Kirkenes

Kirkenes is the final destination, starting point or turning point for the magical coastal voyage along the length of Norway's coastline. This page gives you practical information before boarding in Kirkenes, along with ideas for how to explore the city before or after your voyage!

From the airport to the ship

Check-in and boarding

Explore Kirkenes

Northbound: Arrival at 09:00

Southbound: Departure at 12:30

Port address: Kirkenes Terminal, Kaiveien 4, 9900 Kirkenes Show on map

When do we get to Kirkenes? See sailing schedule

From the airport to the ship

Here’s how to chart your course from Kirkenes Airport (Høybuktmoen) to the terminal! The ship departs from: Kirkenes Terminal, Kaiveien 4, 9900 Kirkenes.

A Havila ship docked in Kirkenes harbour, viewed from an elevated position with green trees in the foreground and the sea in the background.

By taxi: Prefer a direct route? Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. The ride to Kirkenes Terminal, Kaiveien 4, 9900 Kirkenes takes about 15–20 minutes. We recommend pre-booking a taxi!

A large king crab sculpture in the centre of Kirkenes, set along a quiet pedestrian street with buildings, trees, and a small playground in the background.

By airport bus (Flybussen): For a convenient and budget-friendly transfer, take the Flybussen from Kirkenes Airport (KKN). The journey to Kirkenes city centre takes around 20 minutes, with stops close to major hotels and the harbour.

Boarding the ship in Kirkenes

Kirkenes marks the end of the Round Voyage and the Voyage North, and the beginning of the Voyage South with Havila Voyages. Here you will find practical information for passengers embarking in Kirkenes, including details about check-in and departure.

The Havila Capella ship arriving in a snowy harbour, with two people in the foreground watching and taking photos.

Check-in starts 09:00

Check-in opens when the ship docks. Generally, the latest check-in deadline is 15 minutes before departure.

Boarding starts 09:00

Passports or an officially valid ID card (Schengen only) are required. Additionally, a credit card — either Visa, Mastercard, or American Express is needed.

Departure 12:30

In Kirkenes, check-in takes place on board. You are responsible for arriving on time, the ship must keep the route and cannot wait. Therefore, ensure that you have plenty of time when you arrive by plane.

About Kirkenes

Here you are as far east as you get on this trip, as far east as Istanbul, and you are only fifteen kilometres away from the Russian border.

This is evident in the cityscape. In the small town you walk along streets that are signposted with both the Latin and Cyrillic alphabets, and you hear Russian being spoken everywhere. Many Russians live in the town, and many come over for shopping. The town's location has given it a dramatic history, and the town's population was subjected to 328 airstrikes during World War II, mostly on the European mainland.

The natural landscape is rugged and beautiful. Over half the year you may experience sub-zero temperatures, but in the dark of winter there are the Northern Lights, and in the summer it never gets fully dark.

Road sign i Kirkenes written with cyrillic letters. Photo: Kirkenes Snowhotel

Extend your stay in Kirkenes

Planning to arrive early or stay a little longer? Kirkenes is a great place to do just that. Located far northeast in Norway, close to the Russian border, the town offers a unique Arctic atmosphere and a range of memorable experiences.

Land programs

Start or end your voyage with more time on land. Our land programs combine hotel stays and guided experiences that fit your sailing schedule.

Explore land programs

Hotels

Add a hotel stay in Kirkenes before or after your voyage. Our selected hotels are centrally located, with easy access to the harbour and the city’s historic neighbourhoods.