Activities

Kirkenes and the surrounding area offer great hiking for all levels – from short family walks by the lake to demanding day hikes along the fjord coast. Here are some of the most popular trails:

• Postmestervatn Round – easy loop of 4.3 km, approx. 1–1.5 hrs (⭐ 4.0)
• Skytterhusfjellet Round – moderate hike of 10.1 km with great views, approx. 2.5–3 hrs (⭐ 4.3)
• Skytterhusfjellet and Prestevatn Round – moderate, 7.4 km, approx. 2–2.5 hrs (⭐ 4.1)
• Lysløypa from Kirkenes to Bjørnevatn – 15.1 km along a groomed trail, approx. 4–4.5 hrs (⭐ 4.3)
• Langøra – Bunkersbyen – easy, short 1.8 km walk with wartime history, approx. 0.5–1 hr (⭐ 4.4)
• Reinøysund – Bøkfjord lighthouse – challenging coastal hike of 21.1 km, approx. 7–7.5 hrs

Sør-Varanger offers fantastic fishing opportunities – from sea fishing for halibut and cod in Varangerfjorden to trout and Arctic char fishing in over 60,000 lakes on Finnmarkseiendommen (FeFo).

• Freshwater fishing (trout, Arctic char, grayling) – FeFo manages most lakes. Jarfjordfjellet is a popular area. Fishing permits available at fefo.no. Under 20 and over 67 fish for free in freshwater
• Salmon rivers – Munkelva, Grense Jakobselv, Klokkerelva, Karpelva and Sandneselva. Requires national fishing fee and local permit. Sandneselva has a quota of 1 salmon per day
• Sea fishing – halibut, cod, catfish and haddock in Varangerfjorden. Several operators offer guided trips
• Best time for freshwater fishing: early morning or late evening, especially near river mouths

A joint Norwegian-Russian nature reserve established in 1992–93, protected as a wetland with a very rich birdlife and fascinating natural and cultural history. The pine forest here is the north-westernmost extension of the Siberian taiga.

• Birdwatching – whooper swan, Siberian jay and many rare wading birds migrate here
• Fjærvann – the heart of the reserve, ice-free early in spring and a rich breeding area
• 8,000 years of history – Skolt Sami culture and border history between Norway and Russia

A small settlement in Sør-Varanger where the Jakobselv river flows into Varangerfjorden – marking the border with Russia. One of the most atmospheric trips you can make from Kirkenes.

• King Oscar II's Chapel – consecrated in 1869 and named after King Oscar II's visit in 1873, built to mark Norwegian sovereignty in the border area
• The settlement was founded in 1851, but was abandoned in the late 1970s and early 1980s
• The Norwegian Armed Forces have their northernmost installation along the border here, manned by the Jarfjord Company
• A great day trip from Kirkenes – drive out, walk along the river and enjoy the view towards the Barents Sea

Paddle in calm fjord waters with the midnight sun on the horizon. Kayaking is a fantastic way to experience Kirkenes and Bøkfjorden from the water.

• Calm fjord conditions make it suitable for beginners
• Midnight sun paddling in June and July is a unique experience
• Bring a packed lunch and land on one of the many islands

With reliable snow from December to April, Kirkenes has perfect conditions for cross-country skiing. The trail network is well-groomed and accessible for all levels.

• Groomed ski trails in the area around Kirkenes
• Trip to Øvre Pasvik through peaceful winter landscape
• Combine with a break by a campfire and a warm drink

Kirkenes is a unique Norwegian border town shaped by its proximity to Russia, wartime history and Arctic atmosphere – a melting pot between east and west.

• Andersgrotta – one of the largest public bomb shelters from World War II, built to protect 4,000 people. Kirkenes was bombed 328 times. Guided tours available
• The Russian Liberation Monument – commemorates the Red Army's liberation of Finnmark in 1944
• Mining town history – explore the town's past as a mining community (AS Sydvaranger) and its strategic role during the Cold War
• Cafés and restaurants serving local, Sami and Russian-inspired food in an Arctic atmosphere

The sauna is an important part of northern culture. After a day in the cold, nothing beats warming up and perhaps rolling in the snow afterwards.

• Kirkenes Badstuforening – wood-fired communal sauna in a Sami lavvo. From NOK 75. Book at kirkenesbadstuforening.no
• Scandic Kirkenes – sauna, indoor swimming pool and solarium, open to hotel guests
• Snow Resort Kirkenes – sauna in heated service building at the snow hotel
• Combine with a swim in the fjord in summer