12 x architecture, general intro:
The main goal of all the projects has been to make nature and nature experiences more accessible to as many people as possible. The structures are open and inviting, and in many ways reflect the principle of the right to roam and the idea of nature as a common space that everyone should be able to experience. In short.
In Varanger, it has also been important to us that these structures support business development in the form of nature-based tourism, and in this way contribute to more viable local communities.
This brief journey of 12 selected projects starts in Varangerbotn and ends in Hamningberg. There are more to explore, but this is an intro...
1, The school shelter in Varangerbotn:
By the Sami museum. It is often used by local kindergartens and school classes as an outdoor classroom. It is an open for all shelter with a nice fireplace
2, Vestre Jakobselv River Delta shelter:
A basic wooden shelter with a view of the river delta. Sheltered bench spaces on 3 sides, main view towards delta.
3, Vadsø breakwater shelter:
Bird hide/wind shelter made of concrete at the far end of the pier in Vadsø industrial/fishing harbour. The building is currently missing its windows (to be fixed asap), but it is still a popular stop for birdwatchers visiting Varanger and a nice local stroll destination for the residents.
4, Kiberg Seaside Shelter:
Large shelter with a view of the sea and beach in Kiberg. The building is open towards the sea, with walls and angles that amplify the sound of the sea when sitting inside the viewing room.
5, Kiberg Kittiwake Hotel:
A simple but effective bird hotel designed by Biotope and built in collaboration with the dedicated village team in Kiberg. The goal was to repurpose old buildings and at the same time provide more and better nesting sites for a threatened bird species. A large number of kittiwakes moved in during the first season.
The hotel is complete with a pink neon sign, just for good fun (lets just say Kiberg needed to beef up its sex appeal in order to increase its number of inhabitants. It worked 
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6, Kiberg, Varanger Peninsula National Park Exhibition:
Designed and built by Biotope almost 10 years ago, in the old school in Kiberg. Unsure about opening hours these days. The main feature of the exhibition is an over 40m² large and super detailed floor map of the entire Varanger Peninsula. It's great for getting a good overview of the region (and you can walk across the Varanger Peninsula – albeit in scale).
7, Vardø: Domen Viewpoint:
Designed by Biotope for the National Scenic Routes. The building offers shelter at a spectacular vantage point, with fantastic views of Vardøya and the entrance to the Varanger Fjord. Biotope has been the main architect for the National Tourist Routes' initiative on nature facilities along the Varanger Fjord, with birds as the main theme.
8, Vardø: Oksevann day-trip cabin
is one of around 20 day-trip cabins built in Finnmark for Finnmark Outdoor Council. The cabins are quite basic, with sheltered seating outside and a cozy room inside with a wood stove. The floor merges with the terrain, made of gravel and stone, so you don't need to remove your hiking boots when inside the cabin. It's about an hour's hike to the cabin.
9, Vardø island: Steilnes wind shelter
offers good wind protection with a view towards the sea south of Vardøya. During winter, this is a place with unique gatherings of arctic sea ducks (often up to 15-25,000 birds). This was the first shelter built (2012) as part of the National Scenic Routes' in Varanger. The shelter is a small detour on the hiking trail that also takes you past Vardøhus Fortress and the Witches' Monument in Vardø.
10, Vardø island: Hasselnes shelter
offers great views of the famous bird cliff Hornøya, as well as the seaside entrance to the town of Vardø. It is an area that always hosts large numbers of birds. It's a nice local hotspot, just a short walk from the town center.
11, Vardø island: Vardø Hotel
– not designed by Biotope – but no list of attractions in Varanger is complete without a visit to Vardø Hotel. The restaurant is exceptional and offers the best seafood you can find in Norway (Cod is Great!). Biotope has long collaborated with the hotel on the development of Varanger as a birdwatching destination (and Biotope has contributed large-format photos and maps as part of the hotel's decorations / interiors). The hotel is currently undergoing a major new initiative, where Biotope’s 'Birding Varanger' concept is an important part of the effort, particularly aimed at birdwatchers and nature photographers (more info at www.varanger.net).
In photo (lower left corner): Find Vardø Hotel strategically placed in Vardø harbour.
12 Hamningberg Viewpoint / seawatch
is a wind shelter / seabird viewing hide at the end of the road in Varanger. From here, you can sit in shelter and enjoy the serenity or drama of the open sea (depending on the weather). Hamningberg is known for the incredible bird migration with huge numbers of seabirds passing by during both spring and autumn migrations, often surprisingly close to the coast. The shelter is optimally placed to get as close as possible, yet in a safe distance from the stormy seas.
