South Varanger

Travel Guide

A calm river with rocky cliffs and trees in the background.
Thon Hotel Kirkenes

Thon Hotel Kirkenes

3.5 out of 5
Johan Knudtzens gate 11 South Varanger
$185 nightly
The price is $208 total per night from Oct 24 to Oct 25
$208 total
Oct 24 - Oct 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kirkenes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (963 reviews)
"Really enjoyed our stay , the hotel was situated conveniently close to the centre and not too far from where we had disembarked from a Havila cruise boat . There was also a bus stop outside the hotel where you could catch a shuttle bus to the airport . The restaurant had a good selection of meals ..."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2026

Thon Hotel Kirkenes
Scandic Kirkenes

Scandic Kirkenes

3.5 out of 5
Kongens gate 1-3 South Varanger Finnmark
$143 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
$161 total
Oct 31 - Nov 1
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kirkenes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice clean decent sized room. Kirkenes is very small so it was pretty close to everything in town. We could not do an early check when we got moved to a morning flight in but they had a good luggage storage room for us to use. Breakfast was pretty standard buffet with a reasonable selection."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Scandic Kirkenes
Kirkenes Hotel

Kirkenes Hotel

3 out of 5
Dr Wesselgate 3 South Varanger
$102 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$114 total
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Kirkenes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Russian Monument and Andersgrotta are ...
6.6/10 (432 reviews)
"OK place. Stayed one night before the cruise from Kirkenes. The bed was confortable."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026

Kirkenes Hotel
See all 24 properties in South Varanger
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Åtte Årstider Lodge

Åtte Årstider Lodge

3 out of 5
Mikkelsnesveien 9 South Varanger Finnmark
Stay at this cabin in South Varanger. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Super"

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2025

Åtte Årstider Lodge
Modern apartment right in the city center

Modern apartment right in the city center

Finnmark Finnmark
Stay at this apartment in Kirkenes. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Russian Monument and Andersgrotta are ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Het appartement was heel schoon, nieuw, netjes en van alle gemakken voorzien. Er is een parkeerplaats voor de deur, wat fijn is als je met de auto komt. Het appartement bevindt zich echter op een afgelegen bedrijventerrein met veel herrie in de nacht vanwege ronkende motoren (van het naastgelegen ..."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Modern apartment right in the city center
6 Person Holiday Home in Jarfjord

6 Person Holiday Home in Jarfjord

2.5 out of 5
South Varanger Finnmark
Stay at this vacation home in South Varanger. Enjoy free parking, a sauna, and a garden. Popular attraction Storskog Border Station is located nearby.
6 Person Holiday Home in Jarfjord
See all properties in South Varanger
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular South Varanger attractions

Kirkenes Church

8.0/10 (16 reviews)
Kirkenes Church is just one of the places to see in Kirkenes, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can enjoy the coffeehouses while in the area.
See properties

Things to do

Kirkenes: Snowhotel Entrance Ticket

Kirkenes: Snowhotel Entrance Ticket

$32
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kirkenes: Snowhotel Entrance Ticket
King Crab Safari and visit a Snowhotel from Saariselkä

King Crab Safari and visit a Snowhotel from Saariselkä

$735
per adult
King Crab Safari and visit a Snowhotel from Saariselkä
See all activities in South Varanger

Frequently asked questions

Is South Varanger worth visiting?
South Varanger is worth visiting for its unique attractions, offering travelers a glimpse into the region's character. Highlights include the historic Kirkenes Church, a significant landmark, and the Storskog Border Station, which provides a distinctive point of interest.
When is the best time to visit South Varanger?
The best time to visit South Varanger is from January through March, when travelers can embrace the cold, snowy weather. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, also offering a winter experience.
What is South Varanger known for?
South Varanger is known for its notable landmarks, such as Kirkenes Church and the Storskog Border Station. Travelers can also discover the natural beauty of Pasvik Nature Reserve in this Norwegian city, which offers unique experiences near the border.
What is a good itinerary length for South Varanger?
A good itinerary length for South Varanger is two to three days to explore highlights like Kirkenes Church, Storskog Border Station, and Pasvik Nature Reserve. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also enjoy activities such as a King Crab Safari, a Kirkenes Sightseeing Tour, or hunting the Northern Lights with Aurora Express. See South Varanger Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around South Varanger?
South Varanger offers unique Arctic adventures, from wildlife encounters to cultural tours and natural wonders:

  • Experience a King Crab Safari and visit a Snowhotel.
  • Hunt the Northern Lights with Aurora Express.
  • Explore the Pasvik Nature Reserve.
  • Take a Kirkenes Sightseeing Tour at the Norwegian–Russian Border.

How do I plan a trip to South Varanger?
To plan your trip to South Varanger, search Expedia for hotels and book flights and rental cars in advance. Consider activities like a King Crab Safari, a Kirkenes Sightseeing Tour, or hunting the Northern Lights. For attractions such as Kirkenes Church or Pasvik Nature Reserve, remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
Can I book a refundable hotel in South Varanger?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in South Varanger by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to South Varanger with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your South Varanger trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in South Varanger?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in South Varanger can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my South Varanger trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your South Varanger trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my South Varanger trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your South Varanger trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to South Varanger?
If it's your first trip to South Varanger, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my South Varanger hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your South Varanger hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near South Varanger

A group of reindeer running across a snowy landscape.

Kirkenes

A snowy landscape with a cluster of colorful houses and a large dome structure on a hill.

Vardø

A river with a wooden boat, a bridge, and a hill in the background.

Utsjoki

A river with large rocks, a forested area, and a clear blue sky.

Inari

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