People birdwatching at Hornøya outside of Vardø in Varanger, Northern Norway
An European Shag at Hornøya outside of Vardø in Varanger, Northern Norway
A woman outside of a birdwatching hide made by Biotope in Hamningberg, Varanger, Northern Norway
An Atlantic Puffin at Hornøya outside of Vardø in Varanger, Northern Norway

Varanger, an Arctic birdwatching paradise

Who's looking at who?

Bring your best telephoto lens to get some premium shots at some of the world's best birdwatching spots, like here at Hornøya outside Vardø in Northern Norway.

The wide open wilderness of this area is a paradise for anyone interested in birdwatching.

Seek shelter in one of these amazing bird hides located throughout the Varanger Peninsula, while looking out for your favourite birds.

If you pick the right spot at the right time, it may be just you and the birds out there.

Join us as we go birdwatching in the northeastern-most part of Norway.

An incredible selection of different bird species combined with easy access makes Varanger one of the top Arctic birdwatching destinations in the world. Meet cute Atlantic Puffins and spectacular Steller's Eiders, and discover where to go for the area's best birdwatching sites and hides.

Varanger map

The birdwatching paradise of the north

The Varanger peninsula is located in the Arctic, as far northeast as you can get in Northern Norway. This area has a spectacular landscape with wide horizons, a rocky coastline of cliffs by the Barents Sea, and is the only place in mainland Norway with real tundra. Although the nature here is reason enough to visit, the main attraction is definitely its rich birdlife.

Thanks to the warm current of the Gulf Stream, nesting birds have excellent feeding areas all year round, giving you the opportunity to experience a number of different species within a relatively small area.

Birds in cliffs at Ekkerøy, Varanger Northern Norway

Meet the birds

You can go birdwatching in Varanger all year round, but the species you see will of course vary from season to season.

Seabirds return to their breeding colonies in March, when thousands of Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Puffins, and Shags, among others, cover the cliffs along the coastline. In winter, Glaucous Gulls and Iceland Gulls also visit Varanger.

The mighty Sea Eagle is also a pretty common sight here. If you are lucky, you might spot one when driving around the peninsula!

Varanger is also one of the few easily accessible and reliable places in the world where you can see the rare duck Steller's Elder, which winters here. One of the top places to see the iconic bird is in Vadsø harbour, in south Varanger, during winter and early spring.

A man have taken a boat to go to Hornøya island outside of Vardø in Varanger, Northern Norway
Two birdwatcher tourists at Hornøya in Varanager, Northern Norway
Vardø lighthouse at Hornøya island outside of Vardø in Varanger, Northern Norway
Vardø lighthouse at Hornøya island outside of Vardø in Varanger, Northern Norway
Seabirds in Varanger, Northern Norway

When you are in Varanger, there is one place you simply cannot miss if interested in birds and wildlife.

To get there, you need to take a 10-minute boat ride from Vardø port in northeast Varanger.

Welcome to Hornøya! This island is the easternmost protected nature reserve in Norway and home to 80,000 seabirds.

See Razorbills, European Shags, Common Guillemots, Brünnich's Guillemots, Black-legged Kittiwakes (to mention a few) and, of course ...

... this cute fellow!

At Hornøya there are about 7,800 pairs of Atlantic Puffins. Each year they meet here to nest after spending the winter at sea.

Did you know that these birds mate for life? Both cute and romantic!

“I was not prepared for this sight. When I arrived this morning there were thens of thousands of birds in the air and in the water.”

Dr Barend Van Gemerden

Global Flyways Programme Coordinator at Birdlife International, visiting from the Netherlands

“It was overwhelming. I’m a photographer, so I was stressed out because everywhere you look there's beautiful photos to be taken.”

You can spot new birds all around as you follow the path up the northern side of the island.

At the very top, a lighthouse reveals itself.

Vardø fyr is Norway's easternmost lighthouse. In summer, you can spend the night here, in the lighthouse keeper's house!

