Our Arctic Wildlife & Puffins in the Snow Photography Holiday

A Journey Through Norway’s Varanger Peninsula & Finnish Taiga

A group of passionate photographers, including Alison, who will be leading our 2026 version of the Arctic Wildlife & Puffins in the Snow wildlife photography tour, recently embarked on an extraordinary Arctic adventure, capturing the remote beauty of Norway‘s Varanger Peninsula & the Finnish taiga. Over seven days, they documented rare birds, majestic mammals, & dramatic coastal scenes in one of Europe’s last great wildernesses. This report details their encounters, the species photographed, & the unique behaviours observed in this frozen landscape.

Day 1 – Arrival in Ivalo & Finnish Taiga Birding

The expedition began in Ivalo, Finland, where the group headed to Kaamanen for their first photography session. The snowy forests & streams were alive with Arctic specialists:

• White-throated Dippers – Bobbing along icy streams before diving for insects.
• Siberian Jays – Bold & curious, perching close by with fluffed-up plumage.
• Pine Grosbeaks & Arctic Redpolls – Feeding on buds & berries, their bright colours contrasting with the winter whites.

After a successful start, the group transferred to Kongsfjord, Norway, for their first night by the Barents Sea.

Day 2 – Berlevåg – Eagles, Falcons & Sea Ducks

The coastal village of Berlevåg delivered spectacular raptor & waterfowl sightings:

• White-tailed Eagles – Perched on cliffs & diving for fish.
• Gyrfalcons – The world’s largest falcon, streaking across the tundra in pursuit of prey.
• Steller’s, King & Common Eiders – Flocks diving in synchrony in sheltered bays.
• Long-tailed Ducks – Their haunting calls echoing over the waves as they swam in small groups.

A herd of Reindeer crossing the snow-covered plains provided a magical end to the day.

Day 3 – Båtsfjord – Ptarmigans, Moose & More Sea Ducks

The group travelled to Båtsfjord, where the focus shifted to Arctic grouse & forest giants:

• Rock Ptarmigans – Perfectly camouflaged in winter plumage, foraging on lichens.
• Moose – A solitary bull browsing at the taiga’s edge, its towering frame ideal for dramatic portraits.
• King & Steller’s Eiders – More opportunities to photograph these striking sea ducks in icy waters.

Day 4 – Vardø & Hornøya Island’s Seabird Spectacle

A highlight of the trip was Vardø & the nearby Hornøya Island, one of Europe’s most accessible seabird colonies:

• Northern Hawk Owls – Perched prominently, scanning for voles.
• Bohemian Waxwings – Flocks descending on berry-laden trees.
• Puffins, Common & Thick-billed Murres, Razorbills, Black-legged Kittiwakes & European Shags – The cliffs were a frenzy of activity, with puffins carrying fish & murres jostling for space.

A boat trip & landing on Hornøya allowed for intimate close-ups of nesting seabirds.

Day 5 – Return to Hornøya & Journey Back to Kaamanen

The group revisited Hornøya for a final morning of seabird photography, focusing on:

• Common & Brünnich’s Guillemots – Rafting offshore before returning to the cliffs.
• Puffins & Shags – More behavioural shots, including preening & territorial displays.

In the afternoon, they began the long transfer back to Kaamanen, stopping for sweeping Arctic landscape shots.

Day 6 – Ekkerøy Cliffs, Vadsø Harbour & Mountain Hare

Before dawn, the photographers positioned themselves at Ekkerøy Cliffs to capture:

• Black-legged Kittiwakes – Wheeling against the golden morning light.

Later, at Vadsø Harbour, they photographed:

• Steller’s & Common Eiders – Drifting calmly in the sheltered waters.

The day ended with a thrilling encounter with a Mountain Hare, its white winter coat blending seamlessly into the snowy tundra.

Day 7 – Reindeer in the Taiga & Departure

The final morning was spent in the Finnish taiga, where a herd of Reindeer grazing on lichens provided a serene farewell. With memory cards full of stunning images, the group returned to Ivalo Airport, concluding an unforgettable Arctic photography adventure.

Species Photographed During The Arctic Wildlife & Puffins in the Snow Photography Holiday

Birds

• White-throated Dipper – Active along icy streams, diving for insects. Fast movements required quick shutter speeds.
• Siberian Jay – Bold & approachable, often perching close with fluffed-up plumage.
• Gyrfalcon – Lightning-fast hunter; best captured in flight over open tundra.
• Steller’s Eider – Formed tight flocks, diving synchronously for molluscs.
• Rock Ptarmigan – Camouflaged against snow; often flushed suddenly when disturbed.
• Northern Hawk Owl – Diurnal hunter; perched prominently while scanning for prey.
• Puffins – ideal for behavioural shots or portraits.
• Bohemian Waxwing – Large, elegant flocks feeding on berries in soft light.

Mammals

• Reindeer – Grazed on lichens; best photographed in soft morning light.
• Arctic Hare – Perfect winter camouflage; slow movements allowed for detailed shots.

Photography Tips & Challenges

• Equipment – A telephoto lens (500mm+) was essential for birds, while a 70-200mm zoom worked well for mammals & landscapes.
• Lighting – The low Arctic sun created long shadows—golden hours were crucial for warm, dynamic shots.
• Patience – Waiting for raptors like the Gyrfalcon or White-tailed Eagle to strike required persistence.
• Weather Resilience – Sub-zero temperatures demanded weather-sealed gear, hand warmers, & layered clothing.

Final Thoughts

The Arctic Wildlife & Puffins in the Snow photography holiday for 2026 will be a masterclass in Arctic wildlife photography, offering unparalleled access to rare species in breathtaking settings. From the seabird cliffs of Hornøya to the silent taiga forests, every moment should present a new challenge & opportunity.

For photographers seeking a true wilderness experience, this journey will deliver in every way – creating not just stunning images, but lasting memories of the Arctic’s raw beauty.