Varanger 2027: Puffins, Eiders and Northern Lights
Expeditions · Europe · Polar
Varanger 2027: Puffins, Eiders and Northern Lights
Puffins, Eiders and Northern Lights
At a glance
About the expedition
This 8-day photography trip will take us to the far northeast of Europe, on the Varanger Peninsula, one of the world's finest destinations for photographing Arctic birds. We will begin in the boreal forests of Finnish Lapland photographing taiga species before moving on to the coast of the Barents Sea.
There we will work from floating hides to capture eiders and other seabirds at water level, navigate by zodiac to photograph birds in flight, and dedicate two full days to the spectacular seabird colony on the island of Hornøya.
Throughout the trip we will also keep a close eye out for Arctic landscapes, northern wildlife and, if conditions allow, we will attempt to photograph the northern lights. The timing of this week is no coincidence: it falls on or around the new moon, meaning dark, moonless skies and the optimal conditions for witnessing and capturing the aurora borealis at its full intensity.
- King Eider photography from floating hides
- Hornøya seabird colony
- Boreal forest birds in Finnish Lapland
- Landscapes of the Barents Sea and Varanger Peninsula
- Chance to photograph the Northern Lights
Itinerary
Day by day
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![Aurora boreal verde y roja sobre bosque nevado de coníferas en Laponia durante la noche ártica]()
FLIGHT MADRID – IVALO
FLIGHT MADRID – IVALO Our destination will be Ivalo Airport in northern Finland. From there we will continue by road to our first accommodation in the heart of Finnish Lapland. This accommodation specializes in boreal forest…
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FLIGHT MADRID – IVALO
Our destination will be Ivalo Airport in northern Finland. From there we will continue by road to our first accommodation in the heart of Finnish Lapland.
This accommodation specializes in boreal forest birdwatching and photography. It offers several hides and photography options to work with different species; it is advisable to check in advance which option is most suitable for our group.
We will have dinner at the accommodation.
After arrival and some rest, we will make optional night outings to try to photograph the Northern Lights if weather conditions allow.
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FOREST BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY After breakfast at the accommodation, we will dedicate the morning to photographing characteristic species of the boreal forest. Among the birds we may observe and photograph are the Pine Grosbeak…
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FOREST BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY
After breakfast at the accommodation, we will dedicate the morning to photographing characteristic species of the boreal forest. Among the birds we may observe and photograph are the Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator), Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus), Gray-headed Chickadee (Poecile cinctus), and Willow Grouse.
In the afternoon we will begin our journey towards Båtsfjord, making stops along the way whenever good photographic opportunities arise. After arriving at the hotel, and if weather conditions are favorable, we will head out at night to try to photograph the Northern Lights.
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![Eider real macho flotando en agua ártica, con plumaje negro, blanco y cabeza gris azulada]()
FLOATING HIDES IN BÅTSFJORD We will wake up before sunrise to access the floating hides, from where we will photograph iconic Arctic species such as the King Eider, Common Eider, Steller’s Eider, and the Long-tailed Duck in their…
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FLOATING HIDES IN BÅTSFJORD
We will wake up before sunrise to access the floating hides, from where we will photograph iconic Arctic species such as the King Eider, Common Eider, Steller’s Eider, and the Long-tailed Duck in their natural environment.
After this first session, we will take part in a second outing focused on photographing birds in flight from a zodiac, accompanied by a specialized guide who will allow us to approach different seabird species safely.
It is recommended to have breakfast at the accommodation beforehand and bring a picnic to eat inside the hide during the session.
In the evening, there will be an optional outing to search for and photograph the Northern Lights, if weather conditions allow.
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![Dos frailecillos en acantilado rocoso con plumaje blanco y negro, pico naranja y mirada característica]()
HORNØYA ISLAND After breakfast at the accommodation, we will head to the harbor to take the boat to Hornøya, one of the most important seabird colonies in northern Norway. We will spend most of the day on the island, allowing…
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HORNØYA ISLAND
After breakfast at the accommodation, we will head to the harbor to take the boat to Hornøya, one of the most important seabird colonies in northern Norway. We will spend most of the day on the island, allowing plenty of time to photograph the seabirds nesting along its dramatic cliffs.
Among the species we may photograph are Atlantic Puffins, Common Guillemots, Razorbills, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Great Black-backed Gulls, and European Shags, among other seabirds that breed on the island.