Just remember to book early. Contact Vardø Havn (Vardø Harbour) to check availability.

Feel tempted to visit Hornøya and its seabird colonies?

The boat from Vardø port to the island runs every day between 1 April and 31 August.

Remember that Hornøya and the neighbouring island of Reinøya are designated as a Nature Reserve. Follow the rules of accessing nature, stick to marked trails, and not disturb the birds.

More birdwatching sites

Ekkerøy Bird Reserve, located approximately 15-kilometres east of Vadsø, is another popular birdwatching site, with an easily accessible bird cliff. Here, the combination of sand beaches, coastal tides, and proximity to the sea gives excellent conditions for many birds. The bird cliff is famous for its large colony of Kittiwakes.

Båtsfjord is an important fishing harbour in Finnmark. During winter, it's a fantastic place to visit for a photo of its two eider species Steller's Eider and King Eider. Another place well-known site for its Steller's Eider is Kiberg, where you can often find large flocks in the harbour area from January until late April.

Hamningberg, an idyllic traditional fishing village located at the very end (or start) of the National Scenic Route Varanger. The area attracts many visitors during summer. Although it's worth visiting just to experience its charm and pristine nature, it's also a perfect place for watching seabirds, especially during migration in May. Note: the road out to Hamningberg closes following the first snowfall in autumn.

Kirkenes, a town situated on an arm of the Varangerfjord, is close to lots of great birdwatching sites, including the Munkefjord Nature Reserve, where you can experience large flocks of Black-throated Divers and Red-throated Divers in spring.

Birdwatching shelters

Since 2009, the Vardø based architect firm Biotope has created some incrediblebirdwatching shelters around Varanger. Not only are they architectural gems, they are also perfectly located in areas with fantastic birdlife.

Bring your binoculars and start looking for your favourites!

“Rather than being eye-catching and pretentious, our buildings are intended to be small and strategically placed. Nature itself is the main attraction. There is no better design than nature’s own,” says architect Tormod Amundsen.

  • Domen birdwatching hide by Biotope by National scenic Route Varanger, Northern Norway
  • A woman in a birdwatching hide made by Biotope in Hamningberg, Varanger, Northern Norway
  • The Kongsfjord wind shelter made by Biotope
  • Domen viewpoint by Biotope in Varanger, Northern Norway

Responsible tourism

Take only photos, keep only memories

Norway is a country of outstanding natural beauty. Preserving this landscape, and its communities, and way of life, is essential for all of us.

Conservation is everyone’s responsibility. Not only for today, but for future generations as well.

Please strive to leave as small a footprint as possible. "Leave it as you found it" is a rule of thumb, regardless of where you are.

Bring your rubbish with you, and use the toilets available.

Travel better in Norway

Visit a shelter

You can visit birdwatching shelters all over Varanger, in Vestre Jakobselv, Vadsø, Ekkerøy, Kiberg, Domen, Hornøya, Steilnedodden, and Hamningberg. If you follow the National Scenic Route Varanger, you will drive past lots of them!

Remember: You don't need to be interested in birds to have a break in these amazing shelters. You can simply enjoy the nature all around under the midnight sun or (with a little bit of luck) the northern lights.

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

Go birdwatching

Explore more places in Norway where you can go birdwatching or take a guided birdwatching tour.

