Chasing the Arctic Fox: First Days on our Midnight Sun -trip
White-tailed Eagles on the Barents Sea coast in Varanger Peninsula.
Into the North: Setting Off from South Lapland
A warm departure and the call of the Arctic beyond the horizon.
Our recent expedition with a small group to Norway’s far northeast was nothing short of magical—a blend of discovery, wildlife, and Nordic charm. Departing from Finnish Lapland in the gentle warmth of 18°C, we set our sights northward toward the dramatic fjords of Varanger.
Roadside Charms and First Encounters
Café stops, Lappish delights—and a surprise sighting in the treetop!
We made leisurely stops along the way, stretching our legs and savoring Lappish delicacies in cozy roadside cafés. Just before reaching Sodankylä, we were greeted by our energetic companion, Pena the husky, for a refreshing walk along a hidden nature trail. That stroll delivered our first wild surprise—atop a tall Arctic pine, a majestic Northern Hawk Owl watched us from its lofty perch.
Pena-Husky in Lapland, on a nature trail, somewhere near Sodankylä town.
Fjordside Hospitality in Vestre Jakobselv
Warm meals and a Northern welcome in a tucked-away fishing village.
In Sodankylä, we stayed the night in a delightful local cabin that wrapped us in its rustic tranquility. Morning brought new excitement as we continued toward the Varangerfjord and the charming fishing village of Vestre Jakobselv. There, we enjoyed a hearty meal and settled into our welcoming accommodations, ready for our next big moment: the chance to spot the elusive Arctic fox!
The Arctic Fox Appears
A thrilling and rare moment of wildlife connection.
And fate smiled on us. No sooner had we reached the potential viewing site than an Arctic fox appeared—close and curious. Though its visit was brief, it was enough to ignite our spirits. Dressed in camouflage and full of anticipation, we quietly waited for another glimpse. By this point in the evening, the temperature had dropped to around 7°C, and a brisk southeasterly wind made the weather feel quite chilly.
While the fox didn’t return, the tundra revealed its rich life. We observed species iconic to this region—the elegant long-tailed skua, the commanding white-tailed eagle, and flocks of sea birds along the Barents Sea coast.
A long-tailed skua on the hunt.
Arctic Fox in Tundra - maybe you get a bit closer on our next trip?!
Wonderful but short meeting - bye! See you next time!
Beautiful flock of Common Merganser on the Barents Sea.
Memory Cards Full, Spirits High
A fulfilling day of sightings, stories, and wild snapshots.
Hours melted away as our cameras clicked and memories were made. Our memory cards filled quickly with stunning portraits of northern wildlife—and that single, lucky capture of the Arctic fox, a dream for any nature photographer.
A Photographer looking for a target species in Varanger Peninsula.
As the day drew to a close, we returned to our lodge—grateful, exhilarated, and already dreaming about our next Arctic escape. And the next day, early in the morning, we had a wonderful meeting with a red fox near our accommodation!