kirkenes tourist information

Western Europe's border with Russia is the beginning of the Siberian Taiga, with a dramatic war history and tasty crab monsters

Kirkenes is the border town with Russia, found between the Arctic Ocean and the great forests. Come her for King Crabs, wilderness and dramatic WWII history.

Kirkenes and the municipality of Sør-Varanger form a sliver between Russia and Finland, right on the Varanger fjord. This is a borderland both geographically and culturally, and everything here has a hint of east.

Kirkenes is the centre of Sør-Varanger

Sør-Varanger is the name of the huge municipality were Kirkenes is the centre. The northern coast is barren, with hardly any population, except the King Crab village of Bugøynes. Once you leave the wind-swept coast, however, the scenery changes. Deep forest, birch closest to the coast, pine inland, grow unobstructed from here to the Bering Strait and beyond. This is the landscape the Russians call taiga, deep conifer forests with lakes, bogs and rivers interspersed.

For 2000 years, this was the area of the Eastern Sami

The Eastern Sami, sometimes called the Skolt Sami, speak their own Sami language. In the centuries before the birth of Christ, their culture emerged in this area. They lived in siidas, small groups, that moved up and down the Neiden or Pasvik River, depending on fishing and reindeer hunting seasons.

The area became a borderland

In 1307, Norway establishes itself with a fortress in nearby Vardø. The Norwegian king claimed the whole of the Kola peninsula, or Russian . The Russian approach was more subtle, they sent missionaries. The monk Trifon converted the Eastern Sami to Russian Orthodoxy in the 16 th c., and the St. George chapel in Neiden dates from 1565.

Kirkenes was the last part of Norway to become Norwegian

The Eastern Sami were squeezed between Norway, Sweden-Finland and Russia, and had to pay taxes to all. However, in 1826, the border was drawn between Russia proper, the Grand Duchy of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden-Norway. The border cut right through the annual migration routes of the Eastern Sami siidas, and caused considerable problems for them. The Eastern Sami continued to be visited by Orthodox priests until 1914, but thereafter they had to turn to the Lutherans for baptisms and weddings. Today, the Finnish Orthodox church celebrates liturgy in Neiden, and Orthodoxy has been modestly revived.

The Kirkenes area became little America

During the 19 th c., Norwegian settlers arrived. Those that couldn’t afford to go all the way to America, moved from overpopulated inland valleys in the south to the deep forests of Sør-Varanger, where they found a similar climate as back home. Forest was cleared, and the earth was tilled, and log houses in typical southern Norwegian style were built.

Fish for King crab and snowmobile to the Taiga near Kirkenes

King crab fishing in kirkenes, do you dare to stay the night in a snow hotel, dogsledding in the deep forests, the kven arrived in the 19 th c..

In the 1860ies, Finland´was stricken by a famine, and hungry people started to arrive at the shores of the Varanger fjord. They quickly learned to fish, and created fishing villages along the coast and farmsteads in the valleys all over Sør-Varanger. Today, Finnish is spoken in the community of Bugøynes, and even taught to the younger generation.

The mines in Kirkenes were opened in 1906

Kirkenes, which originally had only been the location of the church, was turned into a mining community as iron ore was found in nearby Bjørnevatn. A new town grew up, and people moved in from all over Northern Norway. The very multi-ethnic society got a more distinct Norwegian character, and Kirkenes became one of the wealthiest communities in Norway.

The Borderland Museum in Kirkenes reflects on the town’s time under occupation

Kirkenes was a battleground in world war two, john savio is a pioneer within sapmi art, norway imposed norwegian culture on the minorities.

With Norwegian independence in 1905, growing nationalism in Finland around its independence in 1917 and the communist takeover in Northern Russia in 1920, Norway feared for its grip over this multi-ethnic borderland. Norwegian language was the only one allowed in school and old Sami names were replaced with Norwegian ones. This period is visible in the architecture; the churches of Neiden and Svanhovd are built in traditional, southern Norwegian wooden style, ressembling the old stave churches. The stone chapel at Grense Jakobselv could very well have adorned a village in the south.

Kirkenes was at the frontline in WWII

In 1940, Kirkenes was occupied as the rest of Norway, but war was undramatic at first, as Kirkenes was so far away from the theatre of war. However, in June 1941, the Germans launched Operation Barbarossa, in which they attacked the Soviet Union. All of a sudden, Kirkenes was at the frontline. The German Wehrmacht tried over a period of three years to conquer the strategically important port city of Murmansk, without success. The number of German soldiers present at any time around Kirkenes outnumbered the locals many times over, and prisoners of war from the Soviet Union were brought in to build fortifications, the new airfield at Høybuktmoen and roads everywhere. All this happened under the most atrocious working conditions.

Kirkenes was the most bombed city on Europe’s mainland

One of the frightening aspects of the war were the constant air raids. The soviet airplanes were only minutes away by air in Murmansk, and the locals had little time to run into the air raid shelter in the middle of town. More than 1000 times the air raid sirens sounded, and 323 times the town was bombed. In July 1944, a particularly ferocious attack created a firestorm, and 170 houses burned. The air raid shelter of Andersgrotta is today possible to visit for guided tours.

Kirkenes was liberated as the first in Norway

The German positions became precarious as the Soviet advance forced Finland to change sides from the Axis to the Allied. As the air raids got more frequent and the frontline got closer, the civilians in Kirkenes moved into the mines. Here they lived for 2-3 months in relative safety, and children were born. On the 24 th of October, the Red Army marched into Kirkenes and was received as liberators by the population.

The Post-war period was a time of explansion for Kirkenes

The world needed steel to reconstruct, and the mines in Kirkenes were source of wealth for the country. The town was rebuilt after the war destructions, and Sør-Varanger increased in population and prosperity. However, with the economic troubles of the 1970’ies, the mines turned unprofitable. They were closed down in 1996.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall meant an opening to Russia

The ups and downs in the east-west relationship was easily felt in Kirkenes after WWII. However, there was precious little cross-border contact for 40 years. The fall of the Berlin wall, however, was easily spotted in Kirkenes, with the Russian market a colourful part of the city centre. The co-operation with Russia has since become more stable, both on the economical and cultural level.

King Crabs are a tasty newcomer in Kirkenes

Sometimes in the 1960ies, the giant crab species originating in the Kamtchatka peninsula in the Russian far east were released by accident in the Murmansk fjord. It started to spread. In 1978, a fisherman from Bugøynes near Kirkenes got a specimen in his net. First seen as a bothersome net destroyer, the crabs have now become a sought-after delicacy. The centre of crab fishing remains Bugøynes, but tourists are taken out of Kirkenes to try their luck at fishing, both in the sea in summer and on the frozen fjord in winter.

Kirkenes Snow Hotel is built anew every winter

Inside a snow hotel, the rooms have a temperature of -4, even if it is -30 outside. Wrapped in a comfy sleeping bag, you may have the best sleep in your life. The Kirkenes Snow Hotel is adorned with ice sculptures, with a new theme every winter.

You can explore the taiga in the winter

The Taiga, the deep forests, frozen solid in winter, is filled with powdery snow. The locals use the age-old technology of skiing, and there are marked trails all over. Dog sledding is another eco-friendly option, and the dogs can penetrate deep into the forests. Snowmobiles can take you even further, and there are designated snowmobile trails. However, we do recommend going on an organised trip if you have scant snowmobile experience.

The Midnight Sun shines for two months in Kirkenes

Well north of the Arctic Circle, Kirkenes enjoys the Midnight Sun for more than 2 months. In fact, the municipality of Sør-Varanger is so geographically extended from north to south that the exact period of the Midnight Sun is not the same all over. In Kirkenes, one sees the Midnight Sun from the 17 th of May to the 24 th of July. In Nyrud, at the southern end of the valley, the period is a few days shorter, from the 21 st of May to the 22 nd of July. In this flat landscape, mountains blocking the Midnight Sun view is not a big problem. However, going to a high point in the landscape is always more rewarding. Prestfjellet in Kirkenes offers views over the town. The hill named after its altitude, Høyde 96, allows you to see up and down the Pasvik valley and across the border. The excursion to Grense Jakobselv allows you to see the sun over the open ocean.

See Northern Lights in stable winter climate in Kirkenes

The green rays of the Northern Lights are often visible above Kirkenes. The winter climate is dry and stable, and frequent clear skies give excellent chances of spotting the illusive Aurora Borealis. You can go looking by snowmobile or by dogsledding, there are tour organised specifically to see them, and you can hire skis and go on marked trails around the population centres. The Kirkenes Snow Hotel is of course on the lookout, and alert you if you’ve checked in there.

Walk to the three-nation-cairn through bear country

The deep forest of the Pasvik panhandle have precious few inhabitants, all living along the road following the border river. This is prime bear territory, and the bear population is shared with Russia and Finland, bears are genereally uninformed about delicate border issues. A well-marked trail takes you to the border cairn where the Russian Federation, the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Norway meet. You can walk on the Norwegian and Finnish side, but don’t step over on the Russian side.

“I want to take a step into Russia” – forget it

One does not cross the border with the same ease as between Scandinavian and EU countries. A visa is required to cross the border for Norwegians, EU citizens and most other countries. The only place to cross the border is at Storskog, a short drive east of Kirkenes, and after quite a bit of waiting, the ones with the paperwork sorted, are let in. The rest of us can stay on the Norwegian side and look across at numerous viewpoints. There are restrictions on photography, and taking even one step across the border will give you a hefty fine.

The locals are used to living on the border

Locals can apply for what they call a “multi visa”, which allows them access to the nearest towns across the border. This means they can drive to nearby Nikel and tank up their car with cheap Russian petrol. Russian is a popular option in school, and Russians come to Kirkenes to shop for things like nappies and marmalade. Some streets in Kirkenes are even signposted with Cyrillic letters in addition to the Latin ones. All this is every day life for the locals, and a hint of the exotic for the western visitor.

Practical about Kirkenes and Sør-Varanger

Where is kirkenes.

Kirkenes is found close to the point where the Norwegian-Russian borders meet. As the crow flies, the distance is some 1400 km to Oslo, Norway’s capital.

How to I get to Kirkenes?

There are direct flights from Oslo with SAS and Norwegian to Kirkenes Airport at Høybuktmoen. The legendary shipping line, Hurtigruten, also sails to Kirkenes. The sailing time from Bergen is five and a half days. There is also a bus to Karasjok with onward connections to Alta, Tromsø and the train in Narvik, but this takes several days and requires in-depth reading of bus tables.

Can I drive to Kirkenes?

The E6 ends in Kirkenes, and you can certainly drive up all year. If you choose to drive up from Oslo entirely through Norway, the voyage is a whopping 34 hours, and 2380 km drive. Much faster is the short cut through Finland and Sweden, following the E4 along the western side of the Gulf of Bothnia, The 1844 km can be done in about 24 hours, breaks not counted in.

Where should I stay in Kirkenes?

Kirkenes downtown has two first class hotels, a mid range one, and a few budget options.

Visit Kirkenes

Your guide to all activities in Kirkenes

Things to Do in Kirkenes, Norway - Kirkenes Attractions

Things to do in kirkenes.

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Grenselandmuseet

2. Treriksroysa

3. Pasvik Nature Reserve

4. Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter

5. Soviet Liberation Monument

6. Kirkenes Church

7. Barentsbadet Kirkenes

8. Terminal B

9. AMFI Kirkenes

10. Krigsmødremonumentet

11. visit kirkenes.

12. King Crab Safari by Snowhotel Kirkenes

13. Booking Kirkenes

14. Sollia Relax and Spa

15. Aurora Kino

16. Barents Safari Tours

17. Nordlys Massage

18. Husky Tours By Snowhotel Kirkenes

19. Pasvik Turist Day Tours

20. VoiceMap

21. arctic adventure resort, what travelers are saying.

Kirkenes is located 400 km north of the Arctic Circle

Visitkirkenes.no

• Map & transport

The town Kirkenes in Norway is right at the border to Russia and Finland and there are many possibilities for arctic activities.

Kirkenes is located by the fjord Bøkfjord, a sidearm of the large Varangerfjord and the capital of the Barents Region in northern Norway . Most tourists come to Kirkenes to explore the amazing nature. The best way to experience nature is through the many adventure activities local tour operator experts provide.   What about snowmobiling, dogsledding, hiking, climbing, kayaking, biking, skiing and bird watching. By doing these fantastic adventures, you also have the best way to experience the local civilization and people.

Nearby, in Varanger, it is possible to see rare birds like puffins, guillemots, and sea eagles.

Climate and weather in Kirkenes

In Kirkenes, you can see the Northern Lights from late August to late March and the Midnight Sun from 17 May to 21 July in summer. The climate in Kirkenes is dry, with low precipitation all year. This makes Kirkenes a perfect spot for Northern Lights observations. The average temperature in January is  -13 ° C, and snow is guaranteed from Nov/Dec to April. The summer is short and beautiful and lasts from June to September. In autumn, Kirkenes is lovely and the nature has many different colours. See more:

Northern Lights in Norway

Midnight Sun in Norway

Weather in Norway

What to do in Kirkenes

Depending on the season you visit Kirkenes, we can recommend activities like snowmobiling, dog sledging, hiking, climbing, kayaking, biking, skiing and bird watching. Here, you also have the best way to experience the local civilization and people, such as  the Sami people and culture. 

