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.
Relax in a traditional wood-fired sauna at Namdalen Wilderness Lodge, with reindeer hot dogs by the fire and good conditions for Northern Lights.
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.
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.
Explore the Kirkenes area on electric fatbikes. A fun and active way to explore the beautiful Arctic nature in the Norwegian-Russian borderland.
Step into Arctic wilderness and walk right up to the Norwegian-Russian border. A snowshoe hike filled with history, nature, and northern intrigue.
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.
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.
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. An exciting, private 4-hour winter trip near Kirkenes.
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.
Snowshoe hike along the Arctic coastline near Kirkenes to a hidden World War II torpedo battery. Enjoy breathtaking views, learn about history and step inside a historic bunker carved into the cliffs.
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.
Step into Arctic wilderness and walk right up to the Norwegian-Russian border. A snowshoe hike filled with history, nature, and northern intrigue.
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.
Relax in a traditional wood-fired sauna at Namdalen Wilderness Lodge, with reindeer hot dogs by the fire and good conditions for Northern Lights.
Ride an electric fatbike through snowy Arctic landscapes. A fun and active way to explore Kirkenes’ surroundings in the winter.
Drive your own dog sled through Arctic wilderness with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. A private, hands-on dog sledding experience in the dark-sky Pasvik Valley.
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.
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.
Ski into the Arctic wilderness, pitch a tent in the snow and spend a night in a winter expedition camp. Learn essential polar skills, sleep in a tent, and experience true Arctic silence — no experience needed.
Ski through the quiet forests of Pasvik to the remote Namdalen Wilderness Lodge, enjoy reindeer hot dogs by the fire, and get a taste of authentic Norwegian cabin life.
Explore the Arctic nature around Kirkenes the Norwegian way - on skis. A beginner-friendly tour, giving you the chance to explore beyond the town.
Snowshoe hike along the Arctic coastline near Kirkenes to a hidden World War II torpedo battery. Enjoy breathtaking views, learn about history and step inside a historic bunker carved into the cliffs.
Explore the Kirkenes area on electric fatbikes. A fun and active way to explore the beautiful Arctic nature in the Norwegian-Russian borderland.
Step into Arctic wilderness and walk right up to the Norwegian-Russian border. A snowshoe hike filled with history, nature, and northern intrigue.
Together with experienced local dog mushers Hannah and Eirik, you step into their world of Arctic dog mushing in the Pasvik Valley.
Drive your own dog sled through Arctic wilderness with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. A private, hands-on dog sledding experience in the dark-sky Pasvik Valley.
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.
Want something special? We create personal Arctic experiences for your stay in Kirkenes tailored to your time, interests, and energy — just for you.
Design your own Arctic adventure — from peaceful snowshoe hikes to fatbike rides, sauna nights, and more. We build the day around you.
This Mini Arctic Excursion is a short, flexible land experience designed around your Hurtigruten, Havila or flight schedule — with guaranteed on-time drop-off.
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!
