The natural delights of northern Norway will be within easier reach when Finnair introduces a new route in April 202.
The service will connect Helsinki with the town of Kirkenes, via Ivalo, and will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
As Finnair’s northernmost destination, Kirkenes joins Tromsø and Bodø in the airline’s Northern Norway network, with all three destinations located above the Arctic Circle.
The destination’s unique experiences include fishing for Arctic king crabs; exploring the nearby village of Bugøynes, described as a place that feels like you are at the end of the world; and staying in the Snowhotel, which gives visitors the chance to experience Arctic conditions for 365 days a year.
The red king crab, which first arrived in the waters of the Varanger fjord over 50 years ago from Russia, thrives in the cold. The largest king crab caught in the region measured an impressive 1.8 metres from leg to leg, making it a remarkable catch for both locals and tourists.
The King Crab Safari takes guests out towards the Barents Sea. Guided by experienced fishermen, the trip offers opportunities to assist in pulling up cages containing the massive crabs while learning all about them.
Only 180 people live in Bugøynes, most of them descendants of Finnish settlers. The drive to Bugøynes is an adventure, with narrow, winding roads and wide-open Arctic landscapes.
The Snowhotel uses advanced cooling technology to preserve its winter atmosphere even during the summer months.
In Kirkenes, travellers can connect with its history and gain insight into the resilience of a community that has rebuilt and thrived through challenging times.
Sámi culture has deep roots in the Kirkenes area, as part of the indigenous Sámi homeland spanning across Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.
Today, Kirkenes offers a chance to connect with Sámi traditions through encounters with reindeer herders, artisans selling handcrafted goods, and the museum Ä’vv Skolt Sámi.
Cruise lines that sail up the Norwegian coastline and stop in Kirkenes include Havila.