  • Fuglekikkehus på Lista
    Borhaug

    Lista Bird Observatory - Bird watching in Lista

    The Lista region has one of the highest population of different birds. They travel from all over the world to feed in Lista during the autumn, before making their long journey to the southern part of Europe. There are bird watching stations at Lista Fyr, Harnanger and other locations around the area.
  • Round trip with expressboat and public bus from Ålesund to Runde bird island
    Ålesund

    Round trip with expressboat and public bus from Ålesund to Runde bird island

    This tour by fast-speed ferry and bus takes you from Ålesund via Hareid and Fosnavåg to the bird island of Runde. The island is a popular destination all year round, but is spectacular in the summer due to its teeming bird-life.
  • web_bergand
    Beitostølen

    Birdwatching - Valdresflye

    Valdresflye is an alpine high mountain plateau south east of Jotunheimen and north west of Langsua National Park in the municipalities Øystre Slidre and Vågå. A number of sought-after mountain species can be found here. Many of them can be spotted right from the car, by driving slowly over the plateau (make use of the long lay-bys on both sides of the road to not obstruct traffic). The highest section of the road is usually the most productive. This tactic works especially well early in the season when the ground is still snow covered and the birds gather on bare spots and rocks close to the road. Later in the season we recommend to bird on foot. Park close by the café Flye1389 at the highest point of the road and follow the marked (but not signposted) trail towards the top of Fisketjernnuten (1527 m.a.s.l.). Temminck's Stint should be fairly easy to locate by ear and is found around the larger boulders close to the road. Northern Wheatear and Meadow Pipit are numerous. Further up (from approx. half way up the hill) Shore Lark and Rock Ptarmigan can be encountered. From the summit, continue off track in a north-easterly direction to the steep hillside towards Heimdalen. On the snow fields below the top plateau, Snow Bunting usually can be found well into summer. Return along the same way or descend off-track in a southerly direction where the mountain side is less steep. On rock fields at the foot of the mountain, Lapland Longspur (Lapland Bunting) is possible. On the Fisketjerna lakes there are often ducks, sometimes Long-tailed duck among them. To identify them a telescope is needed. Common Ringed Plover and Purple Sandpiper are easiest to find by walking around the lakes on the western side of the road. During some years Long-tailed Skuas visit Valdresflye, and Rough-legged Buzzard can be seen hunting overhead. In the cliffs on the eastern side of Synshorn (south of the Valdresflye plateau), kestrels usually breed. Around Heimdalsmunnen (north of the Valdresflye plateau) try for Ring Ouzel, Northern Wheatear and Bluethroat in the willows and the hillside towards Brurskardknappen. On the opposite side of the road, towards Leirungsdalen, Golden Plovers breed. Birding on Valdresflye can easily be combined with Jotunheimvegen. Directions: By car from either south or north along road 51 onto the Valdresflye high mountain plateau. By bus from Fagernes/Beitostølen or Vågå/Lom from approx. medio June (www.jvb.no and www.innlandstrafikk.no). Best season: From early June (depending on the snow conditions) to approx. medio July, preferably early during the day.
  • bird watching tower by a lake
    Ørje

    Birdwatching: Gjølsjøen birdtower, Marker

    With binoculars around your neck and a field manual in your pocket, you're ready to hit the road!
  • Fuglefjella: Wildlife Hike from the Coast - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions
    Longyearbyen

    Fuglefjella: Wildlife Hike from the Coast - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    The bird mountain entitled "Fuglefjella" is well-known for its bustling wildlife with sea birds like the little auk to guillemots, gulls and fulmars.
    Book now
  • web_kvinender_LY92A8218
    Lomen

    Birdwatching - Lomendelta

    The Begna river forms a small delta where it mouthes into Lake Slidrefjorden (366 m.o.h.). This is an important stopover and refueling area for water birds in the upper Valdres region and is protected as Lomendeltaet Bird Sanctuary. A visit is primarily recommended during spring and autumn migration. Recorded species include Common Crane, Common Merganser, Arctic Diver, Horned Grebe, Whooper Swan, Mallard, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Eurasian Teal and even occasionally Garganey. In addition to the water birds, you might find waders as Eurasian Curlew, Greenshank, Common, Green and Wood Sandpiper, Common and Jack Snipe, Spotted Crake, Northern Lapwing, gulls like Mew Gull and Black-headed Gull, Great Cormorant and passerienes as White and Grey Wagtail, thrushes, warblers, Dunnock, and Yellowhammer (to name a few). Keep watch for overflying raptors such as Kestrel and Rough-legged Buzzard. Directions: To get an overview and scan the area with a spotting scope, exit from the E16 approx. 200 m west of Lomen Auto and drive downhill to Lomen kraftstasjon (power station). From here, you can overlook and scan large parts of the outer delta area. Otherwise, exit towards Riste bru and park before the bridge (on the right). Scan from the bridge in both directions (binoculars) and explore on foot towards Hålimo Camping as well as along the driveway (closed for vehicles) upriver from the parking.
  • Birdwatching in the middle of Telemark
    Gvarv

