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.
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