King Eider at Varanger

The far northeastern reaches of Norway's Varanger Peninsula, thrust out into the Barents Sea above the Arctic Circle, offer a striking backdrop for photographing King Eider against the region's stark tundra & wind-scoured coastal cliffs. The open fjords here provide the kind of expansive Arctic setting that suits this species well, with the wide, treeless landscape lending a real sense of scale to any composition. Visiting in April gives photographers the best chance of encountering King Eider on our Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger holiday, when the peninsula's rugged character is at its most pronounced. It's a location that rewards patience, with the fjords & cliffs offering varied vantage points across the trip.