    Birdwatching in the middle of Telemark

    The Norwegian Ornithology Association of Telemark was started in 1968. It is the county group for the Norwegian Ornithology Association. Goals and tasks of the association include: to be a go-to partner for people in the general public interested in birds—to protect nature, especially birds—to stimulate interest in and better knowledge of birds and their lives. Bird watching in Telemark—Sauherad has an exciting bird community, as does the Bø river and the northern park of Telemarkvassdraget where it runs into Norsjø. Nome: Øra, Nomevann.
  • Bird watching with guide
    Oppdal

    Bird watching with guide

    Join a local guide to experience our great birds! Experience the European Dotterel, the White-backed Woodpecker and the Horned Lark. Take contact with us, and we will make a tailor made program for you!
    Book now
  • View of the Icefjord
    Longyearbyen

    Bird Spotting Excursion, followed by Arctic BBQ - Spitzbergen Adventures

    The summer season is owned by the birds. During those weeks we have a lot of bird species coming to Svalbard. They are all so wonderfull and deserve a special focus. Join us on a tour which puts the spotlight on those amazing creatures. If you are an ornithologist with special interests let us know before the tour. If you are curious about birds and would like to spend your time looking at them, our guide will give you more information.
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  • Seal and bird safari - Seasafari Øksnes
    Myre

    Seal and bird safari - Seasafari Øksnes

    Between June 15th and August 31st we get a horde of seabirds arriving at Anda lighthouse and the area outside Stø and Nyksund to nest. With steep mountain sides, beautiful views and a coast full of culture and history, this is an experience that you should make. Do the trip and experience the bustling birdlife on the outside with RIB!
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  • LIL-News-800x500-Fugletarn-Karen-Ingrid-@ingridsfryd
    Lillehammer

    Along river Lågen to the bird observation tower

    Mosodden is a popular hiking and recreation area by Lågen.
  • BirdSafari - the number two attraction at Nordkapp
    Gjesvær

    BirdSafari - the number two attraction at Nordkapp

    BirdSafari - the number two attraction at Nordkapp This is one of your once-in-a-lifetime nature opportunities. The two-hour boat tour leaves from Gjesvær to Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve, 15 km west of the Nordkapp cliff.
  • Stunning views and wildlife - Hike to the bird cliff Fuglefjella - Snowfox Travel
    Longyearbyen

    Stunning views and wildlife - Hike to the bird cliff Fuglefjella - Snowfox Travel

    A true nature hike through the stunning valley of Bjørndalen, an area which is full of flora and fauna and where we might be able to observe wildlife. After our climb up to the summit of the bird cliff, we will enjoy the beautiful view over Isfjorden.
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  • All in One: Scenic Drive & History Walk with Huskies – Svalbard Villmarkssenter
    Longyearbyen

    All in One: Scenic Drive & History Walk with Huskies – Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    Join us for a relaxed winter walk together with our friendly huskies in and around Longyearbyen. Afterwards we will continue with a scenic drive by car.
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  • Ringstad Resort sea eagle safari
    Straumsjøen

    Sea eagle safari with guide – experience nature from the sea

    Join our experienced local guides on an unforgettable journey across the fjords, where you’ll experience the spectacular nature of Vesterålen from the water.
  • Two guides and two guests sitting on a beach talking with each other, and a RIB boat anchored by the shore of the fjord in the background
    Longyearbyen