Stay in a snow hotel 

A famous hotel is built from scratch yearly: Kirkenes  Snow Hotel , which is open between December and April. Even though the temperature inside is minus four degrees Celsius, the beds are warm and comfortable with reindeer hide. Many local tour operators also arrange tours to see the amazing northern lights in the Winter.

Famous Ice and Snow hotels in Norway

More about Kirkenes

Kirkenes is dominated by the deserted installations of the Sydvaranger Iron Ore Company, but the region is also a centre for farming, fishing, forestry and reindeer husbandry.

Under World War ll, Kirkenes was damaged by the Germans and was one of the most bombed centres in Europe. The town was liberated by the Russians in 1944. You can visit the subterranean tunnels used to shelter residents during the war.

Kirkenes is also known as the end station for the famous ferry company Hurtigruten, which sails from Bergen to Kirkenes along the Norwegian fjords and coastline. You are here only 15 km from the Russian border. The border is 196 kilometres long, and Storskog is the official border crossing point. 

The airport in the municipality is located in Høybuktmoen and is only 12 km from Kirkenes. 

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• Lattitude: 69.726919
• Longitude: 30.045043

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20 Brilliant Things To Do in Kirkenes (+ City Guide!)

May 16, 2023 | Views: 1,801

Looking for things to do in Kirkenes, but can barely make it out on that tiny little dot on your dusty old atlas?

I feel you. Been there, done that, got the “ I stayed in an Ice Hotel in Norway ” t-shirt.

That humble brag, however, is merely one highlight of many potential options that you can experience in this action-packed city in the Arctic Circle.

It’s also a fascinating city in terms of history, the 3 countries that have contended its ownership and as you’ll find out by the end of this post, there are oh-so-many quirky/adventure things to do in Kirkenes…

Table of Contents

History of Kirkenes

The lands surrounding what is now Kirkenes spent much of its history as a quiet and desolate place. High in the Arctic Circle and hostile lands of northern Europe, the territory was treated as a common Norwegian–Russian district. That’s until 1826 when the official border was finally drawn in the snow and the village fell on the Norwegian side.

The original name of the peninsula that surrounds the modern town was known as Piselvnes, meaning Pis River headland. When the Kirkenes Church was built in 1862, the village and area were renamed Kirkenes, meaning ‘church headland’. 

Back then, Kirkenes was a very remote and sparsely populated area, with only a few families calling it home throughout the 19th century. In 1906, iron ore was discovered nearby which led to the establishment of the mining company A/S Sydvaranger. 

Within a few years, the population had swelled to 8,000. Thousands came from all over Europe, and by the early 20th century, Norwegian, Sámi , Finnish, Russian, Swedish, English and German were widely spoken, creating a real melting pot of North European cultures.

With the outbreak of the Winter War between Finland and the USSR in 1939, the subsequent occupation of Norway by Nazi forces and the following years of the Second World War, Kirkenese became the focus of heavy fighting.

In July 1940, Kirkenes was occupied by German forces, and up to 100,000 troops were based here, using it as a jumping-off point for the invasion of the USSR. As a result, Kirkenes holds the morbid distinction of being one of the most bombed places in Europe during the Second World War, with at least 320 devastating Soviet raids smashing the town.  

Almost completely destroyed during the war, including the church that gave the town its name, Kirkenes was rebuilt as part of the post-war Marshall Plan funded by the USA – this resulted in Kirkenes being the first town in northern Norway to get sealed roads paved in. 

The iron market fell in the 1990s, and the Sydvaranger mining company was shut down in 1996, which led to hard economic and social times in the town. Kirkenes then began a revival with the arrival of petroleum-drilling activity in the Barents Sea and a rise in tourism in the town.

Where is Kirkenes? 

Kirkenes sits at the extreme northeast of Norway, well within the Arctic Circle. The town of Kirkenes is also only eight miles from the Russian border and thirty-two miles from the border with Finland. 

Sitting so close to these contesting national powers meant that throughout its history, the town and peninsular were contested areas. However, in 1826, the border was finally drawn along the map, and Kirkenes is now an uncontested town that belongs to Norway.  

To make matters even more confusing, Kirkenes resides in the municipality of Sør-Varanger, which is in the county of Finnmark (which is the largest county in Norway and even bigger than neighbouring Denmark!)

Best Time To Visit Kirkenes

You probably won’t be too surprised to learn that Kirkenes is pretty cold all year round, with long winters and short summers. When it comes to rainfall, it’s generally nonexistent, making Kirkenes one of the driest places in all of Norway.

Part of the Arctic Circle, Kirkenes sees daylight for 24 hours from the 17th of May to the 21st of July and faces a dark period, with the sun permanently below the horizon, from the 21st of November to the 21st of January. And it’s these daylight hours, rather than the weather, that you’re going to want to take into account when you’re planning a trip here. 

Possibly the best time to visit Kirkenes is during the later winter months; late January/early February. Visiting Kirkenes during this time allows you to experience the winter wonderland that is northeast Norway in all its white-washed beauty while still having some kind of normal solar clock.

How Long Should I Stay in Kirkenes?

Visiting the town of Kirkenes may not be the jam-packed itinerary you may expect from the typical tourist trail in Europe, and yet it is somewhere that deserves time and dedication. I stayed for three nights in Kirkenes and found it to be just about the right length of time. 

While it’s more than possible to spend a night or two here, the effort and time it takes to travel to Kirkenes and the number of activities and sights to see in the area mean that one night really isn’t enough. 

With three days to play with, you can travel, settle in and truly experience everything an ice hotel in Norway and the northeast section of the Finnmark region has to offer.

How To Get To Kirkenes

Kirkenes is extremely isolated, and getting there isn’t an easy feat from most places in the world. There are, however, several ways to do it, depending on where you’re coming from. 

From Abroad

Found at such a huge distance away from the rest of the world, most people who want to visit the ice hotel in Norway, and the town of Kirkenes, choose to fly into the area. 

The closest airport to the town is the ​​Høybuktmoen airport (KKN), which is eight miles west of Kirkenes. Norwegian Airlines and Lufthansa are some of the only airlines to head this way.

Daily domestic flights head into Høybuktmoen airport from a number of Norwegian towns and cities, including Oslo, Tromsø and many more. Depending on your departure city, you may need to catch a connecting flight in one of these cities before heading up north to Kirkenes.

For a better idea of flight times, paths and prices, here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular travel hubs :

• London ~ 9 hours, 1 connection in Oslo, <£200
• Sydney ~ 53 hours, 3 connections, < AUD$2,000
• Amsterdam ~ 15 hours, 1 connection in Oslo, <€250
• Chicago~ 15 hours, 2 connections in Copenhagen and Oslo, <US$D900
• Munich ~ 9 hours, 1 connection in Oslo, <€350
• Atlanta ~ 20 hours, 3 connections, <USD$1,600
• Singapore ~ 42 hours, 2 connections in Frankfurt and Oslo, <SG$D2,200

Sometimes, you can catch a direct flight to Høybuktmoen airport from Russia and Germany, though these only tend to run during Kirkenes’ summer months, which coincides with the busier season. 

It can even be cheaper to fly to the Finish town of Ivalo and make the journey by bus north. Just like the direct flights, these bus routes only run regularly during summer, and more sporadically during the winter months. 

Most of the flights that land at Høybuktmoen airport will have a bus waiting to take you the eight miles to the town of Kirkenes, costing about 85 NOK. However, you can also take a taxi from the airport, which will set you back around 300 NOK for a maximum of four people.

From Western Norway by sea

One of the more elaborate ways of getting to Kirkenes is to arrive via boat. For over a century, the Coastal Express ship has sailed the waters around Norway, taking passengers from Bergen and Trondheim in the west to Kirkenes in the east. 

Arguably the most beautiful sea voyage on the planet, the journey covers most of the Norwegian coast in five to six days. This is less of a quick and efficient way of getting to the ice hotel in Norway, yet it is one that adds another element of adventure to your trip. Prices start from around 6,000 NOK and up. 

From Russia via rail

2024 edit: With the recent war between Russia and Ukraine and all of the sanctions placed upon Russia; I can not say with the same confidence that this option is still possible.

Although Kirkenes has a railroad, it isn’t used as a passenger train but rather a commercial one for transporting ore and other industrial goods. This being said it is possible to take a train from St Petersburg, Moscow or even the Russian and Chinese cities in the far east to the Russian border town of Nikel, only thirty-four miles away from Kirkenes. 

This network of railways connects Nikel to the vast expanses of the Russian stops and throughout Asia, thanks to the Trans-Siberian Railway. Again, this isn’t the most efficient way of getting to Kirkenes, but it is an option for those in Russia or anyone that wants to add a little more adventure to the journey.

For a rough idea of train prices to Nikel:

• From St Petersburg ~ 450 NOK
• From Moscow ~ 650 NOK

Getting Around Kirkenes

You’re out in the cold wilderness when you’re travelling around Kirkenes. Say bye-bye to your Ubers, fancy trains and coaches. When getting around Kirkenes your options are usually snowshoes, husky sledges or the most badass of all… snowmobiles!

Other than that it’s car rental or busses, but bear in mind that once you’re in the Ice Hotel, you will be more than likely using the non-conventional transport modes mentioned above.

There are pretty much three bus routes that cover most of Kirkenes and nearby towns:

• Bus number 111 connects Kirkenes, Hesseng, Sandnes and Bjørnevatn. 
• Bus 112 connects Kirkenes,  Elvenes, Jakobsens and, on some routes, Tårnet. 
• 110 is a local city bus that journeys around the town centre.  

It’s also possible to drive yourself around while visiting Kirkenes, provided you have a license; no international driving licence needs to be sorted before you go. 

The main car rental service in Kirkenes is Sixt Bilutleie, which operates at two locations; in the town itself and from Høybuktmoen airport. This means you can rent your car as soon as you touch down and even drive it back to the airport before you fly out if you wish.

Sixt, Hertz and Europcar all operate in the area, and from the airport, though you will find local companies that may work out cheaper too. A week’s rental with comprehensive insurance starts from around 2,500 NOK and steeply rises depending on the model of the car you’re after. 

20 Cool Things To Do in Kirkenes (+ 2 Day Trips!)

Nestled within the Arctic Circle and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of northern Europe, Kirkenes is a place that will never cease to provide you with lots of cool things to do, mainly of the adventure travel variety.

So let’s take a look at 20 of the things to do in Kirkenes, catering for travellers of all tastes…

1. Ride a Snowmobile and Explore! 

When you think of the intrepid snow-white lands of Scandinavia, the adventurers among us can’t help but imagine jetting through virgin snow at speed, upon a snowmobile, James Bond style.

Joining a snowmobile tour of the area surrounding Kirkenes is one of the most magical ways to really take in the landscape while also providing that undeniable adrenaline rush.

An overnight snowmobile tour is arguably the best way to do this activity. You will jet off through the nearby fjord and through the woods towards the popular Pasvik Valley. 

Feeling the arctic wind cut through as you speed across the snow is like nothing else. With the sun going down and the atmosphere of an Arctic Circle night surrounding you, the experience is one you will not forget in a hurry.

Know before you go:

• Location – Tours usually begin and end at the Snow Hotel, but you’ll explore the surrounding area during the tour.
• Cost – Around 2,000/2,500NOK, though the price is sometimes lower if you include it as a package with your stay at your hotel.
• Opening hours – Tours usually begin in the evening.
• Time needed – Tours last for a couple of hours or longer, depending on the package you choose.
• Getting there – This tour begins and ends at your accommodation, so no need to worry about transport!

2. See The Midnight Sun

During the summer months in Kirkenes and the Arctic Circle as a whole, there is often no distinction between 12 am and 12 pm. Much like parts of Patagonia , the sun rises and sets like clockwork for the rest of the globe, being so far north, the sun may stay in the sky throughout the midnight and early hours.

Looking at the sun in the sky while the watch on your wrist says 00:00 is a surreal experience, yet one that is awesome to experience even once in your life. Although it is possible to see the midnight sun anywhere in this part of the world, Høyde 96, just south of Kirkenes, is a truly magnificent spot to gaze at during the midnight hour.

A watchtower overlooks the deep conifer forests and the calm rivers and lakes on both sides of the Norwegian-Russian border, only adding to the beauty of the scene and the epicness of your photographs.

• Location – As long as you are there during early summer, you will see the midnight sun from anywhere in this part of the world. 
• Cost – Depends on snowmobile rental from your hotel, (it could be part of your safari package if you ask).
• Opening hours – Surprise surprise: 00:00/12 am!
• Time needed – It’s fun to set aside a good half hour to take in the sights and significance of what you’re looking at.
• Getting there – You’ll need to join a tour to head out this way or go on an adventure on your own four wheels.

