7-Day Varanger Puffin and Arctic Bird Photography Workshop
A seven-day small-group photography workshop based in Vardø, with Atlantic Puffins, Hornøya seabird colonies, eider hides and Arctic coastal wildlife.
About this tour
Spend six nights in Vardø and photograph one of Europe’s busiest seabird colonies during the spring return to Varanger. Atlantic Puffins are a central subject on Hornøya, alongside guillemots, Razorbills, Black-legged Kittiwakes, European Shags and other northern birds. Additional sessions use specialist hides for eiders and White-tailed Eagles, while coastal fieldwork may reveal migrating waterbirds and wider Arctic wildlife.
Terje Svendsen and Bjørn Joachimsen lead a maximum of twelve participants, with no more than six photographers assigned to either instructor. The workshop is suitable for beginners as well as experienced photographers. Guidance covers camera settings, composition, birds in flight and practical field technique. The two-group format lets participants rotate through the main hides and field locations, with the daily order adjusted to weather, light and bird activity.
Vardø Hotel is the base for all six nights. Breakfast, local van transport, photography instruction, planned hide access and activity fees are included. Lunches, dinners and flights are not included. Arrival and departure transfers are arranged through Vardø Airport for the published workshop dates.
Wildlife encounters and safe access depend on natural and weather conditions. The instructors may change the order or emphasis of sessions to make the best use of current conditions. BirdWatch.info will confirm availability and final arrangements with Lanterna Magica Photography after an inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Norway.
Birds you can spot
Fratercula arctica
target
Cepphus grylle
target
Rissa tridactyla
target
Somateria mollissima
target
Gulosus aristotelis
target
Falco rusticolus
target
Somateria spectabilis
target
Clangula hyemalis
target
Alca torda
target
Polysticta stelleri
target
Haliaeetus albicilla
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Vardø
Meet the transfer at Vardø Airport, check in at the hotel and join the instructors for an orientation. If time and conditions allow, the group may begin with a short local photography session.
Day 2
Hornøya seabirds and underwater hide
Begin photographing the Hornøya seabird colony, with Atlantic Puffins and other cliff-nesting species as key subjects. A second session introduces the underwater observation hide used for birds and seals.
Day 3
Puffins and Arctic wildlife
The two groups rotate between Hornøya and a specialist Arctic wildlife hide. Instructors help with settings, composition and anticipating bird movement.
Day 4
Second group rotation
Repeat the previous day’s rotation so both groups can work at the principal seabird and wildlife locations. Timing remains flexible around light and weather.
Day 5
Eagles and eiders
One group uses White-tailed Eagle hides while the other works from a floating hide for eiders and other waterbirds. The instructors tailor coaching to each location.
Day 6
Hide rotation and coastal birding
The groups exchange hide sessions, then explore Ekkerøy and other Varanger coast locations if conditions are suitable. An optional image review may be arranged after fieldwork.
Day 7
Final session and departure
Use the final morning for a flexible photography session or workshop wrap-up before the arranged transfer to Vardø Airport.
Locations & map
- Vardø and Hornøya - Varanger, Finnmark Norway (April conditions can be cold, windy and changeable. Warm waterproof layers and weather protection for camera equipment are important.)
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
(Apr 13, 2027 - Apr 19, 2027)
Included
- Six nights at Vardø Hotel - Room preferences are coordinated after booking.
- Daily breakfast - Lunches and dinners are not included.
- Photography tuition and field coaching - Instruction is provided by Terje Svendsen and Bjørn Joachimsen.
- Workshop transport, hides and activity fees - Local van transport and the planned specialist hides are included.
Not included
- Flights to and from Vardø - Participants arrange their own flights.
- Lunches and dinners - Only breakfast is included.
- Travel insurance - Personal travel insurance is required.
- Alcohol, snacks and personal purchases - These personal costs are not included.
Transport & stays
- Local vans, boat access and specialist hides Workshop transport around Vardø and Varanger is provided. Hornøya access and hide sessions depend on safe operating conditions. | Meet: Vardø Airport (VAW). | Pickup: Arrival and departure airport transfers are coordinated for the published dates.
Accommodations
- Vardø Hotel (days 1-6) Workshop accommodation; room preferences are coordinated after booking. Breakfast is included.
Policies & FAQ
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes. Instruction is adapted for photographers from beginner to advanced level, although participants should know the basic operation of their own camera.
What is the maximum group size?
The published maximum is twelve participants, divided between two instructors with no more than six photographers per instructor.
Are specific birds guaranteed?
No. The program is timed for Varanger’s spring seabirds, but wildlife, weather and access conditions remain unpredictable.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.