    Bird Cliffs Fjord Safari - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Join us on an exciting rib boat tour, that combines birds and wildlife with Svalbard's rich cultural history.
    Book now
  • Bird watching
    Oppdal

    Bird watching

    The wilderness around Oppdal is known for its ecological diversity. With access to ancient forests, wetlands, and high mountains, it is possible to find many bird species within a relatively concentrated area. Go on a bird safari with experienced guides from Oppdal Safari. WOOD GROUSE - IN SPRING The black grouse is often described as “the most beautiful event of spring.” It brings a unique sense of tranquility to wander into the wood grouse forest in the afternoon while enjoying the smells and silence. The forest slowly comes to life after a long winter. After setting up the tent and as dusk falls, you might occasionally hear the wood grouse flying or walking to settle in the trees before descending to the arena the next morning to fight for their place. As soon as the sun begins to rise, the famous clicking and scraping sounds start. Naturally, you wake up to the commotion of the birds around the photo hide. It takes a couple of hours before it's light enough to take pictures, but time flies as these large birds run around the tent displaying their magnificence. The guide will take you to the tent, provide information, and set everything up; you will have the night to yourselves. The guide returns the next morning around nine to pick you up. By then, the birds usually have left the display area and returned to their feeding grounds. BLACK GROUSE - IN SPRING Black grouses is shown on Oppdal’s bogs throughout April and the first half of May, making them a popular sight and photo subject. It's not uncommon for black grouse to stumble over the tent guylines, sometimes coming within the camera's focus range! We head to the show area in the evening and set up the hide. Often, owls can be heard hooting on the bog's edge as you cozy up in your sleeping bag. The black grouse arrive at the show area as soon as night turns into day. The bog mounds around the tent become bustling with activity. The guide will take you to the hide and set up the camouflage. You will spend the night and morning with the blackcocks before the guide returns to pick you up at nine. BIRDWATCHING - IN SUMMER There are no guarantees on these birdwatching tours, but the guide will spend a lot of time early in the season mapping the occurrences as accurately as possible. If you wish to visit on a specific date, the guide can suggest which species you might see during your stay in Oppdal. If you come for one or more specific species, the guide can provide a setup indicating which species can be found at given times. Contact us for a pleasant birdwatching experience! For all tours: Clothing/equipment: Warm and preferably camouflaged clothing, gloves, hat, waterproof footwear, camera and tripod, packed lunch. Duration: Varies. Meeting point: Oppdal train station or another agreed location. Suitable for: Birdwatchers, photographers, families, groups of friends, companies, adventure seekers. Max number of participants: 3-15, depending on which birds you want to observe.
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  • _DSC6010
    Skui

    Birdwatching and lavvo dinner in the fairy tale forest

    Game-watching in the fairytale forest and dinner and bonfire chat with the farm girl Hanna. Discover a piece of untouched nature in historical surroundings in Hornimarka and the fairytale forest. A gem only 25 minutes from Oslo.
  • The Dillevik tower
    Trøgstad

    Birdwatching: The Dillevik bird tower

    Dilleviktårnet is a bird tower at Dilleviksjøen, which is open to everyone.
  • Lappland Bunting, male in breeding plumage, in a dwarf birch bush with food in its beak
    Beitostølen

