7 DAYS
The Arctic Awakening
As spring returns to Finnmark, the Arctic slowly begins to shift. Snow loosens its grip on the landscape, seabirds return to the cliffs, and the light grows stronger day by day. This guided journey follows the changing season from the Barents Sea coastline to the open tundra of Northern Norway.
Where the Arctic Begins to Wake
This spring journey through Finnmark follows the returning Arctic light from the outer coastline of the Barents Sea to the inland tundra of Northern Norway. Together with local guides, we travel through landscapes shaped by weather, wildlife and generations of life in the north — from bird cliffs and abandoned fishing villages to Sámi areas and the vast Finnmark plateau.
DAY 1
Along the Arctic Coast to Vardø
Arrival in Kirkenes and transfer to Hurtigruten, which takes us eastward along Finnmark’s rugged coastline towards Vardø. As we travel along the coast, the Arctic landscape shifts between snow-covered mountains, small fishing communities and the ever-present Barents Sea. In the afternoon we arrive in Vardø, the small island town that will be our base for the coming days.
We check into Slottet, one of Vardø’s historic buildings, before heading out with the guide to visit the Pomor Museum. Here, the stories of trade and cooperation between Northern Norway and Russia offer insight into the region’s long connection to the sea. In the evening, we gather for dinner while the Arctic light slowly settles over the harbour.
Day 2
Hornøya and the Bird Cliffs
Today we head out by private boat towards Hornøya, one of Northern Norway’s most remarkable bird cliffs. Spring transforms the island into a landscape full of movement and sound, where thousands of seabirds return to nest along the steep cliffs facing the Barents Sea.
As we approach the island, puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls fill both the air and the surrounding waters. Together with our local guide, we go ashore and experience the birdlife up close while learning more about the ecosystem, ocean currents and seasonal rhythms that shape life in the Arctic north. The combination of sea, cliffs and constant activity creates one of the most memorable nature experiences of the journey.
Day 3
Arctic Coastlines and Hamningberg
We continue exploring the coastline in smaller boats, allowing us to travel close to the dramatic rock formations and open sea surrounding Vardø. Along the way we keep watch for seals resting along the shore and sea eagles moving high above the cliffs.
Later, we continue towards Hamningberg, the abandoned fishing village at the far edge of the Varanger Peninsula. Surrounded by weathered wooden buildings, stone and open ocean, the village offers a striking glimpse into life along this remote coastline. In the clear spring light, the silence and isolation of the landscape become especially noticeable.
Day 4
Towards the Sámi Landscape
Before leaving Vardø, we spend the morning exploring more of the town’s history and landmarks. We visit Vardøhus Fortress, the dragon head monuments and Steilneset Memorial, the striking monument dedicated to the victims of the witch trials in Finnmark.
Later, we leave the coast behind and continue inland towards Tana and the Sámi areas of Finnmark. Gradually the landscape opens into tundra, mountains and wide Arctic plains. By evening we arrive at The Sami School, a peaceful base surrounded by fjord and mountain landscapes where the second part of the journey begins.
Day 5
Snowshoes and the Arctic Tundra
Today we explore the mountains surrounding The Sami School on snowshoes. Moving slowly through the spring landscape, we follow gentle terrain across lingering snowfields and open tundra, with wide views towards mountains, fjords and the distant Barents Sea.
Along the route we stop to light a fire and prepare lunch outdoors while the guide shares knowledge about the surrounding landscape, local wildlife and the changing Arctic seasons. The pace of the day is calm and unhurried, allowing time to experience the silence, the shifting light and the openness that defines the Finnmark plateau in spring.
Day 6
Dog Sledding Across the Plateau
Together with experienced local mushers, we head out across the plateau by dog sled. After an introduction to the dogs and equipment, we travel through quiet Arctic landscapes where the only sounds are the sled runners gliding across the snow and the steady movement of the dogs ahead.
The route takes us across open terrain shaped by winter and spring existing side by side. Far from roads and distractions, the experience becomes focused entirely on movement, nature and the surrounding silence. Back at The Sami School, warmth and a relaxed evening await after our final full day in Finnmark.
Day 7
Departure from the North
After breakfast, we begin the journey back towards Kirkenes Airport. Along the drive, the changing landscapes of Finnmark follow us once more — from tundra and fjord to the coastline of the Barents Sea.
As the expedition comes to an end, it is often the atmosphere of the Arctic that remains strongest in memory: the returning spring light, the bird cliffs, the silence of the plateau and the feeling of having travelled through one of Europe’s northernmost landscapes.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay close to the people, landscapes and atmosphere of Finnmark
During your journey, you will stay in two distinctive places that are part of the experience itself. In Vardø, you stay close to the coastal people, fishing culture and raw beauty of the Barents Sea. In Tana, you stay inland on the tundra, close to Sámi culture, wide-open landscapes and the quiet rhythms of Finnmark. Both places offer a personal, authentic and welcoming stay, where the surroundings, the stories and the sense of place become a natural part of the journey.
Your guide
Led by Morten Gåsvand, our guides combine local insight, personal hosting and years of experience in Finnmark’s wild landscapes. As a nature photographer, Morten brings a special sense for light, scenery and atmosphere, guiding guests to places that are both breathtaking and deeply authentic.
Before you travel?
Please make sure to bring:
Suitable clothing
Clothing suitable for outdoor adventures. Windproof outerwear is recommended.
Photography
For wildlife photography, a lens with a focal length of 400 mm or more is recommended. For landscapes, a wide-angle lens is the best choice.
Group size
This tour operates with a minimum of 4 participants. If the minimum number is not reached, the tour will be cancelled and a full refund will be issued.
Weather and conditions
Temperatures are usually above 0°C and may range between 10 and 15°C. Please note that the itinerary, accommodation, and planned experiences may be adjusted due to weather or road conditions.
The Finnmark Bucket List
7-days guided tour, per person
€4500
What is included?
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Airport pick-up and drop-off
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Meals included for the
entire tour -
Travel by minivan with an experienced guide
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All activities listed in the itinerary
What is not included?
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Personal travel insuarance
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International or domestic return flights
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Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages
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Optional extras