Spy Games History & Landmark Russian Border Drive, Kirkenes

Your journey begins in Kirkenes with a visit to the Soviet Liberation Monument, where you'll learn about the Soviet Union's role in liberating the region during World War II and how Norwegian-Russian relations have evolved since. Continue past the Russian Consulate and head to the Kirkenes harbor, one of the few Norwegian ports where Russian fishing trawlers are still permitted to dock (if any are in port, you'll stop for a closer look), while your guide explains the harbor's significance amid today's geopolitical tensions.

Leaving town behind, you'll travel toward the Russian border and stop at Skafferhullet, a former Cold War border crossing. Here, you'll see an old guard tower and hear of the people, intelligence operations, surveillance, and border confrontations that once took place at this remote gateway. You'll then pause at a viewpoint overlooking the Pasvik River, where you can spot the historic Boris Gleb Church on the Russian side and learn about its role in shaping the international boundary.

Your final stop is Storskog, the only official land border crossing along NATO's frontier with its eastern neighbor. As you take in the surroundings, your guide will recount more recent incidents, such as the dramatic escape of a Wagner mercenary who crossed the frozen Pasvik River into Norway. You'll also gain insight into how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has affected everyday life in Kirkenes and the surrounding border communities before returning to your starting point.