Kirkenes

Kirkenes is a town in Sør-Varanger Municipality in Finnmark county, in the far north-eastern part of Norway. The town lies on a peninsula along the Bøkfjorden, an arm of the large Varangerfjorden.

Kirkenes is the northern terminus for the Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage), which sails along the Norwegian coast from Bergen.

Kirkenes lies on the shore of the Bøkfjorden, a 23km long fjord. The Bøkfjord Lighthouse is located in the mouth of the Bøkfjorden.

Activities available in the area include King Crab safaris, dog sledding, snowmobile and boat trips.

The Borderland Museum (Grenselandmuseet) exhibits permanent and temporary exhibitions from the border area.

Pasvik Nature Reserve (open limited times of the year) is located in the valley Pasvikdalen in Norway and Russia. The nature reserve was established between 1992/93. The Norwegian part covers 19.1 sq km and has a rich abundance of birdlife.

Hiking and fishing are popular activities, information can be found at the tourist information centre in town.

Shopping opportunities can be found at Kirkenes Senter and AMFI Shopping Malls, as well as smaller stores and specialist shops in town.

The red king crab is featured in almost all restaurants. Enjoy delicious steamed crab legs with butter, stuff crab pasta topped with a rich crème or tomato sauce or cold crab and pasta salad.

Cruise ships can either dock or anchor and tender passengers ashore at this port of call.

The centre of town is around 2km away.

Taxis, public transport and car hire are available at the dock.

Gift and craft shops are within 0.5km of the port.