Ekkerøy is one of the oldest fishing villages along the Varangerfjord and also one of the best birding locations there.
The village is connected to the mainland by a causeway with inner and outer bays, which are excellent for birding. On the north side of the road you will find another Biotope wind shelter, which gives you a commanding view of the outer bay. It is a fantastic place to see waders and lekking Ruff as well as huge flocks of Red Knots in the summer. In winter the east / outer bay is a premium site for King and Steller´s Eiders. We highly recommend staying at the both classy and cozy Ekkerøy Feriehus / guesthouse.

Ekkerøy also has a 50 meter high bird cliff which has one of the largest colonies of Kittiwakes in Varanger. Thousands of pairs breed here on the cliffs, creating nests out of mud and grass. White-tailed Eagles and Gyrfalcons make occasional passes around the cliff, attracted by the thousands of Kittiwakes. The fields to the north of the island are a good place to observe a large variety of passerines such as Rock Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Shore Lark, Lapland Bunting and Snow Bunting (depending on season, of course).