Featured in BBC Travel
Curious what it’s like to hike along Norway’s border with Russia? Freelance journalist Eibhilis-Gale Coleman joined us on our Russian Border Hike and later wrote about the experience for BBC Travel.
1,500 NOK
per adult
May - November
3 hours
9:00 / 13:00
2-7 pax
English & German
Moderate
The border between Norway and Russia near Kirkenes is not an ordinary boundary. During the Cold War, it was one of only two land borders between NATO and the Soviet Union. Today, NATO’s northernmost land border is one of the most closely watched frontiers in the Arctic.
We pick you up in Kirkenes and drive about 15 minutes to the start of the trail. The route leads through birch forest and open tundra. Along the way, we share stories about the history of the region, the Cold War, and life in this borderland. Depending on the season, you might spot ptarmigan or reindeer, and in late summer and autumn the trail edges are full of wild mushrooms and berries. The hike heads first towards the Pasvik River, the natural border between Norway and Russia. From the riverbank, you have a clear view of the Boris Gleb Church on the Russian side, an Orthodox site so historically significant that its location influenced the drawing of the border. Continuing along paths patrolled by the military, you can watch across to Skafferhullet and its old guard tower – a former crossing point from the Cold War era. Shortly after, you arrive at the border markers. You’re standing at the edge of the Norwegian–Russian border. The border corridor stretches directly in front of you: a cleared strip of land that marks the line between two worlds. From there, the trail leads up to a viewpoint where we stop for a hot drink and a snack, with the border markers visible next to you.
If the group is up for it, we continue to the top of Russehøgda (120 m) – a high point with a 360-degree view over the entire border area, including Storskog. This is the only officical land border crossing between Norway and Russia.
Curious what it’s like to hike along Norway’s border with Russia? Freelance journalist Eibhilis-Gale Coleman joined us on our Russian Border Hike and later wrote about the experience for BBC Travel.
Suitable for people with average fitness who can walk comfortably for 2–3 hours on uneven terrain. Expect some elevation change, dirt paths, and rocky sections. The optional ascent to Russehøgda adds approximately 100 m of elevation gain.
We pick you up in Kirkenes, from your hotel, Airbnb or directly from the Hurtigruten or Havila pier — no need to arrange your own transport. You can select your pickup location during the booking process.
Pickup from the Snow Resort is not included and can be booked at 200 NOK per person. Pickup is at 9:20 for the morning departure and 13:20 for the afternoon departure.
Travelling with luggage? We’re happy to store it for you during the tour — just let us know when booking.
1,500 NOK
Get in touch – we’ll help you find the right tour, sort out dates, or put together something that fits your time in Kirkenes. We get back to you quickly.