3. Watch The Northern Lights Aurora Borealis

Arguably one of the top reasons for visiting this part of the world is to get a chance to have a proper look at the Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights. As well as being far enough north to experience this phenomenon, the dry and clear winter climate of Kirkenes and the surrounding area increases the chances of experiencing these dancing lights.

Pretty much every hotel runs Northern Lights hunting tours, taking you out on snowmobiles, husky-led sledges or the more comfortable AuroraExpress bus. To get the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, you will need to join this tour between the start of September and mid-March. 

Sometimes the lights are clear and easy to see, while other times you may have to do a little hunting. The hotel can help you to arrange this tour, complete with transportation and a local guide who is experienced in finding the best views of the magical Aurora Borealis. 

• Location – The tour will start and end from your hotel, yet seeking the lights may take you deep into the surrounding wilderness.
• Cost – By bus NOK 1,000, by husky NOK 2,500, by snowmobile NOK 2,700 per person.
• Opening hours – Tours depart around 9 pm each night.
• Time needed – Set aside at least two or three hours. 
• Getting there – As above!

4. Pet a Reindeer

While zipping through the snow and seeing the famous Northern Lights are all well and good, no childhood dream of the Arctic Circle would be complete without petting one of Santa’s faithful steeds, a reindeer. 

One of the most fantastic places to catch sight of your very own Prancer, Rudolph and Dasher is at the Gabba Reindeer Safari Park, just adjoining the Snow Hotel.

Here you can see a huge herd of reindeer, including some of the rarer white reindeer. There’s nothing quite like reaching over and petting these gentle giants. As friendly and approachable as the reindeer are, it is important to remember that they aren’t pets and will require you to show them the same respect and caution as you would any other wild animal.

• Location – The reindeer are located close to the ice hotel in Norway.
• Cost – Free.
• Opening hours – It’s best to come and see the reindeer around midday when they are at their most active.
• Time needed – An hour should be enough to watch the animals in their herd and interact with them.
• Getting there – A small walk away from The Snow Hotel.

5. Munch on Native berries

It might sound a little boring at first but to those with a sweet tooth, the local berries are like candy-coated crack.

Kirkenes is home to a number of different restaurants and eateries, serving up a wide range of food that is native to the surrounding area. One of the most prominent and famous of these is the wide range of native berries. The surrounding Arctic bogs are the perfect habitat for the forging of these berries, but you won’t have to go to such extremes to try them for yourself.

Some of the must-try wild berries include the bilberry, a small and much darker berry than the more common blueberry. 

Another is the cloudberry, an orange-coloured berry that is extremely high in vitamin C, making it one of the most expensive berries when bought anywhere else in the world. The most famous berry grown in this part of the world has to be the lingonberry – anyone who has visited the well-known global furniture store IKEA will probably recognise these as a side in some of their meals.

Whether you try them in their natural form or secure yourself a jar of jam or berry preserve, sampling these wild berries is definitely a welcome addition to your taste buds.

• Location –  To eat some of the native berries, head to one of the local restaurants, including your on-site at your hotel. 
• Cost – Costs will all depend on where you buy the berries and in what form.
• Opening hours – Shops and restaurants will open and close at various times, so find opening times beforehand to avoid disappointment. 
• Time needed – Sampling the native berries can be done from the comfort of the hotel, so that’s up to you.
• Getting there – A short walk or a taxi to one of the restaurants in Kirkenes town.

6. Grenseland Museum

The Grenseland Museum is located just south of the town and is a fantastic place to learn about the long history of, not only the town but of the wider border regions of Norway, Finland and Russia. 

The museum has a range of permanent exhibitions, each one with a different theme, including the area’s industrial construction, war history and the daily life of the frontier people through the ages. 

Aside from the permanent exhibits, the Grenseland Museum also plays host to a number of ever-changing exhibitions. This being the case, it’s great to check ahead of your visit to see what’s on at the museum during your time visiting the ice hotel in Norway. 

The stunning foyer of the building is also often used as a location for cultural events, another reason to research and see what the Grenseland Museum is presenting during your time here.

• Location – The museum is found at the southern end of Kirkenes, just to the east of Førstevatn Lake.
• Cost – The entry fee is 40 NOK.
• Opening hours – Winter: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Summer: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Time needed –  Give yourself a couple of hours to explore the museum.
• Getting there – It is easy enough to walk a short distance from the centre of town to the museum.

7. Dog Sledding 

One of the most popular ways to experience dog sledding in perfect surroundings is to join a sledding tour with a local family business such as Birk Husky.

Located within your own cabin near the Norwegian – Russian border, the tour has you in one of the most jaw-dropping environments, complete with snow-covered landscapes, zero light pollution and another chance to spot those acclaimed northern lights. 

Once you’re ready to go, you and your dogs will whizz through the ice fields, perfectly lit with the low light of a 9 pm sunset and the stunning landscapes all around you. Once you have spent around an hour and a half sledding through the Arctic Circle, you will then head back to your cabins for an evening of locally cooked food in a wooden tee-pee, perfectly centred around a fire pit and good conversation.

You can hang out with the dogs before, during and after, they are a dog lover’s dream; full of love and affection and the goodest of boys and girls!

Almost everything that involves animal tourism is often sketchy and this one admittedly had me torn. The dogs seemed “well looked after,” but years later I pretty much don’t ride on, or with any type of animals anymore because it’s much easier to abstain to be if you have concerns over potential cruelty or suffering.

That’s my personal choice and you have to make these calls yourself, I just thought it was worth an extra mention for those who are concerned and this particularly sad article might be an eye-opener for dog lovers with good intentions.

• Location – Dog sledding with Birk Husky is located south of Kirkenes, close to the Russian border.
• Cost – The whole tour will cost around NOK 3,000.
• Opening hours – The tour will usually take place around evening time, 8/9 pm.
• Time needed – The actual sledding lasts for 90 minutes, but the experience is bulked out with preparations and a post-sledding meal.
• Getting there – As part of the tour, transport to and from the site will be provided.

8. Visit Chinatown

Nine out of fifty people in the world are Chinese ; a staggering fact about the world population and one that makes you understand why you can find Chinatowns in pretty much every city around the world.

And still, it may come as a surprise that the Arctic Circle town of Kirkenes has its very own Chinatown. Where this Chinatown differs is the fact it is not born out of Chinese immigration to the area but was constructed as part of the Barents Spektakel Festival.  

This festival is designed to ‘bridge borders’ and does so by staging public discussions, seminars and visual art exhibitions. 

One of the installations took the form of Chinese signs throughout the streets and a major Chinese-inspired constructed gate along the walking street, adding layers to the experience of visiting the Arctic Circle. Festival dates vary throughout the year but usually take place during February. 

• Location – During the festival, Chinatown can be found on the town’s walking street.
• Cost – Free
• Opening hours – 24 hours.
• Time needed – An hour or so will be plenty to explore the Chinese displays of Kirkenes.
• Getting there – Being in the centre of town, it is easy enough to walk to Norwegian Chinatown.  

9. Eat at The Ritz 

Though the title may conjure up images of London’s famous five-star hotel, the Ritz restaurant in Kirkenes may not be the haunt of the rich and famous, but its food is famous enough. The small and cosy restaurant in the heart of Kirkenes town is a fantastic place to warm yourself up with a tasty meal.

Specialising in pizzas, Ritz offers a wide range of meals both local and Western, including a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Set across the road from Walking Street, the Ritz is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by while enjoying a well-deserved dinner after a day of snow and ice. 

• Location – The Ritz Restaurant can be found in the heart of the town, along the street known as Dr Wessels Gate.
• Cost – Dishes start from around NOK 180.
• Opening hours – Monday: 3 pm – 9 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 3 pm – 10 pm, Friday and Sunday 2 pm – 10 pm, Saturday: 2 pm – 1 am.
• Time needed – Give yourself around two hours to dine and soak up the atmosphere of the restaurant.
• Getting there – Sitting in the heart of the town, it’s relatively easy to walk to the Ritz Restaurant.

10.  Go Snow-Hiking  

Aside from staying in an ice hotel in Norway and enjoying an array of heart-racing activities, the sheer beauty and great expanses of Kirkenes and its surrounding area offer up the perfect location for a spot for hiking. 

The Kirkenes peninsula and the wider Sør-Varanger prefecture are swathed in breathtaking scenery, and an ever-changing one depending on the time of the year and the season. 

During the slightly warmer Spring and Summer months, the land around the ice hotel in Norway thaws out and becomes surprisingly green. Hiking across the landscapes of heather, and green forests, and following the waters of the lakes and fjords makes the Sør-Varanger region the perfect hiking surroundings.

Even in the winter months, the blankets of snow and ice create their own winter beauty and as long as you are prepared with reliable routes and winter clothing, hiking here during the low-light months can be just as enjoyable. 

• Location – Hiking routes around Kirkenes can be found in every direction and in a variety of surroundings.
• Cost – Free (unless you go hardcore and have to use clumpy snowshoes).
• Opening hours – It’s best to hike when you have the most amount of light, giving you the best chance of finding your way around and not getting lost.
• Time needed – With so many different routes to choose from, you can hike closer to the Snow Hotel and as far out as the Norwegian – Russian border.

11. Attend Grenseløsfestivalen

During the first weekend in September every year since 2012, Kirkenes has hosted the Grenseløsfestivalen, a music festival within the Arctic Circle. Playing host to a variety of different artists, the lineup for the Grenseløsfestivalen changes every year, making it a popular event amongst music lovers. 

While some may dream of the more fashionable world-famous festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella, attending the less-known Grenseløsfestivalen is a truly unique cultural festival . Held within and close to the local athletics field of Barentshallene Sør-Varanger KF, the music festival is often combined with the local beer festival similar to Oktoberfest. 

If you are planning to stay at the ice hotel in Norway during the first weekend of September, be sure to secure tickets for Grenseløsfestivalen as it is a fantastic social event, drawing in crowds from across northern Europe.

• Location – The festival takes place just south of the town, close to the athletics field of Barentshallene Sør-Varanger KF.  
• Cost – Around NOK 1,760 for a full-day ticket.
• Opening hours – 6 pm until late.
• Time needed – As there is so much to see, this will take up most of your evening.
• Getting there – Being within a small town, it is possible to walk to the festival site.

12.  Soviet Liberation Monument

 Once the Russian army steamroller began its invasion of Germany-occupied Eastern Europe during the final years of the Second World War, it pushed from Ukraine in the south right up to the Norwegian border in the north.

 On October 23, 1944, Soviet Forces began the recapture of Kirkenes, with the retreating Nazi army operating a ‘scorched earth’ policy, destroying bridges, buildings and anything that could help the invading Soviet forces.

Although much of the town was destroyed in the fighting, the Soviet Army captured Kirkenes and the wider Finnmark region, resulting in just under 3,000 casualties for the Russians. Unlike much of captured Eastern Europe, Kirkenes and the wider Norwegian land was returned to Norway at the end of the war. 

The modern locals of Kirkenes, many of which are ethnically Russian, never forget the sacrifices the USSR made by liberating the town and there now stands a monument commemorating that sacrifice, with the inscription “To the brave Soviet soldiers in memory of the liberation of the city of Kirkenes in 1944.”. 

Taking the form of a Soviet soldier holding a PPSh-41 submachine gun and standing on the German eagle, the monument stands on a hill and former cave system the local Norwegians used to hide from the destruction caused by the fighting.

• Location – The Soviet Liberation Monument is located on the road known as Roald Amundsens Gate.
• Time needed – A few minutes to see the monument and maybe take a snap.
• Getting there – Being in the centre of town and on a small hill, walking to the monument is easy and can be quite enjoyable.

13. Drink Local Booze in a (Gamme) Cabin 

Aside from the ice and snow hotels, Kirkenes and the Snow Hotel are also home to Gamme; wooden circle cabins, that offer warm and comfortable shelter from the elements. 

Once you have had your kick of sleeping surrounded by ice and snow, sitting in the comparative warmth of a Gamme cabin seems like domestic heaven. As well as using it as a place to kip, the cabins become the social hubs where you and your friends can relax and enjoy an evening drink and maybe get another bite of The Northern Lights cherry.

The cosy wooden structures provide the ideal atmosphere for a good old fashion drinking session. Local liquor stores are great places to pick up a drink or two and although you may be tempted to stick with a beer, no evening drinking here is complete without a few drops of aquavit. The traditional Scandinavian spirit is a blend of grain or potato-based alcohol similar to vodka yet flavoured with herbs and spices.

Teetotalers can have just as much fun with a cuppa tea/coffee/cocoa, of course, the main highlight here is the traditional cabin, not what beverage passes your shivering lips.

• Location – The Gamme cabins are located directly on your hotel’s site.
• Cost – Renting a cabin for the night varies in price, but using your social skills to join others in theirs is always a great option. Nightly rates hover around the 6,000 NOK mark.
• Opening hours – Until the drink or call of your own frosty bed gets way too much!

14.  Spot Wildlife in Pasvik Nature Reserve

Hidden amongst the valley of Pasvikdalen in Norway and Russia is the Pasvik Nature Reserve, a great expanse of protected wilderness and beauty. Spanning huge amounts of land and crossing two countries , visiting the Pasvik Nature Reserve is a dream come true for those who love exploring wild and relatively untouched parts of the world .

