Sailing north this winter? Make the most of your winter stop in Kirkenes
Visiting Kirkenes in winter is unlike anywhere else in Norway. Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and the Norwegian-Russian border create a truly Arctic landscape, even if you’re only here for one morning.
Our winter excursions in the morning are designed specifically for Hurtigruten and Havila guests. We meet you directly at the harbour after your ship arrives and return you comfortably before departure, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the experience without worrying about missing your ship.
Whether you’d like to discover the fascinating history of this unique border region on our Spy Games in the Arctic minivan tour, snowshoe to the Russian border, or explore Arctic scenery by electric fatbike, our small-group excursions let you experience far more than the town centre.
Season
November - April
Duration
2.5 - 3 hours
Pickup
After ship arrival (approx. 09:15)
Languages
English & German
Group size
Maximum 7 guests
Meeting point
Pickup at Kirkenes Harbour after your ship arrives
Winter excursions for Hurtigruten & Havila guests
Choose from our carefully selected winter excursions, all timed to fit the regular arrival and departure schedule of Hurtigruten and Havila. Every excursion includes pickup at the harbour after your ship arrives and return well before departure.
- 2.5 hours
Spy Games in the Arctic
Step into the shadowy world of Arctic espionage at the very edge of NATO. Discover how Kirkenese, a small border town, became a hotspot of spies, secrets, and Cold War intrigue.
- From 1,500 NOK
- 3 hours
Russian Border Snowshoe Hike
Step into Arctic wilderness and walk right up to the Norwegian-Russian border. A snowshoe hike filled with history, nature, and northern intrigue.
- From 1,800 NOK
- 3 hours
Winter cycling with e-fatbikes
Explore the Kirkenes area on electric fatbikes. A fun and active way to explore the beautiful Arctic nature in the Norwegian-Russian borderland.
- From 1,800 NOK
FAQ - What our Hurtigruten & Havila guests wish they’d known before arriving
Do you pick us up directly at the harbour?
Yes. We meet you shortly after your ship arrives and return you well before departure.
Will we get back in time for the ship?
Absolutely. Every excursion is planned around the regular Hurtigruten and Havila timetable.
I’m boarding Hurtigruten or Havila in Kirkenes. Can I still join an excursion?
Absolutely. If you’re spending the night in Kirkenes before your voyage, our morning excursions are a great way to make the most of your time. We’ll safely store your luggage during the excursion and drop you off at the harbour with plenty of time for check-in before your ship departs.
Can you store my luggage before I board Hurtigruten or Havila?
Yes. If you’re starting your voyage in Kirkenes, we can store your luggage while you’re on the excursion and take you directly to the harbour afterwards, giving you plenty of time to check in before your ship departs.
Our cruise ends in Kirkenes. Can we explore before flying home?
Yes! Many guests finish their Hurtigruten or Havila voyage in Kirkenes and have several hours before their flight departs. Rather than waiting at the airport, why not make the most of your final morning in the Arctic?
Our morning excursions are perfectly timed for arriving ships. We’ll collect you at the harbour, safely store your luggage during the excursion. It’s a great way to visit the Russian border and experience the region before heading home.
When should I leave my hotel if I’m boarding Hurtigruten or Havila in Kirkenes?
If you’re starting your voyage in Kirkenes, there’s no need to arrive at the harbour as soon as the ship docks. Boarding usually begins around 11:00, and the ship departs at 12:30.
Instead of spending the morning waiting at the harbour, make the most of your time in the Arctic. We can pick you up from your hotel in the morning, store your luggage during the excursion, and drop you off at the harbour with plenty of time for check-in before departure.
Is it worth joining an excursion in Kirkenes during the Polar Night?
Absolutely. While the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon during the Polar Night, it’s far from being dark all day. Around midday, the landscape is often illuminated by beautiful blue and pink twilight, creating a magical Arctic atmosphere that’s unlike anywhere else in the world.
Many guests are surprised by how much they can see and often tell us that visiting Kirkenes in winter was one of the highlights of their Hurtigruten or Havila voyage. The snowy landscapes, frozen lakes and forests, and the chance to visit the Norwegian-Russian border make for a memorable experience, even without direct sunlight.
I have difficulties walking. Is there still an excursion I could join?
Yes. If you have limited mobility or find longer walks difficult, our Spy Games in the Arctic excursion is an excellent choice. The tour is conducted by comfortable minivan and includes only short walks at the various stops, allowing you to visit Kirkenes’ most important sights, experience the Norwegian-Russian border, and learn about the region’s fascinating history as well as today’s geopolitical situation—all within just a few hours.
Can we visit the Russian border in winter?
Yes. Visiting the Norwegian-Russian border is one of the highlights of many of our winter excursions. Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll experience the fascinating history, nature and geopolitics of one of Europe’s most unique border regions.
Do I need cash in Kirkenes?
You generally do not need cash in Kirkenes. In Norway, it is very common to pay by card almost everywhere, including restaurants, cafés, and shops. However, if you plan to visit the Norwegian–Russian border crossing at Storskog, there is a small gift shop where the owner only accepts cash (NOK, EUR, or USD).
Are these official Hurtigruten or Havila excursions?
No. Kirkenes Tours is an independent local tour operator and is not affiliated with Hurtigruten or Havila. Our excursions are simply scheduled to fit their regular arrival and departure times in Kirkenes.
