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Kirkenes

Nestled in the Arctic Circle, Kirkenes is a charming town in Norway where the northern lights dance across the sky. Explore the stunning landscapes by dog sled or visit the nearby Russian border. Don't forget to warm up with a traditional meal of bacalao before heading out to hunt for trolls in the surrounding forest.

Recommendations

Culture4.4/5

Varanger Museum, avd. Sør-Varanger

Step into Varanger Museum in Kirkenes for a cultural journey through the history of Sør-Varanger. Explore exhibits on mining, Sami culture, and WWII. Don't miss the outdoor displays showcasing traditional buildings and boats. A must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike!

Eat$$$4/5

Ritz

Looking for a cozy place to rest your head in Kirkenes, Norway? Look no further than Ritz on Dr. Wessels gate 17! With comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a convenient location near the city center, this hotel is the perfect spot for your Norwegian adventures. Don't forget to grab a bite at their on-site restaurant!

Eat$$$4.7/5

Aurora Restobar

Nestled in the Arctic town of Kirkenes, Aurora Restobar is a cozy spot to warm up and refuel after a day of exploration. The menu boasts traditional Norwegian dishes with a modern twist, and the friendly staff will make you feel right at home. Don't miss the chance to catch the northern lights from their panoramic windows!

Eat$$$4.4/5

Surf & Turf Restaurant AS

Looking for a taste of the ocean and the pasture? Look no further than Surf & Turf Restaurant AS in Kirkenes, Norway. Located on Dr. Wessels gate 2, this lively spot serves up the best of both worlds with a variety of seafood and meat dishes that will satisfy every craving. Don't miss out on this culinary adventure!

Stays

Stay$$$$4.35/5

Thon Hotel Kirkenes

This central Kirkenes hotel is on the shore of Bøkfjorden, 900 metres from Hurtigruten Ferry Terminal. It offers free Wi-Fi and an à la carte restaurant with a seasonal menu. Each room at Thon Hotel Kirkenes has a TV, minibar and private bathroom with shower. Most rooms provide fjord views. Hotel Kirkenes offers organised activities such as snowmobile safaris, dog sledding trips and bear tracking. Thon Kirkenes is about 5 minutes’ walk from Andersgrotta Museum, a World War II bomb shelter.

Stay$$$4/5

Scandic Kirkenes

This hotel is 150 metres from Dr. Wessels gate pedestrian street and 2 km from the Hurtigruten Cruise Ship Terminal. It offers free WiFi and a relaxation department. The air-conditioned rooms at Scandic Kirkenes feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels, wooden floors and a minibar. Some rooms have tea/coffee facilities. Relaxation options include an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a solarium. Bicycle rental is available for guests who want to explore the area on wheels. Â la carte dishes and drinks are available each day in the relaxing atmosphere of Arctic Restaurant & Bar. A buffet breakfast is available each morning. Free private parking is available on site. Kirkenes Airport Høybuktmoen is 12 km away.

Stay$2.55/5

Barents Breakfast Hotell AS

Located in the town of Kirkenes on Bøkfjorden, this bed and breakfast is just 100 metres from the town’s main street. Barents Frokosthotell offers free Wi-Fi.. Each bedroom at Barents Frokosthotell is simply decorated in bright or neutral tones and comes with a TV. Some rooms have a private bathroom, and those with shared bathroom facilities have an in-room wash basin. The property has a guest lounge and a breakfast area, and a kettle can be found on each floor for guest use. Barents Frokosthotell is within a 5-minute walk of a variety of restaurants and cafés. From Kirkenes guests can organise a variety of activity trips including husky safaris, king crab fishing and snowmobile trips. The Russian border is only 8 km from the town. Kirkenes Airport Høybuktmoen is 12 km away.

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

2 h 30 mins

Spy tour to the Norwegian Russian Border by Minivan

Explore the hidden stories of espionage in Arctic Norway on this unique tour near the Russian border. Delve into Cold War relics and modern espionage tales as you pass key locations linked to spy swaps and border defectors. Your expert guide will share real-life accounts of intelligence operations while you navigate through military watchtowers and docks. This tour offers a rare glimpse into one of NATO's secretive frontiers, making it an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. - Duration: 2.5 hours - Small group size: Max. 7 people - Accessible to families and individuals with easy physical requirements - Transportation included; bring your EU ID card or passport

$181.39

5/5

3 h

Russian Border Hike in Kirkenes Explore Norway Frontier

Discover the only guided hike in Norway that takes you directly to the border markers between Norway and Russia. This unique trek through birch forests and open tundra offers insight into the region's Cold War history and stunning views of the Pasvik River and the Boris Gleb Church across the border. With opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy a hot drink at a viewpoint, this 3-hour tour is perfect for those seeking adventure and knowledge in a small group setting. - Pickup from Kirkenes is included, making it convenient for visitors. - Hike to the official Norwegian–Russian border markers - Learn about WWII and Cold War history, contemporary geopolitics and local culture from your guide - Enjoy scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities - Suitable for moderate fitness levels - The morning tour is compatible with Hurtigruten and Havila schedules

