Hidden at sea level near the entrance of the Bøkfjord lies one of Kirkenes’ least-known World War II sites: an abandoned torpedo battery built directly into the rock. The site dates back to the Nazi occupation of Northern Norway during World War II and was constructed by Polish prisoners under brutal conditions as part of the Nazi coastal defense system meant to block Allied ships from reaching Kirkenes.
Your journey begins with a transfer from Kirkenes to the trailhead (about 30 minutes by car). From there, we put on snowshoes and start a scenic 3–4 hour round-trip hike through frozen forest and hilly terrain. The route includes about 200 meters of elevation gain and loss, with a few short but steeper sections as we approach the remote coastline.
Reaching the battery feels like stepping into another world. Snow-covered concrete structures, tunnels carved into the rock, and rusted metal remain almost untouched since the war. In many parts of Europe, sites like this would be sealed off or turned into a museum. Here, it remains accessible to curious explorers who want to understand both the beauty of the Arctic and the history hidden within it.
We take time to explore the area, share the history behind the site, and enjoy hot drinks and a snack before snowshoeing back and returning to Kirkenes. If you sail along the coast with Hurtigruten or Havila and know where to look, you can even spot the torpedo battery from the ship as it passes the entrance of the Bøkfjord.
Depending on snow conditions, the tour may be done as a snowshoe hike or a regular winter hike.
November - May
6 hours
On request
English & German
2 - 7 pax
Storgata 5, 9900 Kirkenes (our office, lower floor)
This is a physically demanding snowshoe hike along the rugged coastline outside Kirkenes. The route follows uneven, snow covered terrain with a few steeper sections as we move along the cliffs toward the old torpedo battery site.
The hike includes about 200 meters of elevation gain and loss. No prior snowshoeing experience is required, but guests should be in good physical condition and comfortable spending several hours outdoors in Arctic winter conditions.
Interested in this tour? Just fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We’re excited to help you plan your Arctic adventure!
