The area around Vadsø is considered one of the world’s 100 best places for birdwatching. Here you can get up close to species that otherwise live in Siberia and northern Canada.
The same birds can turn up almost anywhere, but in some places they are easier to get close to. First, here is what you can see — then where to look.
What you can see
Birds on the fjord
Vadsø harbour is among the best places in the world to see Steller’s eider in winter. The broad fjord right by the town makes food easy for the birds to reach, and supports a teeming bird life. From December to April you will find Steller’s eider, king eider, long-tailed duck and common eider — and often large flocks of common scoter and velvet scoter.
Birds of prey along the tourist route
Drive from Vadsø towards Vardø along the Varanger National Tourist Route and white-tailed eagles are a common sight — they live along the fjord and often fly right over the road. Look out too for golden eagle, merlin, kestrel and rough-legged buzzard. Drive towards Jakobselv through the birch forest and you may spot the northern hawk owl (rare), or the short-eared owl, which hunts in open country.
Small songbirds
Brambling, greenfinch, common redpoll, Arctic redpoll, blue tit, bullfinch, great tit and bluethroat can all be found in the woods around Vadsø, especially at feeding stations.
Where to see them
For a comfortable experience, sheltered from wind and weather, bird hides have been built in several places in Vadsø Municipality:
- The breakwater in Vadsø harbour — designed by the architecture firm Biotope, close to the sea ducks.
- Vestre Jakobselv — one of several Biotope hides along the tourist route, by Varangertunet’s feeding station for small songbirds.
- Ekkerøy — another Biotope hide, by one of Europe’s largest bird cliffs, with more than 50 species.
Just a day trip away, off Vardø, lies Hornøya (map) — one of Norway’s best-known bird cliffs, with puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Boat trips run there from Vardø harbour from February to August.
Guides and accommodation
VBirdwatching on the Varanger Peninsula
All year
Birdwatching on the Varanger Peninsula, known for its rich bird life.
Free on your own
Ekkerøy Lodge
Open all year
An exclusive design cabin right by the bird cliff on Ekkerøy, with northern lights safaris, king crab fishing and dog sledding too.
Price on request
Birdwatching in Varanger
All year
A birdwatching base in Varanger, housed at Vadsø Fjordhotell — one of Norway’s best regions for birdwatching all year round.
Price on request
Birdwatching at Jakobselvkaia
All year
More than 250 bird species have been recorded in Finnmark. Jakobselvkaia lies midway between Nesseby church and Vadsø harbour, a short way from Varanger fuglepark.
Price on request
Sailing and paddling to the seabirds
Winter
Sailing and paddling out to the seabirds around Vadsø and Ekkerøy, 6 hours.
From NOK 1,800 per person
Much of the bird life is found in or near Varangerhalvøya National Park — check their website for rules and up-to-date information.