$181.39

5/5

3 h 30 mins

Russian Border Snowshoe Hike

Explore the intriguing history of the Norwegian-Russian border on this engaging snowshoe hike. Traverse the scenic 3 km loop through the Arctic wilderness, passing historical sites like the old guard tower and the iconic Boris Gleb church. Learn about Cold War tensions and observe modern border crossings while standing just meters from Russia. Perfect for those with moderate fitness levels, this tour welcomes both beginners and seasoned hikers alike, requiring no prior snowshoeing experience. - Scenic 3.5-hour snowshoe hike from Kirkenes - Visit historic border markers and learn about local history - Suitable for all fitness levels; no prior experience necessary - Includes warm drinks, snacks, and snowshoes with a knowledgeable guide

$213.40

5/5

6 h

WW2 Torpedo Battery Snowshoe Hike

Discover a hidden piece of history with a snowshoe hike to a World War II German torpedo battery near Bøkfjord. This unique experience takes you through untouched Arctic landscapes, where you’ll explore remnants of the past, including concrete structures and tunnels built by Polish prisoners of war. Enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness as you hike for 3-4 hours, guided by an expert who shares the captivating stories of wartime Kirkenes. Warm up with hot drinks and snacks as you take in the historical significance of the site before making your way back. - Hike through pristine Arctic landscapes to a hidden WWII site - Explore the untouched torpedo battery and learn about its history - Enjoy warm drinks and snacks amid the ruins - Guided tour for small groups (2-7 pax) with flexible timing

$426.80

4.3/5

20 mins

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Kirkenes: City between East and West

Kirkenes has experienced an incredible journey through the ages. On this audio tour you’ll come to know this beautiful city’s proud history, from the time of the Skolt Sami language, to its evolution into a mining town, to the destruction of the city during World War 2. Today Kirkenes is an international melting pot that enjoys a friendly coexistence with those across the border in Russia. In this VoiceMap-story from Kirkenes, join Lars Engerengen on a tour through the history of Kirkenes. He will guide you from the port to the church in the middle of the city centre. You’ll hear about the city during the war, the Sydvaranger Mine Company and some Russian spies. Most of all you’ll hear about the friendly relationship between the Russians and the Norwegians. The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

$7.36

13 h 30 mins

King Crab Experience to Norway from Saariselkä

Journey from Saariselkä across the Arctic landscapes to Kirkenes on Norway’s Barents Sea coast. Head out by snowmobile sleigh for a true King Crab experience, where you’ll catch, cook and taste fresh king crab straight from the Arctic waters. On the return journey, stop by Lake Sevettijärvi to enjoy traditional sautéed reindeer soup before heading back to Saariselkä.

$466.75

12 h 30 mins

King Crab Safari and visit a Snowhotel from Saariselkä

This Arctic King Crab Safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch and feast on one of the ocean’s most prized delicacies in its natural habitat. Whether cruising on a RIB boat in summer or gliding across the frozen sea on a snowmobile sledge in winter, the experience adapts to the season, giving you an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Combined with a visit to the magical Snowhotel and a freshly prepared King Crab meal served in a cozy seaside restaurant, this tour is the perfect blend of nature, culture, and cuisine curated just for you.

$733.96

3 h

Private Shore Tour: Pasvik Valley & National Park from Kirkenes

Discover one of Europe’s last wilderness areas on this 3-hour private shore tour from Kirkenes Cruise Terminal. With dramatic views along the Russian border and the untouched beauty of the Siberian Taiga forest, the Pasvik Valley offers a rare combination of stunning landscapes and fascinating history. Travel in comfort with your private local guide and vehicle, enjoying personalized commentary and several scenic stops. Learn about the unique flora and fauna, including the brown bear population, and explore the cultural heritage of this remote region. This short yet immersive experience is perfect for nature lovers and curious travelers alike.

$1,012.63

4 h

Summer-Autumn Private Shore Tour: Arctic Beach Adventure

Discover the raw beauty of Norway’s far north on this exclusive summer–autumn private shore tour. Travel through striking fjords and the oldest mountains in Norway before reaching the tiny village of Grense Jakobselv, located on the very edge of Europe. Here, the Arctic Ocean meets a golden sandy beach, just across a narrow river from Russia. Along the way, admire King Oscar II’s chapel from 1869, the vicar’s house, and fertile valleys that contrast with dramatic coastal scenery. At the beach, enjoy a hot beverage, stroll along the sand, and, if you’re daring enough, dip into the icy Arctic waters. This unique journey offers nature, history, and unforgettable views of the High North. Available: 01.06 – 30.09

$1,141.08

3 h

Northern Lights Small Group Tour around Kirkenes

Our small-group minivan tours offer a personal and relaxed way to experience the Arctic night. Passionate local guides take you beyond the Northern Lights, sharing fascinating stories about Sør-Varanger’s nature, culture, and history while searching for the best possible viewing conditions.

$266.75

3 h

Winter E-Bike Tour in Norway's Most Picturesque Landscapes

This guided e-fatbike tour takes you through snowy forests, across frozen lakes and plateaus, and along quiet winter trails. The wide tires provide stability on snow and ice, while the electric assist helps you move through the terrain and handle small climbs. Along the way, we share insights into local nature, wildlife, and everyday life in the Kirkenes region. You may come across animal tracks in the snow and, with a bit of luck, spot reindeer in the area. We make short stops at scenic spots for photos and a break, where you can enjoy a hot drink. Routes may vary depending on weather, snow conditions, and the group’s fitness level.