Aside from the sheer natural beauty of the place, as the name would suggest, Pasvik Nature Reserve is also home to an abundance of nature and wildlife. While exploring Pasvik Nature Reserve, you have the opportunity to catch sight of animals such as moose, reindeer, wild horses, brown bears, deer, and so much more. Start your trip at the National Park Information Centre at Bioforsk Svanvik, and venture out into the wilderness. 

Although many hikes should only be attempted by those who are highly experienced at navigating these terrains, there are many travel agencies that organise trips to and around Pasvik Nature Reserve. 

• Location – The Pasvik Nature Reserve is located south of Kirkenes, close to the Russian border. 
• Cost – Tour prices vary depending on how far you want to venture and how long you want to stay. Set aside at least 2,500 NOK.
• Opening hours – Tours usually take place during the day, when the light is at its best.
• Time needed – Give yourself at least three hours to explore the reserve and spot the wildlife.
• Getting there – Tours tend to provide their own transport, though it is possible to catch a taxi if you are planning to do it independently.

15. Andersgrotta Bomb Shelter

Andersgrotta bomb shelter sits in the centre of Kirkenes and is one of the last remnants of the conflict that ravaged the town during the Second World War. 

As one of the most bombed areas of Europe during the war, Soviet bombs constantly dropped on the German-occupied town, and the locals needed shelter to protect themselves. 

The Andersgrotta bomb shelter is an underground shelter of vast proportions burrowed out from the rock; its labyrinthine cave passages helped hide the town’s population during these many air raids.

Today, the Andersgrotta bomb shelter has been preserved for many generations to come. When visiting the shelter, you will be shown a short film about Kirkenes in war, based on archives and new recordings. 

Aside from being one of the best historical spots in the town, it is one of the best Second World War sites in all of northern Europe.

• Location – The bomb shelter is located in the town’s residential area, not far from the centre of town.
• Cost – 200 NOK entry fee
• Opening hours – 10 am – 3 pm.
• Time needed – Set aside between 40 minutes and an hour.
• Getting there – You can arrange a tour with your hotel, or head there yourself either via foot or rental car.

16. Amfi Kirkenes Mall

With such a strong Soviet hangover, you could be forgiven for assuming that such a strong statement of modern capitalism such as a shopping mall would be non-existent. 

And yet, close to the port of Kirkenes lies the Amfi Kirkenes Mall, one of the main shopping locations in the town. Although not a giant shopping mall as you would find in major cities around the world, Amfi Kirkenes Mall has a number of shops, offering up everything from food goods, camp equipment and arguably the most famous, the alcohol store.

Though it may be seen as one of the most expensive wine and spirit stores in Norway, Amfi Kirkenes Mall’s booze shop sells a huge range of wines, beers, spirits and other drinks, perfect for a memento of your trip to Kirkenes.

Whether you need to stock up on supplies or simply spend a few hours perusing, Amfi Kirkenes Mall is a great thing to check out when in the town of Kirkenes.

• Location – Located at the very north of the town, along Stargate Road.
• Cost – Goods at the mall will have a variety of prices, depending on the store and the items themselves.
• Opening hours – 9 am – 7 pm.
• Time needed – A couple of hours should be enough to browse the many shops here.
• Getting there –  The AMFI Kirkenes bus stop is located directly outside the Snow Hotel.

17. Cross-Country Skiing 

When it comes to fun winter activities for travellers, Kirkenes is up there with the best of them, even with its isolation and lack of prestige.

As well as husky sledding and snowmobile tours, you can also put your fitness to the test with a day of cross-country skiing. Organised by the Snow Hotel, you can strap up your cross-country skis and take to the snow-white landscapes surrounding the town and the wider area.

During the winter months, hiking through the snow-strewn landscape is nearly impossible due to the levels of ice and snow. Strapping on skis makes this once-impossible task achievable, just take your time and bend your legs if you’re a newbie like me! 

• Location – You will begin from the Snow Hotel and cross-country skiing throughout the surrounding area.
• Cost – The skis are available to guests as part of their stay.
• Opening hours – Most skiing takes place during daylight hours and the winter season.
• Time needed – Take as long as you wish to explore the area.
• Getting there – Your hotel or tour operator will organise any transport that you may need. 

18. Fat Biking 

Aside from snowshoes and cross-country skis, there is an often overlooked or unknown way of traversing the winter landscapes of Kirkenes, and that is with a fat bike. 

A fat bike is similar to a mountain bike but is oversized in many ways. The ‘fat’ name comes from the oversized and fat tires that make up the bike, allowing you to ride it across unstable surfaces such as snow without getting snowed under. 

Taking your bike, you can traverse the many trails and routes that surround Kirkenes, giving you much more freedom to go further afield and my God, it’s a solid workout for your legs .

• Location – The bike can be rented from the hotel or from in the town.
• Cost – Costs will vary depending on where you rent them from. I lost my notes for this, that’s the truth. I’m sorry!
• Opening hours – It’s best to bike during the daylight hours, allowing you to stay safe in the wilderness.
• Time needed – N/A
• Getting there – A good few hours of biking will be enough, though if your fitness levels are higher, you can spend far longer.

19. Day Trip 1: From Kirkenes To Vardo Fortress

Across the Barents Sea, a little away from Kirkenes, is the small fishing town of Vardø. This unassuming town was, in fact, extremely valuable for the Arctic Circle and Europe for centuries. So much so, that they decided to build a fortification alongside it. 

Long being a place of conflict, the first Vardø Fortress was built by King Haakon V of Norway during the early 14th century, and buildings were added over the next few hundred years, with the modern fortress we see today erected during the early 18th century.

Falling into disrepair, the fortress became another focal point during the early to mid-20th century with the outbreak of the two world wars. 

First occupied by the Norwegian army at the outbreak of the Second World War, Vardø Fortress was modernised and reinforced with modern bunkers and a garrison of Norwegian soldiers. With the German invasion of Norway in 1940, the fortress came under Nazi occupation and was again reinforced.

During the post-war years, Vardø Fortress became a prison and held those who had been convicted of treason for collaborating with Nazi Germany before being turned into a museum during the later part of the century.

Aside from the interesting town and fortress, the day trip to Vardøhus Fortress is an adventure within itself. Using public transport (or private if you pay the premium) you can make your way to Vardø and its fortress, including a ride on the famous coastal steamer Hurtigruten and back to Kirkenes. 

The boat leaves Kirkenes each day at around 12:30 and arrives at Vardø at 15:45. Vardø is the first stop of the southbound journey of Hurtigruten voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen. 

You can buy the boat ticket onboard or order it online to secure your spot before you travel. 

• Location – Vardøhus Fortress is located north of Kirkenes, across the Barents Sea. 
• Cost – The fortress is free to visit, but the boat journey will set you back between NOK 300 and NOK 500 per person. 
• Time needed – Take the whole day to travel there and back, including visiting the fortress.

20. Day Trip 2: Check Out Russia (AND Finland) Border 

Sitting so close to the national borders of Finland and Russia, a day spent exploring this region teaches you about the longstanding border wars that took place throughout history as well as introduces you to some of the most beautiful and remote wildernesses around Kirkenes and the Arctic Circle. 

2024 edit: The current war between Russia and Ukraine does not affect this crossing of the border in Finmark.

Day tours to this part of the world usually include exploration of the region around the borders, a chance to admire the unbelievable landscapes and unique wildlife and above all else, the breathtaking fjords, you’ll undoubtedly want to stop along the way to get some fancy snaps.

While the borders of Norway and Russia run for over 100 miles, there is only one crossing in the region, and that is at the towns of Storskog in Norway and Borisoglebsky in Russia. 

Organisers will not make the crossing as part of the tour, though it is possible to make it alone if you have the right planning and documentation.

• Location – The border is a half an hour’s drive south of Kirkenes.
• Cost – A tour of the region will set you back around NOK 630 per person.
• Opening hours – N/A
• Time needed – The tour will take most of the day, considering the distance of travel and sightseeing.
• Getting there –  As part of a tour, you will have transport organised for you.

There are plenty more things to do in Kirkenes than stay in the Ice Hotel (as cool as that might be). Norway is a truly underrated destination when you factor in the Arctic Circle as part of the package. 

Anthony Middleton

Hi, I'm Anthony!

In November of 2010, I took on a mammoth challenge against the clock in a quest to upgrade my miserable life. I went out of my comfort zone and turned it all around. Ten years later, I’m completely location independent…

Read All About Northern Europe and Norway

Staying in The Kirkenes Snow Hotel in Norway (Bucket List!)

• 1.1 Fun facts
• 1.2 Tourist office
• 2.4 By plane
• 2.5 By train
• 3 Get around
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 11.1 Further away

Kirkenes is a town in the Finnmark region of Norway , far east near the Russian border, more or less in the end of mainland Norway. This is the last port for Hurtigruten and the end of Norway's main road E6 , 2,500 km (1,600 mi) from Oslo and 3,120 km (1,940 mi) from Trelleborg (Sweden).

Understand [ edit ]

Kirkenes is known as a mining town, and mining for iron ore has been taken up again after a hiatus. Kirkenes has some 3,500 inhabitants.

The region was Germany's staging ground for its northern front against the Soviet Union during World War II , and this has left marks in the area. The town of Kirkenes was totally destroyed by almost 350 Soviet air raids, and holds the record as the most bombed-out town in Europe during the war. Upon an imminent Soviet advance the population was forced by the Germans to relocate to Tromsø and further south. However, more than 3,000 residents and their livestock hid for around ten days in the mines and appeared when the town was liberated by the Red Army in October 1944, more than six months ahead of Norway as a whole. Norway's flag was raised on liberated territory for the first time at the Kirkenes mines. The buildings at the mines were the only ones remaining, and the first administration in free Norway was set up there.

Fun facts [ edit ]

The mother of US actor Renée Zellweger was born and grew up in Kirkenes. Her parents met at the Hurtigruten ferry.

Tourist office [ edit ]

The municipal tourist information is at the public library downtown.

Get in [ edit ]

Note the time zone difference if coming from Finland (1 hour) or Russia (varies according to daylight saving). Check what timezone is used in timetables for international services.

By bus [ edit ]

• Long distance buses , with connections to most of Norway.
• Regional buses [dead link]
• Buses from Finland (direct connections in summer, in winter you have to transfer at Tana or some distance before). Search for connections to Utsjoki or Nuorgam , the border villages on the Finnish side, and check details of the route. You may have to walk over the border to a suitable stop on E6.
• There are probably coaches or minibuses from Murmansk in Russia, check.

By sea [ edit ]

Kirkenes is the northern terminus port ( Bergen being the southern) of the Hurtigruten [1] , arguably the most beautiful sea voyage in the world, covering most of the Norwegian coast in 5–6 days.

By plane [ edit ]

On certain occasions it is considerably cheaper to fly into Ivalo in Finland, some 240 km away, mainly if you are a small group or a family and plan to rent a car anyway. Rental cars are not cheap in Northern Norway.

By train [ edit ]

There are no passenger trains to Kirkenes, but it is possible to go by public bus from cities with railway station.

• The Russian rail network reaches Murmansk , for travelling from as far as Moscow , Vladivostok , Ulan Bator and Beijing .
• The closest Finnish stations are Kolari and Rovaniemi (some 500 km away).
• The northernmost railway station in Norway is Narvik (on the "iron ore line"), while Kiruna , Luleå and Boden are stations in Sweden on the same line. The Norwegian railways are even farther away, with railhead in Bodø .

Get around [ edit ]

Local buses . Long distance buses leave outside the main shopping center in the middle of town. Some buses only take cash, however there is an ATM inside the shopping center.

See [ edit ]

• The midnight sun in summer
• The Aurora Borealis in winter
• 69.716912 30.043684 3 Grenselandmuseet ( The Border Area Museum ), Førstevannslia , ☏ +47 78 994880 . 09:30-14:00 (20 Jun-31 Aug: 09:30-17:00) . Showcases history and lifestyle of the far north of Norway including a section devoted to the devastating effects of Second World War on Kirkenes. Also has a fine exhibition of woodcuts by the Sami artist Jon Savio Entrance kr 80/60 .  

Do [ edit ]

Fishing, both salt and fresh water, including salmon. Hiking .

• Arctic Adventure . A number of offers, the most desired being a King Crab Safari, catch guaranteed!  
• 69.706 30.0371 1 Kirkenes Snow Hotel ( Kirkenes Snøhotell ), ☏ +47 78-970-540 , [email protected] . The hotel is open from December to early April . A range of activities, some of which vary by the season (you do not have to stay at the hotel to participate): king crab excursions, including catching and eating, husky tours, reindeer watching.  
• 69.12 28.91 2 Øvre Pasvik National Park , ☏ +47 46-41-36-00 , fax : +47 78-99-56-00 , [email protected] . The largest area of primeval forest in Norway, part of the Russian taiga. Forested hills, lakes and bogs. Also eastern species seldom seen in western Europe. Bears. Some open wilderness huts, wild camping allowed. The visitor centre (nasjonalparksentre) is in Svanhovd, Svanvik, and features also a botanic garden, best visited in Jul-Aug. The Piilola trail (35 km, 21 mi) leads from 69.15807 28.97947 2 Sortbrysttjern to the 68.9742 28.4894 3 Kessintie road in Finland and has information boards telling about the nature and cultural history of the area. To get to Sortbrysttjern, take the road towards the tripoint, but turn to the right after the lake Vaggatem and drive that small road for some 10 km. Crossing to the Finnish side is allowed, as long as you stay out of the border zone (far from the trail; about from Krokfjellet and southward along the Russian border) and have cleared with customs if needed.  

