Things to do in Kirkenes
Discover the best attractions and experiences Kirkenes has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore Kirkenes' layered history, from wartime defenses to iconic town structures that survived and shaped this Arctic frontier.
Kirkenes Church
A prominent church in the town center, rebuilt after World War II and known for its simple, modern aesthetic.
Pasvik Line border fortifications
remnants of WWII border defenses along the Pasvik Line offering a glimpse into the region's military past.
Kirkenes Snowhotel
Iconic seasonal structure made of snow and ice, showcasing Arctic architectural craft.
Museums
Dive into the borderlands, local history and Arctic life through Kirkenes' museums.
Grenselandet Border Museum
Exhibits about life on the Norway–Russia border and Cold War era experiences.
Sør-Varanger Museum
Regional museum covering natural and cultural history of the Sør-Varanger area.
Religious Monuments
Visit significant sacred sites that reflect Kirkenes' spiritual heritage and islanded coastal culture.
Kirkenes Church
A central place of worship with a notable place in the town’s post-war revival.
Grense Jakobselv Church
A small seaside chapel in the Grense Jakobselv area with a serene setting.
National & Theme Parks
Immerse yourself in the Arctic outdoors just outside Kirkenes, from protected forests to borderland landscapes.
Øvre Pasvik National Park
One of Norway’s northernmost parks, rich with boreal forests and river scenery near the border.
Pasvik Nature Reserve
Wetlands and rivers teeming with wildlife in a pristine Arctic setting.
Neighborhoods
Explore Kirkenes’ compact center and harbor district to feel local life and sea views.
Kirkenes Town Centre
Walkable center with shops, cafés and views of the harbor.
Port Area of Kirkenes
Harbor district with ships, fishermen and coastal scenery.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy Kirkenes without tickets—nature, strolls and starlit skies.
Aurora Borealis viewing
If weather allows, admire the Northern Lights dancing across Arctic skies.
Walk the Kirkenes waterfront
Stroll along the harbor for sea views and fresh Arctic air.
Border area scenery at Storskog
Accessible border landscapes and open views just beyond the town.
Gastronomy
Taste the sea and land’s Arctic flavors with local specialties.
King crab feast
Guided experiences featuring fresh king crab and regional seafood.
Arctic char tasting
Dishes highlighting Arctic char cooked with local techniques.
Reindeer stew experience
Traditional Arctic dishes showcasing game meat and regional produce.
Nightlife
Evenings in Kirkenes mix cozy bars, cruises and light shows.
Aurora Dinner Cruise
Evening cruise with dinner while you search for the aurora.
Hurtigruten evening voyage
Nighttime coastal voyage offering Arctic scenery from the water.
Entertainment
Evening experiences and shows that celebrate Arctic culture and scenery.
Snowhotel Kirkenes ice-bar night
An ice-bar experience within the iconic Snowhotel, ideal for a winter evening.
Northern lights photography workshop
Small-group session to capture aurora photographs under Arctic skies.
Hurtigruten coastal showcase
Evening vantage on a classic Arctic voyage along the coast.
Sports
Winter sports and Arctic adventures in and around Kirkenes.
Dog sledding
Mushing through snowy terrain, guided by seasoned sled teams.
Snowmobile safari
Glide across snowfields and frozen landscapes on a guided snowmobile trek.
Reindeer sledding
Traditional sled ride with reindeer through pristine Arctic scenery.
Off the Track
Unconventional adventures beyond the obvious highlights.
Border-area exploration near Storskog
Guided exploration of the Norway–Russia border region and its landscape.
Øvre Pasvik guided hike
In-depth nature hike through forests and along rivers in the national park.