Kirkenes is a town in the Finnmark region of Norway, far east near the Russian border, more or less in the end of mainland Norway. This is the last port for Hurtigruten and the end of Norway's main road E6, 2,500 km (1,600 mi) from Oslo and 3,120 km (1,940 mi) from Trelleborg (Sweden).
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Kirkenes is known as a mining town, and mining for iron ore has been taken up again after a hiatus. Kirkenes has some 3,500 inhabitants. The region was Germany's staging ground for its northern front against the Soviet Union during World War II, and this has left marks in the area. The town of Kirkenes was totally destroyed by almost 350 Soviet air raids, and holds the record as the most bombed-out town in Europe during the war. Upon an imminent Soviet advance the population was forced by the Germans to relocate to Tromsø and further south.
Local buses. Long distance buses leave outside the main shopping center in the middle of town. Some buses only take cash, however there is an ATM inside the shopping center.
The midnight sun in summer The Aurora Borealis in winter. You can shell out thousands to participate in an organized "hunt", but that is mostly a waste of money. If you have your own car just start driving south, beyond Bjørnevatn towards Svanvik, to escape the coast and the lights. If you don't have a car the odds are still good in and near the town. A 20-30 minute walk to the south-east will probably give you the best conditions. Head for a spot1 spot about 1.5 km due south of the Hurtigruten ship terminal. The Russian border, including the 2 three-borders-mark, where also Finland joins in. Caution should be exercised; presume all movement is under surveillance near the border.
Fishing, both salt and fresh water, including salmon. Hiking. 1 Kirkenes Snow Hotel (Kirkenes Snøhotell), ☏ +47 78-970-540, info@kirkenessnowhotel.com. The hotel is open from December to early April. A range of activities, some of which vary by the season (you do not have to stay at the hotel to participate): king crab excursions, including catching and eating, husky tours, reindeer watching. 2 Øvre Pasvik National Park, ☏ +47 46-41-36-00, fax: +47 78-99-56-00, svanhovd@nibio.no. The largest area of primeval forest in Norway, part of the Russian taiga. Forested hills, lakes and bogs. Also eastern species seldom seen in western Europe. Bears. Some open wilderness huts, wild camping allowed.
Being a small settlement dining opportunities are not abundant. There are however a few restaurants. 1 Ritz, Dr. Wessels gate 17, ☏ +47 78 99 34 81. (updated Oct 2017) 2 Shanghai, Dr. Wessels gate 3, ☏ +47 78 99 01 28, chunjinguan168@gmail.com. Tu-Su 15:00-22:00. A Chinese restaurant in Kirkenes. Spacious with stylish decor. A speciality dish is steamed king crab, although this is subject to availability. Main courses from kr 200. (updated Feb 2024) 3 Surf & Turf, Dr. Wessels gate 2, ☏ +47 464 45 245. (updated Oct 2017)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Kirkenes typically sees ~19°C daytime highs and 9 rainy days.
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