Events [ edit ]

• Local summer festival Kirkenes Days around the first week of August multiplies the activity level.

Buy [ edit ]

Russian visitors often buy clothes and home products, which tax-free (not available to EU/Norwegian residents) are cheaper than similar non-Russian products in nearby Murmansk or Nikel.

Local Norwegians can get a 5-year multitravel visa and they like to go to Russia to buy petrol (less than half the price) and some Russian products and services. They are not allowed to bring meat over the border, and alcohol only if they been in Russia for 24 hours (and then only a small quota), products which otherwise are the most bought by Norwegians in the border trade in Sweden and Finland. Visitors need a visa, which is costly and tricky to get.

Eat [ edit ]

Being a small settlement dining opportunities are not abundant. There are however a few restaurants.

• 69.727872 30.043943 1 Ritz , Dr. Wessels gate 17 , ☏ +47 78 99 34 81 . ( updated Oct 2017 )
• 69.727818 30.039452 2 Shanghai , Dr. Wessels gate 3 , ☏ +47 78 99 01 28 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 15:00-22:00 . A Chinese restaurant in Kirkenes. Spacious with stylish decor. A speciality dish is steamed king crab, although this is subject to availability. Main courses from kr 200 . ( updated Feb 2024 )
• 69.727575 30.039287 3 Surf & Turf , Dr. Wessels gate 2 , ☏ +47 464 45 245 . ( updated Oct 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

Try Ritz or Ofelas.

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ], mid-range [ edit ].

• 69.664528 30.197099 1 [dead link] Sollia , By the Russian border, some 10 km from town . Has a good restaurant.  
• [dead link] Barents Frokosthotell . From kr 675 .  
• [dead link] Wessel Hotell , Dr Wessels gate 3 , ☏ +47 78998600 , fax : +47 78998601 , [email protected] .  
• Kirkenes Overnatting ( 1 km from town center ). Apartment from kr 500 a night .  
• Overnatting Liv Mikkelbrog , Kronprinsensgate 21, Kirkenes ( Down the hill from the old Rica Hotel ), ☏ +47 9203 7762 , [email protected] . Private rooms .  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 69.726362 30.044449 2 Rica Arctic Hotel , Kongens gate 1 , ☏ +47 78995900 , fax : +47 78991159 . From kr 1050 .  
• 69.729345 30.045021 3 Thon Hotel , Johan Knudtzens gate 11 , ☏ +47 78 971050 , [email protected] . Opened in 2010 directly along the waterfront From kr 1200 .  

Cope [ edit ]

There have been incidents with GPS blocking, probably because of the border and Murmansk being nearby. Don't get confused if your GPS stops working properly.

Go next [ edit ]

• Go up the Pasvik valley for quite a change of flora. Here you find the last bit of the enormous Russian Taiga, a pine forest that stretches all the way to Siberia. At the southern end of the valley (105 km of paved road, 15 km of dirt, then 1h15m walking along the Russian border) is the Tri-Border Mark , where Norway, Russia and Finland meet. Heavy fines for trespassing into Russia! The Pasvik-Inari trilateral park , including areas with different protection status in the three countries, features much untamed wilderness, but also some services and cultural attractions.
• At Grense Jakobselv (58 km east from Kirkenes), the open Barents Sea washes a beautiful sandy shore. Never gets above 8°C, though! You can also peek at the "King Oscar II" church.
• The highest peak around is "Øretoppen", at 466 metres. It is a 2-hour hike along a marked path from Ropelv, where buses go. Magnificent views in a landscape of large stones spread upon the hills.

Further away [ edit ]

• If you are planning on crossing the border into Russia , you will probably need a visa. In theory, this should be obtainable at the Russian Consulate in Kirkenes, but you might find it worthwhile to pay a local travel agency to do the job for you. You need quite a few documents like pre-paid hotel booking and insurance forms, especially if you are traveling by car. Start the process one month before leaving home.
• If you are heading for Finland , and feel that you need some euros , there is an ATM at the DnB bank that will hand them over. The nearest border crossings for vehicles are at 69.6757 29.1453 4 Neiden/ Näätämö and Nuorgam . The route by foot straight through the forest to the Finnish side is possible for experienced wilderness backpackers, by the Piilola trail (or finding your own routes, but the area is hard to navigate), see Øvre Pasvik National Park above. Clear with customs beforehand if needed, sleep in huts on the way and arrange somebody to fetch you with taxi from the Finnish trailhead or from Nellim, or by boat over Lake Inari from a suitable shore, to Ivalo or Inari . There is no marked trail from the tripoint itself, and the shortest route from there is blocked by the border zone.
• Alternatively, if your travel budget allows, you can take the Hurtigruten cruise ferry to your destination of choice along the Norwegian coast. A trip to Bergen will take a full week, to places like Nordkapp , Tromsø , Lofoten or Trondheim a couple of days.

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The Northern Norwegian town where three countries meet

The small town of Kirkenes in Norway’s arctic region of Finnmark is the northern end of the Norwegian coastal voyages, Havila and Hurtigruten . It’s also home to the SnowHotel , a unique winter accommodation.

As Kirkenes lies just a few kilometres from the Russian and Finnish borders, the Russian Revolution, Finnish immigration and World War II have all left permanent marks here. To learn more about these fascinating periods in Kirkenes’ history, visit the Border Country Museum (Grenselandsmuseet) , which tells the story of war and peace along the border, or the Andersgrotta Cave , a vast underground bunker that sheltered the town's residents during WWII.

Surrounded by fjords, mountains, forests and lakes, this area is a haven for nature lovers, especially wintersport enthusiasts. Guided snowmobile tours into the Pasvik Valley – where the three countries meet – and king crab safaris on the Barents Sea are among some of the most popular activities here.

The Kirkenes area is also a great place for short breaks to experience the northern lights in wintertime as it’s located in the middle of the “aurora zone”, an area of the Northern Hemisphere with the most aurora borealis activity.

Tourists with King Crabs - ©visitnorway.com / TerjeRakke - Nordic Life

King Crab Safari in Kirkenes in Norway - ©visitnorway.com / Terje Rakke - Nordic Life

Snowmobiling in Kirkenes - ©visitnorway.com / Terje Rakke - Nordic Life

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Best Things to do in Kirkenes

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Kirkenes offers epic adventures above the Arctic circle! Located in the far northeast in Northern Norway, Kirkenes has a range of memorable experiences to offer. This small town is the ultimate spot for anyone whose main goal is to explore the real Arctic.

Chase the Northern Lights

With 200 Aurora Borealis nights per year, you will have plenty of chances to catch the Green Lady dancing in the night. Get away from the city and the light pollution and make sure you have enough time in Kirkenes to wait out the bad weather – a dark, clear sky is what you want. The Northern Lights season in Norway approximately lasts from about mid September to mid March. Read more about setting the Northern Lights in Norway. Read more about Northern Lights Holiday Packages in Norway .

Dog Sledding

Go for a relaxing dog sledding adventure during daytime and take in the beautiful landscape as your new fluffy friends whisk you away through the snow. Choose an evening departure for a chance to spot the Northern Lights dancing in the sky above you. When Lady Aurora makes her appearance the dog sledding adventure becomes even more memorable.

In Kirkenes the four legged husky adventures are available all seasons. In summer the sled will be replaced by a wagon and the eager dogs will pull you through the green and lush forest surroundings. Read more about dog sledding in Kirkenes. Read more about dog sledding in Kirkenes .

Snowmobiling in the Pasvik Valley

Ready to catch the Arctic wind? Explore the wilderness of Kirkenes and drive your own snowmobile in the beautiful Pasvik Valley. In Kirkenes you can go for a long snowmobile for four hours deep in the valley by Pasvik river and the Russian border. Enjoy a comfortable ride through the beautiful forest landscape. Read more about amazing snowmobile tours in Norway. Read more about amazing snowmobiling tours in Norway .

King Crab Fishing

Go fishing for monsters and feast like a king! The red king crab is a massive creature that can get up to two metres (about 6,5 feet!) from leg to leg. Each leg is bigger than a lobster and full of delicious, juicy crab meat. Venture out to the fjord ice on a snowmobile sled, and pull the crab pots on land through a hole in the ice – this is truly taking the concept of a fresh meal to the next level! During summer you can go out on a speedy rib adventure and pull the crab pots into the boat. Back on land you’ll be served a proper king crab meal – the freshest crab you’ll ever come across.

Popular activities in Kirkenes

Snowhotel visit incl. dinner.

Enjoy unique atmosphere and arctic cuisine in secluded wilderness. You will not only get a meal. You get a story.

Hunting Northern Lights by Husky

Nature covered by snow, a team of strong huskies in front, and a beautiful star-studded sky above. If you are lucky, maybe the northern lights will make an appearance?

Snowmobile Pasvik Expedition 09:30

Hop on a snowmobile and join us for an adventure exploring the majestic forests of Pasvik Valley.

Hunting the Northern Lights by Bus

The Northern Lights is perhaps the most beautiful natural phenomenon you will ever have the opportunity of seeing, and Kirkenes is one of the best places to do so.

Original King Crab Safari - Winter

The red King Crab is not only the biggest, but also the most delicious shellfish you will ever have the chance of tasting. Make your own "deadliest catch"!

Snowhotel Kirkenes – a magical hotel made of snow and ice

Up for a cool adventure? Snowhotel Kirkenes – a hotel completely made of snow and ice – keeps open all year. During summer you can walk from the green lush nature into a magical winter kingdom and see stunning ice art light up in different colours. For the full icy experience you can spend the night on a block of ice tucked into a warm and cosy thermal sleeping bag, resting on a soft and warm reindeer skin.

For the rest of your stay you can stay warm and comfortable in one of the wooden cabins – imitations of the authentic Sami Gamme cabins and complete with modern amenities.

While staying here you’ll have the top Kirkenes highlights available tight at your doorstep. Daily dog sledding, snowmobile and king crab tours that start right right nearby. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included in your stay – ending with a splendid 3 course meal based on a local menu. Any spare moments can be spent visiting the happy dogs at the husky yard or feeding the reindeer. Read more about the ice hotels in Norway .

Andersgrotta WW2 Bomb Shelter

Located in the centre of Kirkenes, the Andersgrotta Bomb Shelter served as a refuge asylum for civilians during World War II. There were more than 300 air attacks in Kirkenes during this time making this cave an important piece of history in the area. In Andresgrotta you can watch a film based on old records and new recordings and learn more about what it was like in Kirkenes during the war.

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Experience kirkenes, dog sledding in kirkenes, northern lights christmas holiday in kirkenes, the borderland museum.

Learn the history of the region as a border area and meeting place. Take a look at the exhibitions connected to industrial construction, war history and the daily life and history of people living in this area. Pop by the museum shop or have a bite to eat the the café. Outside you will find benches, a playground and an exciting labyrinth to explore in summer.

The Soviet Liberation Monument

In memory of the Red Army who liberated Kirkenes in 1944 this is a historical landmark worth a visit. During World War II Kirkenes was one of the most bombed areas, with over 300 air attacks. Kirknes was liberated by the Red Army in October 1944 where only 13 houses remained in the town. The memorial was erected in honour of the brave Soviet soldiers that liberated Kirkenes.

Pasvik Nature Reserve

Learn all about the special nature, wildlife, culture and history of the Pasvik Valley. At this centre you can take a closer look at exhibitions presenting the primal forest in the national park and the characteristics birds and animal species that live her.

Bordering Finland in the West and Russia in the east. Pasvik Valley has the biggest brown bear population in Norway. Therefore the brown bear has been given a prominent place in the exhibition. The centre is surrounded by a beautiful botanical garden and natural trails and also offers accommodation – single and double ensuites.

A Summer Adventure in Kirkenes

If you don’t want to brave the Arctic cold weather a summer adventure might be more up your alley. Enjoy the endless summer nights with the midnight sun hanging in the sky at all hours.

Visit the snow hotel and experience the winter magic in the middle of summer! Go on a rib safari and fish for king crab or go dog sledding on wheels.

King Oscar II Chapel : About an hour drive outside Kirkenes, you will find King Oscar II Chapel. This beautiful stone church by Grense Jakobselv was built in 1869 by the Russian border to defend the Norwegian bank of the river.

Hurtigruten

Kirkenes is the last stop on the Hurtigruten coastal route. An epic journey along the Norwegian coast filled with culture, adventures and Northern Lights experiences is the perfect warm up for a thrilling Arctic holiday in the Barents capital.

Sleeping in an Ice Hotel

How to get from oslo to kirkenes, amazing snowmobile tours in norway.

