Located on the Barents Sea, just ten kilometres from the Russian border, Kirkenes lies at the furthermost extremity of northeast Europe.
Turning point of the Hurtigruten voyage, this small town is arguably influenced more by its neighbours in Finland and the former Soviet Union, than by its cosmopolitan capital, over 2000 km away to the south.
The deep fjord in which the harbour lies limits the effect of the Gulf Stream but it still manages to remain ice-free for most of the winter. Mining, saw mills and catering for the Russian fishing fleet all help to keep this vibrant little town alive and kicking, despite its remote location.
Home to a fantastic Snow Hotel in winter months and base for several exciting excursions, from dog sledging to King Crab fishing, Kirkenes also boasts several fascinating small museums, recounting the history and heritage of this remote frontier. Please see our winter brochure for more information and itineraries in Kirkenes and the Snow Hotel.
KIRKENES HOTELS
Rica Kirkenes Hotel ***Rica Hotel Kirkenes is a bed & breakfast hotel located in beautiful surroundings on the entrance to Kirkenes only 900 metres from the city centre and the other Rica hotel in Kirkenes, Rica Arctic Hotel. The hotel was refurbished in January 2006 and now presents itself as a modern hotel with attractive rooms and public areas. Kirkenes' beautiful surroundings offers a number of activities and experiences and reservations can be made through the hotel. |
Rica Arctic Hotel ****This hotel is located in the centre of Kirkenes on the border with Russia and Finland. In this border region between East and West, Norwegian, Sami, Finnish and Russian cultures co-exist side by side. |
 Snow HotelSet in beautiful Arctic surroundings, guests can enjoy one of 12 double snow suites in the hotel situated in the grounds of the popular Gabba Reindeer Park. The Snow Hotel is well insulated, so however low the outside temperature, the air within tends to maintain a steady minus five degrees Celsius. High quality sleeping bags and sheets are provided to ensure that you remain snug inside these cool conditions, there is also an Arctic Snow Bar where we can enjoy a nightcap before bed. The suites will each have a double bed and snow sculptures will adorn the hotel adding to its magical atmosphere.
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SAMI INSPIRATION
Experience the flavour and magic of Lapland by combining your coastal voyage with this fascinating trip into northern Finland. Setting out from the remote town of Kirkenes, just 10 kilometres from the Russian border and some 400km north of the Arctic Circle, this three day excursion introduces you to the natural and cultural diversity of the Sami, the largest indigenous group in Europe whose ancestral lands span the northern reaches of the Nordic countries.
Departing Kirkenes and driving through a stunning landscape of cascading waterfalls and salmon rich rivers, we head for the Sami village of Inari, deep in Finnish Lapland, where our time will be spent immersed in the culture of this most traditional of people.
Day 1 : Leave Kirkenes and head for Nuorgam, passing vast tracts of peatland and dramatic weathered rock, en route to the fishing village of Bygoynes, one of the oldest in northern Scandinavia. Continuing through the stunning Tana Valley we reach Utsjoki, where the Sami Bridge connects Norway with Finland. From here we continue through prime reindeer country, arriving in Inari early evening.
Day 2 : A morning visit to SIIDA – Sami Museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre – which contains a wealth of exhibits highlighting the region’s cultural and environmental diversity, is followed by a visit to a reindeer farm, where we learn something of the life and farming techniques of the Sami herders. A number of optional excursions are also available, including a lake crossing to the holy island of Ukko, white water rafting and hiking.
Day 3 : Departing Inari in the morning we head back towards Kirkenes, driving along a scenic highway that passes a captivating vista of glistening lakes. In the Skolt Sami region we will learn something of the life and history of these distinctive people and visit a small wooden Russian Orthodox Church, before completing our journey back in mainland Norway’s most remote outpost, on the edge of the Varanger Fjord.
| Twin | £440 |
| Supp* | £45 |
* Single Supplement.
Prices are per person and based on two people travelling together and sharing a room.
Price includes : Transfers and excursions as described above with an English speaking guide or driver/guide depending on numbers, accommodation at Hotel Inarin Kultahovi for two nights including breakfast.
Not included : Travel insurance, luggage handling.
