Kirkenes

Travel Guide

Kirkenes
Kirkenes
Kirkenes
Photo by Kimberley Jekel

Enjoy the midnight sun during summer and the northern lights in winter. Experience Norwegian history near the Russian border.

Kirkenes became a city in 1998 and was previously a Norwegian-Russian district. Grense Jakobselv is situated 35 miles to the east, with only a river separating it from Russia. Here you will find the cultural heritage site King Oscar II's Chapel, a stone church which provided border protection from 1869.

Øvre Pasvik National Park was established in 1970 to protect a large natural area. The park borders Finland and Russia and is known for its brown bear population. From the 314-foot high vantage point you can look out to Nikel in Russia, only 25 miles from Kirkenes. If you want to get even closer to nature, there are guided tours where you can experience husky safaris, search for the northern lights or visit the kingdom of the brown bear.

The city is stunning all year round. A holiday to Kirkenes during summer may allow you to experience the unique midnight sun shining through the night and the day, illuminating everything from the horizon. The Northern Lights are a special natural phenomenon that can be experienced in winter. It appears as a spectacular and distinctive light display in the night sky. It is difficult to plan to see the Northern Lights, but you can download an app that will tell you when it will appear!

If you are keen on history and culture there are numerous wartime memorials to visit. Kirkenes was a German base and the city centre has numerous monuments erected after the Second World War. The Andersgrotta bomb shelter was frequently used by civilians and is now open to tourists, with films shown in several languages.

Regular domestic flights go between Kirkenes Airport and larger Norwegian airports, which connect to the UK. For an alternative start to your holiday, take the Hurtigruten from Bergen in Western Norway. The voyage takes around 11 days and is an amazing way to see Norway’s coastline.

A weekend trip to Kirkenes is an excellent holiday. Here you will experience a closeness to Norwegian nature while also practically leaving the country!

Scandic Kirkenes
Scandic Kirkenes
3.5 out of 5
Kongens gate 1-3, Kirkenes, South Varanger, Finnmark
The price is RM438 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
RM438
RM490 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kirkenes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Like everything in Norway, wonderful. The whole country is just great"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Scandic Kirkenes
Thon Hotel Kirkenes
Thon Hotel Kirkenes
3.5 out of 5
Johan Knudtzens gate 11, Kirkenes, South Varanger
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM519 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM519
RM582 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kirkenes. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (691 reviews)
"beautiful water view, easy walk to business"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Thon Hotel Kirkenes
Kirkenes Hotel
Kirkenes Hotel
3 out of 5
Dr Wesselgate 3, Kirkenes, South Varanger
The price is RM391 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
RM391
RM438 total
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in Kirkenes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Kirkenes Church and Russian Monument ...
6.6/10 (305 reviews)
Low cost hotel for the night.
"I appreciate that they left our room key out for us. We were there to sleep while waiting to go on a cruise the following day. I would say that most of the people who also went on the cruise stayed at another hotel but for the price and distances to the shopping center it wasn't bad. I wish the restaurant ..."

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2025

Kirkenes Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Åtte Årstider Lodge
Åtte Årstider Lodge
3 out of 5
Mikkelsnesveien 9, South Varanger, Finnmark
Stay at this 3-star cabin in South Varanger. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and furnished patios.
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Uusi, hiljainen mökki
"Uusi mökki, näppärästi saavutettavissa ja sisäänkirjautuminen omatoimisesti. Välineiden ja tavaroiden kuivatukselle ei oikein ollut paikkaa."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Åtte Årstider Lodge
7 Person Holiday Home in Jarfjord-by Traum
7 Person Holiday Home in Jarfjord-by Traum
2 out of 5
South Varanger
Stay at this vacation home in South Varanger. Enjoy free parking, a sauna, and satellite TV channels. Popular attraction Storskog Border Station is located ...
7 Person Holiday Home in Jarfjord-by Traum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Interesting town at the end of the world