At the end of the day we will return to the accommodation. In the evening, optional outings to search for and photograph the Northern Lights may take place if weather conditions are favorable.
Additionally, there is the possibility of organizing a night hide session for Arctic Hare, with a chance of encountering Arctic Fox if it appears in the area. This activity could be offered as an optional experience for those who wish to make the most of the night hours.
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HORNØYA ISLAND We will repeat the activities of the previous day, once again dedicating the day to working at the best photographic locations in the area in order to maximize our opportunities and improve on the images captured…
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HORNØYA ISLAND
We will repeat the activities of the previous day, once again dedicating the day to working at the best photographic locations in the area in order to maximize our opportunities and improve on the images captured previously. This additional session will allow us to refine compositions, work with different light conditions, and continue photographing the species present with more time and flexibility.
In the evening, and provided that weather conditions and solar activity are favorable, optional outings will be organized to search for and photograph the Northern Lights
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RETURN TO KAAMANEN We will depart early in the morning to begin our journey back to Kaamanen, in northern Finland. The drive will once again take us through the vast Arctic landscapes, where we will remain attentive to any…
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RETURN TO KAAMANEN
We will depart early in the morning to begin our journey back to Kaamanen, in northern Finland. The drive will once again take us through the vast Arctic landscapes, where we will remain attentive to any photographic opportunities that may arise along the way.
We will make stops whenever we encounter interesting landscapes, wildlife, or special light conditions, making the most of this final journey through the far north of Scandinavia. The route will remain flexible so we can adapt to whatever the environment offers at each moment.
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DAY 8 — IVALO – MADRID FLIGHT After breakfast at the accommodation, we will transfer to Ivalo Airport to take our return flight to Madrid, marking the end of this photographic expedition through the Arctic landscapes of northern…
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DAY 8 — IVALO – MADRID FLIGHT
After breakfast at the accommodation, we will transfer to Ivalo Airport to take our return flight to Madrid, marking the end of this photographic expedition through the Arctic landscapes of northern Finland and Norway. Depending on the flight schedule, there will be time to prepare luggage and complete the transfer calmly.
Gallery
What's included
Included
- Accommodation throughout the entire trip.
- Bed and breakfast basis.
- Local transportation throughout the expedition (shared vehicle for the group).
- Photographic guide services and guide’s expenses.
- Entrance fees and use of photographic hides included in the program.
- Photographic activities described in the itinerary (including floating hides and zodiac outings in Båtsfjord).
- Boat transport to Hornøya Island.
- Photographic guidance and assistance throughout the trip.
Not included
- International flights to/from Ivalo.
- Lunches and dinners (except breakfasts included with the accommodation).
- Beverages.
- Travel and cancellation insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Optional activities not included in the program (for example night hides for Arctic hare or Arctic fox).
- Any service not explicitly listed as included.
Your guide
Alicia M. Morillas
Alicia M. Morillas is a Spanish nature and wildlife photographer based in Madrid, with roots in the Sierra de Cazorla. Her work blends fine-art aesthetics and a deep respect for the natural world, capturing the harmony, light, and quiet strength of wild landscapes and their inhabitants.
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Frequently asked questions
What clothing should I bring for this trip?
Layered clothing is recommended: thermal base layers, fleece or down jacket, waterproof outer layer, winter trousers, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots with good grip.
What temperatures can we expect in Varanger at this time of year?
In late March and early April temperatures usually range between -10 °C and 2 °C, although wind chill can make it feel colder.
Is this a physically demanding trip?
No. Most photography takes place close to vehicles, from hides, or from boats. Walking distances are generally short and manageable.
What photographic equipment is recommended?
A long telephoto lens between 400 mm and 600 mm is ideal for birds. A 70–200 mm lens is also useful, and a wide-angle lens can be helpful for landscapes or Northern Lights.
How many batteries and memory cards should I bring?
Cold temperatures reduce battery life. It is recommended to bring several spare batteries and enough memory cards for multiple days of shooting.
How are seabird photography sessions conducted?
Photography will take place from floating hides at water level, from zodiac boats, and also from cliffs and seabird colonies.
Do I need previous experience in bird photography?
No. The tour is suitable for both experienced wildlife photographers and those looking to improve their skills.
What kind of destination is Varanger for wildlife photographers?
Varanger is considered one of the best places in Europe for Arctic bird photography, offering unique opportunities for species such as eiders, puffins, guillemots and shags.
Another question? Ask the assistant or write to us on WhatsApp.