I love taking good road trips in Norway and think the country has the best scenic routes in the world. In this guide, I will cover one of my favorites, the Norwegian Scenic Route spanning the Varanger Peninsula in Northern Norway.
I’ve driven the Varanger scenic route a few times, and it honestly never gets old to me. However, I have only done it in summer, so this itinerary will mostly discuss driving it in the warmer months.

Below, I am going to showcase the best Varanger road trip stops (along the National Scenic Route), some planning tips for your journey, and an itinerary map.
If you have any questions about this Varanger itinerary, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!
In this post...
About the Varanger Scenic Route (Varanger Nasjonal Turistveg)
Norway currently has 18 Nasjonale Turistveger, or National Scenic Routes. These road trips have been created to increase domestic and international tourism into some of Norway’s most beautiful places. Varanger’s road trip is one of these!
The trip starts on the E75 in Varangerbotn and hugs the coast of the unforgiving Barents Sea, all the way up to Vardø (where you can go even further by hopping on the 8100 to Hamningberg).
Please note that the Smelror to Hamningberg road closes during the winter months.
The Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger is 160 kilometers (just shy of 100 miles) long and can take an entire day to complete if you make the most of the stops, which is why I wanted to write this trip itinerary, accompanied by a map.
There is little elevation change along the way until you get toward Vardø. You will cross Domen (164 meters, or 538 feet, above sea level), and further along, there is a bit of coast cliff landscape you will drive along on the way to Hamningberg.
This Norwegian road trip is an extremely easy drive but there are definitely some things you should know before embarking on the journey… which I will detail after I get into the places I think you should stop along the way.
While the scenery on this Norwegian road trip may not be as dramatic as somewhere like Trollstigen, for example, it definitely has this ‘end of the world’ feeling, making it unique and worth your time.
Supporting Small Businesses
Part of the reason I am creating this guide is to help you get from Varangerbotn to Vardø (or Hamningberg!) while making some memorable stops along the way.
However, one of the biggest things you can do, especially if you’re in a campervan and don’t plan on staying overnight in a guesthouse or hotel, is to support some of these small businesses mentioned along the way.
Varanger is up-and-coming and not home to an overabundance of food options or things to do that are not nature-related, but please do your best to check out a few if you see them on your stops! Thanks!
Varanger Road Trip Map
Varanger Itinerary Overview
Here is a quick breakdown of all the stops I have listed in this guide. Below, you will find the details and why I think you should stop in each place (including where to eat, places to stay, and main attractions).
- Varangerbotn
- Gornitek Reststop
- Nessby
- Ceavccageadgi
- Vestre Jakobselv
- Vadsø
- Ekkerøy
- Skallelv
- Kiberg
- Domen
- Vardø
- Hamningberg
I have also included the Sami or Kven name for the villages in this guide. You will notice that the first group of villages has a prominent Sami history and the further along you go, you will see a more prominent Kven and Norwegian history.
Varanger Itinerary Details
1. Varangerbotn
Sami name: Vuonnabahta
Your road trip ‘technically’ starts in Varangerbotn. This small town is where the E75 and E6 meet, which will begin your trip along the E75 north toward Vardø.
There is not much to do in Varangerbotn but you’ll find the Varanger Sami Museum there. It is open daily from 10am until 3pm and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket prices are 100 NOK ($9.15) for adults and 30-50 NOK for kids (price depends on age).
This is a great place to fuel up and hit the road!
2. Gornitak Rest Area
This is not a town, really… but more of a rest stop. You will find a small shelter area at Gornitak with a large parking lot and bathrooms.
The views are pretty nice from here. It is a good option if you need a clean (and free) toilet or just need to stop and stretch your legs.
3. Nesseby
Sami name: Unjárga
This small Norwegian village of Nesseby sits along the sea and is one of the most famous stops on this route because of its famous church.
The Nesseby Church is situated at the back of the village on a small peninsula and is worth stopping for a photo of. Many people leave after photographing the church but I encourage you to stop and see the harbor area, as well… it’s really pretty!
4. Mortensnes
Sami name: Ceavccageađge
Ceavccageađge is one of the best cultural stops on this Varanger road trip, so I think it is worth planning some time there (weather permitting) on either side of your trip.
This area was a meeting place for over 10,000 years and contains a high concentration of archaeological sites (of all the Nordics!). It gives you a look into settlements from 10,000 years ago and you can even see pre-Christian graves and Sami turf huts from the 19th century.
To learn more about Ceavccageađge, you can stop at the museum that is located there. The complex is pretty large and a lot of it needs to be reached on trails, so just know this before planning your stop.
5. Vestre Jakobselv
Sami name: Ánnejohka
This is one of my favorite stops on this Varanger itinerary. I don’t particularly know why, but I always make a stop for a hotdog at the YX gas station there.
Vestre Jakobselv has around 500 people and is only 17 kilometers (11 miles) from Vadsø, but it is worth a stop if you want to see another picturesque harbor.
