Things to Do in Kirkenes, Norway in Winter: 1-Day Arctic Itinerary + Travel Tips

Where Is Kirkenes, Norway?

Kirkenes sits at the far northeastern tip of Norway, near the Russian and Finnish borders, perched on the edge of the Bøkfjorden—a branch of the Barents Sea.

At 69° N latitude, Kirkenes lies more than 250 miles (400 km) north of the Arctic Circle, making it one of the northernmost towns in Europe and placing it squarely in the land of polar nights and midnight sun.

Despite its remote location, Kirkenes is surprisingly easy to reach by plane from Oslo and serves as the gateway to Norway’s high Arctic.

Its location gives it an unmistakable frontier feeling—part fishing town, part Arctic outpost, with quiet streets lined in snow and fjord views that stretch toward Russia.

Because of its latitude, Kirkenes experiences extreme daylight swings throughout the year:

• ☀️ Midnight Sun (late May–mid-July): the sun never sets, bathing the Arctic in golden light.
• 🌙 Polar Night (late November–mid-January): the sun never fully rises, and days glow with a dreamy twilight.

When we visited in February, the sun barely skimmed the horizon, casting an otherworldly glow across the snow—it truly felt like stepping into another world.

Kirkenes Weather & Best Time to Visit

Kirkenes is a year-round destination—but what you’ll experience depends entirely on the season.

❄️ Winter (November–March)

Winter is when Kirkenes truly shines. Expect snow, silence, and surreal Arctic light. Days are short—sometimes just a few hours long—but that’s part of the magic.

From December through February, the sun barely rises, bathing the landscape in a deep blue glow that photographers dream of.

This is also Northern Lights season, and when most excursions—like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and the famous king crab safaris—are in full swing.

We visited in February, when the sun rose around 8:00 am and set just after 2:00 pm. It was cold (really cold!), but the pink-and-blue skies and peaceful snowdrifts made it unforgettable.

☀️ Summer (June–August)

In summer, the snow melts, the fjords thaw, and the midnight sun takes over—literally, the sun never sets. It’s perfect for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the tundra under 24-hour daylight. 

Kirkenes transforms from frozen white to lush green, offering a completely different kind of Arctic beauty.

🍂 Spring & Autumn (April–May/September–October)

These are the shoulder seasons—quieter, more affordable, and less extreme. You’ll find longer days, fewer crowds, and occasional aurora displays in early spring or late autumn.

👉 If your goal is to see the Northern Lights, plan your trip between late November and early March. If you’d rather explore the midnight sun and Arctic hiking trails, visit in summer.

What to Pack for Kirkenes, Norway

Kirkenes sits more than 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, so packing for this leg of your Norway itinerary means preparing for serious winter conditions.

Temperatures can dip below 14°F (–10°C) in February, and even short walks feel extreme without proper gear, especially at night. Layers are key!

You’ll want insulated boots, snow pants, thermal base layers, and a windproof parka—plus warm accessories like wool socks, waterproof gloves, a fleece neck gaiter, and a cozy beanie or ear warmer headband.

Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen too—the Arctic sun reflects brightly off the snow!

A Broad Recommendation: Many excursions (like husky sledding or king crab safaris) include extra gear such as balaclavas, mittens, and outer suits, so check ahead before packing duplicates.

👉 For a complete list of everything I packed—including layering tips, the best boots for Arctic travel, and the small items that made a big difference—head to my Norway winter packing list.

How to Get to Kirkenes, Norway

Despite its remote location, Kirkenes is surprisingly easy to reach.

✈️ By Air

We flew from Oslo to Kirkenes Airport (KKN), a tiny airport that feels more like a cozy Arctic outpost than a major transit hub.

The flight takes about two hours, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking aerial views of Norway’s snowy fjords and frozen landscapes.

Flights are operated daily by SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe, and it’s worth booking early if you’re traveling in peak winter or holiday season.

Once you land, it’s a quick 15-minute taxi or hotel transfer into town.

👉 Discover how to spend an afternoon in Oslo in the winter here!

🚢 By Hurtigruten Coastal Ferry

For a scenic approach, you can also arrive by a Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages cruise from Tromsø or Bergen.

Kirkenes is the final stop on Norway’s famous coastal route—a truly spectacular journey through fjords, islands, and Arctic seas.

🚌 By Road (if you’re adventurous!)

Kirkenes is connected to the E6 highway, Norway’s main north–south route. In winter, though, the drive can be long and icy, so flying is usually the best option.

