Kirkenes in Northern Norway covered in snow

KIRKENES

Arctic adventure in the far northeast

Map of Norway with a red dot on Kirkenes
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Located in the far northeast of Northern Norway, Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents Region.

A snow hotel, dramatic World War II history, and king crab safaris are among the many exciting attractions awaiting visitors in Kirkenes.

Although Kirkenes is a small town, it has a multicultural population thanks to its location close to the borders of Finland and Russia. That's why you can find signs in multiple languages all around town.

Kirkenes offers lots of activities all year around, including boat trips, hiking, diving, fishing, hunting, climbing, and bird watching during summer and dog sledding trips, snowmobile tours, ice fishing, and king crab safaris in winter.

The area is also a fascinating destination for history buffs. WWII definitely left its mark on Kirkenes, with the town experiencing more than 320 air raids. Andersgrotta, an underground bunker that was used as a shelter during the war, is now a museum.

Explore all the options below, or go directly to:

A bed inside the Snowhotel Kirkenes
People inside Kirkenes Snow Hotel

Imagine waking up in a frozen world, where everything around you is made of ice and snow.

Experience it in real life at Kirkenes Snowhotel!

The hotel is open year around, and the temperature inside is a constant minus four degrees Celsius. But don't worry – the reindeer hides will keep you warm and comfortable.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

  • images[1]
    Svanvik

    Svanhovd in the Pasvik Valley

    Spend the night in Pasvikdalen at Bioforsk Svanhovd, 40 km. south of Kirkenes.
    Thon Hotel Kirkenes
    Hammerfest

    Thon Hotel Kirkenes

    Thon Hotel Kirkenes opened May 3rd 2010, and is located at the wharf in the centre of the town. The hotel has 144 rooms, a restaurant and bar with an outdoor setting by the quay. The hotel is situated by the wharf in the centre of Kirkenes.  Wireless Internet is accessible throughout the hotel.
    images[1]
    Bjørnevatn

    Snowhotel Kirkenes

    Welcome to Winter Wonderland. 20 dreamlike rooms uniquely carved by master ice sculptors from around the world. The ultimate challenge to tick off on your bucket list. With a constant temperature of - 4°,you are in for a cold and magical night. The perfect honeymoon -Take your special one for a romantic holiday. Or bring your whole family for an amazing winter adventure. Enjoy an unforgettable dinner and a night cap in the Ice bar. Sleep safely and warm in our thermal sleeping bags, in complete arctic stillness. Are you ready to be an Ice pioneer? We open December 20th.
    Book now
    images[1]
    Neiden

    Neiden Mountain Lodge- Neiden Fjellstue

    Accommodation in Neiden. Fjellstue/Mountain Lodge by the Neiden River consists of 14 wooden huts, two buildings with sauna, showers and toilet, a large outside barbecue with a roof over it and a wood-fired outdoor bathtub.
A woman holding a king crab on a king crab safari outside of Kirkenes, Northern Norway

Do you dare to take the plunge?

Kirkenes is one of the most important ports for harvesting king crabs in the Barents Sea.

Join a safari!

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

  • Snowmobile safari Kirkenes with Barents Safari
    Kirkenes

    Snowmobile safari Kirkenes with Barents Safari

    15 min transfer by bus from Kirkenes to our basecamp. Snowmobile tour with local guide and interesting information along the way. The trip goes in a spectacular landscape and skilled snowmobile guides are on the trip all the way. Before we start with the snowmobile, everyone gets warm clothes / helmets and your guide gives you training and safety briefing. The morning trip is suitable for guests who arrive and travel with Hurtigruta.
    Ritz Ribago Kirkenes
    Kirkenes

    Ritz Ribago Kirkenes

    Welcome to our restaurant in the heart of Kirkenes. Try our delicious pizza from our own bakery, or choose from our ala carte menu where you will find something for everyone.
    Amundsen Bakery in Kirkenes
    Kirkenes

    Amundsen Bakery in Kirkenes

    Welcome to our bakery and patisserie in the middle of Kirkenes (in the pedestrian zone). On nice summer days we also have outdoor seating. We have a large selection of cakes, baguettes and much more.
    images[1]
    Hammerfest

    Restaurant 69`Nord - Thon Hotel Kirkenes

    A la carte Our restaurant offers an exciting à la carte menu with both local and international dishes made from local and fresh ingredients. The menu varies according to the season, and the chef draws inspiration from Finnmarksvidda (The Finnmark Plateau). During the summer we open up our outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy a good meal and refreshments under the midnight sun, right by the waterfront of the fjord. The bar serves drinks in an enjoyable atmosphere.
Oscar II’s Chapel Stone church from 1869 in the Pasvik Valley
Two people dog sledding in Kirkenes
The river in Pasvik Valley in autumn
People hiking in the Pasvik Valley

Visit historic Oscar II’s Chapel Stone church, located in the small village Grense Jacobselv.

