The lonely road to Europe’s Arctic edge

One of Norway’s 18 National Scenic Routes, the Varanger Scenic Route follows the E75 and Fv341 for 160km (99 miles) from Varangerbotn to Hamningberg, tracing the country’s remote Arctic coastline. Allow a full day, although two days gives time to explore Vadsø, Vardø and Ekkerøy.

Best time to go: June to September for long daylight hours and wildlife. Winter offers snow-covered landscapes and the Northern Lights but requires confidence driving in Arctic conditions.