Kirkenes is located near the borders of Russia and Finland and is a diverse town where eastern influences and Sami culture are naturally woven into everyday life.

Like a true cultural kaleidoscope, Kirkenes is shaped by strong seasonal contrasts. Winters are long and snowy, illuminated by the fascinating Northern Lights, while summers are short yet vibrant, defined by the unique phenomenon of the Midnight Sun.

This bus tour offers an engaging introduction to Kirkenes’ rich local and international history. One of the highlights is a guided visit to Andersgrotta, located in the heart of the town. Here, you will enter the region’s largest World War II bomb shelter and explore the cave while learning how the local population lived during the war. Together with a knowledgeable guide, you will gain deeper insight into Kirkenes’ strategic importance – and why the town became one of the most heavily bombed places in the world.

The visit to Andersgrotta also includes a 10-minute documentary featuring a combination of archival material and recent footage. This experience brings history to life and offers a powerful insight into how the residents sought shelter during the war.

Beyond Andersgrotta, the tour takes you to several important monuments and statues in Kirkenes, including the Russian Monument, which honours the Red Army’s liberation of Sør-Varanger in the autumn of 1944.

You will also stop at a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views over the town – perfect for memorable photographs. For many, the most memorable moment of the tour is the visit to the Storskog border crossing, where you stand just a few metres from the impressive eastern border.