Varangerbotn, Karlebotn and Meskelv are strategically situated innermost in the bird-rich Varangerfjord. The sea here is shallow, and at low tide extensive areas of mud stretch far out into the fjord. Along the coast there is some habitation, while the vegetation varies from birch forest and coastal fields to bare rock. First and foremost we find species related to the marine areas which are special for this locality, but the surrounding areas of coast and forest can also have a number of exciting species. These are well worth a visit provided the fjord is ice-free. Parts of the inner areas form Varangerbotn nature reserve.

The peninsula Selesnjarga divides the Varangerfjord into two fjord arms. The broadest, that on the south side, leads in to Karlebotn, while the Meskfjord stretches along the north side in to Varangerbotn. In order to get a view over the inner parts of the fjord, one must therefore observe from several different places. 

Varangerbotn and the inner parts of Meskfjord

The inner parts of the Varangerfjord are ice-covered in winter, and these are also the shallowest parts of the fjord. The mudflats stretch outwards for several hundred metres at low tide. Along the shore there are fine coastal fields with small pools of brackish water. Two small rivers flow out here. The innermost areas form Varangerbotn nature reserve. Above the coastal fields and along the rivers there are fertile birch forest and willow scrub. The birch forest stretches from here inland towards Finland. Typical for the inner parts of the Varangerfjord are the large gatherings of dabbling ducks, diving ducks and diver species. The calm sea innermost in the fjord makes it easy to study birds on the water. 

The extensive mudflats and small river outflows are good for waders. These are often different species from those in the fjord. “Tringa waders” such as Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and other species that prefer fresh water are commoner here. Along the whole fjord one can see large flocks of Bar-tailed Godwits, while the concentration of small waders is greater further out in the Varangerfjord.

The northern part of Meskfjorden can be seen well from road E75. Here one can stop at several places along the road. One can also park at the old people’s home at Nyborg and go down from the rear side. The inner basin of Meskfjord is a very fine site for divers, especially Black-throated Divers. There are often also large flocks of diving ducks, especially Velvet Scoters, Common Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers and Goosanders. These flocks should be studied carefully as they can attract other rarer species. If one drives along the E6 towards Tana one may have the luck to see a Hawk Owl along the road.

The best areas are around the southern part of the beach. The easiest access is to go down behind the little chapel, where there are several small pools. Here there can be many dabbling ducks and Red-necked Phalaropes. It may also be worth while to look for passerines around the houses. With a strong wind from the east, seabirds are pressed into the fjord. Then many gulls appear at the innermost part of Karlbotn, and among these Little Gulls may be seen here. If one follows the coastline out over Selesnjarga one gets a fine view out over the fjord. One can park by the school or at the end of the gravel road and follow the coast, or go up onto the mountain plateau. Whitetailed
Eagles often hunt in this area. Up in the hills and in the bogs one can find mountain species such as Willow Ptarmigan, Lapland Bunting and Red-necked Phalarope.

 Access

This area is easy of access as it lies near both E6 and
E75 which meet at Varangerbotn. The E75 goes further
eastwards along the north side of the fjord towards
Vadsø. From Varangerbotn, E6 follows the south side
of the fjord (past Karlebotn), before cutting southwards towards Kirkenes. In the opposite direction E6 goes
westwards to Tana.

Further information

As parts of the area are protected as nature reserves,
there are special regulations concerning entry.