Light, wilderness and moments you'll never forget
There is something about the light in Varanger. Arctic winter light shining low from the south, the golden rays of the midnight sun that never fade, the green dance of the northern lights over dark sea — all of this set against dramatic coastal landscape gives you images you'll rarely find the equal of anywhere else on earth.
The four great subjects
Northern lights: from October to March the nights are dark enough for the aurora, and Varanger lies in the middle of the aurora belt. The open horizon over the Barents Sea means cloud cover rarely blocks you from every direction.
Birds: Varanger is ranked among the world's 100 best birdwatching sites. Steller's eider, white-tailed eagle, puffin and guillemot — and the 12 architect-designed bird hides along the Varangerfjord make bird photography easier than almost anywhere on earth.
Landscape: Arctic tundra, dramatic coastal cliffs and endless plateau. It is hard to take a bad landscape shot in Varanger if you wait for the right light.
Wildlife: Arctic fox, reindeer, seals and king crab. All accessible with patience and the right timing.
Biotope bird hides — architecture meets nature
The Norwegian architecture practice Biotope has designed 12 unique bird hides along the Varangerfjord. Each hide is adapted to the specific location and the birds found there — and they are architectural works of art in their own right. Hide inside one, wait quietly, and let the birds come to you.
Camera settings and gear
For northern lights: use a wide-angle lens at f/2.8 or lower, ISO 800–3200, shutter speed 5–15 seconds. Focus manually on a distant star. A tripod is not optional — it is mandatory.
For birds: a telephoto lens from 400mm is ideal. The Biotope hides are designed so you can get close to birds without disturbing them — do not use flash.
For landscape: a polarising filter reduces reflections in water and fjord. Arctic winter light is hard and high-contrast — shoot during golden hour (which lasts long in Varanger).
In all seasons: bring a lens cloth — saltwater and snow are everywhere — and spare batteries. Cold drains batteries faster than you think.
Practical tips
- 🌅Visit the Biotope hides early morning or late evening — the light is best and birds are most active.
- 🌙For northern lights: follow My Aurora Forecast and aim for KP index 3 or higher.
- 🔋Bring twice as many batteries as you think you need. Cold temperatures halve battery capacity.
- 📍Hamningberg — the abandoned fishing village east of Vardø — is one of Norway's most beautiful photography locations.
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