Starting in April 2025, Finnair will introduce a new route to Northern Norway, connecting Helsinki with the town of Kirkenes via Ivalo. This service will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. As Finnair’s northernmost destination, Kirkenes joins Tromsø and Bodø in the airline’s Northern Norway network, which already connects to both Rovaniemi and Helsinki.
This new route opens up opportunities for both Finnish and international travellers to explore the scenic region of Northern Norway and its unique experiences.
Experience a King Crab Safari
Kirkenes, often referred to as “King Crab City,” has become a hub for Arctic king crab fishing, attracting visitors eager to experience this exceptional activity. The red king crab, which first arrived in the waters of the Varanger fjord over 50 years ago from Russia, thrives in the cold. The largest king crab caught in the region measured an impressive 1.8 metres from leg to leg, making it a remarkable catch for both locals and tourists.
The King Crab Safari takes guests out towards the Barents Sea. Guided by experienced fishermen, the trip offers opportunities to assist in pulling up cages containing the massive crabs while learning all about them. Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of the fjord, with the chance of spotting marine wildlife such as porpoises. Following the catch, guests are brought to a fjordside restaurant where the crabs are prepared and served in a traditional northern style, blending arctic adventure with local cuisine.
Discover the Hidden Charm of Bugøynes
Following the thrill of a King Crab Safari, visitors can also explore the nearby village of Bugøynes, a place that feels like you are at the end of the world. Only 180 people live here, most of them descendants of Finnish settlers. The drive to Bugøynes is an adventure in itself, with narrow, winding roads and wide-open Arctic landscapes. Even though it’s a harsh place to live, the village thrives thanks to the King Crab and the nearby Arctic Sea, making it a unique and beautiful spot to visit.
A Town Rebuilt: Kirkenes’ Wartime Story at the Borderland Museum
The Borderland Museum in Kirkenes offers a powerful glimpse into the town’s history as one of Europe’s most bombed places during World War II. Occupied by German forces and heavily targeted in over 320 Soviet air raids, Kirkenes was second only to Malta in destruction. By the war’s end, only as few as 13 buildings remained.
The museum showcases this turbulent past with artefacts like a Russian Ilyushin fighter plane and stories of survival in the Andersgrotta air-raid shelter. Visitors can also explore the town’s industrial heritage, shaped by the Sydvaranger mining company, and its post-war rebuilding, highlighting Kirkenes’ resilience and strategic role as a borderland.
Kirkenes offers travellers a chance to connect with its history and gain insight into the resilience of a community that has rebuilt and thrived through challenging times.
The Rich Sámi Culture and Heritage of Kirkenes
Sámi culture has deep roots in Northern Norway, including the Kirkenes area, as part of the indigenous Sámi homeland spanning across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Historically, the Sámi were semi-nomadic hunters and later reindeer herders, adapting to northern Scandinavia’s harsh climate.
Today, Kirkenes offers a chance to connect with Sámi traditions through encounters with reindeer herders, artisans selling handcrafted goods, and you can deep dive into their rich history at the museum Ä’vv Skolt Sámi. The museum, a short 30 minutes drive outside of the city centre, highlights the history of the Skolt Sámi, the area’s indigenous people, with a distinct culture and language, numbering less than 2 000. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore their past from the Ice Age to today, as well as showcasing the influence and richness of the Sámi heritage.
Sleep in the Snow All Year Around at the Kirkenes Snowhotel
Located just 8 kilometres outside of Kirkenes, the Snowhotel has risen to become one of the largest activity providers in Northern Norway, offering visitors the chance to experience Arctic conditions for 365 days a year. Kirkenes takes great pride in this significant attraction, which showcases the region’s ingenuity and commitment to Arctic tourism. As one of only two ice hotels globally that remain open year-round, the Snowhotel uses advanced cooling technology to preserve its winter atmosphere even during the summer months.
The Snowhotel provides opportunities to sleep in the snow, walk on snow, and engage in a variety of activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more. Guests can also enjoy dining in the hotel’s restaurant, where snow is even served, adding to the immersive experience of the unique Arctic atmosphere. Since opening in 2006, the hotel has focused on delivering an authentic Arctic wilderness experience, showcasing the region’s untouched landscapes.
Midnight Sun and Starry Nights at Øvre Pasvik
Øvre Pasvik National Park, located about 100 km south of Kirkenes, has earned the prestige of being Norway’s first certified International Dark Sky Place. While the park is renowned for its exceptional stargazing and Northern Lights views during the winter months, its summer appeal is equally remarkable.
Situated at 69 degrees latitude, visitors can enjoy the surreal midnight sun, where the sun doesn’t set for weeks, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching. With no artificial lighting within its boundaries, the park preserves its natural beauty year-round, making it an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience in Northern Norway during the summer months.
Kirkenes is quickly becoming one of Northern Norway’s must-see destinations, and with Finnair’s new route starting in April 2025, it’s easier than ever to get there. With its local cuisine, thrilling fishing adventures, and influential history, Kirkenes offers a complete Arctic experience. Add in the rich Sámi culture, stunning landscapes and the authentic Snowhotel, and it becomes an unforgettable destination for every traveller.
To read more about Kirkenes, please visit nordnorge.com/destinasjon/kirkenes