A Broad Recommendation: Book your flights and accommodations early in winter—this small Arctic town fills up fast with Northern Lights chasers and guests heading to the Snow Resort Kirkenes (formerly Snowhotel Kirkenes).

A Brief History of Kirkenes

Where to Stay in Kirkenes

We spent two nights in Kirkenes—using it as our cozy Arctic home base before heading deeper into Norway’s winter wonderland.

Our first stop was Scandic Kirkenes, a simple but comfortable hotel right in the heart of town. It’s clean, warm, and perfectly located for exploring on foot.

There’s a restaurant on-site, plus a complimentary breakfast buffet (though we left too early to try it, and the restaurant was closed due to Covid protocols at the time of our visit).

For something more scenic, the Thon Hotel Kirkenes is another great option. It overlooks the Bøkfjorden, offering incredible fjord views from many of the rooms—especially beautiful in the blue light of Arctic mornings.

It’s a bit more upscale and ideal if you want to wake up to waterfront scenery.

And then there’s an experience you’ll never forget: an unforgettable night at the Snow Resort Kirkenes.

Built entirely of snow and ice, this one-of-a-kind property offers everything from cozy Gamme Cabins to ice rooms, husky safaris, and king crab excursions.

We spent our second night there, and it was hands down one of the most magical stays of our entire 12-day Norway winter itinerary!

👉 Read next: Make the Most of Your Stay at the Snow Resort Kirkenes—where I share what it’s really like to sleep in 25°F (-4°C), dine on king crab, and go husky sledding under the stars.

1-Day Winter Kirkenes Itinerary + Things to Do

Kirkenes may be small, but it has a quiet charm that’s perfect for your first Arctic day.

With just a handful of daylight hours in February (the sun rose around 8 am and set around 2 pm during our visit), we kept our first full day in Kirkenes simple and slow—soaking in the rhythm of Arctic life.

To help you visualize our route, here’s a walking map of Kirkenes highlighting the main landmarks, viewpoints, and local spots we explored throughout the day.

Most of the town’s key attractions are within easy walking distance, making it the perfect place to bundle up and explore on foot.

Here’s exactly what we did:

⛪ Photographed the Charming Kirkenes Church

After checking into our hotel, we bundled up and set out on a walk through town.

Our first stop was Kirkenes Church, a small but striking structure that stands as a symbol of the town’s resilience.

It was one of the few buildings to survive WWII and is now the town’s main place of worship.

It’s simple but beautiful, especially against the snowy backdrop.

🌊 Admired the Fjord Views at Thon Hotel Kirkenes

From there, we wandered toward the waterfront near Thon Hotel Kirkenes, which offers one of the best viewpoints in town.

The frozen Bøkfjorden stretched before us, glowing blue beneath the pale Arctic sky.

It’s a perfect photo stop, and if the café’s open, a great place to warm up with a coffee before continuing your walk.

The hotel also has a restaurant, but it wasn’t open yet when we stopped here.

🛍️ Did Some Light Shopping at AMFI Kirkenes

To escape the cold, we popped into AMFI Kirkenes, the town’s small shopping mall.

We restocked on essentials (like the touch-screen gloves I forgot 😅) and grabbed snacks and a bottle of wine from Vinmonopolet, Norway’s state-run liquor shop—perfect for cozy game nights back at the hotel.

🍲 Had Lunch at Bangkok Restaurant Kirkenes

After a morning of wandering, we stopped for lunch at Bangkok Restaurant Kirkenes, which opens around 1:30 pm in the winter.

The Tom Yam soup was warm, spicy, and exactly what I needed after a morning in the cold. The red curry was another hit (Allison ordered this one)!

Though the menu’s small, everything was flavorful and delicious, and the service was friendly.

🏔️ Hiked to Prestfjellet Viewpoint

After lunch, we set off toward Prestfjellet Viewpoint, a small hill that overlooks Kirkenes and the surrounding Arctic wilderness.

The hike is short but steep in sections—definitely wear good boots with traction.

We reached the top just as twilight fell (which doesn’t take long here in February).

Watching the lights of Kirkenes glow beneath the polar twilight was surreal and one of our favorite moments of the day.

On the way back down, we may have gotten a little carried away with a snowball fight (note to self: icy roads and snowball fights don’t mix 😅).

🐾 Hunted Northern Lights by Husky at Snow Resort Kirkenes

Later that night, we were picked up from our hotel for our husky-led Northern Lights safari, operated by the Snow Resort Kirkenes.

