Kirkenes, Norway: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Kirkenes, Norway? If you're planning to go to Kirkenes, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Kirkenes, Norway

Based on the climate and weather in Kirkenes, Norway, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kirkenes, Norway

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kirkenes, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kirkenes, Norway by month

January

January in Kirkenes is beyond freezing and very snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows most days. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you go to Kirkenes in February, you will notice that it is beyond freezing and very snowy. Expect it to snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March here is unbearably cold and very snowy. Temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you go to Kirkenes in April, you will notice that it can be extremely cold and very snowy. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May for Kirkenes can be very chilly, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June here is pretty cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the right kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you vacation in Kirkenes during August, you are likely to see that it is cool and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September for Kirkenes is pretty cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to pick the right type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you go to Kirkenes in October, you will notice that it is frigid, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you go to Kirkenes in November, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold and very snowy. Expect it to rain sometimes and snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December for Kirkenes is beyond freezing and very snowy. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkenes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

If you see the Grenselandmuseet, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Kirkenes, Norway

Kirkenes, Norway, is one of the northernmost towns in Norway and located close to the Russian border. Known for the northern lights and its scenic fjords, Kirkenes is a fascinating place to visit for those interested in arctic adventure, culture and history.

Here are some top tourist attractions in and around Kirkenes, Norway:

1. The Borderland Museum - Located at the Norwegian-Russian border, The Borderland Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the borderland area. It highlights the area’s history, including the battles that have been fought in the area during World War II.

2. Snow Hotel - The Snow Hotel is a unique experience that you don't want to miss when you visit Kirkenes. It is the largest Snow Hotel in Europe and an incredible experience that you will never forget. Staying here will give you a true arctic experience, as the hotel is made entirely of snow and ice and the temperature inside is constantly around -5 degrees Celsius.

3. Pasvik Nature Reserve - The Pasvik Nature Reserve is a beautiful natural area, home to a variety of animal species such as reindeer, bears, lemmings and lynxes. It's a great place for hiking, canoeing and fishing activities.

4. Northern Lights - Kirkenes offers an excellent opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, also called Aurora Borealis, a natural light show that occurs in the northern hemisphere. Visitors can enjoy the aurora borealis at different locations around Kirkenes, including the Snow Hotel, a tour in a dog-sled, or simply by spending a night outside.

5. King Crab Fishing - A must-do experience when visiting Kirkenes is King Crab fishing. The area around Kirkenes is famous for its massive king crabs, and visitors can go on a King Crab Safari, where they will catch their own crabs, which are later cooked and served.

6. Grenselandmuseum - The Grenselandmuseum is a museum that showcases life in the borderland area between Norway, Russia and Finland. The museum features a range of exhibits including photos, artefacts and stories from the local people.

7. Kirkenes Snowmobile Safari - If you like adventure, then a snowmobile safari in Kirkenes should be on your bucket list. With a tour guide, visitors can explore the beautiful arctic scenery, explore the wilderness and observe wildlife in this remote and spectacular environment.

In conclusion, Kirkenes is a unique and exciting travel destination that offers visitors a range of activities and attractions. Whether for winter or summer travel, Kirkenes provides ample opportunities to create unforgettable experiences for every visitor.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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