The stone church was erected by the Russian border in 1869 as a means of defending the Norwegian bank of the river.

Hop aboard a dog sled, and let your new four-legged friends take you on an Arctic adventure through the wilderness!

The 100 km-long valley, Pasvikdalen, has large pine and birch forests, protected primeval forests, and wetland areas with rich and diverse flora and fauna.

It's also the home of Norway's largest brown bear population!

You can learn more about the wildlife, as well as the culture and history of the Pasvik Valley, at the Øvre Pasvik National Park visitor centre.

You can also hike on your own and explore beautiful and remote areas. You might even spot some exciting animal tracks!

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • Guided walk Kirkenes town
    Kirkenes

    Guided walk Kirkenes town

    Get to know Kirkenes in 1 hour. A local guide will take you on an interesting tour of the city. In winter we can offer the trip with kicksledge, our popular means of transportation in snow and cold. Our local guides tell about war history, modern Kirkenes, life in the North and much more. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
    Snowmobile safari Kirkenes with Barents Safari
    Kirkenes

    Snowmobile safari Kirkenes with Barents Safari

    15 min transfer by bus from Kirkenes to our basecamp. Snowmobile tour with local guide and interesting information along the way. The trip goes in a spectacular landscape and skilled snowmobile guides are on the trip all the way. Before we start with the snowmobile, everyone gets warm clothes / helmets and your guide gives you training and safety briefing. The morning trip is suitable for guests who arrive and travel with Hurtigruta.
    Ritz Ribago Kirkenes
    Kirkenes

    Ritz Ribago Kirkenes

    Welcome to our restaurant in the heart of Kirkenes. Try our delicious pizza from our own bakery, or choose from our ala carte menu where you will find something for everyone.
    Visitor Centre for Øvre Pasvik National Park/NIBIO Svanhovd
    Svanvik

    Visitor Centre for Øvre Pasvik National Park/NIBIO Svanhovd

    Exhibition Øvre Pasvik National Park and information center for brown bears. Cafe/restaurant and accommodation. Open in summer with the dish of the day and small dishes. In the winter season, we focus on groups and conferences, but welcome all guests. We usually serve our dishes from a buffet. We serve a variety of local food in harmony with the different seasons, such as fish from the Pasvikelva and vegetables from our own garden. Svanhovd has an open kitchen and as a guest with us you will be able to order food directly from our kitchen staff. Our environmental certification is "Eco-lighthouse".
    Kirkenes sightseeing and Russian border - private tour

    Kirkenes sightseeing and Russian border - private tour

    Tour with local guide (Norwegian, English or German speaking) through the town and surroundings incl visit at two viewpoints, the Russian bordern en the mining town. Our guide tells you stories about history, daily life, relationship to Russia, climate and more interesting facts. This tour can be combined with a visit at the Snowhotel, husky farm, the local museum and other attractions. The trip at 09.30 is suitable for everyone who arrives with Hurtigruta, drop off after the trip either at the hotel or Hurtigruten pier at 11.30.
    3 day husky tour in Pasvik valley - Birk Husky
    Svanvik

    3 day husky tour in Pasvik valley - Birk Husky

    Join us on a wilderness trip with our huskies. We will drive a dog sled for 3 days, spend the night and stay in our wilderness cabin, eat local food and take the traditional sauna - here you get the best winter adventure! Good chances to see the northern lights! All meals from lunch to lunch included. Exclusive tour in small groups, you drive your own sled and the guide will guide and help you along the way.
    Nationalpark øvre pasvikdalen

    Nationalpark øvre pasvikdalen

    Pasvikdalen is a valley that stretches southwards through the municipality, and home to Norway’s largest bear population. Øvre Pasvik National Park is located at the southern part of the valley.
    Amundsen Bakery in Kirkenes
    Kirkenes

    Amundsen Bakery in Kirkenes

    Welcome to our bakery and patisserie in the middle of Kirkenes (in the pedestrian zone). On nice summer days we also have outdoor seating. We have a large selection of cakes, baguettes and much more.
More accommodation alternatives
Two people watching the Northern Lights at the Hurtigruten

Kirkenes is the last stop on the Hurtigruten and Havila coastal routes, but you can also start your cruise adventure here and sail the opposite way down Norway's coast. If you are lucky and the season is right, you can experience the northern lights.

If you want to explore more in the Finnmark area, a good tip is to book your own tour by public transport!

Kirkenes is certified as a Sustainable Destination.

Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism and strengthen its positive ripple effects.

Visit Kirkenes Logovisitkirkenes.info

Getting here and around

Plan your trip and buy tickets for public transportation with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.

  • 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.

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    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.

    Ad: Norwegian – Cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European airports

    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.

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Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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