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Exciting To Do In Kirkenes Norway: Explore The Magic Of Norway’s North Coast

Looking for the best things to do in Kirkenes Norway? Whether you’re just visiting town on a Hurtigruten cruise, find all the Kirkenes things to do here .

Kirkenes Norway is a small town at the top of continental Europe. This thriving metropolis of 3,566 people is actually part of a greater series of towns that include Hesseng, Sandnes, and Bjornevatn that boost the population of the region to a whopping 8,000 people. But like many small towns in Norway, at its heart, there is much more to Kirkenes, Norway than meets the eye. And during our three-day stopover before leaving for our Hurtigruten Northern Lights cruise to Bergen , we were determined to discover as many things to do in Kirkenes Norway as possible.

Even in the winter, we were blessed with incredible companionship, wonderful weather, and exciting opportunities that gave us the chance to maximize our experiences in Kirkenes. And even though we suffered through lost luggage on our way up to this Arctic city, we still had some of the most memorable of all of our Norway experiences .

Where is Kirkenes Norway?

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Kirkenes Norway sits on the Russian border at the tip of northern Norway. It sits at the meeting point between the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea, making it a key port in European and Russian sea trade. Its unique position on the western curve of northern Norway means that Kirkenes is actually located east of Finland, and further east than the tip of Asia and St. Petersburg, Russia.

Because of its location north of the Arctic Circle, Kirkenes, Norway, sees the midnight sun from May 17 to July 21 and has no sunlight from November 21 to January 21. If you’re traveling to Kirkenes in winter, make sure that you pack for the cold weather . It can get cold up there.

Arriving In Kirkenes Norway

We arrived in Kirkenes in the late afternoon and caught a cab to our Go2Kirkenes apartment rental. Unfortunately, due to a mix-up and poor communication on our flight, our bags didn’t follow us from Oslo to Kirkenes. The benefit of landing in a small airport is that it’s easy to find the claims desk. The disadvantage is that the lack of regular flights to the region make it a lot more difficult to get things to you when they have been left behind.

The Kirkenes Airport is located about 20-minutes from town. Our cab ride to our Kirkenes accommodations cost us about $77 USD (624 NOK). The Kirkenes taxi had a rate calculator on its website and the amount was exact to the area that we were traveling to.

We made our way to our Go2Kirkenes apartment rental and were greeted warmly by Roar Anderson, our host for the weekend. He had set us up with some food to prepare during our stay. And, thankfully, he had some extra warm weather gear for Christina and me to wear since our long underwear and snow pants had been packed in our luggage that was still sitting in Oslo!

Besides being our host for our stay in Kirkenes, Roar also agreed to show us around and give us an insider’s glimpse into life in Kirkenes, and we are so glad he did! Here are all the things to do in Kirkenes.

What are the Top Things To Do in Kirkenes Norway?

For a small town, there are a lot of things to do in Kirkenes Norway. A lot of the attractions in Kirkenes are focused on the region’s rich WWII history. In fact, Kirkenes stands only second to the country of Malta for having experienced the most air raids in Europe during WWII.

I was shocked to learn about this, but it turns out that the city’s proximity to the Russian border and position as a key trade port during the war made it a prime target for both German and Russian forces as they grappled back and forth.

1. Borderlands Museum

Grenselandmuseet, also known as the Borderland Museum is situated on the outskirts of Kirkenes on route to the airport. It’s a great spot to visit either when arriving in Kirkenes, or leaving town. You can walk here, or, if you are visiting Kirkenes in winter, make your way on cross-country skis.

2. Nordre Namdalen Arctic Settler Home

The Nordre Namdalen Arctic Settler home is a former house turned museum dating back to 1854. The house itself is a beautiful golden wood and inside is laid out as it would when the brave arctic settlers arrived in Kirkenes originally. There is a logbook inside to record the names of visitors from around the world. C made sure to make a personal note about his adventures there.

A fascinating fact about the Arctic settlers is that they moved away from the area after getting access to electricity. Not because of heating or weather, but rather so they could get to areas that received more television channels!

3. Soviet Liberation Monument

There is a tremendous amount of WWII history in Kirkenes Norway. The city was bombed so much that there were only a handful of buildings that survived the war. Kirkenes was eventually liberated from Nazi rule by the Soviet army in 1944. The Russians are still held in high regard here due to this act.

We spent a good time admiring the monument and talking about the lessons of the war. The rest of the time was spent on lighter things, like seeing how fast our kick-sleds could travel down the steep hills near the monument.

4. Kirkenes Church

There is one church in Kirkenes Norway. It’s located at Kirkegata 5 on Meieribakken at the end of Sjogata. And this church is quite a site. Its traditional design stands out from the traditional post-WWII industrial architecture found in most of Kirkenes.

5. Andersgrotten Bomb Shelter

The Andersgrotten bomb shelter, located on Tellef Dahls Gate near the Soviet Liberation Monument is a reminder of just how bad Kirkenes suffered during the war. Visitors who aren’t on organized tours are unable to enter it, but it’s worth passing by to remember what the city endured during WWII.

6. Kirkenes Snow Hotel

The Kirkenes Snow Hotel is one of the most famous attractions in Kirkenes. It’s a popular Kirkenes port excursion for those looking for things to do in Kirkenes on their Hurtigruten shore time. The Kirkenes Snow Hotel is carved mostly from snow and ice blocks. The rooms are uniquely themed and artfully lit. The snow hotel in Kirkenes is definitely not cheap to visit, with costs of $50 USD just to visit.

But for those brave enough to spend the night here, you’ll be living in luxury. There are saunas, living rooms, and comfortable sleeping for those who don’t mind the cold. You can check out the prices and availability for staying at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel here .

7. Kirkenes Dogsled Tour

It seems that every northern destination has dog sledding as one of the top things to do. And Kirkenes is no exception! The Snowhotel also offers a Kirkenes Husky tour, and there are few places with vistas as awesome as arctic Norway to enjoy the ride. We skipped this attraction as we had already gone dog sledding in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories , and in Mont Tremblant, Quebec .

8. The Russian/Norway Border

This was something that we did completely on a whim. We were returning from our ice fishing adventure when Roar suggested that we make the 10-minute drive to the Russia/Norway border. It’s something I’m glad we did. The drive itself was beautiful, taking us along frozen lakes and rivers. And the visit to the Russian border was a neat little side trip that filled some time and gave us some laughs.

9. Snowmobiling Along Arctic Fjords

Snowmobiling in Norway is almost as popular as cross-country skiing. It seems like everyone in Kirkenes owns at least one snowmobile to help them get around. There are a number of snowmobiling tours offered. If you are on a Hurtigruten cruise, you can even book them directly from the ship.

We hadn’t been on snowmobiles since our epic Iceland journey , but when Roar asked if we wanted to join him, we weren’t going to say no! And while zipping along the fjords we saw several tours from BarrentsTours and Kirkenes Snow Hotel with large groups of riders. As you snowmobile in Kirkenes watch out for the King Crab traps that dot the ice in the Norwegian fjords. Norwegian citizens are allowed to catch 10 King Crab per year. And although the fishing is easiest during the warmer summer months, wooden structures with pulleys are still built on the ice during the winter for fishermen who want their King Crab fix in the winter.

10. Ice Fishing in Arctic Norway

Ice fishing was at the top of our list of things to do in Kirkenes Norway. C LOVES fishing, and couldn’t wait to experience ice fishing in Kirkenes. Roar roared the snowmobile across the fjord and came to a stop about a half-kilometer into the fjord. We unhooked the sled and rolled it on its side to act as a shelter against the cold Arctic wind.

We made ourselves comfortable on the reindeer hides and began the age-old ice-fishing tradition of waiting for something to bite. While we waited we drank a delicious black-currant tea popular with locals. Unlike traditional teas, the drink was exploding with fruit flavor and Christina and I drank our fill. The boys snacked on hot dogs and Kvikk Lunsj (a popular Norwegian chocolate bar).

Unfortunately for C, his thick socks were still in our luggage, which had been misplaced by the airline in Oslo. His toes became pretty cold. But luckily Roar had another treat for us. He pulled out some foot warmers (heated packets you place inside your shoes). Before long, C could feel his toes again, and his mood improved drastically.

D, on the other hand, was far more comfortable. And with the lack of action on our fishing lines, he ended up having a great nap in the comfort of the reindeer hide and the shelter of the snowmobile sled.

11. King Crab Safari on the Barents Sea

The King Crab Safari is one of the most popular Kirkenes things to do. The King Crab safari in Kirkenes takes visitors out into Varangerfjord. You’ll travel either by RIB boat or by snowmobile depending on the season to pull in the King Crab traps and cook up some amazingly fresh shellfish to feast on.

12. Watch The Northern Lights

When you’re this far north, spotting the Northern Lights is always a possibility. While Kirkenes may not be as popular as places like Tromso for Northern Lights viewing in Norway, it’s northern location makes it a great spot for viewing the Aurora. It was cloudy during our three days in Kirkenes, but a clear night means an excellent chance of viewing the polar lights in Kirkenes.

You can check out this website to see if the Northern Lights are active during your visit to Kirkenes. We did get lucky on our Northern Lights cruise and saw an incredible show in Svolvaer and on the water near Tromso.

13. Spend Time With The Locals

It takes a special type of person to brave the long winters of Arctic Norway. And one of our favorite Kirkenes things to do was spending time with locals. Our host Roar of Go2Kirkenes was wonderful and invited us to spend some time enjoying the fire with his family. We were treated to warm smiles and lots of laughs.

This special experience reminded us of why we travel with kids in the first place. Because in the end, it’s always about the people you meet along the way. Our two families spent time laughing and swapping stories while the children chased their dogs Mia and Luna.

Other Things to Do in Kirkenes, Norway

There are more Kirkenes experiences than just these things to do. Spend some time walking through the town (or use a local kick-sled if you’re visiting Kirkenes in Winter) and explore the shops, restaurants, and sights of this northern town. You can also head out of town to check out the Pasvik Nature Reserve towards the town of Nyrud.

Visiting Kirkenes With Kids

We had an incredible time visiting Kirkenes with kids. The locals were incredibly friendly and welcoming to children, and all of the activities were hands-on, active, and fun for all ages. The weather in Kirkenes can be cold, especially during the winter, so it’s important to ensure that you have proper winter gear when planning for your family travel to Kirkenes Norway.

Where to Stay Kirkenes Norway

Although it’s a small town, there are lots of options for Kirkenes accommodations. And the benefits of the town size is that no matter where you stay, you’ll never be too far from the action. Here are some of our recommendations for hotels in Kirkenes Norway.

The Thon Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Kirkenes. It’s conveniently located right on the water just a short walk from downtown. The Thon hotel offers bright, modern rooms and includes a complimentary hot breakfast.

You can check the price and availability of the Thon Hotel in Kirkenes on Booking.com here .

Scandic Hotel

The Scandic Hotel is a budget option when compared to the Thon Hotel, but its location right near the city square makes it a great option for those who want to be within a short walking distance of everything (without having to climb the big hill up from the fjord!).

You can check the price and availability of the Scandic Hotel in Kirkenes on Booking.com here .

GoToKirkenes

We opted to stay at a local apartment rental called Go2Kirkenes. We LOVED it. Our host, Roar Anderson was also our guide for many of our experiences in Kirkenes. The roomy second-floor apartment is cozy, warm, and includes a well-stocked refrigerator for preparing meals, a kitchen, and a living room. We highly recommend considering Go2Kirkenes if you are looking to stay in the city, especially for those traveling with children.

You can check the price and availability of Go2Kirkenes on Booking.com here .

We absolutely loved our time in Kirkenes, Norway, and we highly recommend those visiting the town on a Hurtigruten excursion take the time to explore and learn about this small, but exciting, town in northern Norway!

We hope you got great ideas out of our experiences. If you’ve been to Kirkenes, let us know about it in the comments below. Tell us about your favorite experiences or your best tips and tricks! You can also head to our Facebook page and share a photo of your trip with us. We would love to share in your journey!

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Thursday 14th of July 2022

Hi, I am so glad to have read your article on Kirkenes and your stay with Roar because I was about to reserve my stay with him also. May I know, for all the guiding services he provided you, taking you on all sorts of activities, what price did it cost? Our family of four adults are planning to visit Kirkenes this December. Thank you so much!

Kevin Wagar

Tuesday 2nd of August 2022

Our experience was a few years ago, so his prices may have changed since then, but I'm sure if you reach out to him you can get all of the price breakdowns for your visit.

He's a fantastic guy and I know you'll have lots of fun.

ROHIZANI YAAKUB

Friday 1st of November 2019

Interesting read. We will be going to Kirkenes, spend a few days there, and take the southbound Hurtigruten this coming Nov/Dec. Really very excited. Tq for the nice write up.

Thursday 17th of October 2019

Beautiful crabs Hi went on this adventure today with king crab safaris and it was great especially the crab legs after. The crew provided us with the weather proof gear and ensured all were safe and snug. Took us to the crab pots and explained the process. We learnt of how the crabs are not native to the area and did a huge amount of environmental damage before being utilised in the tourist industry. Win win

Thanks for those great details Chad. The crab fishing is definitely something that draws a lot of attention in Kirkenes.

