What can we expect?
The journey from Ivalo to Kongsfjord crosses dramatically different environments. We will begin among the snow-covered forests, pines, birches and frozen lakes of Finnish Lapland. As we continue north, the vegetation will gradually become sparser, opening onto the tundra and eventually the Arctic coast of the Barents Sea.
Our camera equipment will remain ready throughout the journey, allowing us to stop whenever the light, landscape or a wildlife sighting presents a worthwhile opportunity. Along the way, we may encounter reindeer, moose, foxes, ptarmigans and other wildlife adapted to the northern winter.
Once we reach Kongsfjord, the lodge will become the centre of our experience. We will be able to begin photographing directly on foot, exploring the beach, the small harbour and the nearby Veines headland. We will also use Skua minivans to reach Berlevåg, Båtsfjord and the Varanger mountain plateaus. In Berlevåg harbour we will search for eiders and other seabirds. In Båtsfjord, we may use specially designed floating hides to photograph King Eiders, Steller’s Eiders, Common Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks at water level. A RIB safari with a local partner is also planned, subject to supplier availability and suitable weather and sea conditions.
Each evening we will monitor the forecast and sky conditions for the Northern Lights. If the sky is clear and solar activity is favourable, we may photograph the Aurora directly from the lodge, the beach or Kongsfjord harbour. Alternatively, we may travel along the coast in search of a different setting. On our return journey towards Ivalo, we will gradually leave the coastal tundra and re-enter the forests of Lapland. Here we will devote a photography session to the birds of the taiga, with possible subjects including bullfinches, Siberian Tits, Siberian Jays and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
Day 1 – From Ivalo to the Barents Sea: from taiga to tundra
After arriving at Ivalo Airport, we will meet our Skua guide and begin the journey towards Kongsfjord. We will initially travel through the taiga of Finnish Lapland, a landscape of snow-covered forests, birches, pines and frozen lakes. As we continue north, the vegetation will gradually become sparser and the landscape will open into the tundra before reaching the Arctic coast and the Barents Sea. The transfer itself will be part of the photographic experience. We will keep our equipment close at hand and, depending on our arrival time and road conditions, stop to photograph landscapes, light and any wildlife encountered along the route. We will pay particular attention to reindeer and moose, while foxes, ptarmigans and other winter wildlife are also possible. In the evening we will arrive at Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge, our home and photographic basecamp in Varanger. After settling in and enjoying dinner prepared by our chef, we will check the sky. If conditions are favourable, we may begin our first Northern Lights photography session around the lodge.
Day 2 – Berlevåg and the Barents Sea coast
We will explore the coast between Kongsfjord and Berlevåg, travelling through small fjords, glacial valleys, cliffs and beaches shaped by the Arctic winter. Using the Skua minivan, we will be able to stop whenever wildlife, the landscape or the light offers an interesting opportunity. Along the route we will search for reindeer, Mountain Hares, ptarmigans and White-tailed Eagles. Moose may also be encountered in the more sheltered valleys. In Berlevåg harbour we will concentrate on the seabirds wintering in its protected waters. Possible subjects include King Eider, Steller’s Eider, Common Eider and Long-tailed Duck, as well as gulls, cormorants and seals. The fishing boats, colourful houses, snow and harbour lights provide opportunities for both portraits and environmental images. We will have time to observe the birds’ behaviour, change position and wait for the best conditions. Lunch will be arranged around the photographic activity. During the afternoon, we may continue working in the harbour or slowly return towards Kongsfjord, taking advantage of any opportunities along the coast. After dinner, we will once again assess conditions for the Northern Lights.
Day 3 – Båtsfjord and the eiders of Varanger
Early in the morning, we will travel to Båtsfjord for a day devoted to some of the most charismatic birds wintering on the Barents Sea. When available, we will use specially designed floating hides positioned in the sheltered waters of the harbour. Photographing close to water level can provide particularly striking perspectives of King Eiders, Steller’s Eiders, Common Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks. After the hide session and a warming break, we plan to head out into the fjord on a RIB safari operated by a local partner. This will allow us to photograph the same species in different situations: in flocks, in flight, on the water or within the wider Arctic landscape. White-tailed Eagles, seals and, occasionally, other marine mammals may also be encountered. Before departure, participants will receive a flotation suit and attend a short safety briefing. The boat trip will last approximately 60–75 minutes. Both the floating hides and RIB safari depend on supplier availability and suitable weather and sea conditions. If either activity is cancelled, the Skua guide will arrange alternative photography sessions in the harbour, along the coast or on the mountain plateaus. During the afternoon, we will return to Kongsfjord across the Varanger plateaus, stopping whenever wildlife, light or the landscape presents a new opportunity. After dinner, we will monitor the sky for a possible final Northern Lights session at Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge.
Day 4 – Veines and the return to the Finnish taiga
We will devote the morning to our final photography session in Varanger. Depending on sightings made during the previous days, we may explore Kongsfjord beach and harbour or visit the nearby Veines headland. On its snowy slopes and rocky areas, we will search for Rock Ptarmigans, Willow Ptarmigans, Mountain Hares and reindeer. White-tailed Eagles, seals and eiders may also be encountered along the coast. After the session, we will leave Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge and begin travelling south. We will once again cross the tundra and Varanger plateaus, retaining the flexibility to stop whenever wildlife or photographic conditions make it worthwhile. As we approach Ivalo, we will re-enter the Finnish Lapland taiga. Here we will devote a photography session to the birds of the snow-covered boreal forest. Possible subjects include bullfinches, Siberian Tits, Siberian Jays, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, other tits and additional taiga passerines. At the end of the session, dinner and the final night of the tour.
Day 5 – Departure from Ivalo
After breakfast, we will travel to Ivalo Airport in time for the return flight. If the flight schedule and conditions allow, we may enjoy a short final photography session near our accommodation, concentrating on snowy landscapes or taiga birds.
Ivalo Airport
Travel Cancellation Conditions
Cancellation Penalty by the Client (Standard Period)
What to bring:
