The Skolt Sami & Skoltebyen in Neiden
Learn about the Skolt Sami Culture at the Cultural Heritage Site Skoltebyen in Neiden.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 3,500 / 69.4 degrees north
Kirkenes, Norway
Welcome to the end of Norway! Kirkenes is only a short drive from the Russian border and is further east than all of Finland, Istanbul and St. Petersburg.
Fun Facts About Kirkenes
Latitude: 69.4 degrees north
Population: 3,500
Sami Name: Girkonjárga
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: October
Windiest Month: February
Annual Precipitation: 228mm
Sør-Varanger Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kirkenes
Borderland Museum
This wonderful museum tells the history of the relationship between Norway, Finland and Russia. The exhibition on World War II is excellent.
Kirkenes Guides
Find guides to Kirkenes on our online store.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
King Crab Safari
Kirkenes is known for its King Crab, so taking an excursion out to catch some is a must!
King OScar II Chapel
The King Oscar II Chapel is a unique historic church located on the Russian border.
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Kirkenes
Kirkenes to Vardø on the E6 & E75
Follow the four hour drive from Kirkenes to Vardø, via Varangerbotn and Vadsø. I did this drive in September 2023 and was blown away by how beautiful and rugged it is. The Varanger peninsula is one of the most beautiful places I’ve driven.
Self-Guided Walks
No self-guided walks are currently available for Kirkenes
Kirkenes on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Kirkenes
Uniquely Kirkenes
Here are some things that you must do and try in Kirkenes
Monument to the soviet soldier
Not many places in the world have monuments for Soviet soldiers these days, least of all in Norway. But Kirkenes was liberated by the Soviets, hence the memorial.
Kong Oscar II Chapel
Make the one hour drive out to the border with Russia (you will be able to see Russia!) to visit this unique little chapel built to represent Norwegian sovereignty over the area.
History of Kirkenes
The area was Kirkenes was a common Norwegian-Russian district until 1826, when the current border was settled. The first church was built in Kirkenes in 1862.
Kirkenes was heavily damaged during World War II and the entire town had to be rebuilt.
Kirkenes Today
The majority of people in Kirkenes are of a Norwegian background, and a minority are Sami. About 500 people are recent Russian immigrants.
Since Kirkenes is close to the Russian border, this has had a big influence on the local economy. Ever since the invasion Ukraine, Russia has been largely cut off from Kirkenes and this has had a major impact on the economy.
Just outside of Kirkenes is the Garrison Sor-Varanger, a large military base.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Kirkenes Airport has direct flights to Oslo as well as flights to many of the small fishing villages.
Drive: Kirkenes is located at the end of the E6 highway.
Train: No train access
Ferry: Kirkenes is the turning point for Norway’s coastal ferry.
Getting Around
Kirkenes is walkable.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Kirkenes Camping is located outside of town but is the only option for campers.
Cabins & B&Bs
Sollia Gjestegård is a B&B/cabin site that was constructed as a tuberculosis sanatorium.
Chains & Mid-Range
Kirkenes has both a Scandic Hotel and a Thon Hotel.
Scandic Hotel: Click here to view rates & book
Thon Hotel: Click here to view rates & book
High End & Unique Properties
Kirkenes Snow Hotel is a must. You can stay in one of their snow rooms, or you can rent a regular cabin. They have meals included and run excursions throughout the year.
I stayed in the cabin during my most recent visit and it was one of the best places I’ve stayed. That said, you will need a car if you plan on exploring the area.
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Polar night until 15 January
Average Temperature: -10C (14F)
February
Sunrise: 7:32am
Sunset: 2:56pm
Average Temperature: -9.9C (14F)
March
Sunrise: 5:23am
Sunset: 4:55pm
Average Temperature: -5.6C (22F)
April
Sunrise: 3:59am
Sunset: 8:03pm
Average Temperature: -0.8C (31F)
May
Sunrise: 12:58am
Sunset: 11:04pm
Average Temperature: 4.3C (40F)
June
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 8.7C (48F)
July
Midnight sun until 27 July
Average Temperature: 12.4C (55F)
August
Sunrise: 2:57am
Sunset: 9:06pm
Average Temperature: 11C (52F)
September
Sunrise: 5:11am
Sunset: 6:36pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
October
Sunrise: 7:09am
Sunset: 4:19pm
Average Temperature: 1.2C (34F)
November
Sunrise: 8:40am
Sunset: 12:46pm
Average Temperature: -4.4C (24F)
December
Polar night
Average Temperature: -7C (19F)
All Posts About Kirkenes
The King Oscar II Chapel in Grense Jakobselv
Learn about this fascinating chapel on the border with Russia
Drive it Yourself: Kirkenes to Vardø via the E6 and E75
This guide crosses the far-north of Norway from Kirkenes to Vardø via the Varangerfjord and Varanger peninsula.
Drive it Yourself: Lakselv to Kirkenes on the E6
This is the last stretch of the E6 in Norway.
Andersgrotta, the Bomb Shelter Beneath Kirkenes
A remnant of World War II in Kirkenes town centre.
