Ekkerøy beach and bird cliffs
Ekkerøy Bird Cliff is a bird cliff and coastal site in Varanger, Norway. The protected bird cliff is known for a large kittiwake colony and must be visited without disturbing nesting birds.
- Sven-Erik Knoff - Visit Norway
About Ekkerøy Bird Cliff
Ekkerøy is a former fishing village and protected coastal site on Varangerfjord. Its bird cliff supports a major colony of black-legged kittiwakes, which nest on ledges close enough to be seen from established paths without entering the cliff itself. The surrounding reserve also provides habitat for other coastal birds during migration and breeding seasons.
The cultural landscape includes older houses, shore facilities and traces of fishing activity, so the visit combines wildlife with settlement history. Kittiwakes are noisy and active during the nesting period but may be absent or dispersed at other times. Birds are vulnerable to disturbance from people, dogs and drones, and the reserve’s rules take priority over photography. Weather on the exposed headland can change quickly.
Visiting Ekkerøy Bird Cliff
Follow the marked route and observe birds from a distance without approaching nests. Keep dogs under the required control, do not fly drones and check seasonal reserve rules before arrival; binoculars provide a better view without disturbance.
