Ekkerøy

The village of Ekkerøy has 30 inhabitants, 50 bird species and 40 000 nesting kittiwakes! This idyllic little spot far up north is a favored destination for birdwatchers from all over, with one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe - Flåget. The surrounding area of Ekkerøy is also popular among kite enthusiasts – in the summer, it happens over the water, and in winter, on the snow-covered terrain.

Ekkerøy is a traditional fishing village on the shore of the Varanger fjord in Eastern Finnmark, located at 70 degrees north and 30 degrees east. Ekkerøy is the name of both the village and the peninsula it is situated on, about 15 kilometers from the city of Vadsø.

The landscape is arctic and breathtaking, and the outer part of the peninsula is protected; the Ekkerøya Nature Reserve is easily accessible for those who want to visit. (You can take the car almost all the way there.)

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At the beaches of Ekkerøy, the Arctic Ocean meets its end. The landscape is expansive and unobstructed, with a low horizon. The slopes of bare rock make for a scenic hike. Hiking is easy here, choose between established trails or find your own path through the unique landscape.

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The Varanger fjord is renowned among birdwatchers for its diverse and rich bird life, featuring a wide range of species. Including some rare ones for the Arctic region. The Ekkerøy bird cliff hosts around 40 000 kittiwakes. Various ducks, such as goosander, hairy crown, and long-tailed duck, as well as razor-billed auk, common guillemot, and Brünnich's guillemot, puffin, and different cormorant species can be spotted. The majestic King Eiders primarily inhabit the area during winter and extend their stay into March and April before venturing further east, alongside the Steller's Eiders. The purple sandpiper, a loyal resident of Ekkerøy, can be observed along the beaches throughout the year. Wading birds like curlew, triell, bar-tailed godwit, and various sandpipers also grace the shores. Sea eagles also call this place home. If you are lucky (and patient), you may even catch sight of owls like the snowy owl and Tengmalm's owl.

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And then there are the polar nights, of course. From late November to mid-January, the sun doesn't make an appearance. The villagers are treated to only a few hours of dark blue light during midday. On the other hand, though, this is when the Aurora Borealis dances in the sky. The northern lights is for sure an enchanting display of lights.

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The -øy suffix in Ekkerøy signifies 'island' in Norwegian, reflecting its historical identity as a true island. In bygone eras, Ekkerøy was surrounded by water all around. But during low tide, villagers could walk to the mainland. Over time, the landscape transformed as nature shaped a wide isthmus, graced with sandy beaches on either side. Though it was once an island by name, the gradual shift during low tide unveiled a remarkable transition, turning Ekkerøy into a peninsula with nature crafting a land bridge flanked by beautiful shores. One beach north of the village and one towards south.

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The beaches are, of course, nice to take a stroll in. Breathe in the clean air and play with the fine sand. The sandy beaches are well-suited for families with children due to their very shallow shoreline. The fjord is great for kayaking, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), diving for king crabs, and windsurfing. Not to mention, this area is awesome for kiting!

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The beaches are great starting points for those kiting on the sea. Since one beach faces south and the other north, together they provide greater flexibility depending on the wind direction. Both beaches offer excellent conditions for kiting. While the sea temperature may not be high, with the right suit, you can enjoy a crazy cool experience.

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But no need to stop kiting in the wintertime. The winter brings excellent conditions for snow kiting, with vast expanses of nature free from trees, bushes, or large stones. The season kicks off in January with the arrival of daylight and can extend into May.

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All the fresh air making you hungry? Catch your own fish! The possibilities are many for fishing enthusiasts. Let’s start with sea fishing. The Varanger fjord is renowned for its rich fish population. Shoreline fishing is free, and there's no need for any registration for sea fishing.

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As for freshwater fishing, Ekkerøy serves as an excellent launching point for excursions in lakes and rivers. In close proximity to the village, you can also find numerous quality salmon rivers are in close proximity, for instance the rivers Skallelva, Komagelva and Vestre Jakobselv. But remember to buy a fishing card upon arrival.

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The summer restaurant Havhesten utilizes locally sourced ingredients, including the legendary king crab, wild salmon, cod, and various fish species. The meat is local, and the wine is good. The restaurant is perched on the closest fishing pier and has a stunning view. With its glass walls, the restaurant offers a panoramic view of the harbor and the village. Additionally, you can gaze upon the expansive and open horizon characteristic of the Varanger Peninsula. Havhesten also offers the rental of restored fishermen's cabins by the pier of Ekkerøy.

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Ekkerøy is a popular destination during the summertime, also enhancing the contrast between the seasons. From a calm village in polar nights to lots of people and activities under the midnight sun.

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Sources

Photo on top by Jarkko Autero with permission from nordnorge.com

70° North 30° East (ekkeroy.no)
Ekkerøy – Wikipedia
Ekkerøy - Arctic rivieria | Nature Attractions | Vadsø | Norway (visitnorway.no)
Ekkerøy - Visit Varanger (visitgreaterarctic.com)