Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/ # Join us for Arctic Wildlife of Varanger in 2027 Published on April 21, 2026 [![A Resting Puffin On The Snow Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-resting-puffin-on-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-resting-puffin-on-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by [Alison Jenkins](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/alison/). There are destinations you revisit because they’re good & then there are those rare places where, with the right timing & the right approach, they become exceptional. [Varanger](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-keep-returning/why-photographers-keep-returning-to-varanger/) in early April sits firmly in that second category. The April [2027](https://natureslens.co.uk/during/2027/) departure is now **fully designed & delivered by NaturesLens**, allowing every element of the trip to be shaped around what matters most: time in the right places, in the right light, for the right species. The result is a focused, photography-led experience built around creating strong images in consistently productive conditions. ## What’s Changed for 2027 This departure gives us complete control over how the trip is designed & delivered, allowing every element to be shaped around photography. The itinerary has been built from the ground up to reflect how we actually want to run this tour – with more time where it counts, greater flexibility, & the ability to prioritise image-making over simply following a fixed schedule. [![A Spectacled Eider Swimming On The Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-spectacled-eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-spectacled-eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) ## Two Evenings in the Backlit Mountain Hare Hide This is one of the most exciting elements of the trip, built into the core experience rather than treated as a one-off session. We include **two dedicated evenings** in a specialist Mountain Hare hide – giving you the time not just to experience it, but to refine & improve your work. These sessions are about simplicity & precision. White hares against clean snow, working in controlled light, with opportunities for backlit images that are both striking & technically rewarding. It’s a completely different pace to the coastal work, & the contrast it brings to your portfolio is significant. Crucially, this hide has a proven track record at the highest level, consistently producing images that go on to win & place in major international competitions, including the **Sony World Photography Awards (Natural World & Wildlife category winner, 2026)**, Close-up Photographer of the Year, European Photography Awards, ND Awards & the Monochrome Awards. [![A White Hare Runs Across A Snowy Field Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-white-hare-runs-across-a-snowy-field-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-white-hare-runs-across-a-snowy-field-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) ## Three Visits to Hornøya Hornøya is one of the great seabird locations in [Europe](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/) – but like any high-energy colony, one visit is never enough if you want to photograph it well. This itinerary includes **three separate sessions on the island**, allowing you to move beyond the initial impact & into more considered photography. [![A Pair Of Puffins On A Snowy Landscape Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-pair-of-puffins-on-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-pair-of-puffins-on-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) You have time to refine your approach, work different areas of the island, & respond to changing light & behaviour. Puffins, guillemots, [razorbills](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/razorbill/) & kittiwakes quickly become more predictable with time, & that’s where the strongest images come from. ## Core Experience The foundation of the trip remains what makes [Varanger](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/varanger/) so special in early April. **Steller’s Eider** remains the headline species, & this is one of the best places anywhere to photograph them well. Alongside them, **King Eiders** provide colour & impact, often at very close range in sheltered harbours. **Long-tailed Ducks** & **Purple Sandpipers** round out a beautifully photogenic coastal mix. Working these locations with time & flexibility allows you to return to subjects, refine compositions, & make the most of changing conditions. [![A Purple Sandpiper Standing On A Coastal Rock Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-purple-sandpiper-standing-on-a-coastal-rock-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-purple-sandpiper-standing-on-a-coastal-rock-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) ## Designed for Photography Small groups, flexible days, time to revisit locations, & space to refine images rather than chase sightings. The trip flows naturally from seabird colonies to Arctic ducks to the Mountain Hare hide, creating a cohesive & varied photographic experience. On clear evenings, there is also the opportunity to photograph the **Northern Lights**, adding an additional dimension without detracting from the core wildlife focus. [![A Long Tailed Duck Swimming On The Ocean Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-long-tailed-duck-swimming-on-the-ocean-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-long-tailed-duck-swimming-on-the-ocean-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) ## A More Refined Varanger Experience This departure has been carefully re-structured to maximise photographic opportunity