
In this new "recce" tour we will visit Finnmark, the most northerly region of Norway which borders Russia and Finland and the Artic Ocean. Finnmark is the largest region in Norway covering 49k sqkms but is the lowest populated with 180k people giving a population density of just over 3 people per square kilometre. Finnmark is also the home of the Sami, who are Norways indeginous people. We will be going to two totally different areas each with very different habitats. We will start in the interior in and around the Pasvik National Park of 119 sqkms dominated by Siberian-like Taiga consisting of old-growth forests of Scots pine and birch, shallow lakes and bogs formed by the meltwater from the Ice Age.
Special CommentIt goes without saying that all our accommodation is of the usual very high standard as all Worldwide Birding Tours. This tour is relaxed and recommended if comfort and easy pace is required. On Day 4 we take the Hurtigruten Ferry across the Varangerfjorden to Vardo the capital of Finnmark. The Varanger Peninsular is considered in the Top 100 birding sites in the world. Here the land is unique in Europe and is surprisingly flat and barren.
The Tundra vegetation is dominated by mires and moors, with rolling hills separated by broad river valleys and no trees except in the south. The most dramatic landscapes are the steep cliffs plunging down to the Arctic Ocean and covered in birds. In between these cliffs are shallow bays with beautiful sandy beaches.
We will be visiting all these habitats as well as driving to the old abandoned fishing village of Hamningberg where the birding is unique. We are also going on a boat to the world famous island of Hornoya for yet another birding sightseeing feast.
We will be guaranteed to see Reindeer, and we will probably see Moose. Other probable mammals are Otter, Grey and Common Seals, Harbour Porpoise, Red Squirrel, Red Fox and Brown Bear. With some luck we may see Beaver, Musk Rat, Arctic Fox, Beluga and Killer Whales..

We will be visiting all these habitats as well as driving to the old abandoned fishing village of Hamningberg where the birding is unique. We are also going on a boat to the world famous island of Hornoya for yet another birding sightseeing feast.
We will be guaranteed to see Reindeer, and we will probably see Moose. Other probable mammals are Otter, Grey and Common Seals, Harbour Porpoise, Red Squirrel, Red Fox and Brown Bear. With some luck we may see Beaver, Musk Rat, Arctic Fox, Beluga and Killer Whales..
We know that our guests appreciate getting a "feel" of the local culture and so we are arranging these boat trips as well some lunches will be in local cafes.
Reserving your place is both easy and inexpensive!