We are ending a cruise up the coast in Kirkenes and have a full/long day after disembarking before our flight out.
We are hoping for a guide to assist us get around to various sites (such as the nature park), which requires a car to access.
Has anyone used a guide or know how to identify one? This is not a city that Rick's network of guides services.
Failing that, any suggestions on how to spend the day in Kirkenes?
Posted by
Berlin
2235 posts
Kirkenes is a small functional oriented town - like nearly all others above polar circle. The church survived the burn-down order at the end of WWII - I was by far not born but regret deeply what Germans did there (link).
With a car you can explore scenic road on Varanger - in summer also in the night or very early in the morning. I was doing that tour at a perfect sunny and windy morning during midnight sun summer. Also Vardø there is worth a short visit. Be aware that sheep and reindeers can stand on the street behind every corner.
Another interesting tour is to drive along the Russian border to Grense Jakobselv beach and the little Kong Oscar II chapel there. As a Cold War child grown up near deadly Berlin Wall I was shocked that this little river is the border to Russia.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for those great suggestions! Since we're only there for that single day, I'm hoping we can find a driver with a car for hire.
Posted by
Berlin
2235 posts
It is an expensive option. I recommend to contact Kirkenes tourist office to find a guide or a driver.