Varanger - www.nasjonaleturistveger.no
 
National Tourist Route Varanger runs along the Varangerfjord and the coast of the Barents Sea. From sheltered birch forests and marshlands across plains to rugged cliffs and a dramatic lunar landscape, this route offers a contrast-filled journey through scenery characterised by its Arctic climate.

In the Arctic climate zone, the weather is an experience in itself. In summer, Siberian heat may suddenly alternate with icy sea smoke, and violent storms batter the coast in winter. During parts of the year, you may experience all four seasons within a single Arctic day.

Varanger is one of the regions of Northern Europe which is richest in bird life. Fisheries, migration and trade have turned Varanger into a melting pot of peoples and cultures. The proximity to Russia and the Pomor trade, immigration from Finland and the indigenous Sámi traditions have provided this area with an intriguing cultural diversity.

National Tourist Route Varanger runs from Varangerbotn to Hamningberg, over a total distance of 160 kilometres.

When combined with the Hurtigruten coastal steamer and National Tourist Route Havøysund, this route can be included to form one of Norway's most spectacular round trips.



Information about National Tourist Route Varanger, download pdf.

Travel info Varanger

Parts of National Tourist Route Varanger are closed during the winter season. The stretch between Smelror and Hamningberg is normally closed in November and reopens in May (see the "Map" menu and red flaggs).

Questions concerning places to stay, places to eat, itineraries etc. should be addressed to local and regional tourist agencies and enterprises. In the menu on the left you will find some links that may be helpful.

Have a good trip!


Steilneset Memorial, National Tourist Route Varanger, is partially closed to the public from 8 April to mid-May 2013 in order to carry out planned finishing works.


Steilneset Memorial in Vardø will remain partially closed from 8 April to approximately the middle of May 2013 due to necessary follow-up work. In this period the Memorial Hall will unfortunately be closed to the public. 

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration regrets any inconvenience to the public caused by the Memorial Hall having to be closed during this period. The glass building housing Louise Bourgeois' art work will, however, be open to the public.

When inspecting the exterior of the Memorial Hall, great care must be taken not to go too close to any temporary installations.

Steilneset Memorial The information centre, constructed on piles, is 125 metres long and provides information on the witch-hunts and their victims. Photo: Bjarne Riesto
Steilneset Memorial
The information centre, constructed on piles, is 125 metres long and provides information on the witch-hunts and their victims.

Photo: Bjarne Riesto
Houses in Skallelv, Vadsø, just off National Tourist Route Varanger. Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Houses in Skallelv, Vadsø, just off National Tourist Route Varanger.

Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Vardø and the road leading from Vardø to Hamningberg. Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Vardø and the road leading from Vardø to Hamningberg.

Photo: Jarle Wæhler
The Hamningberg Road in Vardø, west of Persfjorden, passes through a magnificent, jagged landscape, described by many as a moonscape. The Hamningberg Road is the furthermost end of National Tourist Route Varanger. Photo: Jarle Wæhler
The Hamningberg Road in Vardø, west of Persfjorden, passes through a magnificent, jagged landscape, described by many as a moonscape. The Hamningberg Road is the furthermost end of National Tourist Route Varanger.

Photo: Jarle Wæhler
The Hamningberg Road in Vardø, west of Persfjorden, passes through a magnificent, jagged landscape, described by many as a moonscape. The Hamningberg Road is the furthermost end of National Tourist Route Varanger. Photo: Jarle Wæhler
The Hamningberg Road in Vardø, west of Persfjorden, passes through a magnificent, jagged landscape, described by many as a moonscape. The Hamningberg Road is the furthermost end of National Tourist Route Varanger.

Photo: Jarle Wæhler
The Hamningberg Road in Vardø, west of Persfjorden, passes through a magnificent, jagged landscape, described by many as a moonscape. The Hamningberg Road is the furthermost end of National Tourist Route Varanger. Photo: Bjarne Riesto
The Hamningberg Road in Vardø, west of Persfjorden, passes through a magnificent, jagged landscape, described by many as a moonscape. The Hamningberg Road is the furthermost end of National Tourist Route Varanger.

Photo: Bjarne Riesto
The Hamningberg Road in Vardø, west of Persfjorden, passes through a magnificent, jagged landscape, described by many as a moonscape. The Hamningberg Road is the furthermost end of National Tourist Route Varanger. Photo: Roger Ellingsen
The Hamningberg Road in Vardø, west of Persfjorden, passes through a magnificent, jagged landscape, described by many as a moonscape. The Hamningberg Road is the furthermost end of National Tourist Route Varanger.

Photo: Roger Ellingsen
Vardø town and the road between Vardø and Hamningberg. Photo: Bjørn Andresen
Vardø town and the road between Vardø and Hamningberg.

Photo: Bjørn Andresen
Kiberg near the Varanger fjord. Photo: Asbjørn Nilsen
Kiberg near the Varanger fjord.

Photo: Asbjørn Nilsen
The Hamningberg road seen from Storflognakken, Båtsfjord. Photo: Hjalmar Steinnes
The Hamningberg road seen from Storflognakken, Båtsfjord.

Photo: Hjalmar Steinnes
The bird cliff on the island of Ekkerøya is easily accessible, just a few minutes from the National Tourist Route Varanger. In the nesting season in spring, there are 20,000 pairs of kittiwakes on the bird cliff. There are many ducks and waders on the island's beaches, many of them rare species. Photo: Jarle Wæhler
The bird cliff on the island of Ekkerøya is easily accessible, just a few minutes from the National Tourist Route Varanger. In the nesting season in spring, there are 20,000 pairs of kittiwakes on the bird cliff. There are many ducks and waders on the island's beaches, many of them rare species.

Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Snowdrift near Vardø. Photo: Asbjørn Nilsen
Snowdrift near Vardø.

Photo: Asbjørn Nilsen
December light over Nesseby church near the Varanger fjord. Photo: Hjalmar Steinnes
December light over Nesseby church near the Varanger fjord.

Photo: Hjalmar Steinnes
Overview map of the stretch, with locations described under the "Architecture" menu. Red flags indicate tourist tourist routes that are closed during the winter season.

If you wish to plan your journey or consult more detailed maps you will find links to maps and route planners in the menu "Travel info".
National Tourist Route Varanger runs along the Varangerfjord and the coast of the Barents Sea. From sheltered birch forests and marshlands across plains to rugged cliffs and a dramatic lunar landscape, this route offers a contrast-filled journey through scenery characterised by its Arctic climate. Varanger is one of the regions of Northern Europe which is richest in bird life and features in the book of "Top 100 Birding Sites of the World". Fisheries, migration and trade have turned Varanger into a melting pot of peoples and cultures.
Here you can find a simple map providing a geographical overview of the route. If you wish to plan your journey or consult more detailed maps you will find links to maps and route planners in the menu "Travel info".
Varanger