The village also has a gorgeous church, aptly named the Vestre Jakobselv Church, and is known for its salmon fishing, which you need a permit for.
6. Vadsø
Sami name: Čáhcesuolu
Vadsø is the largest town you will see on this itinerary for Varanger! Boasting a population of around 4,600 people, there are grocery stores, boutique shops, and a Scandic Hotel.
While I stop in Vadsø every time I do this road trip, it is usually for essentials and never for many of its attractions. I feel I would need an entire day to dedicate instead of just an hour or two.
Some of the main things to do in Vadsø are to visit the Kokkenes Batteri and Luftskipsmasta (this requires a short hike from a parking lot on Store Vadsøya… just be warned it is not a quick stop), see the harbor (you can park at Vadsø Kaia for a good view), and the unique Vadsø Church. I don’t know what it is in this region of Norway, but the churches are so beautifully designed!
Be very careful driving through Vadsø as the speed limit is very low and there are a few roundabouts to keep the traffic flow smooth. The Vadsø Airport is right past the city going toward Vardø.
7. Ekkerøy
Kven name: Ekrea
Ekkerøy (sometimes called Ekkerøya by Norwegians) is one of the oldest fishing villages along this road trip and it is a worthwhile stop… especially for birdwatchers!
While this used to be an island, it is now connected by a small isthmus of land to the village of Valen.
Today, you can see pre-WWII buildings (the Germans completely burnt many villages on the Varanger Peninsula as they retreated but many in this part of Varanger survived as the Russians came in quickly).
Nevertheless, a lot of Ekkerøy’s tourism today consists of birdwatchers! There is a trail (you can park for a small fee) that will lead you to one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe.
More than fifty bird species are here during the summer months, including over 40,000 black-legged Kittiwakes.
The cliff is merely a 5-minute walk from the parking lot and it goes for 1.5 kilometers (just under 1 mile). Other birds you can see here are the European Shag, Arctic Skua, King Eider (along with Steller’s Eiders and Common Eiders), Black Guillemot, and White-tailed Eagles.
8. Skallelv
Kven name: Kallijoki
I don’t have much to say about the village of Skallelv other than it is stunning and I love stopping through and taking some photos of the harbor!
There is also a yellow, wooden church named the Skallelv Church that is worth seeing when there. This was another Varanger village that was never burnt down in WWII.
Slightly past Skallelv is Komagvær village which is also a nice stop as it has some of the best ocean views of any on this guide.
9. Kiberg
Kven name: Kiiperi
Another gorgeous village on the Varanger Peninsula is Kiberg, located pretty close to Vardø. There are two parts to Kiberg, Ytre Kiberg and Indre Kiberg.
Kiberg only has around 200 residents, yet there are a few reasons to stop. The first is that it has another idyllic harbor and views of the Barents Sea.
Another is that it is home to the Partisan Museum (Partisanmuseet). It has been closed every time I have stopped by but I am determined to make sure it is open on my next trip!
This museum tells the story of locals who left this part of Norway and went to the USSR during WWII to receive warfare training.
When they returned to Finnmark, their mission was the report on the German movements. Many of these ‘spies’ died while trying to resist the Germans and you can learn more about this at the Partisan Museum in Kiberg.
The Varanger Peninsula played such a heavy role in WWII that even surprised me as I have been learning about it on these trips. If you are a history buff or want to learn more about Varanger’s history, I highly encourage stopping here.
Please note that the museum is only open seasonally and will open May 8, 2025 for the season. It remains open until the end of October. Tickets are 100 NOK (about $9.15) for adults and discounted for children and seniors.
10. Domen
Height: 164 meters (538 feet)
Domen is a mountain (okay, more like a hill) between Kiberg and Vardø that you will drive over in order to reach Svartnes for the undersea tunnel to Vardø. This area can be foggy and have different weather than what is in Kiberg.
Once you have climbed Domen, you will see a parking lot at the top with a bird hide that has vibrant pink glass. If the day is clear, stop here!
It offers nice views over the sea and you can see Vardø in the distance. If it is foggy or the weather is too windy, I would pass and try to see it on your way back.
11. Vardø
Kven name: Vuorea
Vardø is my favorite town in Northern Norway (and probably all of Norway, to be honest). You can read my entire Vardø travel guide here and you can also see my guide to the best things to do in Vardø here.
This Finnmark village may be the last stop on your trip if you’re not planning to visit Hamningberg at the very end of this scenic route. Either way, Vardø offers so much that I do think you should overnight here for at least 1-2 nights minimum to see it all!
In my guide linked above, you will see all of my favorite things to do so you can plan your itinerary for Vardø.
But, here is a quick list for those that don’t have time to click over:
- Drakkar (wooden statue with epic views)
- Vardøhus Fortress (fortress with history dating back to the 1300s)
- Hornøya (island with puffins and other seabirds on it)
- Vardø Church (another unique church!)
