SOME HIGHLIGHTS

At the northernmost tip of North America, where the tundra meets the Arctic Ocean and the midnight sun never sets, a truly unique photographic experience awaits in Barrow (Utqiaġvik). Here, you are given the rare opportunity to experience and photograph Arctic birdlife, with the charismatic Spectacled Eiders in their natural environment as one of the absolute highlights.

Across the tundra wetlands, the water lies still in soft, golden light. Spectacled Eiders move discreetly in the more distant parts of the marshes, while King Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks, and phalaropes bring color and motion to nearby wetlands. Slowly and carefully, we approach the Spectacled Eiders. Wearing waders or waterproof boots, we move cautiously across the tundra, positioning ourselves perfectly and working with the light to create the most striking images.
The midnight sun creates a magical atmosphere. Jaegers circle overhead, ducks are reflected in mirror-like water, shorebirds stand poised on tussocks, and every moment is filled with opportunities for unique nature photographs.

Barrow is a place where nature dominates—where silence blends with life, and where every moment offers a chance to experience Arctic wilderness, midnight light, and birdlife at close range. An unforgettable encounter with the tundra.

BARROW
From Anchorage, we fly across the vastness of Alaska to the northernmost point of North America—Barrow (Utqiaġvik) on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. During the flight, we pass over immense wilderness areas, cross the mighty Denali, the highest mountain in North America, and watch the landscape gradually transform from forest to open tundra. Just before landing, we cross the dramatic Brooks Range, after which an endless mosaic of lakes and wetlands spreads out beneath us.
In Barrow, a world few ever experience awaits—where tundra meets sea and pack ice lies within sight. Here, the midnight sun reigns, allowing us to photograph when the light is at its very best—right in the middle of the night. On clear evenings and nights, the landscape is bathed in a warm, golden glow, ideal for photography. When clouds move in, we adjust our activities to mornings and evenings.

Barrow is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Here we encounter Spectacled Eiders, King Eiders, and Long-tailed Ducks, all in their stunning breeding plumage. These species can sometimes be challenging to approach closely, and to maximize photographic opportunities it is highly recommended to bring chest waders or wading boots. The terrain around Barrow is completely flat, and the areas where most birds occur are very wet. Permafrost lies just a few decimeters below the water surface, allowing us to walk on the frozen ground beneath the water and carefully position ourselves for the species we wish to photograph.

We also have excellent opportunities to photograph Red Phalaropes, whose colorful females stand out against the soft tones of the tundra, as well as Red-necked Phalaropes, gliding elegantly across calm waters. Other species include Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin, and American Golden Plover, while jaegers hunt overhead—occasionally even the rare Pomarine Jaeger.

One of the absolute highlights of the trip is the chance to see and photograph the Snowy Owl, the iconic guardian of the tundra. With its white plumage and intense gaze, it is a dream subject for any nature photographer. Snowy Owls breed regularly on the tundra around Barrow, giving us very good chances for encounters with this Arctic icon.

In addition, many other Arctic species enrich our stay: Yellow-billed Loon, Tundra Swan, Long-tailed Duck, Northern Pintail, Brent Goose, Vega Gull, Sabine’s Gull, and the graceful Ross’s Gull.

Barrow is also one of the few places where we have unique chances to see Polar Bears. At times, they roam along the coastline or on the sea ice, sometimes not far from the village. To increase our chances, we may travel toward Point Barrow using special vehicles—an unforgettable experience in itself.

ANCHORAGE
After returning to Anchorage from Barrow, we spend a day exploring at a relaxed pace, making excursions to a nearby lake reached by public bus. The lake is set within a park environment, with well-maintained walking paths along the shoreline. Here, we have excellent photographic opportunities for species such as Common Loon, American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Brent Goose, and Blue-winged Teal. In the lake itself and in nearby marshy channels toward the coast, we may also—if we are lucky—encounter Lesser Yellowlegs, Short-billed dowitcher, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, and Barrow´s Goldeneye.

PHOTOGRAPHIC LEARNING
Throughout the journey, our photographic leader provides continuous guidance tailored to your experience and skill level. We hold theoretical sessions focusing on composition and how to create images that are more than simple documentation. We also explore techniques for photographing birds using long shutter speeds. In the field, each participant receives individual guidance, ensuring that you make the most of every photographic opportunity during our time in the Arctic.

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