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Overview

Introduction

Kirkenes, located 15km from the Russian border, on the shores of the Barents Sea is a fascinating town to visit. A rich history of co-operation between neighbouring countries and of the Sami people – their heritage, conflicts and life today can be explored, and stories learnt about the town’s bombardment in World War II; the mining industry and of the diverse local wildlife.

At a glance:

  • There is so much to see and do in Kirkenes. Why not spend a night at the Snowhotel Kirkenes (Dec-Apr), visit Andersgrotta (a WW2 bomb shelter in the centre of the town) and the excellent Frontier Museum, fish for King Crab or explore the Ovre Pasvik National Park?
  • The midnight sun is visible in Kirkenes from mid-May to late July
  • Kirkenes is the easternmost port on Hurtigruten's coastal voyage. The northbound cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes takes 6 nights. The southbound cruise from Kirkenes to Bergen takes 5 nights. Port-to-port journeys linking Kirkenes to the Lofoten Islands, Tromso, Trondheim and more are available and incorporated as part of a tailor-made holiday
  • Hire a car and explore the Finnmark region of Norway, combining Kirkenes with the villages of Kautokeino, Karasjok and the towns of Alta and Hammerfest.

The town of Kirkenes is located on the Barents Sea just 15km from the Russian Border. It is the furthermost extremity of northeast Europe and influences from the east are apparent.

Early in World War II the town of Kirkenes was occupied by the Germans, who were in search of an ice-free fjord to use as a natural harbour and from which to attack the Russian town of Murmansk. This occupation led to one of the most extensive air-raid assaults in World War II with more than 300 bombing raids taking place.

We would highly recommend a visit to Andersgrotta (a bomb shelter in the centre of Kirkenes) and the fascinating Frontier Museum which tells the history of the region and its people, including a detailed account of the events in World War II .

The region of Pasvik, of which Kirkenes is the main settlement, is home to the largest brown bear population in Norway. Some 300 bears live on the edge of the Siberian Taiga forest and their movements are tracked and recorded at the National Park Centre in Øvre Pasvik. A visit to the centre offers the chance to learn more about the brown bear and also other wildlife – in particular the birdlife – in the region.

During the winter months a host of winter activities are available from Kirkenes including visits to the Snowhotel Kirkenes; Northern Lights excursions by snowmobile and husky dog-sled; Snow shoe trips; Snowmobile safaris;Ice-fishing and King crab safaris to name but a few. Read more in Winter activities 2019/20.

Kirkenes is the first port of call of the Hurtigruten’s southbound voyage. From here it is a 2-day cruise to Tromsø, 3-days to Svolvaer, 5-days to Trondheim and Alesund and 6-days to Bergen.

Read more

Getting There

Getting to Kirkenes

  • Daily flights connect the UK with Kirkenes, via Oslo. Transfer times locally are approximately 15 minutes
  • Many Sunvil guests choose to combine a stay in Kirkenes with a visit to Oslo or Tromso

Winter Activities 2019/20

Winter Activities from Kirkenes

Aurora Hunt
Kirkenes sits under the aurora oval and offers an excellent chance to see the green, blue and crimson colours of the Northern Lights. This minibus excursion will spend two hours touring the region surrounding Kirkenes and the Russian and Finnish borders in search of the ‘Lights’; hopefully culminating in a magnificent sighting.

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Departure: Daily at 21:00 (01Sep19-15Apr20)
  • Price: £88.00 per adult / £44.00 per child aged 3-11 years old

Notes:

  • Pick-up from the Hotel Thon Kirkenes, Scandic Kirkenes and the Snowhotel Kirkenes.
  • Winter clothing is not included.

 
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Husky Dog Sled Tour
One of the most magical ways to discover the Arctic tundra of Northern Norway is behind a team of husky dogs. The gentle pad of their paws on the snow and their soft panting are the only sounds disturbing the otherwise tranquil scene.

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Departure: Daily at 09:30, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 (01Dec19-20Apr20)
  • Price: £202.00 per adult / £101.00 per child aged 7-11 years old
  • The supplement to sit on your own sled is £101.00

Notes:

  • Pick-up from the Hotel Thon Kirkenes and the Snowhotel Kirkenes.
  • The transfer to/from the Snowhotel by minibus takes c.15 minutes.
  • Each sled accommodates two people and is led by a team of 6 dogs. A trained musher drives the sled.
  • Winter clothing (overalls and boots) is included.

 
Northern Lights Tour by Dog Sled
Under the starry sky and away from artificial lights, your team of husky dogs will lead you on a journey in search of the Aurora Borealis.
 

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Departure: Daily at 21:00 (01Dec19-20Apr20)
  • Price: £220.00 per adult / £110.00 per child aged 7-11 years old
  • The supplement to sit on your own sled is £109.00

Notes:

  • Pick-up from the Hotel Thon Kirkenes and the Scandic Kirkenes
  • The tour starts from Snowhotel Kirkenes. The transfer to/from the Snowhotel by minibus takes c.15 minutes
  • Each sled accommodates two people and is led by a team of 6 dogs. A trained musher drives the sled.
  • Winter clothing (overalls and boots) is included.

 
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Ice Fishing
A local tradition in Kirkenes, try your hand at some Ice fishing with the experts.  On this 3 hour excursion you are transferred by snowmobile sledge to a frozen lake, where you will be shown all the techniques required for Ice fishing.

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Departure: Daily at 13:00 (01Dec19-20Apr20)
  • Price: £171.00 per adult / £86.00 per child aged 7-11 years old

Notes:

  • Pick-up from the Hotel Thon Kirkenes and the Scandic Kirkenes
  • The tour starts from Snowhotel Kirkenes. The transfer to/from the Snowhotel by minibus takes c.15 minutes
  • A picnic snack is included.  Please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
  • Winter clothing (overalls, boots and a helmet) is included.
  • Minimum 2 participants.

