Kirkenes

Written by Elsa Holm, Graham Smith, Julien Lambert
06/09/2025
View of Kirkenes, 2013
Bair175, Wikimedia Commons

Kirkenes offers a distinctive blend of Arctic wilderness, unique historical insights, and exciting year-round activities. Visitors can experience thrilling adventures such as King Crab safaris, dog sledding, and Northern Lights viewing, alongside summer activities like hiking and boat trips, all within a multicultural borderland environment.

Opportunities for social interaction with other visitors are often found during organised excursions like King Crab safaris and dog sledding tours, as well as at the Snowhotel Kirkenes, which features its own restaurant and ice bar. Additionally, the town provides several hotels and restaurants where travelers can gather.

Top 6 Things to do in Kirkenes

Activities in Kirkenes predominantly involve engaging with the Arctic wilderness through unique safaris and traditional transport, alongside exploring significant historical sites.

1. King Crab Safari

Embarking on a King Crab Safari is an essential Kirkenes experience, offering a thrilling opportunity to catch and then feast on the renowned Arctic King Crab. In winter, this adventure involves travelling across the frozen fjord on a snowmobile-pulled sled, helping the local fishermen pull up crab pots through holes in the ice. During the summer, the journey shifts to a sturdy RIB boat or riverboat, where the traps are retrieved from the open waters. Regardless of the season, the freshly caught crab is prepared and served in a traditional, rustic setting, providing an incredibly fresh and delicious meal. It is a hands-on activity that combines adventure with a culinary delight.

Cost: Winter (snowmobile-pulled sled, per person): Approximately 2800 NOK for sharing a snowmobile, 3000 NOK for a single driver, and 1400 NOK for children aged 4-16. This includes transfer, warm clothing, and the crab meal. Summer (RIB boat/riverboat, per person): Approximately 1950 NOK for adults and 850 NOK for children under 12, including transfer, guide, boat trip, protective clothing, and the meal.

Transport: Tours typically include transfers from local hotels (Thon & Scandic) and the Hurtigruten/Havila harbor. This eliminates the need for independent travel to the safari starting point.

2. Snowhotel Kirkenes Visit

Visiting the Snowhotel Kirkenes provides a glimpse into a world crafted entirely from snow and ice, available all year round. Even if not staying overnight, a day visit allows exploration of the intricately designed ice rooms, the unique ice bar, and the opportunity to interact with the resident huskies and reindeer in their dedicated yard. It is a fascinating blend of art, architecture, and Arctic wildlife, offering a memorable photo opportunity and a chance to experience the cool interior regardless of the outside temperature.

Cost: Entrance fee is approximately 300 NOK. A guided tour, which sometimes includes bus transfer, can cost around 1100 NOK. Overnight stays are available, with prices varying based on package.

Transport: The Snowhotel is located about 10-11 km from Kirkenes town center. Public bus line 11 runs from Kirkenes sentrum to Sandnes (a short walk from the Snowhotel) and costs approximately 45-70 NOK for a 16-17 minute journey. A taxi ride takes about 12 minutes and costs roughly 190-230 NOK. The Snowhotel also offers free transfers for overnight guests to/from Kirkenes hotels and the harbor, and paid transfers from the airport.

3. Dog Sledding

Experience the pristine Arctic landscape by dog sled, a truly exhilarating and traditional mode of transport. In winter, you are either driven by an experienced musher or, conditions permitting, can try driving your own team of eager huskies across frozen fjords and through snow-covered forests. During autumn and sometimes cooler summer days, the sleds are replaced with wheeled wagons, allowing the huskies to pull you through the lush green environment. Interacting with these friendly and powerful Alaskan huskies, known for their love of running, adds a special dimension to the adventure.

Cost: A guided winter dog sledding tour (approximately 2 hours, 1 hour sledding) is estimated around 2000 NOK per person, with a 50% discount for children aged 7-11. Prices for summer wagon rides vary, often being part of Snowhotel visit packages.

Transport: Most dog sledding tours include convenient transfers directly from your hotel in Kirkenes to the husky camp, typically located at or near the Snowhotel.

4. Northern Lights / Midnight Sun Observation

Depending on the season, Kirkenes offers the breathtaking natural spectacles of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) or the Midnight Sun. From September to late March, the clear, dry winter skies frequently present excellent opportunities to witness the vibrant Aurora dancing across the polar night. Various tours are available, from dedicated bus excursions to more adventurous snowmobile safaris, specifically designed to maximize viewing chances away from light pollution. During the summer months, from May to July, the sun never fully sets, bathing the landscape in continuous daylight, a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun, which can be enjoyed during other outdoor activities.

Cost: Northern Lights tours vary in price: a bus tour is around 1100 NOK, while a snowmobile-based chase can cost approximately 2000 NOK per person. Observing the Midnight Sun is generally free and can be enjoyed during other daytime activities or independently.

Transport: Organised Northern Lights tours typically include hotel pick-up and transportation to prime viewing locations outside the town.

5. Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter

Delve into Kirkenes' impactful World War II history with a visit to Andersgrotta, the town's largest bomb shelter. Constructed in 1941, this underground tunnel system provided refuge for the civilian population during over 300 air raids, making Kirkenes one of the most bombed towns globally. The guided tour offers poignant insights into wartime life and includes a documentary film featuring archival footage. It is a stark reminder of the town's resilience and strategic importance.

Cost: A daily tour costs 300 NOK per person, with tickets available at the entrance. For groups, a private tour including a guide and film screening is available for 1200 NOK.

Transport: Andersgrotta is conveniently located in Kirkenes town center, making it easily accessible by foot from most hotels.

6. Grenselandmuseet (Borderland Museum)

The Grenselandmuseet, or Borderland Museum, offers a comprehensive exploration of Kirkenes' unique cultural and geographical identity. Given its proximity to the Russian and Finnish borders, the museum provides a fascinating look into the region's complex history, including its role in World War II, the local mining industry, and the heritage of the indigenous Eastern Sami population. Exhibits often feature multilingual information, reflecting the area's multicultural essence.

Cost: Entrance fees are generally reasonable for museums; specific current pricing should be checked locally.

Transport: The museum is situated on the outskirts of Kirkenes, towards the airport. It can be reached by local bus (line 150 to Kirkenes Airport, with a potential stop or short walk) for approximately 50-75 NOK. Taxis are also an option, with a ride from the town center to the airport area costing around 220-270 NOK.

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