildlife.
- Flexible itineraries to ensure the best wildlife sightings.
- We use a team of hand-picked & experienced expedition staff.
- Led by naturalist guides with expert knowledge of the Arctic region.
- We offer a wide range of tours both above and below the arctic circle.
- Cruises include daily zodiac excursions, accompanied by naturalist guides.
- Daily briefings & recaps held.
Wildlife seen on a Naturetrek Arctic holiday:
- Look for Polar Bears, Walrus, Arctic Fox & seals in Spitsbergen
- See the Northern Lights, spectacular fjords & snowy mountains
- Glaciers, icebergs, pack-ice, taiga forests and Arctic tundra Experience 24-hour daylight
- Humpback, Fin & Sperm Whales
- Little Auks, Grey Phalaropes, Ivory Gull & Long-tailed Skua in Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land
- Steller’s & King Eiders plus Gyr Falcon in Iceland
- Bears, Wolves & owls in sub-arctic Finland, Sweden & Norway
- Colourful tundra flora
Our specialist recommends...
"The Arctic is like nowhere else on the planet – and once you’ve been, you will be hooked (I was!). Spitsbergen is the ultimate Arctic destination and one of the best places to look for Polar Bears. Our 11-day Spitsbergen Wildlife Cruise offers a spectacular supporting cast of Walrus, dramatic scenery and huge seabird colonies. If you’re looking for a short break, or a taste of the Arctic, try one of our Bear-watching or owl-focused holidays in Finland or Sweden.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
