ARCTIC PICTURES
Photo tour
Varanger Peninsula and
Finnish Lapland
March 17-25, 2027
Winter landscape, seabirds, whales, reindeer and Northern Lights
At the end of March, the Varanger Peninsula in the far northeast of Norway reveals a truly special side of itself – between winter and spring, when the light slowly returns and the landscape glows in clear, cool hues. This time is ideal for a photography trip: the low sun bathes the vast tundra in a golden light, while snow and ice still cover the fjords and mountain landscapes.
With a population density of only about one inhabitant per square kilometer, the region offers vast, untouched nature and absolute tranquility. Here, you're more likely to encounter reindeer, white-tailed eagles, or snow buntings than people. The tundra, the barren coastline, and the dramatic rock formations are particularly photogenic at this time of year – especially when the Northern Lights occasionally appear in the night sky, while during the day the Arctic light already hints at the coming spring.
Starting points such as Vardø, Vadsø or Båtsfjord provide access to this fascinating transitional period, in which ice, light and life combine in unique motifs on the Varanger peninsula.
Arrival and departure
Arrival and departure are arranged individually, but timed so that we can travel together by minibus from Ivalo Airport to our accommodation. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and leads us through the stunning landscape of Finnish Lapland. To ensure we can all start together on March 17, 2027, we will travel to Ivalo the day before. Each participant is responsible for arranging their own overnight stay at the nearby Hotel Kultahippu.
Useful information
Typically, daytime highs range between -5 °C and 0 °C, and at night it can get significantly colder, often down to -15 °C or lower, especially with clear skies.
The landscape is still heavily influenced by snow and frozen fjords. Snow cover is often stable, but slippery conditions on roads and paths are to be expected.
Especially along the coast, the wind can be strong and icy, making the perceived temperature significantly lower. Wind protection is therefore important.
By the end of March, the Varanger Peninsula already enjoys 5–6 hours of daylight, which quickly increases to up to 12 hours in April. The light is particularly soft and ideal for landscape photography.
Late March is still a time for the Northern Lights, especially at night under clear conditions far from city lights.
Overall, the end of March is a transitional period between winter and spring: snow and ice characterize the landscape, but the increasing daylight and arctic light provide very attractive conditions for photography.
We are staying at the Hotel Varangertunet. From here we will take excursions by land and water.
Depending on the weather, we'll travel by RIB (rigid inflatable boat) or minibus, trying to get close to the countless seabirds. Whales are also frequently spotted at this time of year. We have planned two excursions to Hornøya, a small island where puffins arrive precisely at this time of year. Of course, we are dependent on natural conditions, and nothing in nature can guarantee anything.
Hornøya offers the perfect nesting place for thousands of seabirds, and when you experience it for the first time, stepping onto the island and the air being filled with guillemots - you never forget something like that.
In the following days, we will also take a trip to Utsjoki, where Petra, a local reindeer herder, will accompany us. We will travel by snowmobile, pulling a sled, to the reindeer grazing areas. Compared to early winter, the animals are extremely hungry and sometimes come within a few meters of people. This is the perfect opportunity for fantastic photos of these animals in their natural habitat.
We begin our return journey on the morning of March 25th and arrive in Ivalo in the early evening, where an overnight stay is recommended. Our return flight is then on the morning of March 26th.
Services:
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Photo guiding
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8 nights in a hotel with breakfast
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Trips with the RIB (Rigid inflatable boat) depending on the weather
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2 visits to Hornøya (depending on the weather)
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Excursion to see the reindeer of Utsjoki
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All transport from the first to the last day
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Travel price protection via travel guarantee fund
Not included in the travel price - additional services:
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Arrival and departure (flights to Ivalo)
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Dinner and drinks
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Optionally, an additional overnight stay before and after the trip in Ivalo or Helsinki.
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Single room supplement: €400
Travel dates: March 17-25, 2027
Trip price: €3,895 per person in a double room
Number of participants: min. 5, max. 7