Discover summer and autumn in Kirkenes beyond the usual sightseeing tours. Hike through Arctic landscapes, explore the Russian border and experience the long days, changing colours and wild nature of Northern Norway.
Summer in Kirkenes runs from June through August. The days are long and the valleys are green. As heatwaves increasingly affect southern Europe in summer, Kirkenes offers an alternative: pleasant temperatures, untouched nature, and uncrowded trails, that don’t feel like a tourist destination. Temperatures in July average around 10°C but can reach 20–25°C on warmer days — the record high is 30.3°C. Come prepared for anything: the weather can change quickly, and that’s part of what makes it feel like a genuine Arctic destination.
The midnight sun runs from 17 May to 26 July. On a clear evening in June, it’s worth driving 60 km east to the beach at Grense Jakobselv, where the Norwegian-Russian border meets the Barents Sea, to watch the sun sit on the horizon at midnight. Swimming is possible, though the water rarely exceeds 10°C. Along the way, you will also drive by the oldest mountain in Norway at approximately 2.8 billion years.
Blueberry season typically begins in mid-July and runs through August. For hiking and nature, the Pasvik Valley is a rewarding area. Øvre Pasvik National Park, 45 km south of Kirkenes, protects old primeval pine forest along the Pasvik river that forms the Norwegian-Russian border. The area has Norway’s largest brown bear population — around 40 individuals — and over 220 bird species have been recorded here.
From late August the season shifts. Late summer and autumn — end of August through October — are genuinely underrated. The tundra turns red and gold with some of the most vivid colors in Finnmark, berries and mushrooms ripen in the forest, and the Northern Lights become visible again on dark clear nights. Northern Lights can be seen from early September until early April.
We run our summer and autumn tours from late May to October. The midnight sun lasts from 17 May to 26 July. Northern Lights are visible from late August on clear nights. Autumn colours in Sør-Varanger peak around 5–15 September.
Our morning tours at 9:00 are designed to work well with the ships’ departure schedules. We are happy to pick you up or drop you off for the 12:30 departure. Tell us your ship schedule when you book.
Most tours range between 2.5 to 6 hours and can be adjusted to your fitness level. The Russian Border Hike and Spy Games in the Arctic are a good foundation and give you a solid overview of the area’s history. The Spy Games tour covers the most important historical sites in and around Kirkenes within 2.5 hours. The longer guided hikes — the WWII Torpedo Battery, Øretoppen, Boris Gleb and Bøkfjord Lighthouse — are better suited to fit walkers who want a full day out.
Private departures available on all routes. Tours can also be combined into packages. All tours in English and German.
Have questions? See our Kirkenes travel guide & FAQ.
Interested in a 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!