Thursday 30th of May 2019

Wow!!! I just love snow. Really great idea to enjoy some leisure period. Fantastic thinking. Can't wait anymore really. Keep this up. Thanks for sharing.

If you love snow, you'll feel right at home up in Kirkenes!

Chris Devert

Saturday 20th of October 2018

DO read "We Die Alone" by David Howarth A WWII Epic Of Escape And Endurance in Northern Norway

Sunday 21st of October 2018

Thanks Chris! It's always great to delve deeper into the regions we travel to. For those interested, here's a link to the book: https://wanderingwagars.com/product/1599210630/US/anderinagars-20/

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Observe striking nature during the day and stay at the Snow Hotel at night

The small town of Kirkenes (pop. 3,300) lies just a few miles from the Russian and Finnish borders. Because of the town’s location, the Russian Revolution, Finnish immigration and World War II have all left permanent marks here. To learn more these periods of history, visit the Grenselandsmuseet (Border Country Museum), which tells the story of war and peace along the border, or the Andersgrotta Cave, a vast underground bunker that sheltered the town's residents during WWII.

The Snow Hotel, located just outside of town, is another of the town's biggest attractions with its remarkable architecture and hand-crafted ice sculptures. Kirkenes is also the northern end of the popular Norwegian Coastal Voyage, which cruises daily along the coastline to and from Bergen.

Here in the Kirkenes area you will also find an assortment of natural experiences awaiting you: fjords, mountains, forests, lakes, northern lights in the winter and the midnight sun in the summer. Visitors can also join a guided snowmobile tour into the Pasvik Valley, reaching the point where the three countries and three time zones meet, or participate in a king crab safari on the Barents Sea with local fishermen.

Snowhotel Kirkenes - ©visitnorway.com / TerjeRakke - Nordic Life

Tourists with King Crabs - ©visitnorway.com / TerjeRakke - Nordic Life

Snowmobiling in Kirkenes - ©visitnorway.com / Terje Rakke - Nordic Life

King Crab Safari in Kirkenes in Norway - ©visitnorway.com / Terje Rakke - Nordic Life

Snowhotel in Kirkenes - ©visitnorway.com / Terje Rakke - Nordic Life

Tours including Kirkenes (Norway)

You could experience Kirkenes (Norway) through any one of these tours below.

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10 things you may not know about Kirkenes

Located at the far northeast corner of Norway, the capital of the Barents region is a small but mighty impressive place! Kirkenes is popular with travelers, both domestic and international, all year long — for a variety of reasons that span from its fantastic, wild environs, to its multicultural allure, rich history and authentic Arctic living.

Get to know this gem of a destination a bit better with these 10 facts:

Kirkenes is the best place to fish — and taste — King Crabs!

This gigantic, almost alien-looking crab species has been a sought-after delicacy in the area since the ‘80s. You can taste King Crab dishes in many restaurants in and around Kirkenes, or head out to Varangerfjord on a King Crab safari and try your luck at catching them yourself!

Norway’s largest brown bear population awaits nearby!

The valley of Pasvikdalen, at the south part of the municipality, is worth a visit for its protected primeval forests alone. But perhaps its most important inhabitants are the bears who call this 100 km-long valley home: the brown bear population here is the largest in the country and they can often be spotted in springtime when they emerge from hibernation.

You can find signs in different languages all around town…

Kirkenes may only have a population of 3,529, but being just a stone’s throw away from the Finnish and Russian borders, it has had a multicultural population for centuries. As such, you can spot signs in many different languages all around town!

…and walk up to the cairn where three countries meet

Speaking of the Finnish and Russian borders: if you visit Pasvikdalen and follow the trail (it’s well-marked), you can actually find the border cairn where Norway, Russia and Finland meet. Just make sure to stay on the Norwegian, or the Finnish side!

Kirkenes was the last part of Norway to become Norwegian…

For all its rich history, or precisely because of it, Kirkenes is technically the newest area in Norway to be proclaimed officially Norwegian: it joined the kingdom in 1826.

…and the first to be liberated after WWII!

During WWII, the town’s proximity to the Russian border made it a key target across the board — and sadly, this resulted in Kirkenes becoming the most bombed city in all of Europe’s mainland. But it was also the first part of Norway to be liberated once the tide of the war changed! You can learn more about the town’s fascinating WWII history at the Andersgrotta museum.

The Polar Nights here last exactly two months

If you haven’t been lucky enough to experience the magical blue light of the Polar Nights, when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, Kirkenes is a great place to do so: here the Polar Nights last from November 21 to January 21.

You can catch the Aurora Borealis

And while we’re on the subject of magical lights: Kirkenes may not be as popular as Tromso or Alta when it comes to Northern Lights viewing, but it still offers many opportunities to spot them, thanks to its frequently clear skies. So make sure to look up!

There’s frozen trees to explore…

Winter in the area around Kirkenes means that some of the forests, particularly the Taiga, become frozen solid. Traversing through them on your skis or on a dog sled will make you feel like you’ve entered a different, enchanted realm!

…and a snow hotel that is open all year round!

If, after all this, you’re still yearning for enchanted realms, the Kirkenes Snow Hotel will instantly transport you into a frozen wonderland. In summer, the snow hotel is preserved using innovative cooling methods, so you can experience the ice magic even in July.

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Kirkenes region

The Arctic Experience

From the northernmost border of Finland starts Kirkenes region in Norway. In Kirkenes visitors have an opportunity to experience the amazing Arctic Ocean, mountains carved by the ice age, and exciting king crab safaris around the year. During the summer under the midnight sun and in the winter under the northern lights. Other popular activities in Kirkenes region are river boat trips, snowmobiling and husky sledding. A night in Snow Hotel Kirkenes is once in the lifetime experience!

Kirkenes region located on the shores of Varanger fjord has several unique destinations: Kirkenes town, Bugøynes village, The Pasvik Valley and for example the villages of Neiden and Grense Jakobselv.

Bugøynes is a beautiful little fishing village and a center of king crab fishing. Have a taste of the Arctic Ocean delicacies in popular Bygøynes Bistro. The world-famous Barents Sauna is also located in the village by the shoreline. Enjoy the gentle warmth of the sauna and dip your toes or swim in the Arctic Ocean.

The 100-kilometre long Pasvik Valley has several protected primeval forests and wetland areas which make the flora and fauna there unique and diverse.

Neiden is the center of Skolt Sámi culture in Norway. Visit The Skolt Sámi Museum in Neiden and learn about the indigenous history of Kirkenes region.

The Grense Jakobselv is the easternmost fishing village in Norway and King Oscar II’s Chapel is worth visiting during the arctic summer. On the way to the village, you will pass the oldest mountain range of Norway.

In the Varanger fjord area you can find bird nesting cliffs rising from the sea, authentic fishing villages and rugged highlands.

Bugøynes is a beautiful fishing village situated approx. 100 km west of Kirkenes. As the village was not burnt by the Germans during World War II, many old buildings are preserved. Bugøynes has strong cultural influences from the many Finns who migrated here in the late 19th century, and is often referred to as “Little Finland”. Bugøynes is a centre in Norway for the commercial fishery of king crabs, which are exported live around the world.

How to get there

It is 100 km from Kirkenes to Bugøynes. Follow the E6 towards Tana. After 80 km turn right (signposted). 20 km more and you are there.

The Pasvik Valley

Close to the borders of Norway, Russia and Finland, the Pasvik Valley (Pasvikdalen) stretches south of Kirkenes to the Three-country cairn (Treriksrøysa) in the south. The 100 km-long valley has large areas of pine and birch forest, as well as several protected primeval forest and wetland areas. Pasvik has a rich and diverse flora and fauna, and is known as the meeting place for species from east and west. Norway’s densest brown bear population lives in the valley, while more than 220 bird species have been observed here. The Pasvik River runs through the valley forming the border between Norway and Russia. The river continues south through the Øvre Pasvik National Park to its source, Lake Inari in Finland.

The easiest way to reach the Pasvik Valley is by car or bike. Follow the E6 highway to Hesseng and then take route 885. This road leads 100 km up to Nyrud passing farms and small villages along the way. You will find places to stay at Svanhovd, Melkefoss and Vaggetem.

Neiden is a fascinating small village situated near the Finnish border approx. 40 km west from Kirkenes. The people in Neiden have their history and origin from Skoltesami. Neiden, which lies along the Neiden River, consists of two villages: Neiden on the Norwegian side and Näätämö on the Finnish side.

Neiden is located along the road E6. Follow the E6 towards Tana 40 km from Kirkenes.

Grense Jakobselv

Grense Jakobselv is a green valley 60 km east of Kirkenes. In the river runs the eastern border and on the way there you drive past Norway’s oldest mountain formation. This is a popular tourist spot during the summer months, and is a perfect place to experience the summer in the arctic.

From Kirkenes, follow the E6 to Hesseng. At the roundabout, follow the road towards Russia E105. At Storskog, turn left and follow road 886 to Grense Jakobselv. The road is signposted completely from Hesseng. The road is closed for the winter from Vintervollen (30 km before Grense Jakobselv) from Oct – May. In winter only accessible by snowmobile.

In the far north and as far east as you can go in Norway, where the sky meets the sea, lies Varanger, bathed in the midnight sun and the northern lights of winter. Here the wild landscape meanders through bird-nesting cliffs,  fishing villages, and rugged highlands – out to the end of the world.

Nature offers rivers teeming with fish, snow-clad plains, exotic king crabs, birds breeding in spring, leaping salmon, the shining sea, and dancing northern lights. People and traditions make Varanger an Arctic melting pot of communities and cultures. Varanger is a different experience.  Scenery and settlements, the light, the colors, the lofty sky and wide horizon, exciting activities – and the open people.

It’s possible to drive all the way to Varanger, regardless if you come by car, mobile home, or motorcycle. The European route E6 runs through the region and ends in Kirkenes, close to the Russian border.

All roads are open year-round, but some passes might close for short periods in winter.

Part of the northernmost roadtrip

Must visit in kirkenes region, borderland museum in kirkenes.

160,000 soldiers, 10,000 civilians, 1000 air raid sirens and 328 air raids: the theatre of war in Sør-Varanger during the Second World War was played out on a grand scale. Everything is explained at the Borderland Museum (Grenselandmuseet) in Kirkenes, with an emphasis on how people experienced the events as they unfolded.

Waterfall “Skoltefossen” in Neiden

Skoltefossen is located in the middle of the village. The road E6 crosses Neidenelva. Park by the bridge and go to Skoltfossen which goes right under the bridge. If you are lucky you can see the salmon on their tour upstream (June-Aug).

Skolt sámi Museum in Neiden

The museums permanent exhibition  The Skolt Sámi Land  is a historical journey. It consists of 300 objects exhibited over 200 sqm. The exhibition area is divided into three rooms: The People, The Land and The World.  Each room offers a different perspective and insight, and together they aim to tell thecomplex history of the Skolt Sámi’s.

St. George’s Chapel in Neiden

​The tradition tells that the monk Trifon built chapels in the Pasvik and Neiden Siidas in 1565. The existing building in Neiden was named St.George’s chapel and is probably a few hundred years old. Inside the chapel there is an altarpiece, an altar and several icons.

Svanhovd in Pasvik Valley

A popular destination for unique experiences in the Pasvik Valley. Here, you find the Visitor Centre for Øvre Pasvik National Park, Botanical Garden and Conference Centre. The Visitor Centre has an exhibition about the unique environment, culture and history of the Pasvik Valley and one can learn more about the virgin forest in the National Park and the most distinctive bird and animal species that live here.

Height 96, Border observation tower

If you continue 6 km south of Svanvik along route 885, you will see an old border observation tower on a small hill by the road. From the top of this tower, there are good views of Pasvikdalen. There is a mini café with souvenir sales during the summer months.

Øvre Pasvik National Park

The Park has Norway’s northernmost primeval forest, and the national park is a mosaic of old-growth forest and water. The area is located in the northwest corner of the Siberian taiga. Here are eastern species that do not occur elsewhere in the country. A walk to Treriksrøysa and Ellenvanskoia is popular. For more info contact the Visitor Center for the National Park.

Beach at the Barents sea

Where the road ends you will find a parking lot and incredibly nice views of the Barents Sea. If the weather is clear, you can look over to the Varanger Peninsula. The midnight sun can be observed here in the evening so we recommend this as an evening trip or overnight trip. If you are really lucky you can see Beluga whales. You are guaranteed a great nature experience with lots of wildlife and many different bird species. Bathing is recommended even if the water rarely has more than 10 ℃

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Welcome to Kirkenes

Welcome to Kirkenes, a fascinating Arctic destination situated at 69° north, in the northern part of Norway. Kirkenes offers a unique blend of pristine nature and a rich cultural heritage waiting to be explored.

Discover a city that seamlessly merges modern lifestyle with authentic Arctic traditions. Kirkenes is a crucial hub for transportation, knowledge, and thrilling Arctic experiences. Here, the Sami, Kven, and Norwegians live in harmony, sharing their rich cultural heritage.

