Welcome to Kirkenes

Welcome to Kirkenes, a fascinating Arctic destination situated at 69° north, in the northern part of Norway. Kirkenes offers a unique blend of pristine nature and a rich cultural heritage waiting to be explored.

Discover a city that seamlessly merges modern lifestyle with authentic Arctic traditions. Kirkenes is a crucial hub for transportation, knowledge, and thrilling Arctic experiences. Here, the Sami, Kven, and Norwegians live in harmony, sharing their rich cultural heritage.

Just minutes from the city center, you can experience an unparalleled stillness and silence found only in this part of the world. Kirkenes is also renowned for being an excellent place to witness the magical Northern Lights, especially from September to March. Don’t miss the Polar Nights, which last from late November to mid-January, or the endless summer nights under the Midnight Sun from mid-May to late July.

Explore the majestic Arctic nature, enjoy exciting activities, and immerse yourself in our Arctic way of life, where nature and culture coexist harmoniously.

Kirkenes is also famous for its delicious king crab. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste this delicacy while in Kirkenes.

Welcome to Kirkenes, where your Arctic adventure awaits!

How to get to Kirkenes

Located in northeastern Norway, is a captivating town renowned for its Arctic landscapes and cultural heritage. Here are some ways to reach Kirkenes:

  1. By Air: Kirkenes Høybuktmoen Airport (KKN) offers regular flights from major Norwegian cities like Oslo, Tromsø, and Bergen. International travelers can find connecting flights through Oslo.
  2. By Train and Ferry: Take the scenic Nordlandsbanen from Oslo or Trondheim to Bodø, then catch travel with Hurtigruten or Havila to Kirkenes. This option showcases Norway’s coastal landscapes.
  3. By Road: Kirkenes is accessible via the E6 highway, connecting it to major Norwegian cities. You can drive from cities like Tromsø, Alta, or even Oslo. Note that winter road conditions can be challenging, so check reports before traveling.
  4. By Sea: Embark on the famous Hurtigruten or Havila coastal voyage, which includes Kirkenes as its final port of call on the northbound journey from Bergen.
  5. Via Finland: Travel to Kirkenes via Finland by flying to Ivalo Airport (IVL) or Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) in Finland. From there, you can continue your journey by car, bus, or taxi, crossing the border into Norway.

Prepare for a remarkable adventure as you journey to Kirkenes and immerse yourself in the Arctic wonders that await you.

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Visit  Kirkenes Region

Visit Kirkenes Region

Welcome to Kirkenes – a border town in Northern Norway!

Visit Kirkenes hosts a tourist informations

2 weeks ago

Did you know that starting April 1st, Finnair will operate a new route from Helsinki via Ivalo to Kirkenes, three times a week?This is an incredible opportunity to experience the best of our region, from unique Arctic delicacies to rich cultural traditions. It’s also the perfect chance to combine your trip to Kirkenes with a visit to our friends in Finnish Lapland North Destinations.Planning a summer adventure? Let this new route make it easier than ever to explore everything the Arctic has to offer!Next week, Visit Kirkenes will be at the #MATKA Travel Fair 2025 in Helsinki. Stop by our stand to chat about our amazing region and all the opportunities it holds. We’d love to see you there! See MoreSee Less
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3 months ago

70% av de som svarte på innbyggerundersøkelsen om turisme i Sør-Varanger i høst er svært positiv til reiselivet her og ca 65% svarer at turismen har bidratt til å gjøre dem mer stolt av Sør-Varanger. Dette er hyggelige tall 😀 Men vi skal likevel ikke hvile på laurbærene, et godt samspill med innbyggerne er viktig også fremover. See MoreSee Less
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5 months ago

SI DIN MENING OM REISELIVET I SØR-VARANGERHvordan opplever du som innbygger turismen i kommunen vår? Håper du kan bruke noen få minutter på å svare, og du kan da være med i trekningen av et gavekort på kr 1000 hos Ribago/Ritz. Link til undersøkelsen: no.surveymonkey.com/r/2PCJQL2 See MoreSee Less
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