Snowshoe Hike to a WWII Torpedo Battery

This tour combines snowshoe hiking in beautiful Arctic nature and wartime history. You’ll follow your guide through remote winter landscapes to a German torpedo battery built by Polish prisoners of war. A powerful trip for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Price from

3,500 NOK

3,500 NOK

per adult

Season

November - April

Duration

6 hours

Starting time

13:30

Group size

2 - 7 pax

Fitness level

Advanced

Languages

English & German

Tour highlights

  • Explore a hidden WWII torpedo battery built into the cliffs near Bøkfjord
  • Learn about Kirkenes during World War II, when it was one of the most strategic locations for the Nazis in Northern Norway
  • Scenic snowshoe hike through Arctic forest and coastal landscapes
  • Warm drinks and snacks while exploring this forgotten historical site

What to expect?

Hidden at sea level near the entrance of the Bøkfjord lies one of Kirkenes’ least-known World War II sites: an abandoned torpedo battery built directly into the rock. The site dates back to the Nazi occupation of Northern Norway during World War II and was constructed by Polish prisoners under brutal conditions as part of the Nazi coastal defense system meant to block Allied ships from reaching Kirkenes.

Your journey begins with a transfer from Kirkenes to the trailhead (about 30 minutes by car). From there, we put on snowshoes and start a scenic 3–4 hour round-trip hike through frozen forest and hilly terrain. The route includes about 200 meters of elevation gain and loss, with a few short but steeper sections as we approach the remote coastline.

Reaching the battery feels like stepping into another world. Snow-covered concrete structures, tunnels carved into the rock, and rusted metal remain almost untouched since the war. In many parts of Europe, sites like this would be sealed off or turned into a museum. Here, it remains accessible to curious explorers who want to understand both the beauty of the Arctic and the history hidden within it.

We take time to explore the area, share the history behind the site, and enjoy hot drinks and a snack before snowshoeing back and returning to Kirkenes. If you sail along the coast with Hurtigruten or Havila and know where to look, you can even spot the torpedo battery from the ship as it passes the entrance of the Bøkfjord.

Is this tour suitable for me?

  • This is a physically demanding snowshoe hike along the rugged coastline outside Kirkenes. The route follows uneven, snow covered terrain with a few steeper sections as we move along the cliffs toward the old torpedo battery site.

  • The hike includes about 200 meters of elevation gain and loss. No prior snowshoeing experience is required, but guests should be in good physical condition and comfortable spending several hours outdoors in Arctic winter conditions.

Good to know before you book

  • This tour runs regularly at 13:30. Other start times can be arranged on request.
  • Depending on snow conditions, the tour may be done as a snowshoe hike or a regular hike.
  • The battery site itself has uneven concrete, tunnels, and rock — take care with footing once you arrive.
  • During the polar night (late November to mid-January), the afternoon tour at 13:30 gives you a chance to see the Northern Lights. Sightings are never guaranteed.
  • Sailing past with Hurtigruten or Havila? You can spot the torpedo battery from the ship at the entrance to Bøkfjord.

What's included?

  • Pickup and drop-off in Kirkenes
  • English or German-speaking Guide
  • Snowshoes and poles
  • Headlamp
  • Binoculars
  • Hot drink and snack

Meeting point & pickup

We pick you up in Kirkenes, from your hotel or Airbnb — 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 13:45.

Travelling with luggage? We’re happy to store it for you during the tour — just let us know when booking.

What to bring?

  • Windproof jacket and warm layers
  • Water bottle

Check availability for this tour

Questions about this tour?

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.

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