throughout the week. - More time in the right places - A well-balanced flow to each day - Consistent opportunities to refine & improve your images Every element of the itinerary has been shaped around how images are actually made – from repeat visits to key locations, to working the best light & conditions as they develop. The result is a cohesive, photography-led experience that reflects how NaturesLens tours & holidays are designed & delivered. [![A Male King Eider Swimming On The Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-male-King-Eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-male-King-Eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) ## Join Alison for the Arctic Wildlife of Varanger Tour This is a limited group departure & this early April tour is anticipated to be in demand. If you’re looking to build a truly distinctive Arctic portfolio – from eiders & seabirds to opportunities for award-winning hare photography – this is a compelling opportunity to do so. [View Full Trip Details & Check Availability](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/norway/arctic-varanger/) ## Share this post - - - - [![A Puffin Stretches Its Wings Illuminated From Behind By The Light Of The Rising Sun This Image Was Captured During The Natureslens Welsh Puffins Of Skomer Island Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/A-puffin-stretches-its-wings-illuminated-from-behind-by-the-light-of-the-rising-sun-this-image-was-captured-during-the-NaturesLens-Welsh-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-photography-holiday-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/03/18/wildlife-photography-guide/) ### [Seeking a new wildlife photography guide to join our team](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/03/18/wildlife-photography-guide/) March 18, 2026 We're looking for a wildlife photographer to join the NaturesLens team as a guide. You don't need guiding experience -… - [![An Atlantic Puffin Swimming On Calm Water Photographed By Robin Lowry During The Natureslens Puffins Of Iceland Photography Holiday On Grímsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-swimming-on-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/09/01/grimsey-island-for-puffin-photography/) ### [Why We Recommend Visiting Grímsey Island in 2027 with Robin](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/09/01/grimsey-island-for-puffin-photography/) September 1, 2026 With our long-running residential Skomer workshops brought to a close from 2026 & Fair Isle already full for 2027, Grímsey… - [![A Golden Eagle Fox Photographed During A Natureslens Photography Holiday To Photograph Northern Sweden Eagles In Winter](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-golden-eagle-fox-photographed-during-a-natureslens-photography-holiday-to-photograph-northern-sweden-eagles-in-winter-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/02/02/golden-eagle-photography/) ### [Golden Eagle Photography in Northern Sweden — What the Winter Landscape Offers](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/02/02/golden-eagle-photography/) February 2, 2025 Discover Golden Eagles in the Swedish Winter through the lens of Robin. All images were captured whilst he was guiding… In this articleJump to section 1. [What's Changed for 2027](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/#whats-changed-for-2027) 1. [Two Evenings in the Backlit Mountain Hare Hide](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/#two-evenings-in-the-backlit-mountain-hare-hide) 1. [Three Visits to Hornøya](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/#three-visits-to-hornya) 1. [Core Experience](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/#core-experience) 1. [Designed for Photography](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/#designed-for-photography) 1. [A More Refined Varanger Experience](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/#a-more-refined-varanger-experience) 1. [Join Alison for the Arctic Wildlife of Varanger Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/04/21/arctic-wildlife-of-varanger/#join-alison-for-the-arctic-wildlife-of-varanger-tour) ### Author DM [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) shares practical field notes, trip updates and wildlife photography advice from the NaturesLens programme. [![Winter Wildlife Of Arctic Varanger](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-resting-puffin-on-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour-768x512.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/norway/arctic-varanger/) Related photography holiday ### Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger Continue from the article into the linked NaturesLens holiday details, dates and availability. [View Trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/norway/arctic-varanger/) ### Related articles [![Why We Recommend Visiting Grímsey Island In 2027 With Robin](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/An-atlantic-puffin-swimming-on-calm-water-photographed-by-Robin-Lowry-during-the-NaturesLens-Puffins-of-Iceland-photography-holiday-on-Grimsey-Island-150x150.jpg) **Why We Recommend Visiting Grímsey Island in 2027 with Robin**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/09/01/grimsey-island-for-puffin-photography/) [![Heipi Travel Tripod Review – Long-Term Field Use &Amp; Real-World Verdict](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Heipi-Travel-Tripod-Review-5.jpg) **HEIPI Travel Tripod Review – Long-Term Field Use & Real-World Verdict**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/08/26/heipi-travel-tripod-review-long-term-field-use/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. [Join The List](https://natureslens.co.uk/newsletter/)