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The far north of Norway with the combined areas of the Varanger peninsula and the Pasvik Valley make for some of the most exciting birding in Europe. This trip starts and ends at Oslo airport Gardemoen, so you will have to be in Norway the day before to reach the morning flight to Kirkenes on day one of the trip. The return flight to Kirkenes is of a morning and will give you plenty of time to reach late afternoon flights back to the UK.

Day 1:
After arriving at Kirkenes we will soon be on our way towards Vardø and our accommodation. The drive takes us around the Varangerfjord and there will be plenty of opportunities for en route birding. Both Red and Black-throated Diver can be seen, either on the fjords or on the many roadside lakes. At Neiden we will check for Arctic Warbler and no doubt see and hear our first Bluethroat. There will be several stops, especially at Nesseby where there could be a chance of seeing Steller’s Eider and the pool behind the church usually produces Red-necked Phalarope. We will also be checking the harbour at Vadsø for King Eider and checking the large sweeping bay at Store Ekerøy for White-throated Diver.

Day 2:
If weather permits we will take a trip out to Hornøy by boat for such species as Brunnich’s Guillemot as well as the huge numbers of other seabirds that breed on the island. On returning to land we will use the rest of the day to follow the coastal road to Hammingberg. This stretch of road has produced the unusual through the years. The many bays hold good numbers of sea-duck while river outlets attract good numbers of gulls, including Iceland and Glaucous while the surrounding bog could produce Temmink’s and Little Stint. The first part of the drive will take us through fantastic tundra habitat with both Arctic and Long-tailed Skua, Shore Lark, Red-throated Pipit and Snow Bunting, all in summer plumage.

Day 3:
We will return along the coastal road that borders the Varangerfjord. Stopping when necessary, Gyr Falcon have been seen along this stretch of road and White-tailed Eagle are not uncommon. This time however we will turn off the main coastal road and head inland to explore the vast expanse of wetlands, lakes and arctic bogland. Willow Grouse share the drier areas with Whimbrel while the wetter areas hold such waterfowl as Whooper Swan and Bean Goose. Waders too will be well represented with summer plumaged Ruff always being good to watch.

Day 4-5:
Two whole days to explore this unique area of Europe. The Pasvik Valley is known for its owls and woodpeckers. If rodent numbers are good then Hawk, Short-eared, Tengmalm’s and Great Grey Owl can be found. However as rodent numbers vary, then there is no guarantee these species will be present. Three-toed Woodpecker is the most sought after species, though Black and Lesser-spotted Woodpecker can also be found. Other sought after species include Siberian Tit, Siberian Jay and Pine Grosbeak, all can be found in the Øvre Pasvik National Park where we will spend some time. To the above named species you can add the chance of seeing Smew, Spotted Redshank, Bohemian Waxwing and Arctic Redpoll just to name a few.

Day 6:
After a bit of early morning birding we head to the airport for our flight back to Oslo – End of trip.