Just minutes from the city center, you can experience an unparalleled stillness and silence found only in this part of the world. Kirkenes is also renowned for being an excellent place to witness the magical Northern Lights, especially from September to March. Don’t miss the Polar Nights, which last from late November to mid-January, or the endless summer nights under the Midnight Sun from mid-May to late July.

Explore the majestic Arctic nature, enjoy exciting activities, and immerse yourself in our Arctic way of life, where nature and culture coexist harmoniously.

Kirkenes is also famous for its delicious king crab. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste this delicacy while in Kirkenes.

Welcome to Kirkenes, where your Arctic adventure awaits!

How to get to Kirkenes

Located in northeastern Norway, is a captivating town renowned for its Arctic landscapes and cultural heritage. Here are some ways to reach Kirkenes:

• By Air: Kirkenes Høybuktmoen Airport (KKN) offers regular flights from major Norwegian cities like Oslo, Tromsø, and Bergen. International travelers can find connecting flights through Oslo.
• By Train and Ferry: Take the scenic Nordlandsbanen from Oslo or Trondheim to Bodø, then catch travel with Hurtigruten or Havila to Kirkenes. This option showcases Norway’s coastal landscapes.
• By Road: Kirkenes is accessible via the E6 highway, connecting it to major Norwegian cities. You can drive from cities like Tromsø, Alta, or even Oslo. Note that winter road conditions can be challenging, so check reports before traveling.
• By Sea: Embark on the famous Hurtigruten or Havila coastal voyage, which includes Kirkenes as its final port of call on the northbound journey from Bergen.
• Via Finland: Travel to Kirkenes via Finland by flying to Ivalo Airport (IVL) or Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) in Finland. From there, you can continue your journey by car, bus, or taxi, crossing the border into Norway.

Prepare for a remarkable adventure as you journey to Kirkenes and immerse yourself in the Arctic wonders that await you.

Our members

• Things to do
• Accommodation
• Transportation

Booking Kirkenes

Our company Booking Kirkenes (Pasvikturist AS) was founded inb 1990. We offer local excursions all year round and run a booking office and gift shop in the center of Kirkenes. We provide also Tourist office service including free maps and general information about the area. Our local staff can help you during your stay in Kirkenes.

Visit their website

Neiden Fjellstue

Head into the wild. With us you can experience natural adventures in the wilderness and you can even camp in the wild.

Deep sea fishing – salmon fishing in Neiden river – icefishing in the mountain lakes.

Hunt for Aurora Borealis: with snowshoes, skiing or transport with snowmobile.

Visit Bugøynes

Bugøynes is a small fishing village located in northern Norway locating on the gleaming shores of Varangerfjord. It is known as a wonderful destination for excursions, its unique and relaxed atmosphere, and its hospitality.  Explore, meditate, pick seashells from the village shores. Kirkenes and the Finnish border are only 1h drive away.

Barents buss

Barents Buss AS is located in Kirkenes. We offer all kind of transportation, touring, transfers, sightseeing and group trips. We also run an airport bus between Kirkenes airport and hotels in town.

Barents Safari

“Great Adventures in Norwegian Lapland since 1996”

Summer: riverboat safari, King Crab safari, ATV tours, E-bike tours

Winter: Snowmobile tours, King Crab Safari, Northern light tours

Kirkenes Taxi AS

Kirkenes Taxi is a taxi company located in Kirkenes, with 10 ordinary cars and 4 maxitaxi´s. We provide a comfortable, safe, and personal transportation. We also offer taxi tours to various sights in the area and tours to spot the northern lights.

Amundsen Bakery & Patisserie is a family owned bakery with several generations over almost 30 years. They serve delicious cakes, pastries, sandwiches, salads, smoothies. Everyone made daily in their bakery. Located in the heart of Kirkenes.

BIRK offers husky excursions, ice fishing, snowmobile tours, hiking, birding, dog sled and others. We offer local Food as well served in Our Sami lavvu or for larger Groups in Our unique Viking long house.  Accommodation in our guesthouse or  cabins. We are a small family business and all meals and activities must be pre booked.

Arctic Outlaws

SKI EXPEDITION & WINTER CAMPING FOR EVERYONE. We are dedicated to helping visitors get safe, insightful, and unique Ski Expedition & Winter Camping Experiences, with camaraderie, sharing, and fun as the driving force. Arctic Outlaws offer day-tours, multiple-day tours, and tailormade tours.

Visitor Centre Øvre Pasvik National Park

Svanhovd is a popular destination for unique experiences in the Pasvik Valley. Here, you find the Visitor Centre for Øvre Pasvik National Park, Botanical Garden, accommodation, food and Conference Centre.

Eight Seasons

Eight Seasons offers experiences and accommodation. Neiden and the neiden area can offer many great experiences, such as salmon fishing in the Neiden river, sea fishing in the Neiden fjord, hunting, bird watching to name a few. In the Sami people’s culture, the year is divided into eight seasons. We want to offer experiences within all eight seasons.

Ä’vv Skolt Sámi museum

Ä’vv conveys the little known history of the Skolt Sámi, the area’s indigenous people. The Skolt Sámi land is divided between three countries; Norway, Finland and Russia, and the Skolt Sámi number less than 2000. They have a distinct culture and language. In our exhibition Saa’mijânnam Skolt Sámi Land, visitors can experience  Skolt Sámi history from the ice age and until today.

Varanger Brygge

Varanger Brygge is a family business that was established in 2020. Through the establishment, we want to facilitate tourist fishing in and around the Varangerfjord. This with locations that contribute to the tourists being able to get out to fishing spots around the Varangerfjord and where they have opportunities to acquire trophy and species fishing from the fjord.

Thon Hotel Kirkenes

Thon Hotel Kirkenes is a new and modern hotel, located near the harbor in the center of Church. We offer comfortable rooms with all amenities and modern conveniences. From our restaurant and bar you have a spectacular view of the fjord and we serve local dishes and drinks. We also have a large conference room, gym and outdoor terrace. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to book a room.

Snowhotel Kirkenes

The Snowhotel is idyllically located by the fjord in the secluded Sandnesdalen. In addition to accommodation in the snow hotel, unique cabins and exclusive culinary experiences, we offer first-class Arctic excursions all year round. With us you can go on a king crab safari, husky tour (dog sled), snowmobile safari, ice fishing and much more. We have been offering adventures to the whole world since 2006.

Our small business offers: King crab safari, fishing in the fjord and in the Barents Sea and more. Get in touch for an unforgettable experience.

Email: [email protected]

Scandic Kirkenes

Welcome to Scandic Kirkenes, the hotel that won the award for the county’s best hotel breakfast in 2017! The hotel is centrally located, close to the Snow Hotel and the Varanger museum. Take a trip on snowmobiles, ATVs or dog sleds along the Russian border. Flexible meeting and conference facilities. Why not finish off with a session at our spa, which offers a swimming pool and a sauna?

Link: Visit their website

Borderlandsmuseum

South Varanger Museum narrates the complex border history of South Varanger, a multicultural community with Finland to the west and Russia to the east. The main building, the Borderland Museum, lies by the E6, the main road leading in to Kirkenes. The outdoor area contains a turf hut, a small open pit quarry for children with elements from the ore industry; a full-scale copy of the labyrinth at Holemgrå.

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The Hidden North

North European travel guide

Find our guides, road-trips and self-guided walks on our store!

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Population 3,500 / 69.4 degrees north

Kirkenes, norway.

Welcome to the end of Norway! Kirkenes is only a short drive from the Russian border and is further east than all of Finland, Istanbul and St. Petersburg. 

Fun Facts About Kirkenes

Latitude: 69.4 degrees north

Population: 3,500

Sami Name: Girkonjárga

Hottest Month:  July

Coldest Month:  February

Wettest Month:  October

Windiest Month:  February

Annual Precipitation: 228mm

Sør-Varanger Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Things to see & do.

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kirkenes

Andersgrotta

Andersgrotta is a bomb shelter from World War II. 

Borderland Museum

This wonderful museum tells the history of the relationship between Norway, Finland and Russia. The exhibition on World War II is excellent. 

Kirkenes Guides

Find guides to Kirkenes on our online store. 

Narvik to Kirkenes on the E6

Hikes, day trips & experiences.

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

King Crab Safari

Kirkenes is known for its King Crab, so taking an excursion out to catch some is a must!

King OScar II Chapel

The King Oscar II Chapel is a unique historic church located on the Russian border. 

Skoltebyen in Neiden

Skoltebyen is a cultural heritage site for the Skolt Sami. 

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Kirkenes

Kirkenes to Vardø on the E6 & E75

Follow the four hour drive from Kirkenes to Vardø, via Varangerbotn and Vadsø. I did this drive in September 2023 and was blown away by how beautiful and rugged it is. The Varanger peninsula is one of the most beautiful places I’ve driven. 

Lakselv to Kirkenes on the E6

Follow this road along the popular E6 highway. 

Self-Guided Walks

No self-guided walks are currently available for Kirkenes

Kirkenes on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Kirkenes

Uniquely Kirkenes

Here are some things that you must do and try in Kirkenes

Monument to the soviet soldier

Not many places in the world have monuments for Soviet soldiers these days, least of all in Norway. But Kirkenes was liberated by the Soviets, hence the memorial. 

Kong Oscar II Chapel

Make the one hour drive out to the border with Russia (you will be able to see Russia!) to visit this unique little chapel built to represent Norwegian sovereignty over the area. 

History of Kirkenes

The area was Kirkenes was a common Norwegian-Russian district until 1826, when the current border was settled. The first church was built in Kirkenes in 1862. 

Kirkenes was heavily damaged during World War II and the entire town had to be rebuilt.

Kirkenes Today

The majority of people in Kirkenes are of a Norwegian background, and a minority are Sami. About 500 people are recent Russian immigrants. 

Since Kirkenes is close to the Russian border, this has had a big influence on the local economy. Ever since the invasion Ukraine, Russia has been largely cut off from Kirkenes and this has had a major impact on the economy. 

Just outside of Kirkenes is the Garrison Sor-Varanger, a large military base. 

Travel Information

Getting here.

Fly: Kirkenes Airport has direct flights to Oslo as well as flights to many of the small fishing villages. 

Drive:  Kirkenes is located at the end of the E6 highway. 

Train: No train access

Ferry:  Kirkenes is the turning point for Norway’s coastal ferry. 

Getting Around

Kirkenes is walkable. 

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Quick Bites

Reasonable Restaurants

High End & Unique Eats

Places to Stay

All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences. 

Kirkenes Camping is located outside of town but is the only option for campers.

Cabins & B&Bs

Sollia Gjestegård is a B&B/cabin site that was constructed as a tuberculosis sanatorium. 

Chains & Mid-Range

Kirkenes has both a Scandic Hotel and a Thon Hotel. 

Scandic Hotel: Click here to view rates & book

Thon Hotel: Click here to view rates & book

High End & Unique Properties

Kirkenes Snow Hotel is a must. You can stay in one of their snow rooms, or you can rent a regular cabin. They have meals included and run excursions throughout the year. 

I stayed in the cabin during my most recent visit and it was one of the best places I’ve stayed. That said, you will need a car if you plan on exploring the area.

Click here to view rates & book

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

Polar night until 15 January

Average Temperature: -10C (14F)

Sunrise: 7:32am

Sunset: 2:56pm

Average Temperature: -9.9C (14F)

Sunrise: 5:23am

Sunset: 4:55pm

Average Temperature: -5.6C (22F)

Sunrise: 3:59am

Sunset: 8:03pm

Average Temperature: -0.8C (31F)

Sunrise: 12:58am

Sunset: 11:04pm

Average Temperature: 4.3C (40F)

Midnight sun

Average Temperature: 8.7C (48F)

Midnight sun until 27 July

Average Temperature: 12.4C (55F)

Sunrise: 2:57am

Sunset: 9:06pm

Average Temperature: 11C (52F)

Sunrise: 5:11am

Sunset: 6:36pm

Average Temperature: 7C (45F)

Sunrise: 7:09am

Sunset: 4:19pm

Average Temperature: 1.2C (34F)

Sunrise: 8:40am

Sunset: 12:46pm

Average Temperature: -4.4C (24F)

Polar night

Average Temperature: -7C (19F)

All Posts About Kirkenes

The Skolt Sami & Skoltebyen in Neiden

Learn about the Skolt Sami Culture at the Cultural Heritage Site Skoltebyen in Neiden.

The King Oscar II Chapel in Grense Jakobselv

Learn about this fascinating chapel on the border with Russia

Drive it Yourself: Kirkenes to Vardø via the E6 and E75

This guide crosses the far-north of Norway from Kirkenes to Vardø via the Varangerfjord and Varanger peninsula.

Drive it Yourself: Lakselv to Kirkenes on the E6

This is the last stretch of the E6 in Norway.

Andersgrotta, the Bomb Shelter Beneath Kirkenes

A remnant of World War II in Kirkenes town centre.

The History of Kirkenes

Read about the history of Kirkenes, Norway’s border town.

Kirkenes Photo Diary