Kirkenes
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Be on the lookout for the northern lights – and local road signs in Russian. The fascinating town of Kirkenes is just a few kilometres from the Russian border. Embark on a king crab safari, go dog sledding, or sleep in a snow hotel.
This small town is a cultural melting pot of Norwegian, Sami, Finnish, and Russian influences. Be sure to pack a balaclava and warm mittens, and get ready for arctic activities that are unique to the region.
The dry and clear winter climate increases the chance to experience the northern lights (more than in other coastal cities). Head out of town with a professional guide on a snowmobile, and hunt for the northern lights in the Siberian Taiga forest in the Pasvikdalen valley. The area is home to unique bird life and Norway’s densest population of brown bears.
If you are the adventurous type, a husky safari is strongly recommended.
Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents Region, and the Barents Sea is one of the world's best areas for deep sea fishing. Join a RIB tour out on the open sea, and get a chance to experience an abundance of wildlife, including eagles, seals and marine birds. Catch your own lunch on a king crab safari on the frozen fjord, and indulge in a crab feast afterwards!
Another unique experience to tick off on your bucket list is to spend a night in a hotel made of snow. Wrapped in warm expedition-style sleeping bags, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable night at the Snowhotel Kirkenes, whether you're there with your partner or your whole family.
A stay at Gamme Northern Light Cabins is perfect if you just want a drink in an ice bar and don't wish to try spending the night in the cold. The traditional Gamme tents of the Sami people keep you warm, and include modern comforts and windows for viewing the northern lights.
The best places to see the lights
- Go deep into the Pasvikdalen valley.
- Set sail on one of Hurtigruten's cruise ships.
- From the city's rooftops, for example, from the rooftop terrace at Thon Hotel Kirkenes.
Plan your trip to Kirkenes
By plane
Kirkenes Airport is one of the regional hubs for air travel, and offers several daily flights to and from Oslo.
From Kirkenes Airport, there are also connecting flights to many smaller communities in the region and beyond, such as Vadsø, Vardø, Båtsfjord, Berlevåg and Mehamn.
There are also connections by air to Alta and Tromsø.
By boat
Kirkenes is the northern terminus for Hurtigruten, the Norwegian Coastal Voyage, and in this region it calls at Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, Berlevåg, Båtsfjord, Vardø and Vadsø on its way there.
Hurtigruten turns around in Kirkenes and goes back to Bergen in Western Norway, calling at the same ports on the way back, except Vadsø.
By road
Roads have a high standard, and are for the most part open all year, with the exception of mountain passes serving small fishing villages on the coast. These are usually closed a few times during winter. Read more about driving in Northern Norway.
Long-distance express buses connect the region to points beyond, but departures are not frequent, so research and planning are required.
There are daily bus connections from Kirkenes to Murmansk in Russia, and more sporadically to Rovaniemi in Finland. Pre-booking and visa might be required.
