KIRKENES
Arctic adventure in the far northeast
It is known as the capital of the Barents Region...
... and the small town, located in the far northeast of Northern Norway, is full of life and adventure!
Imagine waking up in a frozen world, where everything around you is made of ice and snow.
...you can 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.
Do you dare to take the plunge?
Kirkenes is one of the most important ports for harvesting king crabs in the Barents Sea.
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!
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 a round trip with public transport!
Kirkenes is certified as a Sustainable Destination.
Although this does not mean that the destination is sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism.