Things To Do
in Kirkenes
Kirkenes sits on the Barents Sea near the Russian border, in Norway's far northeast. The town acts as a gateway to Arctic adventures in Finnmark and a hub for seafood, culture, and winter hunts for the northern lights. Its economy centers on fishing, exports, and tourism, with attractions like king crab safaris and the Arctic Snow Hotel.
Visitors are drawn to stark landscapes, seasonal daylight patterns, and warm, welcoming Nordic hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kirkenes and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint harbor town, soaking in the local culture and the charming wooden houses. Visit the border between Norway and Russia, a unique feature of this stunning location.
Enjoy a traditional Norwegian lunch at a local café, savoring fresh seafood and reindeer dishes. Post-lunch, explore the Kirkenes Snowhotel, which showcases incredible ice sculptures and offers a glimpse into the Arctic way of life. Engage in a guided tour to learn about the history of the town and its significance during World War II.
Dine at a restaurant specializing in Arctic cuisine, experiencing flavors that embody the local ingredients. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the waterfront under the midnight sun, immersing yourself in the serene Arctic atmosphere. Retire to your accommodation, ready to embrace the adventures of the next day.
Kickstart the day with an exciting husky safari adventure into the breathtaking wilderness surrounding Kirkenes. Learn the basics of dog sledding and bond with the friendly huskies before setting off into the snowy landscape. Experience the crisp air and stunning views as you glide through this winter wonderland.
After an exhilarating morning, return to the base for a hearty lunch, including local dishes and warm drinks to rejuvenate you. Spend the afternoon engaging in other winter activities, such as snowmobiling or snowshoeing, through the pristine pathways of the Norwegian forests. Take ample photos as you enjoy the serene beauty of the landscapes.
Savor an outdoor BBQ dinner, where you can grill your own meal while enjoying the stunning surroundings. After dinner, venture out on an aurora borealis hunt, chasing the Northern Lights with a knowledgeable guide. Wrapped up in warm gear, marvel at the enchanting display of colors dancing across the Arctic sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two (mid-range) | $60-90 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (within town) | $8-15 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Arctic landscapes and unique northern light experiences
- Excellent seafood and local reindeer cuisine
- Accessible day trips to border areas and fjords
- Limited nightlife and high-season crowds can be quiet in off-peak months
- Long travel times from southern Norway; often more expensive
- "Hei" - Hello
- "Takk" - Thank you
- "Snakker du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hvor mye koster dette?" - How much is this?
- "Hvor er toalettet?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Vennligst" - Please
- "Unnskyld" - Excuse me
Places to Visit in Kirkenes
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful boats, snow or ice in winter, and long gradients of light over the Barents Sea create dramatic harbor photography.
A striking architectural landmark with a simple, modern design—great for architectural shots against a winter sky.
Icy walls and luminous interiors offer unique fashion and landscape photography; best after a fresh snowfall.
Rugged shoreline near the Russia border with dramatic sea stacks and wide horizons; ideal for wide-angle seascapes.
Moments along the border road with quiet, expansive landscapes and chances to capture Arctic textures.
Food in Kirkenes
Kirkenes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional reindeer meat soup served hot with vegetables and broth; a comforting starter during cold months.
Must-Try!
Fresh king crab prepared in various ways, from cracked legs on a platter to creamy crab soups.
Creamy fish soup featuring cod or other white fish, ideal for a quick warm meal.
Slow-cooked reindeer meat with root vegetables, a staple of Finnmark’s hearty cooking.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market stalls near the waterfront offering fresh seafood, local cheeses, berries, and crafts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Arrive on time for meetings and tours; Norwegians value punctuality.
Maintain personal space; avoid loud conversations in public places.
Respect Sámi traditions and ask before photographing people or traditional costumes.
Leave no trace when hiking; dispose of waste properly and respect wildlife.
Safety
Tipping in Kirkenes
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Norway; round up the bill or leave 5-10% for exceptional service.
Card payments (including contactless) are widely accepted; cash is accepted but less common; mobile payments are increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Midnight sun, mild days, and mild nights; long daylight hours are perfect for hiking and coastal cruises; bring layered clothing.
Seafood harvest season; variable weather; opportunities to see the Northern Lights as nights lengthen; prepare for wind and rain.
Polar nights with potential for spectacular Northern Lights; ideal for snow activities, dog sledding, and king crab safaris; dress ultra warmly.
Crucial transition with melting snow; wildlife starts to reappear, making birdwatching and hiking more pleasant; check daylight hours.
Kirkenes at Night
Hiking in Kirkenes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal pathway near the Russian border with sea views and rugged shoreline; moderate difficulty.
Easy-to-moderate valley hike along the Pasvik River through mixed forests; great for wildlife spotting.
Seasonal hikes along the Varanger coastline with dramatic fjords and bird cliffs; best in summer.
Airports
How to reach Kirkenes by plane.
Main regional airport serving the town; seasonal international connections and frequent flights to Oslo and Tromsø.
Major northern hub with connections to Oslo and other European cities; from here, you can connect to Kirkenes.
Norway’s largest international gateway; many international flights and connections to Kirkenes via domestic hops.
Northern regional airport with some connections to Kirkenes and other Finnmark destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents with local Sámi communities in the wider Finnmark region.
Indigenous population with cultural heritage present in the region; respectful engagement is appreciated.
A mix of domestic and international visitors, especially in winter and summer.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular activity with well-groomed trails and scenic routes across the Finnmark landscape.
Local rinks and amateur leagues; suitable for visitors to watch or participate.
Ice-fishing on frozen lakes or fjords with a guide.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kirkenes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options exist in most places (salads, fish-free soups, and vegetable dishes); mention allergies and ask for vegetable-forward meals or cheese-based options.