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.
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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 safari
Round trip from Oslo to TromsøJoin a 6-day northern lights round trip. Fly from Oslo to Tromsø and experience all the highlights of the region, including several opportunities to chase the northern lights.
Lofoten & northern lights
Lofoten archipelago experience4-day trip with an aurora-chase guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin.
Northern lights dinner cruise
3-hour boat sightseeing in TromsøExplore the Tromsø fjords on a hybrid-electric boat with panoramic windows, while savouring a delicious dinner and keeping an eye out for the magical northern lights.
Fjords & northern lights
Oslo, Bergen, Flåm and Tromsø6-day winter adventure. See the fjords and the Arctic city of Tromsø. Winter activities like dog sledding, a northern lights safari, and much more can be added.
Arctic winter adventure
Snowhotel Kirkenes, Hurtigruten & Tromsø6-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.
Aurora dinner cruise
3-4 hour boat tour in TromsøJoin a northern lights cruise and enjoy delicious arctic tapas from our partner in Tromsø, while hunting for the northern lights!
Magical northern lights
Dog sledding and reindeer sledding in AltaSpend 5 days in Alta at an Arctic wilderness resort, a forest chalet and an igloo-style dome. Enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice-fishing.
Northern lights cruise
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.
Wildlife & northern lights
Tromsø city break with a wildlife cruise4-day break to Tromsø with a cruise and hunt for the northern lights. With one free day, you can add winter activities like dog sledding, a reindeer safari, and more.
Tromsø winter break
Tromsø, northern lights, dog sledding4-day winter break to Tromsø, including dog sledding and a northern lights chase by minibus. Additional winter activities can be added.
Short winter cruise
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.