    Birdwatching - Jotunheimvegen

    Jotunheimvegen along the northern shoreline of Lake Vinstre is especially productive in good rodent years, which means raptor years, specifically for Common Kestrel, Merlin, Short-eared Owl and Hen Harrier. In 2017, several individuals of Pallid Harrier were present throughout the summer. A few Arctic Terns usually can be observed hunting over the lake. Walks towards Urekkollen and further up Urekdalen, towards Gråhø or Keisaren can produce Bluethroat and Ring Ouzel in the willows and Common Ringed Plover and Golden Plover on flats in higher altitude, towards Keisaren also Common Greenshank. For a chance of Dunlin and Dotterel you have to walk far - all the way through Glupen and towards Valdresflye. At Lykkjestølane you might be able to see Lapland Longspur and Yellow Wagtail. The small lake on the Bjellbøllsøyne Island (south of Lykkjestølane) can hold Red-necked Phaparope (that is also true for the Stavtjerni lakes between the lakes Bygdin and Vinstre, prefereably early during summer). Lake Sanddalstjernet may have Black-throated Diver. Best season: June for waders, all summer through to early fall for raptors and short-eared owl. Directions: Signed exit from road 51 approx. 1.5 km north of Bygdin towards Jotunheimvegen. Tollroad (payable by card only). Tip: Birding along Jotunheimvegen is easily combined with a trip up to the Valdresflye mountain plateau.
  • Short-eared owl on a fence pole in evening light
    Ulnes

    Birdwatching - Stølsvidda

    Stølsvidda is a lower alpine plateau just at the tree line west in Valdres. It lies roughly between Tisleidalen to the southeast, the River Tisleia and Lake Tisleifjorden to the southwest, the Road Panoramavegen to the northwest and the main valley with lake Strandefjorden to the north. This is Valdres' realm of mountain farming with many summer mountain farm that are still in use even today. Cattle and goats graze freely during summer. The best areas for birdwatching lie to the south and southwest with the triangle between Furuset, Gauklia/Brattåsen and Langstølen as the core area. On Stølsvidda you will find a rich birdlife that spans from forest species like Capercaillie and Siberian Jay, open wetlands with a number of waders and breeding cranes to owls and raptors. The area is best explored from the car by driving on the farming roads with some stops along the way. Use your car as hide and bring a telescope. A popular round drive, among local birders called "the pizza circuit", is to drive to Tisleidalen and from the Joker store to follow the road Tisleivegen via Hermannstølen, Fløten and Furuset to Langestølen and from there to Vaset - either via Tyrisholt and Brattåsen or via Nøsen and along the road Panoramavegen - from where you return to Fagernes. Side trips and detours via Gauklia and towards Jaslangen are recommended. Typical species: From the toll barrier to Hermannstølen: Siberian Jay, Bullfinch and tits Around Hermannstølen: Black Grouse and Northern Hawk Owl during spring (March to April) Between Hermannstølen and Fløten: Capercaillie during spring (March to April) Around Fløten: Black Grouse and Northern Hawk Owl during spring (March to April) Between Fløten and Langestølen: Common Crane (April to May), Three-toed Woodpecker (year round), Tree Pipit (summer) At Langestølen: Black Grouse and Northern Hawk Owl during spring (March to April), Common Crane and waders such as Common Snipe, Northern Lapwing and Eurasian Curlew as well as Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail and Short-eared Owl (with luck Long-eared Owl) in May, Eurasian Wryneck and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in June (the two latter in the birch forest north towards Flya) River Flya (where it flows close to the road): White-throated Dipper Around Tyrisholt: Bluethroat and Northern Wheatear in May-June, Great Snipe in the dwarf willows between Tyrisholt and Brattåsen in June, Short-eared Owl and Common Crane in May-June Around Brattåsen: Common Kestrel, Willow Ptarmigan Around the ponds south of Gauklia: Velvet Scoter, Black-throated Diver, Whimbrel and Curlew, Hen Harrier (and even Pallid) in May-June Jaslangen/Bridge over the River Buaråne: Common Redstart, Common Merganser/Goosander, White-throated Dipper At Rennsenn: Common Crane (in pairs from late May-June) River Sundheimselvi (Ulnes): White-throated dipper (all year) Tips: Start very early in the day, preferably before sunrise from the Joker store, and use the whole day in the area. The Black Grouse lek is often over an hour or two after sunrise. Directions: Via Tislevegen (toll road), exit from road 51 at the Jokers store in Tisleidalen or from Vaset via Road Panoramavegen (toll road). The toll fees can be paid by credit card.
  • Fjellvåk_Laila Steinfinsbø
    Etnedal