 
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King Crab Safari
King crabs flourish on the floor of the icy Barents Sea. On this 4 hour excursion you are transferred to the frozen fishing grounds by snowmobile sledge, where upon arrival you can try your hand at fishing for King crab through the hole in the ice. King crabs can measure up to 6ft (claw to claw) and your catch will be served for lunch by a warm fire.

  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Departure: Daily at 09:30, 13:00 and 17:00 (01Dec19-20Apr20)
  • Price: £202.00 per adult / £101.00 per child aged 7-11 years old

 Notes:

  • Pick-up from the Hotel Thon Kirkenes and Scandic Kirkenes
  • The tour starts from Snowhotel Kirkenes. The transfer to/from the Snowhotel by minibus takes c.15 minutes.
  • A hot meal (King crab) is included. Please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
  • Winter clothing (overalls, boots and a helmet) is included.
  • Minimum 2 participants. 

 
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Snowshoe Tour
Get out into the wilderness on snowshoes.  After a quick briefing your guide will lead you on a 2km walk through different types of snow.

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Departure: Daily at 13:00 (01Dec19-20Apr20)
  • Price: £104.00 per adult / £52.00 per child aged 7-11 years old.

Notes:

  • Pick-up from the Hotel Thon Kirkenes and the Scandic Kirkenes
  • The tour starts from Snowhotel Kirkenes. The transfer to/from the Snowhotel by minibus takes c.15 minutes.
  • A drink and snack is included.  Please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking
  • Minimum 2 participants.

 
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Snowmobile Tour
Wrap up warm and enjoy a journey across Norway’s Finnmark wilderness on the back of a snowmobile. This tour is an excellent introduction to the snowmobile and provides the opportunity to drive the vehicle as well as travelling as a passenger.  An evening excursion is also available offering a chance to see the Aurora Borealis.

Two hour tour

  • Departure: Daily at 13:00, 15:00, 21:00  (01Dec19-20Apr20)
  • Day Price: £220.00 per adult / £110.00 per child aged 10-11 years old

         *The supplement to drive your own snowmobile (daytime) £109.00

  •  Evening Price: £237.00 per adult / £119.00 per child aged 10-11 years old

         *The supplement to drive your own snowmobile (evening) £118.00

 

Four hour tour including lunch

  • Departure: Daily at 13:00 (01Dec19-20Apr20)
  • Price: £272.00 per adult / £136.00 per child aged 10-11 years old

         *The supplement to drive your own snowmobile is £136.00

 
Notes:

  • Pick-up from the Hotel Thon Kirkenes and the Scandic Kirkenes
  • The tour starts from Snowhotel Kirkenes. The transfer to/from the Snowhotel by minibus takes c.15 minutes.
  • Clients drive the snowmobile in pairs taking turns to be the passenger.
  • Winter clothing (overalls, boots, balaclava and a helmet) is included.
  • To drive a snowmobile, participants must hold a valid driving licence and be aged 18 years or older.
  • Minimum age: 10 years old.

 

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Visit to the Snowhotel Kirkenes
Each winter, close to Kirkenes, a carefully sculpted structure - made out of ice and snow - takes shape. This is the Snowhotel Kirkenes. This excursion provides the opportunity to explore the snow rooms and snow bar, visit the neighbouring reindeer park and meet the huskies.

  • Duration: 2 hours or 4 hours
  • Departure: Daily at 09:30, 13:00 and 17:00 (20Dec19-20Apr20 except 24Dec & 31Dec)
  • Price: £70.00 per adult / £35.00 per child aged 7-11 years old (2 hours)
  • Price: £104.00 per adult / £52.00 per child aged 7-11 years old (4 hours including dinner)
Notes:
  • Pick-up from the Hotel Thon Kirkenes and Scandic Kirkenes
  • The transfer to/from the Snowhotel by minibus takes c.15 minutes.
  • Non-alcoholic welcome drink included.
  • Dinner (excluding drinks) is included, on the 4 hour visit to Snowhotel Kirkenes.  Please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
 

Useful information

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Yasmin Zaidi
Yasmin Zaidi
Best time to go
  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC
Time Difference

GMT +1 hour

Currency

Norwegian Krone

Language

Norwegian

Average flight times

3 hours 30 minutes (direct flight) and 5 hours 10 minutes (via Oslo)

  • Average temperature

    Average rainfall

Note: Map is for guidance purposes only.

Talk to our Norway expert

Rosanna Melaragni
Rosanna Melaragni

Rosanna is the head of our Discovery Department which covers tailor made holidays to Portugal and the Azores, Italy and Sicily, Scandinavia and the new programme to Spain. She is our longest serving member of staff having joined in 1994 after completing an honours degree in French and Italian and subsequently working for a tour operator in Yorkshire. She is responsible for brochure writing, contracting accommodation, programme costing, computer inputting and generally troubleshoots where necessary. She has global knowledge of our tailor made programme.

Call one of our experts to discuss your next holiday with Sunvil on

020 8758 4722

We're open tomorrow at 9:15 AM

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Kirkenes, Northern Norway

Kirkenes

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We promise that a member of our specialist reservation teams will reply personally to your holiday enquiry before 5.30pm if received before 12.00pm (Monday to Friday). Enquiries received after 12.00pm will be replied to within 24-hours (excluding Sundays).

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
  • Portugal, the Azores, Spain, Italy, Sicily and Scandinavia: 020 8758 4722
  • Latin America: 020 8758 4774
  • Marketing: 020 8758 4731

Required Information

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If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
  • Portugal, the Azores, Italy, Sicily and Scandinavia: 020 8758 4722
  • Latin America: 020 8758 4774

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