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 the nearest of the regional airports, offering several daily connections to Oslo, and connecting flights to many smaller communities such as Vadsø, Vardø, Båtsfjord, Berlevåg and Mehamn, as well as connections to Alta and Tromsø, among other destinations. You can also fly from Helsinki to Ivalo in Finland and rent a car to drive to Varanger from there.
By boat
Hurtigruten and Havila both call at harbours in Varanger: Berlevåg, Båtsfjord, Vardø and Vadsø.
The ships begin their return journey to Bergen in Fjord Norway in Kirkenes, calling at the same ports on the way back, with the exception of Vadsø.
By road
Roads have a high standard, and are for the most part open all year, except for some mountain passes serving small fishing villages on the coast, which may occasionally be closed in 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.
Northern Lights Cruise
Visit Tromsø, the North Cape and Kirkenes6-day tour, including a return cruise from Tromsø to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten. Visit the North Cape and try winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling. | Authentic Scandinavia
Norwegian Fjords & Northern Lights
Oslo, Bergen, Flåm and Tromsø6-day winter adventure. See the fjords and the Arctic city Tromsø. Amazing winter activities like dog sledding, northern lights safari, and much more can be added. | Authentic Scandinavia
Northern Lights Safari
Dog sledding and Aurora safari
Join us on a 6-day northern lights round trip to Tromsø
from Oslo. Fly to Tromsø where you will experience all the highlights of the region, including several opportunities to chase the northern lights. | Fjord Travel
Arctic Winter Adventure
Snowhotel Kirkenes, Hurtigruten & Tromsø.6-day winter adventure tour including an overnight stay at Kirkenes Snow Hotel, a cruise with Hurtigruten to Tromsø, and a wide selection of optional winter activities. | Authentic Scandinavia
Short Winter Cruise
Experience Tromsø and a Hurtigruten Cruise4-day tour including a cruise with Hurtigruten. Choose from a wide selection of winter activities, including dog sledding and northern lights excursions. | Authentic Scandinavia
Tromsø Winter Break
Tromsø, Northern Lights and Dog Sledding4-day winter break to Tromsø in Northern Norway, including dog sledding and a northern lights chase by minibus. Additional winter activities can be added. | Authentic Scandinavia
Northern Lights Dinner Cruise outside Tromsø
Dinner, boat tour, northern lights huntOn board an hybrid-electric boat outfitted with panoramic windows, you will glide silently into the darkness of the Tromsø fjords while savouring a delicious dinner and keeping an eye out for the magical northern lights. | Go Fjords
Magical Northern Lights
Go dogsledding and whalewatchingThis journey encourages you to create your own magical connection in Alta, going on adventures such as dogsledding, snowmobiling and ice-fishing, and seeking the illuminations of the polar night. | Up Norway.
Aurora Canvas Dome
Save 10% by joining our Adventure ClubSpend a night in a glass dome under the northern lights. Wake up inside the remote pine forest of Alta overlooking majestic snow-covered mountains. Private bathroom and sauna facilities available. | Book Nordics
Lofoten & Northern Lights by 50 Degrees North
Authentic experience in the Lofoten Archipelago4-day tour with Aurora Chase Guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin. | 50 Degrees North
Ice Hotel, Northern Lights and Tromsø
Dog sledding, King crabs, Reindeer sleighExperience Norway’s best northern lights destinations, Kirkenes & Tromsø, on this amazing 7-day round trip from Oslo. | Fjord Travel
5-Day Northern Lights and Winter Adventure in Lyngen
Exciting winter activities and northern lightsWant to gaze up at the northern lights dancing in the pitch black sky? Or swing crampons and an ice axe deep into a frozen waterfall? How about a cross-country skiing course followed by a trip in remote mountains? Or dog sledding? This trip lets you experience all of these activities and more! | Hvitserk
Crystal Lavvu Stay with Whale Watching and Northern Lights
Spend your night in a Crystal Lavvu under the Northern LightsSpend your night in a Crystal Lavvo in the Lyngen Alps. We pick you up in Tromsø and take you out on an adventure of a lifetime! Dinner, breakfast, transportation and whale watching included. | Book Nordics
Tromsø Wildlife & Northern Lights
Tromsø City Break with a Wildlife Cruise4-day break to Tromsø including a wildlife cruise and hunt for the northern lights. With one day free, you will have the opportunity to add additional winter activities like dog sledding, a reindeer safari, and more. | Authentic Scandinavia
Northern Lights Stay at Lyngen Lodge
Mountain Lodge and winter adventures under the Northern Lights5-day stay in boutique lodge with transfers, dog sledding, all meals, snowmobiling, and sea safari. | 50 Degrees North
Aurora Dinner Cruise
Arctic tapas under the Northern LightsJoin our Northern Lights Cruise and enjoy a delicious arctic tapas menu from our local partner in Tromsø while we look for the Northern Lights! | Brim Explorer.