Varanger
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Travel along one of the most exotic road stretches in Norway and be mesmerised by jagged rock cliffs, unique birdlife, and stunning architecture. You might even spot reindeer on the beach!
Varanger isn't a place to rush through. It’s ideal for hiking (especially in early autumn), birdwatching, and undisturbed northern lights hunting.
Drive, cycle or hike along the Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger, where you might see the spectacular green lights of aurora borealis at night, making the surrounding nature seem even more magical. If you are not used to driving on winter roads, it is a good idea to go with a guide!
The northern lights can also be combined with arctic activities that are unique to the region. Varanger is listed by “Top Birding Sites of the World” as one of the world’s top 100 areas for bird watching, and local tour operators offer a chance to spot rare arctic species. Many operators also offer activities during the winter season.
Visit Hornøya, Norway's easternmost geographical location, a five-minute boat ride from the small town of Vardø on the Varanger peninsula. Hornøya offers some of the most unique and exposed wilderness in Europe. There are also several small fishing villages in the area to visit, and some amazing architecture to look out for. The impressive Steilneset Memorial, popularly called the Witch memorial, was built in memory of 91 people who were burned at the stake for witchcraft during the 17th century witch hunts.
The best way to experience Varanger is to be exactly where the wildlife is. Go on a king crab safari or fishing excursion. Is that too little adrenaline for you? Explore Varanger by ATV or snowmobile, before stopping to sample a little cured reindeer meat with coffee over a campfire.
The best places to see it
- Smelror old fishing village at the Norwegian Scenic Route, Vardø
- Ekkerøy or Vestre-Jakobselv valley, both in Vadsø
- Skiing or snowshoeing in Varangerhalvøya National Park
By plane
Kirkenes Airport is one of the regional hubs for air travel and offers daily flights to and from Oslo and Tromsø.
Kirkenes Airport has direct connections to several towns and communities in Varanger, such as Vardø, Vadsø, Berlevåg, and Båtsfjord.
From Oslo, the flight time to Kirkenes is just over 2 hours. From Tromsø, the flight time is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
By car
It’s possible to drive all the way to Varanger, regardless if you come by car, mobile home, or motorcycle. The European route E6 runs through the region and ends in Kirkenes, close to the Russian border.
All roads are open year-round, but some passes might close for short periods in winter.
The Varanger Scenic Route, a 160-kilometre-long stretch of road between Varangerbotn to Hamningberg, takes you to several attractions along the coast.
By boat
Hurtigruten, the Norwegian Coastal Voyage, calls at Berlevåg, Båtsfjord, Vardø, and Vadsø in Varanger.
Hurtigruten turns around in Kirkenes and goes back to Bergen in Fjord Norway, calling at the same ports on the way back, except Vadsø.
Northern Lights Safari
Dog sledding and Aurora safari
Join us on a 6-day northern lights round trip to Tromsø
from Oslo. Fly to Tromsø where you will experience all the highlights of the region, including several opportunities to chase the northern lights. | Fjord Travel
Tromsø Winter Break
Tromsø, Northern Lights and Dog Sledding4-day winter break to Tromsø in Northern Norway, including dog sledding and a northern lights chase by minibus. Additional winter activities can be added. | Authentic Scandinavia
Tromsø Wildlife & Northern Lights
Tromsø City Break with a Wildlife Cruise4-day break to Tromsø including a wildlife cruise and hunt for the northern lights. With one day free, you will have the opportunity to add additional winter activities like dog sledding, a reindeer safari, and more. | Authentic Scandinavia
Ice Hotel, Northern Lights and Tromsø
Dog sledding, King crabs, Reindeer sleighExperience Norway’s best northern lights destinations, Kirkenes & Tromsø, on this amazing 7-day round trip from Oslo. | Fjord Travel
Northern Lights Cruise
Visit Tromsø, the North Cape and Kirkenes6-day tour, including a return cruise from Tromsø to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten. Visit the North Cape and try winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling. | Authentic Scandinavia
Arctic Winter Adventure
Snowhotel Kirkenes, Hurtigruten & Tromsø.6-day winter adventure tour including an overnight stay at Kirkenes Snow Hotel, a cruise with Hurtigruten to Tromsø, and a wide selection of optional winter activities. | Authentic Scandinavia
Lofoten & Northern Lights by 50 Degrees North
Authentic experience in the Lofoten Archipelago4-day tour with Aurora Chase Guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin. | 50 Degrees North
Northern Lights Stay at Lyngen Lodge
Mountain Lodge and winter adventures under the Northern Lights5-day stay in boutique lodge with transfers, dog sledding, all meals, snowmobiling, and sea safari. | 50 Degrees North
5-Day Northern Lights and Winter Adventure in Lyngen
Exciting winter activities and northern lightsWant to gaze up at the northern lights dancing in the pitch black sky? Or swing crampons and an ice axe deep into a frozen waterfall? How about a cross-country skiing course followed by a trip in remote mountains? Or dog sledding? This trip lets you experience all of these activities and more! | Hvitserk
Aurora Dinner Cruise
Arctic tapas under the Northern LightsJoin our Northern Lights Cruise and enjoy a delicious arctic tapas menu from our local partner in Tromsø while we look for the Northern Lights! | Brim Explorer.
Magical Northern Lights
Go dogsledding and whalewatchingThis journey encourages you to create your own magical connection in Alta, going on adventures such as dogsledding, snowmobiling and ice-fishing, and seeking the illuminations of the polar night. | Up Norway.
Northern Lights Dinner Cruise outside Tromsø
Dinner, boat tour, northern lights huntOn board an hybrid-electric boat outfitted with panoramic windows, you will glide silently into the darkness of the Tromsø fjords while savouring a delicious dinner and keeping an eye out for the magical northern lights. | Go Fjords
Short Winter Cruise
Experience Tromsø and a Hurtigruten Cruise4-day tour including a cruise with Hurtigruten. Choose from a wide selection of winter activities, including dog sledding and northern lights excursions. | Authentic Scandinavia
Norwegian Fjords & Northern Lights
Oslo, Bergen, Flåm and Tromsø6-day winter adventure. See the fjords and the Arctic city Tromsø. Amazing winter activities like dog sledding, northern lights safari, and much more can be added. | Authentic Scandinavia
Aurora Canvas Dome
Save 10% by joining our Adventure ClubSpend a night in a glass dome under the northern lights. Wake up inside the remote pine forest of Alta overlooking majestic snow-covered mountains. Private bathroom and sauna facilities available. | Book Nordics
Crystal Lavvu Stay with Whale Watching and Northern Lights
Spend your night in a Crystal Lavvu under the Northern LightsSpend your night in a Crystal Lavvo in the Lyngen Alps. We pick you up in Tromsø and take you out on an adventure of a lifetime! Dinner, breakfast, transportation and whale watching included. | Book Nordics