Top 5 Kirkenes Adventure Tours: Reviews & Recommendations
Kirkenes, found way up there in the chilly part of Norway, close to where Norway meets both Russia and Finland, that place provides, in a way, more than just a pretty view; it’s practically like a doorway to excitement. You get to go on super cool adventures, ones you won’t soon forget. You know, I thought I’d let you in on my top picks for experiencing this special area to the fullest, highlighting what makes each choice a little bit unique. This includes details about pricing and also any restrictions there are. Keep reading to get my top 5 Kirkenes tour recommendations.
1. King Crab Safari: A Feast Fit for a Viking
Okay, so this isn’t just another meal, it’s seriously an Arctic legend! Getting to go grab some massive king crabs straight from the icy Barents Sea? Well, actually, you will never forget it. It’s hands-on; it is delicious. Imagine sailing on water that sparkles and shines and finally grabbing those big, impressive crabs from below. What’s really amazing? You cook it all up right there and then have like, this incredibly yummy feast. I mean, seriously, what could ever beat food that’s ridiculously fresh in a landscape that takes your breath away? If you’re really thinking of heading to Kirkenes, you should start with this trip, that, really, gives you something amazing right from the jump.
Tour Operator: Several local providers, really, offer this safari.
Duration: Typically 3-4 hours, or so it seems.
Price Range: 1700-2500 NOK per person, you know, it varies.
What’s Included: Gear to wear, a boat ride, the experience of catching crabs, preparation, and of course, you get to eat all you can!
Restrictions: A little bit dependent on weather conditions; small children might find the trip a bit much. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (King Crab Safari Kirkenes)
Read our full review: King Crab Safari Kirkenes Full Review and Details
2. Snowmobile Adventure: Arctic Thrills
You get to zip across areas blanketed with crisp white snow; feeling every bit of the power as your snowmobile glides across Norway’s arctic landscape? Actually, you haven’t seen freedom until you’ve gone for a snowmobile ride in the Arctic. With views that never seem to end, and, just a little, that clean air, these snowmobile trips turn regular sightseeing into experiences of a lifetime. For anyone craving both, I guess, stunning scenery and some thrills, this could be it.
Tour Operator: Kirkenes Snowhotel and several independent companies provide guided tours.
Duration: Ranges from 2 hours to a half-day, just a little.
Price Range: 1500-3000 NOK, dependent on the ride duration and how far you want to go.
What’s Included: You’re all set with the snowmobile itself, fuel, protective clothes to stay warm, a guide, that can take you everywhere, and training.
Restrictions: You have to possess a valid driver’s license, and some rides don’t let, basically, very young kids hop on board. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Snowmobile Adventure Kirkenes)
Read our full review: Snowmobile Adventure Kirkenes Full Review and Details
3. Northern Lights Hunt: Dancing with Aurora
You know, searching for the Northern Lights in Kirkenes isn’t like anything you have seen. Being outside way past dark, in locations so serene and utterly free from light pollution, gives you, arguably, the best spot on Earth to observe those wonderful auroras dancing across the sky. Whether you’re sitting around a cozy fire, just waiting eagerly, or speeding around on a sled, led by super cute dogs, the excitement of, actually, possibly seeing the lights just adds magic to this crazy expedition.
Tour Operator: Different places, truly, provide these tours, like the Snowhotel or several specific aurora-chasing experts.
Duration: Usually takes between 4 to 6 hours, that sounds like a lot, huh?
Price Range: Around 1000 to 2500 NOK; the price is often impacted by how you are traveling to see the lights, or so it seems.
What’s Included: A guide who is great at finding auroras, perhaps you will have transport to perfect sites, usually they give, you know, warm drinks and a meal.
Restrictions: Keep in mind that spotting the lights totally relies on the skies being clear and aurora activity levels being what they are supposed to be; of course, there’s never any promise you’ll get a view. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Northern Lights Hunt Kirkenes)
Read our full review: Northern Lights Hunt Kirkenes Full Review and Details
4. Dog Sledding: A True Arctic Experience
Dog sledding gets you close to, in some respects, the core of what the Arctic’s all about. And actually, feeling those extremely enthusiastic huskies pulling your sled across snow-covered expanses? That gives a rush like few others. These dogs aren’t only strong; I mean they love running, and going along with them means you’re joining them in a classic mode of, say, transportation while getting the chance to appreciate, first hand, that striking calmness found only in remote settings.
Tour Operator: You’ll find dog sledding provided, commonly, at Kirkenes Snowhotel plus from smaller kennels within that surrounding area.
Duration: Normally the trips last somewhere from two to four hours.
Price Range: Prepare to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of 1600-3000 NOK.
What’s Included: Meet and greets with your dog team, a lesson regarding how to actually manage the sled, and thermal gear, that is super important to keep you toasty.
Restrictions: Certain weight restrictions could be relevant, or some kennels have a lower age minimum for people wishing to drive their own teams. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Dog Sledding Kirkenes)
Read our full review: Dog Sledding Kirkenes Full Review and Details
5. Snowshoeing: Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Snowshoeing, it could be said, supplies an incredible chance to immerse yourself fully inside landscapes covered in snow around Kirkenes at whatever pace feels best. You trudge with purpose deeply through calm forests and around soft, rolling hills at the same time you’re, literally, getting incredibly close to that beauty of winter’s scenery without those noises produced by motors or other crowds that often come along. Every step you take ends up being, that is right, both meditative and invigorating; best for experiencing stillness and gorgeous scenes simultaneously.
Tour Operator: Close to Kirkenes you will come across, usually, outfitters or rental services providing these tours. Even that Kirkenes Snowhotel likely has those too.
Duration: I’d estimate from say, around two up to, probably, five hours, could be even more.
Price Range: Tours, you know, including guides range from about 800 to perhaps 1800 NOK; leases for only gear could set you back about 200-400 NOK every day.
What’s Included: Depending on whether one decides for a guided type or going all alone, certain providers add in boots alongside the poles.
Restrictions: Snowshoeing doesn’t call, arguably, for extreme fitness; having the ability simply could definitely lengthen just how much the trail extends into the backcountry. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Snowshoeing Kirkenes)
Read our full review: Snowshoeing Kirkenes Full Review and Details