    Birdwatching - Langsua NP and Hynna

    The region between Gausdal and Valdres has had several names, such as Gausdal Vestfjell and Huldreheimen. After the extension and renaming of the former Ormtjernkampen National Park to Langsua National Park, however, Langsua has become the most commonly used name for the whole area. This is a large area with a distinct wilderness character featuring high altitude wetlands and montane spruce and birch forests. In connection to the Langsua National Park several nature reserves have been established, i.e. Røssjøen Nature Reserve, Oppsjømyra Nature Reserve and Hynna Nature Reserve. The bird life is represented by species typical for this environment. Here you will find Willow Ptarmigan, Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier, Common Crane, Whimbrel, Common Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, Whooper Swan, White-throated Dipper, Great Grey Shrike, and Siberian Jay, as well as Great Snipe and even Broad-billed Sandpiper. For the latter two the area is among the most important breeding grounds of the species in Norway. Of other wildlife, moose are abundant. The area is best explored by foot off the beaten track. You will need equipment and clothing accordingly. Kittilbu: The two lakes called Kittilbutjerna usually hold breeding Slavonian Grebe. At the eastern lake, there's a 3 km long circular cultural path leading through a nice biotope starting at Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum. At the western lake Kittilbutjønna, there's a bird hike close to the road. Oppsjømya: Lake Oppsjøen usually has at least two pairs of Black-throated Diver as well as Whooper Swan. Whimbrel, Green Sandpiper, Common Greenshank and in some years Broad-billed Sandpiper breed in the wettest parts of the wetland. The surrounding montane birch forest is home to Brambling and Redwing. Røssjøen/Ongeltjerna: Explore the areas on both sides of the road between Lenningen and Lundesetrene. In the hillside south of Røssjøkollane you can find the rare bearded bellflower (Campanula barbata), which has an isolated occurance just here in this limited area and otherwise only can be found in the Alps and Carpathian Mountains. To the East the lakes Ongeltjerna are worth a try. If you're lucky, you might find Red-necked Phalarope here, but chances are that it'll be "just" some Tufted Ducks. You might flush a Capercaillie in the forest, though. At Lundesetrene, Yellow Wagtail is a common sight. Hynna: Hynna Nature Reserve is an internationally important wetland with Ramsar-status. Here you will find many vulnerable bird species that need large areas of natural habitat such as Golden Eagle and Rough-legged Buzzard that hunt over the open land and cranes and waders that breed in the wetlands. Northern Hawk Owl may be seen on a lookout in a dead tree top, and on a walk in the light summer nights lekking Great Snipes may be observed. Best season: From early June when the road opens (it is closed during winter) to mid July. The waders start on their southward migration very early. Directions: Road 2442 (also called Vestfjellvegen) from either Fagernes/Etnedal or Gausdal. From Holsbrua, a side road leads all the way to the DNT cabin Liomseter. NB! This is a vulnerable environment. Please behave respectfully and avoid unnecessary disturbances of the birdlife. Please also make sure you have the equipment and knowledge needed for hikes in the wilderness. Stay safe.
  • Two birds swimming in a fjord
    Longyearbyen

    One of natures great events - The bird jumping in Trygghamna - Better Moments

    Better Moments will offer you a chance to see Svalbard's biggest bird event during the summer – The bird jumping. For just a few days in July, the chicks will jump from their nests on the huge bird cliff Alkhorne and we will be there to see them spread their wings for the first time ever.
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  • Makkevika bird reservation
    Giske

    Makkevika bird reservation

    Giske is one of the most important stations in Europe to ring waders. The shoreline area Makkevika comprises areas of pebbles, wetlands and sand.
  • A group of people skiing in the snow.
    Øyer

