Located directly on the Norwegian–Russian border, Kirkenes has long been shaped by global politics, intelligence operations, and the strategic importance of the Arctic. On this guided minivan tour, you visit key locations in town and the official border crossing between Norway and Russia at Storskog. Along the way, we share stories from World War II and the decades of the Cold War, when Kirkenes stood on the edge of the Iron Curtain. You gain insight into the political tensions that shaped the region in the past and learn how the war in Ukraine influences everyday life in Kirkenes today.
The tour includes several historic sites, such as the Soviet Liberation Monument in Kirkenes and Skafferhullet, a former border crossing used during the Cold War, where an old guard tower still marks what was once an active gateway between Norway and the Soviet Union. From viewpoints along the Pasvik River you can see the historic Boris Gleb Church on the Russian side of the border, a landmark that played an important role in shaping the border itself.
Why book this tour?
Year round
2.5 hours
09:00 and 13:00
English & German
2 - 7 people
Storgata 5, 9900 Kirkenes (our office, lower floor)
This tour is conducted primarily by minivan, with only short walks at selected stops. No specific fitness level is required, making it suitable for all ages and physical abilities.
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!
