Ports of Call – Kirkenes

What can I do in Kirkenes?

Lots of different things actually. The main thing to bear in mind is that you will need good, sturdy walking boots and plenty of warm clothing. Layers are good.
Hurtigruten has a range of excursions on offer in Kirkenes which will be the turning point of your voyage.
The Russian border – Kirkenes is the only town in Norway where East meets West. You will take a bus tour so you can experience the scenery in this area and various other places around the locality before your stop at Storskog. You cannot cross the border but you can take photos and purchase souvenirs.

River Boat Safari – a chance to experience Norways unique history, beautiful scenery and rich array of animal life, maybe even bears. Again this trip takes you to the Russian border where you will go ashore and amongst other things you will have hot drinks complimented by cloudberries with cream!

Snowmobile Safari – always a popular one. You will drive your snowmobiles on a frozen fjord while enjoying the beautiful landscape. After this you will be taken to a lavvo (tent) where you will enjoy a hot drink and some dried reindeer meat if you are feeling brave!
Kirkenes Snow Hotel – you may have seen this on TV when Joanna Lumley visited a couple of years ago. Situated near to Gabba Reindeer Park, you will be shown around this beautiful hotel and will be served drinks at Norways largest ice bar, to include “Rudolfs Revenge” – sounds interesting. After the tour you will have the opportunity to meet the reindeer which is a great photo opportunity, and also you can visit Gabba kennel and meet some of the many huskies who live there. Following this you will go to the Gabba restaurant for a lunch of sausages and potato pancakes around a cosy fire.
ATV/Quad Safari – you will drive these in pairs up to the Kjerringstupet viewpoint to see settlements of around 10,000 years old before driving around the local area to see more scenery and learn about the area. The trip will conclude with coffee and muffins at the Russian border station.
Husky Adventure – you will be two to a sledge on this excursion and each sledge will have its own ‘musher’ (guide). You will be taken over the frozen landscape and will also have the opportunity to drive the sledge yourself if you wish. The track is just over 5km long so plenty of chance to see the scenery. The ride will finish with hot drinks around a fire.
Although you will have your own warm clothing and boots with you, on certain excursions Hurtigruten will provide weatherproof or safety clothing. When they supply it we would strongly recommend that you make use of it. It is of a high standard and designed specifically for the Norweigan climate!
If you would like to know more please give me a call