A Week in Northern Norway: Guiding Austrian Nature Photographers
A reindeer photography moment during our road-trip.
Setting Off from Tromsø
Our journey began in Tromsø, the lively university city of Northern Norway. On the day of our arrival, fresh snow fell in abundance, covering the beaches, streets and mountains in a pristine white. For our Austrian guests, this snowy landscape was both breathtaking and rare—after all, Austria’s winters have grown increasingly unpredictable due to climate change.
In the beginning of our journey, it was heavy snowing all the way from Tromsö to Båtsfjord in Northern Norway.
Crossing Fjords to Reach Reisafjord
From Tromsø, we traveled toward Reisafjord, crossing two fjords by ferry. These crossings added a sense of adventure and variety to the start of our trip. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the staff of a traditional, idyllic hotel. After a long day, a delicious dinner featuring local flavors was exactly what we needed.
On this tour I tried to eat only vegetarian food - and I got it nearly in every place we accommodated! Sometimes a classic food delicacies must be tasted as in this photo - Torske tunger, cod tongues with boiled potatoes. Very good, fresh and and local!
Giants of the Sea in Skjervøy
The following mornings took us to Skjervøy, where we witnessed one of nature’s most spectacular performances: humpback whales and orcas hunting herring in the fjords. Watching these giants of the sea work together was unforgettable. Orcas, much like wolves, hunt in groups—an intelligent, cooperative behavior that requires learning and social skills. Sadly, industrial fishing vessels were also present, hauling thousands of tons of herring and other fish, most of which end up as animal feed rather than human food.
On a boat trip to fjord where the orcas and humpbacks are gathered!
First sightings with orcas were stunning! I was deeply touched to see how beautifully they were swimming together and sometimes coming up for spy hops!
This was just amazing moment how orca just came to see what is going on around!
Humpback whales are the real giants of the sea! Whoaaa!!!
We heard that male killer whales have a tall, straight dorsal fin with the tip directed upward, whereas females have a more backward-curving fin.
Familiar Grounds in Varanger
As the week continued, we headed north to the Varanger Peninsula. Having spent many photography sessions in the region before, I felt at home guiding our group in Båtsfjord. Knowing local entrepreneurs made it easy to showcase the best of the area. The weather, as often in Northern Norway, reshaped our plans slightly, but we still managed to complete all scheduled activities.
It just continued snowing in Varanger, but still, we enjoyed every moment!
Encounter with the Long-Tailed Duck
One highlight was photographing long-tailed ducks in the harbor. Swimming gracefully between fishing boats, they appeared in beautiful light conditions. For this session, I used the classic Nikon DII f4 600mm lens paired with a Nikon D7200. Though heavy, the combination allowed me to capture intimate and striking images of the birds, enhanced by the harbor’s artificial lighting.
A dream come true – I finally saw a long-tailed duck! Even in the dim light and grey surroundings, it was wonderful encounter.
Into Finnish Lapland: Aurora Finale
Our journey concluded in Finnish Lapland, where we experienced a thrilling husky safari in -25°C temperatures. As if to crown the adventure, the northern lights danced across the sky, painting vivid colors above us. It was the perfect finale to a week filled with wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable encounters.
In Finnish Lapland we were lucky to see the most stunning Northern Lights show as a crown for our wonderful arctic Orcas & Auroras Tour!
A Journey to Remember
Guiding this Austrian photography group was a privilege. The blend of snowy landscapes, marine giants, rare bird encounters, and the magic of the aurora made this expedition truly memorable. It is a journey we will certainly repeat in the future. Thank you to Lifetravel Austria - it was an amazing trip with you!
With every wildlife expedition, including this one, we contribute part of the revenue to the conservation of Finland’s great carnivores.