In spring, the Arctic explodes into life, leaving the cold, hard winter behind. While snow-peaked hills and mountains can be seen in the distance, migrating birds flock to the coast. Varanger provides a rich feeding ground for them to raise their chicks during a hectic summer. 

The first rough-legged buzzards soon scour the area in search of rodents. Once the icy tundra releases its fertile ground, the birds announce their arrival.  First the golden plover and medow pipit, then the rest. 

The reindeer, too, spend their spring and summer at the coast.  They arrive with the birds, the females, called “simle”, are ready to give birth. After a long winter by the Finnish border, they can enjoy plenty of food along the shores of the Barents Sea. 

Spring is the warmth of the sun on your skin and the sound of the melting snow to the backdrop of birdsong. The last remnants of winter snow transform into a million, tiny creeks that run towards the sea. The days grow longer and brighter. You can spend your days watching the birds perform their mating dances, called lekking, or watch the newborn reindeer calves take their first, unsteady steps. This is what I can offer you. Would you like to join me?