Two people sitting in Domen viewpoint by Biptope in Varanger, Northern Norway

The Varanger Peninsula

Into the wild

Arctic adventures in the far northeast

Far to the north and farthest east in Norway, where the sky meets the sea, lies the Varanger peninsula. Here, you will find wild Arctic landscapes, an enormous variety of bird life, excellent fishing grounds and craggy cliffs facing out towards the end of the world.

The area is home to fish-rich rivers, snow-covered expanses, exotic king crabs, birds, salmon, sparkling seas and dancing northern lights.

Travel to Varanger: Kirkenes Airport is the nearest of the regional airports, offering several daily connections to Oslo, and connecting flights to many smaller communities such as Vadsø, Vardø, Båtsfjord, Berlevåg and Mehamn, as well as connections to Alta and Tromsø, among other destinations.

The coastal cruises Hurtigruten and Havila both call at several harbours in Varanger: Berlevåg, Båtsfjord, Vardø and Vadsø.

Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

Scenic route Varanger towards Hamningberg, Northern Norway.

Steilneset by artist Louise Bourgeois, Vardø, Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger, Northern Norway

Two birdwatcher tourists at Hornøya in Varanager, Northern Norway

An Atlantic Puffin at Hornøya outside of Vardø in Varanger, Northern Norway

A woman outside of a birdwatching hide made by Biotope in Hamningberg, Varanger, Northern Norway

Man and boy watching birds from a boat by Hornøya

A man holding a king crab in Northern Norway.

Are you ready for a journey to the end of the world?

At least, you might feel that's where you are when following the Norwegian Scenic Route as it winds through the untamed, lunar-like landscape...

...passing Vardø, on a small island, where you should stop and visit the Steilneset Memorial.

At this thought-provoking monument, you can learn about the 91 people, mostly women, who were burnt at the stake during witch hunts in the 17th century.

Continue on the scenic route until you reach Hamningberg.

The picturesque old fishing village (now abandoned) is one of the few places that was not burned down by the retreating Germans at the end of the Second World War. Many of the houses from the 19th century are still standing. NOTE: The road to Hamningberg is closed in winter due to snow conditions.

Remember to bring your binoculars...

...and be on the lookout for this cute little fellow!

Varanger is an Arctic birdwatching paradise. The Atlantic Puffin is just one of 150,000 bird species, including guillemots, sea eagles and many more, that you can watch up close on Hornøya island, – Norway's largest nesting site.

Architectural firm Biotope has designed unique birdwatching shelters, which also offer shelter from the weather.

But you don't need to be interested in birds to have a break here. Enjoy the incredible nature all around under the midnight sun or the northern lights, if you are in luck.

There's also a lot more to explore here. Head out on a boat trip, or go hiking, climbing, cycling, diving, or fishing for...

...this monster!

King Crabs are among the most delicious catch in the Barents Sea. Have a taste on a King Crab safari! If you are lucky, you might even spot some whales, too.

Food and drink

Discover the tastiest Arctic cuisine.

Vardø harbour from the sea, Northern Norway.

Sandy beach at Skallelv in South-Varanger, Finnmark

Boat laying on land in front of houses in Vadsø

Vardø is one of the oldest cities in Northern Norway. In addition to being a city rich in history...

... it's also full av modern culture, like street art!

After many years of population decline, the renowned Norwegian street artist Pøbel invited artists to take part in a project in 2012 to fill the streets with life again. Today, you will find pieces on almost every corner.

No need to go south to find beautiful beaches!

Visit Varanger's own 'Arctic Riviera', Ekkerøy! Explore long, sandy beaches and swim in the pristine Arctic water.

But be aware, the cold temperature is for real Vikings! Brrrr...

The colourful houses and tranquil environment in the little fishing village of Skallelv are well worth a visit.

If you're looking for something a little more urban, continue half an hour's drive further south to Vadsø, one of the biggest cities in this part of Northern Norway.

At the end of the 19th century, the majority of Vadsø's inhabitants were of Kven or Finnish origin. Today, many locals still speak Finnish and Kven.

Vadsø looks beautiful in winter, don't you think?

Speaking of winter – Varanger is the place to be when the temperature drops! Try ice fishing, snow shoeing, Arctic surfing, kiting, or maybe make some new four-legged friends on a dog sledding adventure!

Things to do

Go birdwatching under the midnight sun, try dog sledding and king crab fishing, and learn about Finnmark's fascinating history!

Places to stay

Find a home away from home.

Don't forget to explore northwestern Varanger as well!

If you are looking for a comfortable night's sleep here, check in at Kongsfjord Guesthouse. These old harbour buildings have been lovingly restored to preserve the culture and tradition of the area, and remain steeped in a historic atmosphere.

Find more information about Varanger on Northern Norway's official website.

nordnorge.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Varanger with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

By road
Roads have a high standard, and are for the most part open all year, except for some mountain passes serving small fishing villages on the coast, which may occasionally be closed in winter. Read more about driving in Northern Norway.
Long-distance express buses connect the region to points beyond, but departures are not frequent, so research and planning are required.
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By boat
Hurtigruten and Havila both call at harbours in Varanger: Berlevåg, Båtsfjord, Vardø and Vadsø.
The ships begin their return journey to Bergen in Fjord Norway in Kirkenes, calling at the same ports on the way back, with the exception of Vadsø.
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By plane
Kirkenes Airport is the nearest of the regional airports, offering several daily connections to Oslo, and connecting flights to many smaller communities such as Vadsø, Vardø, Båtsfjord, Berlevåg and Mehamn, as well as connections to Alta and Tromsø, among other destinations. You can also fly from Helsinki to Ivalo in Finland and rent a car to drive to Varanger from there.
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Seasons and climate

Varanger is in the far north, and its climate is on the border between Subarctic and Arctic. In fact, Vardø is the only city in Norway within the Arctic climate zone, where the average temperature is never above 10 degrees Celsius.

Further inland, notably in Vadsø and Tana, temperatures are a degree or two higher in summer. Hot air from Russia can bring the thermometer up past the 30 degree Celsius mark, and when the midnight sun shines, the temperature remains above 20 degrees Celsius all night, even in the fishing villages facing the Barents Sea. But northwestern winds can cause single digit temperatures, wind, and rain. You should therefore pack for all kinds of weather.

Winters are cold and dry with stable weather in inland areas like Tana and Nesseby. In maritime Vardø, you can expect more snow, milder temperatures, and the occasional rainy spell. Overall, if you’re dressed properly, the winter weather in Varanger is great for outdoor activities in the snow. A few times every winter, Arctic low fronts engulf Varanger in ferocious snowstorms. Flights are cancelled, the Hurtigruten sails far out at sea without coming to port and roads are closed. However, it’s all over soon, and transportation is back on track very quickly.

In Vadsø, the sun remains below the horizon at midday from November 25 to January 17. During winter, you can experience the northern lights from time to time, throughout the peninsula.

In summer, the midnight sun shines in Vardø from May 15 to July 28.

Check the latest weather forecast at yr.no.

Discover more about the northern lights.