Things to do in Winter in Kirkenes

Kirkenes, the turnaround port for Norway’s coastal ferries, is one of the best places to watch the Northern Lights, explore fantastic Arctic nature, and learn about fascinating borderland history at the crossroads of Norway, Russia, and Finland. Here are our favourite ways to experience Kirkenes in winter.

Our winter bestseller tours in Kirkenes

These are our most popular winter experiences when you spend a few hours in Kirkenes — chosen by guests looking for Arctic nature, borderland history, and unforgettable Northern Lights moments. From snowshoe hikes to the Russian border to aurora hunting by minivan or on foot, these tours are must-dos during your stay in Kirkenes.

Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike

Crunch through snow under the stars as the Northern Lights dance above. A peaceful night hike far from the city lights — just you, the snow, and the sky.

Spy Games in the Arctic

A Spy Tour of Arctic Norway: Step into the shadowy world of Arctic espionage at the very edge of NATO. Discover how a small border town became a hotspot of spies, secrets, and Cold War intrigue.

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.

Northern Lights by Minivan

Chase the magical Northern Lights from the comfort of a warm minivan with sky roof. Small group, expert guide, and a real chance to witness the Aurora away from town lights.

Culture & History tours

Explore the Russian border and unique borderland culture and history of Kirkenes in winter — from WWII sites and Cold War stories to local reindeer traditions and ice fishing. These small-group tours blend Arctic culture and storytelling in one of Europe’s most fascinating frontier towns.

Ice Fishing on the Border Lake

Try Arctic ice fishing on one of Norway’s most extraordinary lakes — a border lake where one-third lies in Norway and two-thirds in Russia. A exciting 4-hour winter trip surrounded by forests, snow, and international history.

Reindeer experience – A local family home visit

Meet reindeer during a personal home visit with a local family in Kirkenes. Feed and walk with them, learn about reindeer herding traditions, and possibly try reindeer sledding.

Spy Games in the Arctic

A Spy Tour of Arctic Norway: Step into the shadowy world of Arctic espionage at the very edge of NATO. Discover how a small border town became a hotspot of spies, secrets, and Cold War intrigue.

WWII Torpedo Battery Snowshoe Hike

Snowshoe through Arctic wilderness to a forgotten World War II torpedo battery on the edge of the Barents Sea. History, nature, and silence — all in one unique experience.

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.

Northern Lights experiences

Located at 69.7°N, Kirkenes lies in the heart of the Auroral Zone, with clear inland skies and minimal light pollution — giving you some of the best chances to witness the Northern Lights. Our evening tours take you away from town lights and into the Arctic night – by snowshoes, minivan, electric fatbikes or wilderness sauna.

Arctic Sauna Experience

Journey deep into the Arctic wilderness for an evening of sauna, fire-grilled food, and Northern Lights.

Northern Lights by E-Fatbike

Ride an electric fatbike through snowy Arctic landscapes. A fun and active way to explore Kirkenes’ surroundings in the winter.

Northern Lights Dog Sledding (Self-driving)

Drive your own dog sled through Arctic wilderness — with the Northern Lights above and the Siberian taiga all around. A private, hands-on dog sledding experience in the dark-sky Pasvik Valley.

Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike

Crunch through snow under the stars as the Northern Lights dance above. A peaceful night hike far from the city lights — just you, the snow, and the sky.

Northern Lights by Minivan

Chase the magical Northern Lights from the comfort of a warm minivan with sky roof. Small group, expert guide, and a real chance to witness the Aurora away from town lights.

Active winter tours

Our active winter tours are for guests who want to explore Kirkenes beyond the town: snowshoe hikes, electric fatbike rides, backcountry skiing, and (self-driving) dog sledding. Discover the unique Arctic nature of the Kirkenes area where tundra and Siberian taiga meet.

(Self-driving) Dog Sledding

Drive your own dog sled through the untouched wilderness of the Pasvik Valley. A rare, hands-on Arctic experience in close collaboration with a local dog-mushing couple.

Arctic Backcountry Ski Experience

Glide silently through Arctic winter landscapes on Nordic backcountry skis ("fjellski"). A relaxed, beginner-friendly introduction to exploring Kirkenes the Norwegian way.

Arctic Winter E-Fatbike Adventure

Ride electric fatbikes through snowy Arctic landscapes. A fun and active way to explore Kirkenes’ surroundings in the winter.

Northern Lights Dog Sledding (Self-driving)

Drive your own dog sled through Arctic wilderness — with the Northern Lights above and the Siberian taiga all around. A private, hands-on dog sledding experience in the dark-sky Pasvik Valley.

Overnight Ski Expedition

Ski into the Arctic wilderness and spend a night in a winter expedition camp. Learn essential polar skills, sleep in a tent, and experience true Arctic silence — safely and step by step.

WWII Torpedo Battery Snowshoe Hike

Snowshoe through Arctic wilderness to a forgotten World War II torpedo battery on the edge of the Barents Sea. History, nature, and silence — all in one unique experience.

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.

Custom winter tours

Want something special? We create personal Arctic experiences for your stay in Kirkenes tailored to your time, interests, and energy — just for you.

Custom Arctic Experience

Design your own Arctic adventure — from peaceful snowshoe hikes to fatbike rides, sauna nights, and more. We build the day around you.

Mini Arctic Excursion – Kirkenes

This Mini Arctic Excursion is a short, flexible land experience designed around your Hurtigruten, Havila or flight schedule — with guaranteed on-time drop-off.

Book your adventure now

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!

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