Bundled beneath thick coveralls, we glided across frozen fjords behind a team of energetic huskies, headlights flickering in the snow.

Even though we didn’t see the aurora that night, the experience itself—racing through Arctic darkness under a sky full of stars—was pure magic.

After the ride, we were dropped back off at our hotel in town, tired, frozen, and completely in awe.

A Broad Recommendation: Snow Resort Kirkenes offers transportation to and from most Kirkenes hotels, so you can easily join their excursions even if you’re not staying overnight. Just be sure to book these experiences in advance!

More Things to Do in Kirkenes in Winter

If you have extra time—or simply want to experience more of Kirkenes’ unique mix of history and Arctic adventure—here are a few more great options:

• 🕯️ Borderland Museum (Grenselandmuseet): A must for history lovers. This small but fascinating museum explores Kirkenes’ WWII history, its mining roots, and the region’s relationship with Russia.
• 🚧 Storskog Border Station: Visit Norway’s only official border crossing with Russia! You can’t cross without a visa, but it’s a fascinating stop for photos and perspective (about 15 minutes from town).
• 🐟 King Crab Safari: One of the area’s most iconic experiences. Head out on a snowmobile or boat to catch (and eat!) Arctic king crab fresh from the fjord. It’s offered year-round, but winter tours through frozen ice are especially unique.
• 🛷 Snowmobile or Aurora Safaris: Join guided snowmobile rides across the tundra or at night for a chance to spot the Northern Lights.
• 🌲 Pasvik Nature Reserve: Located south of town, this vast wilderness area is home to brown bears, reindeer, and rare Arctic birds. In summer, it’s great for hiking and photography.

Tips for Visiting Kirkenes in Winter

Kirkenes may be small, but traveling this far north comes with a few quirks worth planning for. 

Here are my top tips to help make your Arctic adventure smoother (and warmer):

• 🧳 Pack smart—and layer up. Thermal base layers, insulated snow boots, and windproof outerwear (warm coat and snow pants) are non-negotiable. Even short walks can feel extra chilly in Arctic wind. You can find my full gear list here: Norway Winter Packing List.
• 🕓 Plan around daylight. In February, you’ll only get about 6 hours of usable light, so schedule outdoor activities during midday and save museum visits or meals for early morning or late afternoon.
• 📸 Keep your phone warm. Cold temps zap battery life fast! Keep your phone and camera batteries tucked inside your jacket until you need them, and carry a backup battery or portable charger just in case.
• 🐕 Book excursions early. Husky safaris, king crab tours, and snowmobile rides often sell out weeks ahead in peak season. Reserve them when you confirm your hotel.
• 🍴 Double-check restaurant hours. Many local spots open late or close midweek in winter (we learned this the hard way 😅). Plan a few flexible meal options, pack your own snacks, or check opening times ahead.
• 🌌 Watch for aurora windows. Download an app like My Aurora Forecast and check both the KP index and cloud cover nightly. Clear skies matter more than high activity!
• Use blackout blinds or sleep masks. Even “midnight dark” nights can have shifting light levels.
• 💰 Budget wisely. Everything in the Arctic—especially tours and food—runs pricier than southern Norway. Book combo excursions or look for hotel packages to save a bit.
• 🌍 Travel responsibly. Kirkenes depends on delicate Arctic ecosystems. Stick to marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and support local, family-run operators whenever possible.

Final Thoughts on Kirkenes in Winter

Kirkenes might not have the buzz of Tromsø or Bergen—but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Here, life moves slower and your days are full of quiet beauty and Arctic charm. For us, this was the perfect place to begin our Northern Norway adventure.

Between frozen fjord views, local charm, and that surreal feeling of being at the top of the world, Kirkenes set the tone for everything that followed.

Next up was one of our favorite experiences of the whole trip: a stay at the Snow Resort Kirkenes. Think sleeping in an ice room, dining on Nordic cuisine by candlelight, and heading out on a king crab safari at sunrise—it was pure Arctic magic.

If you’re planning your own Arctic adventure, Kirkenes makes the perfect starting point before continuing west through Northern Norway.

You can follow my full 12-Day Winter Norway Itinerary for the exact route we took—linking Kirkenes with Lyngen North (for an incredible glass igloo experience), Tromsø (one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights), and more unforgettable winter stops along the way.

Because once you’ve crossed into the Arctic, the magic only deepens from here!

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads