Varanger en 110613

VARA NG E R

Photo: Jarle Wæhler / Statens vegvesen

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ational Tourist Route Varanger runs along the Varangerfjord and the coast of the Barents Sea. From sheltered birch forests and marshlands across plains to rugged cliffs and a dramatic lunar landscape, this route offers a contrastfilled journey through scenery characterised by its Arctic climate.

The weather in the Arctic climate zone is an experience in itself. In summer, Siberian heat may suddenly be replaced by icy sea smoke, and violent storms batter the coast in winter. During parts of the year, all four seasons can be experienced within a single Arctic day.

Varanger is one of the regions of Northern Europe that is richest in bird life. Fisheries, migration and trade have made Varanger an Arctic melting pot of peoples and cultures. The proximity to Russia, immigration from Finland and the indigenous Sámi traditions have provided this area with an intriguing cultural diversity.

nasjonaleturistveger.no

© Norwegian Public Roads Administration, May 2013

Mehamn

Berlevåg

Båtsfjord

890

Hamningberg

891

888

Vardø

890

E75

98

Varangerbotn Tana bru

E75

Vadsø

E75 E6 E6

Kirkenes

893

National Tourist Route Varanger runs from Varangerbotn to Hamningberg, over a total distance of 160 kilometres (County Road 75 / 341). When combined with the Hurtigruten coastal liner and National Tourist Route Havøysund, this route can be included in one of Norway’s most spectacular round trips.

Havøysund

Varanger

Senja Andøya

Lofoten

18 NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTES. Each of these selected routes represents a unique motoring Helgelandskysten experience, and each offers its own distinctive combination of road, scenery and history.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration seeks to enhance your journey by providing Atlanterhavsvegen spectacular viewing platforms, service Geiranger-Trollstigen facilities, car parks, picnic areas, Gamle StryneRondane fjellsvegen walking trails and art installations Sognefjellet GaularValdresflye fjellet along these routes.

Aurlandsfjellet Hardangervidda

Hardanger

Ryfylke Jæren

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STEILNESET MEMORIAL.

2

STEILNESET BIRD HIDE is located at the southern

During the European witch hunts of the 17th century, more people were convicted of sorcery and burned at the stake in Eastern Finnmark than anywhere else in Norway. Steilneset Memorial in Vardø was erected to commemorate the 91 victims who were executed there. Steilneset Memorial is located near the presumed execution site, with a view towards the chapel and the old fortress. The narrative is conveyed through art and architecture, realised in a unique collaboration between the artist and sculptor Louise Bourgeois and the architect Peter Zumthor.

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end of Steilneset. Nearly 100 different species of birds have been registered in the varied habitats located between Sunddammen, the bird hide and down towards the Bussesundet sound.

Architect: Biotope.

3 GORNITAK is a large rest area with service facilities and makes for a natural place to stop. The name Gornitak (Sámi: Gorgŋetak) means ascent; this is the landing place where the ascent up the mountain starts. During World War II, the stone building in the rest area was used as a storehouse for munitions. This building has now been restored and serves as the rest area’s service building. Architect: Margrete Friis. Landscape architect: Berg & Dyring.

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Photos: Norwegian Public Roads Administration

Statens vegvesen Turistvegseksjonen

Address: Industrigata 17 N-2605 Lillehammer

0541-12 grafisk.senter@vegvesen.no

4 HAMNINGBERG is at the very end of National Tourist Route Varanger and a captivating place to visit. This old, abandoned fishing village is situated in a scenic spot at the tip of the Varanger peninsula, and with its 19th-century buildings this is a unique destination. Its location and the fascinating trip through the stark cliff landscape leading out to Hamningberg attract many visitors during the summer season.

Postal address: PO Box 1010 N-2605 Lillehammer

Phone: +47 815 22 000

Internet: nasjonaleturistveger.no vegvesen.no/nasjonaleturistveger