The next leg of our journey ventured into the Norwegian municipality of Varanger. This is as close to the Arctic in mainland Europe as you can get. Many species here are truly Arctic specialities and is regarded as one of the most accessible parts to the polar region.

Not only is the wildlife spectacular but the scenery is simply breathtaking. There is something about seeing the Arctic Tundra for the first time, a sense of hostility and sheer beauty at exactly the same time. The snow would soon teach these British adventurers a hard lesson…

As soon as our vehicle was dragged out, we continued. Båtsfjord is a place full of life even in these harsh winter times. Waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus) Sparrows and Gulls. All the target Eider Duck species were present also including Stellers (Polysticta stelleri). An unexpected glimpse of Killer Whales (Orcinus Orca)had the hearts racing and we had only just arrived!

Batsfjord Harbour floating hides. These hides offer a unique opportunity to get close to some of the rarest sea ducks in the world. An amazing experience, every 5 minutes a roving flock of mixed species of eiders would come within meters of us!