- Steilneset Memorial (a somber but beautiful memorial dedicated to those killed during the Vardø witch trials)
- Nordpol Kro (Northern Norway’s oldest pub; doubles as a small museum)
- Pomor Museum
12. Hamningberg
I have written an entire guide dedicated to visiting Hamningberg that you can check out for further information.
Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village that is technically located in Båtsfjord Kommune (although you’re on the other side of the fjord from Båtsfjord).
There are cottages and some homes in Hamningberg, so I am not sure how abandoned it really is, but it likely doesn’t have much of a population (if any) during the winter months as the road to it is closed.
The main appeal of Hamningberg, in my opinion, is the drive there. It is a one-lane road through some of the rockiest, most dramatic landscapes you will set your sights on!
Definitely a worthwhile half-day trip, but only if you’re a somewhat skilled driver. I detail more in my guide that is linked above.
Varangerbotn to Hamningberg: Practical Information
Gas stations
On the map, you can see where every gas station is from Varangerbotn to Hamningberg. But, there are not many, so fill up when you get the chance!
Here is a quick list of the gas stations on the Varanger National Scenic Route:
- Varangerbotn: Esso
- Vestre Jakobselv: YX
- Vadsø: Circle K, YX (2)
- Vardø: YX
You can see their exact locations on the map. All will take credit cards and will do so 24 hours a day even if they are not open.
E-Charging
On the map, I also include some spots to charge your e-vehicle. Generally, people with them already have their route planned out and apps to help. Norway is very e-vehicle savvy, so finding charging spots will not be an issue. I use the app Elton when I rent an e-vehicle in Norway.
Please note that while I listed a few spots on the map, there are plenty more options that I did not list! There are way more e-vehicle charging spots than gas stations (which I did list all).
Tunnels
There is only one tunnel, the Vardø Tunnel, which I discussed above. It connects Svartnes to Vardø and is an undersea tunnel.
Kolonnekjøring
Kolonnekjøring is convoy (or queued) driving. This is something that takes place over certain mountain passes in Troms and Finnmark, Norway. Queued driving only takes place during the winter months, so if you’re visiting in summer, you’re off the hook.
There is one route between Kiberg and Vardø where you will face a convoy. You can learn more about it here.
Toilets
You can usually hop into a gas station and go if they are open.
There is a toilet and picnic table at Klubbnesen in between Mortensnes and Vestre Jakobselv (to the left side of the road). There are signs indicating this ahead of time. The toilet is free and usually rather clean, but bring your own hand sanitizer.
Places to Stay
A lot of people doing this road trip are in campervans, so I won’t go into extensive detail here, but below are a few places I recommend stopping along the way.
I have marked all of them on the map with black icons (including some camping stops).
- Varangerbotn: 8 Seasons Hotel
- Vestre Jakobselv: Lille Chili Eat and Sleep
- Vadsø: Scandic Vadsø
- Kiberg: Cape East Homestay
- Svartnes: Varanger View
- Vardø: Vardø Hotel
If you are traveling with a campervan or are looking for a place to pitch a tent, be sure to download the app park4night as it gives you all the details you’ll need for this entire route.
Food
There are, again, limited options for food outside of Vadsø and Vardø. I recommend stocking up in grocery stores (I cover their locations in the next section).
I always fail to plan properly and get stuck eating a hotdog at the YX in Vestre Jakobselv (come to think of this… it might be intentional).
Here are some of my favorite places to stop for food along the way:
- Påls Matopplevelser (Vadsø)
- Hidonen Bakeri and Konditori (Vadsø – had a cinnamon roll here before and it was pretty good)
- Varangerkokken (Vardø)
- ABC Thai (Vardø)
- Nordpol Kro (Vardø)
Grocery Stores
If you are on a budget, grocery stores will be your best friend in Norway (gas stations and kiosks are pricier). Here are a few grocery stores on this road trip:
- Varangerbotn: Coop Prix
- Vadsø: Rema 1000, Kiwi, Europris, Extra (this is usually the one I go to but it requires a small detour into town), Joker.
- Vardø: Rema 1000, Knut Bye Kolonial
If you are coming from Tana or Kirkenes, you can also stop and grab groceries there as there are more options (except Vadsø). Please note that grocery stores in Norway are closed on Sundays.
I hope this guide helps you plan your Varanger itinerary. Let me know if you have questions or comments below. Thanks!
More Varanger Travel Guides (& Places Nearby)
- Vardø travel guide
- What to do in Vardø
- Steilneset in Vardø
- Hamningberg travel guide
- Things to do in Kirkenes
- Where to stay in Kirkenes
- Bugøynes travel guide
- Båtsfjord to Berlevåg itinerary
- Båtsfjord travel guide
- Kongsfjord travel guide
- Berlevåg travel guide
Pin this Varanger Nasjonal Turistveg Guide

Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.