Port Guide | Norway | Dive Deep
Kirkenes
James Ireton | Editor
Published on 2025-04-07
Stepping off your floating residential palace and into Kirkenes feels a bit like wandering onto the set of a surreal Arctic noir film-minus the murders, one hopes. Welcome to a town so far north, you're practically shaking hands with the polar bears, and whose street signs casually remind you that Russia is just down the road (indeed, Moscow is closer than Oslo). Kirkenes offers more than reindeer selfies and frostbite: it's a mingling of Norwegian grit, Sami tradition, and a very Scandinavian talent for making frozen water into cozy sleeping quarters. Don't believe me? Check out the famous Snowhotel, where walls of ice guarantee your cocktail stays colder than the stare you'll get if you dare to ask for decaf. Practical tip number one: excursions here book faster than a seat next to the buffet line, so if chasing Northern Lights or husky sledding are on your bucket list (and why wouldn't they be?), best get planning yesterday. Now, shake off ship-induced lethargy, layer up your woolens, and dive into a town that blends frontier charm with Arctic quirks-it's time to see why Kirkenes is Northern Europe's best-kept frosty secret.
Norway has 7 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Kirkenes is known for its unique Arctic experiences, including the famous Snowhotel and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights in winter. Visitors are encouraged to arrange excursions in advance for a smoother experience.
Where do cruise ships dock in Kirkenes?
Port Name Kirkenes
Country Norway
Region Northern Europe
Ship Terminal Kirkenes Cruise Terminal
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility The cruise terminal is located approximately 1.5 km from the city center, which can be reached by walking or short taxi rides.
What's the weather like in Kirkenes?
Best Season to Visit Summer, specifically June to August
Climate Subarctic climate, with generally cool summers and cold winters.
Weather Notes The summer months are relatively mild but can still see cooler temperatures and rain, while winter brings snow and extreme cold. Long daylight hours in summer are a highlight.
Temperature Range 50F to 70F (10C to 21C)
High Temp 74F
Low Temp -13F
Average Temp 32F
What do I need to know about Kirkenes?
Language Norwegian
Currency Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 3,500
Timezone Central European Time (CET)
How do I get around Kirkenes?
Local taxis and shuttle buses are available, as well as car rentals and bike rentals.
What are The Best Things to do in Kirkenes?
Discover what you should do while you're in Kirkenes.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
King Crab Safari
Kirkenes Harbor
Catch and feast on giant king crabs right from the Arctic waters.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Reindeer Farm Visit
N/A
Enjoy a summer day among native reindeer herds.
Distance from Terminal: 6 miles
Sauna and Arctic Ocean Swim
Kirkenes Waterfront
Dare a refreshing swim after a traditional Finnish sauna.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Arctic Berry Picking
N/A
Harvest fresh, wild Arctic berries under the summer sun.
Distance from Terminal: 10 miles
Dog Kennel Visit in Summer
Kirkenes Husky Farm
Interact with huskies and learn about summer kennel life.
Distance from Terminal: 8 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Visit the Borderland Museum
Forstevannslia, Kirkenes
Explore the unique border history and culture of Kirkenes.
Distance from Terminal: 0.9 miles
Visit the Russian Border
Storskog Border Station
Stand at the northernmost border crossing between Norway and Russia.
Distance from Terminal: 9 miles
Bokfjord Lighthouse Visit
Bokfjorden
Scenic views at Norway's northernmost lighthouse.
Distance from Terminal: 4 miles
Traditional Sami Experience
N/A
Immerse yourself in indigenous Sami culture, food, and storytelling.
Distance from Terminal: 15 miles
Visit Grense Jakobselv
Grense Jakobselv
Historic village at Norway-Russia border with remarkable coastal views.
Distance from Terminal: 37 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Midnight Sun Hike
N/A
Experience 24-hours daylight while hiking scenic Arctic trails.
Distance from Terminal: 3 miles
Hike in Ovre Pasvik National Park
N/A
Pristine wilderness hiking in untouched northern forests.
Distance from Terminal: 40 miles
Riverboat Trip on Pasvik River
N/A
Navigate river routes along the Norway-Russia border.
Distance from Terminal: 28 miles
Barents Sea Coastal Tour
Kirkenes Port
Unique coastal tour in the northernmost marine environment.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Overnight Trips
Stay at Kirkenes Snow Hotel (Summer Experience)
Sandnesdalen 14
Despite the warmth, visit and dine at the enchanting Snow Hotel facilities.
Distance from Terminal: 5 miles
A Little Extra
Norwegian-Russian Quilt Exhibition
Kirkenes Library
Admire unique cross-cultural textile art reflecting border communities.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Norway Regional Tip
Quietness in Public Spaces Maintaining quiet conversations and avoiding loud behaviors in transport and public places adheres to the cultural norm of respecting shared spaces.