Where is Kirkenes?
Kirkenes lies well above the Arctic Circle, located at 69.7°N in the far northeastern corner of Norway, near the borders with Russia and Finland. It’s one of the most remote and authentic destinations in the Arctic — perfect for travellers looking to escape the crowds of more commercialized places like Tromsø or Lofoten.
While both Kirkenes and Tromsø share a similar latitude (Tromsø is at 69.6°N), their settings are quite different. Tromsø is a bustling coastal city, often busy with tourists and affected by cloudier, milder weather due to its maritime climate. In contrast, Kirkenes offers a quieter, more intimate experience with a stable inland climate, making it one of the best places in Norway to see the Northern Lights — with clear skies and minimal light pollution just minutes from town.
Kirkenes is also the turning point of the Hurtigruten coastal ship, a legendary Norwegian voyage that connects Bergen to the far north. Whether you’re sailing north or flying in, Kirkenes is the gateway to true Arctic adventure — raw, real, and far off the beaten path.
Why travel to Kirkenes?
Kirkenes is unlike anywhere else in Norway. It’s where Siberian taiga meets tundra, where Russian, Sámi, and Norwegian cultures overlap, and where you can still feel like the only visitor for kilometres. The landscapes are vast, the weather unpredictable, and the silence unforgettable. This is our home now. And we can’t wait to show you why.
How to get to Kirkenes
By Plane
You can fly to Kirkenes Airport (KKN) from major Norwegian cities like Oslo and Tromsø every day (airlines include SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe). Since summer 2025, Finnair also offer flights from Helsinki via Ivalo to Kirkenes — a great new option for those coming from Finland or abroad.
By Road
It’s easy to reach Kirkenes by car. You can drive along the E6 highway from Alta or Nordkapp, or come through Finland via Ivalo or Rovaniemi. Roads are in good shape, but if you’re driving in winter, check the weather and road conditions first.
By Sea
For the scenic route, take the train (“Nordlandsbanen”) from Oslo or Trondheim to Bodø, then hop on a Hurtigruten or Havila coastal ship all the way to Kirkenes. It’s a beautiful journey along Norway’s coast.
Via Finland
Another easy way to get here is through Finland. Fly into Ivalo Airport (IVL) and continue by car, taxi, or private transfer across the border into Norway. It’s a popular route, especially in winter.
Weather and climate
- Summer (June–August): 8°C to 20°C. Midnight sun, dry air, great hiking and paddling.
- Autumn (September–October): 0°C to 10°C. Colorful forests, berry and mushroom season, first Northern Lights.
- Winter (November–April): -5°C to -35°C. Snow, Northern Lights, snowshoeing, ice fishing.
Fun fact: Kirkenes sits between coastal and continental climates, which means big weather variations — sometimes even 10°C difference between town and Pasvik!
Best time to visit
- For Midnight Sun: late May– late July
- For Berry & Mushroom Season: August–September
- For Northern Lights: Late August to early April
- For Winter Activities: December–April
- For Peaceful Shoulder Season Travel: September & October
What to wear
- Thermal base layers
- Wool or fleece mid-layer
- Wind- and waterproof outer jacket
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Sturdy boots or hiking shoes
For winter tours, we provide thermal suits, boots, and mittens when needed — check the tour info for details.
Equipment provided
- Snowshoes or skiis
- Helmets, life vests, or headlamps
- Hot drinks, cooking gear
- Sleeping mats/bags (overnight tours)
Please check the tour info for details.
Safety, health & fitness
Our tours are suitable for most healthy adults and active children. Some hikes require moderate fitness — check the difficulty level listed on each tour page. If you have specific health concerns, please contact us before booking. We are a registered company, our guides are trained in first aid, and we always carry safety equipment.
Allergies & dietary preferences
Many of our tours include snacks or simple outdoor meals like hot dogs, waffles, or campfire coffee. If you have allergies or dietary preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), just let us know when booking — we’re happy to adapt.
Frequently asked questions
Find an answer to frequently asked questions. You cannot find what you are looking for? Drop us a message.
Yes! Kirkenes is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights! Located at 69°N, Kirkenes lies well within the Auroral Zone, a ring-shaped area around the magnetic poles where the Northern Lights are most frequently visible. In fact, its position is almost identical to that of Tromsø, a popular destinations for aurora hunting. But unlike Tromsø, Kirkenes is far less crowded, meaning you can enjoy this natural wonder in peace and solitude, away from the city lights and tourist hustle. From early September to early April, you have excellent chances to witness the magical lights dancing across the sky. Whether you join a Northern Lights snowshoe hike, a Northern Light fatbike tour, a hot Arctic sauna or a cozy overnight stay in a typical Norwegian, kirkenes tours offers authentic, small-group Northern Lights experiences you’ll never forget.
Our tours are offered in English and German. On request, we can also arrange guides who speak Polish, Spanish or Norwegian.
Yes! We offer family-friendly tours that include short hikes, outdoor cooking, and interactive nature experiences. Just ask!
We do our best to adapt. For example, if it rains, we may switch to a more sheltered route or adjust timing. If a tour must be canceled for safety reasons, we offer a full refund or rescheduling.
Yes, all of our tours can be booked as private experiences. Great for couples, families, or small groups who want a custom schedule. Just let us know!
Kirkenes can be as cold as -35°C in January — but don’t worry. We provide proper gear, warm-up stops, and expert tips to keep you comfortable.
No — we provide all necessary equipment for each activity. You can find practical information on what's included on each tour page. Just bring appropriate clothing and a sense of adventure!
