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.
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.
Step into Arctic wilderness and walk right up to the Norwegian-Russian border. A snowshoe hike filled with history, nature, and northern intrigue.
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.
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.
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.
Relax in a traditional wood-fired sauna at Namdalen Wilderness Lodge, with reindeer hot dogs by the fire and good conditions for Northern Lights.
Explore the Kirkenes area on electric fatbikes. A fun and active way to explore the beautiful Arctic nature in the Norwegian-Russian borderland.
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.
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.
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.
Together with experienced local dog mushers Hannah and Eirik, you step into their world of Arctic dog mushing in the Pasvik Valley.
Travelling as a couple, family, or small group? We arrange private departures on all routes at times that fit your schedule. Multi-day programmes and overnight stays at Namdalen Wilderness Lodge are also available. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll put it together.
Winter tours run November through April. May is a transition month — activities depend on snow conditions, which are hard to predict that late in the season. The Polar Night lasts from 27 November to 15 January. The sun returns on 15 January. Northern Lights are visible from late August through early April.
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 Snowshoe Hike and Spy Games in the Arctic give a solid overview of the area’s history and landscape within 2.5 to 3 hours. For something more active, the WWII Torpedo Battery Snowshoe Hike is a longer half-day outing through open winter terrain. The Arctic Sauna Experience at our Namdalen Wilderness Lodge combines a snowmobile sled ride with a wood-fired sauna and reindeer sausage barbecue, one of our most distinctive winter experiences. The Winter E-Fatbike Tour is a genuinely unusual way to move through a snow-covered Arctic landscape. Our dog sledding tours include a self-driving option, the only one available in the Kirkenes area, as well as longer wilderness tours with a campfire stop. No rush, no large groups.
For Northern Lights tours run throughout the winter season on flexible departures, always in small groups of maximum 7 guests. We also keep an eye on conditions and can arrange additional departures when the forecast looks particularly good. Clear skies make the difference and we recommend building some flexibility into your schedule if seeing the Northern Lights is a priority.
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!