    Låven Storhytte

    Låven Storhytte in Hafjell extends over two floors and offers 11 bedrooms with a total of 32 beds. The cabin is located in beautiful surroundings at the finish area in Hafjell. It is close to Hafjell Alpine Centre, which offers ski rental, ski school, several restaurants and a gondola. During the ski season you can enjoy ski in and ski out directly from the chalet and there is a large private parking space available. Your stay includes made-up beds, personal towels, comfortable bathrobes and firewood for the fireplace. Pets are allowed at an additional cost.
  • Fossekall_IMG_6985_web
    Fagernes

    Birdwatching - Fagernes

    "Urban birding" has become a thing withing birdwatching. Urban parks and gardens, often around ponds, can hold astonishing amounts of birds. For Valdres' part, it is Fagernes that is the town. Storøya, the peninsula at Lake Strandefjorden where the Valdres Folkemuseum is locted, is one of the places worth a visit, especially during migration and early summer. A natural path leads around and over the peninsula, and a number of species lives here throughout the year. Tits, Tree sparrows, Great spotted Woodpeckers, Fieldfares, Song thrushes, Barns swallows and Common swifts breed in and around the old museum buildings and trees and bushes throughout the area. Early mornings during May and the beginning of June are good for birding by ear, when the air is filled with song. Later during summer, the shrill srrii-srrii calls of the Common swifts fill the air above Fagernes. On the water close to shore Red-breasted mergansers are sometimes seen. European Goldfinches are present all year. The area is accessible for free outside the opening hours of the museum. In the River Neselva between the two pedestrian bridges by the waterfal and at the river mouth White-throated dippers are fairly regular. Especially during winter, several individuals usually can be observed. Around the river mouth below the lower bridge which rarely freezes over completely, sometimes ducks can be seen, too. At downtown Fagernes rowanberry trees av been planted which can attract large flocks of Fieldfares and Bohemian waxwings during late fall. Waxwings tend to be annual in smaller numbers and in a short time window, but in some years with fierce winters in the arctic and when the trees carry especially many berries there can be huge flocks which stay for longer periods. They tend to roost high up in the tops of the large birch trees in front of the town hall and sweep down into the berry trees when "the air is clear" until they are flushed by cars or pedestrians and retreat into the birch tops. If you stand still next to a berry tree, you may get them within 2 meters distance. At Hunkevika at the Spikarmoen-exit along Skrautvålsvegen, some whooper swans normally are present during migration and sometimes well into winter. Common goldeneyes also can be observed in this area.
  • Rødstrupe jomfruland fuglestasjon
    Jomfruland

    Jomfruland Bird Station

    Are you interested in learning more about birds and the nature on the island Jomfruland? Do you want to experience the breathtaking scenery. Contact the Bird Station which lies at Øitangen at the northern tip of the island.
  • Sivspurv_IMG_5491
    Etnedal

    Birdwatching - Langtjedn

    Langtjedn is a small nature reserve which is easily accessible from the road near Gamlestølen in Etnedal. The lake itself is shallow and productive, and it is fringed by varied wetlands and spruce forest. Half of the 82 bird species that have been recorded in the reserve are wetland birds of both lowlands and mountains. Among regular species are Horned/Slavonian Grebe (1 breeding pair), Eurasian Teal, Common Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Velvet Scoter, Common Snipe, Common Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew, Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat, Redwing, Black-headed Gull, Northern Hawk Owl and Siberian Jay. Please act responsibly when visiting and don't disturb the birds. You can move freely in the area throughout the year, but it is not allowed to set up camouflages or tents, fly drones or operate model boats on the lake. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
  • Birdwatching Utsira
    Utsira

    Birdwatching Utsira

    Utsira has long traditions of birdwatching and is compared by some to Fair Isle (south of Shetland). Peak season is April - May, and September - November.
Birdwatching

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