Arctic Tourism in Kirkenes Norway Impacted by Flight Cancellations and Hotel Shortages, Here’s All You Need to Know

Recent statistics indicate that tourism in Northern Norway is progressing positively and at a firm pace. An even greater increase of 13 percent of foreign stays in Norway during September 2025 compared to the same month the previous year includes data from NHO Reiseliv, the biggest hospitality and tourism association in Norway.

Most of the increase in tourism activity was in Troms County, home of the Arctic capital Tromsø. Here the increase in activity was 16 percent during the same year, and Nordland County, which includes the Lofoten Islands, received a similar increase of 15 percent. The unchanged global demand for tourism in the Arctic is confirmed.

Nordland and Troms tourism growth figures mask a more troubling development for Finnmark county, edged northeast and home to the border town of Kirkenes, which added 2 percent decrease in tourists to travel across their border. For local operators in Kirkenes who remain the winter tourism border to the Russian winter and skiing activities, this is bad news and may indicate the looming only more troublesome conditions for these operators.

Kirkenes Operators Brace for a Difficult Winter Season

At first glance, Northern Norway’s tourism numbers suggest another successful year. But for businesses in Kirkenes, the upcoming winter season — the peak period for Arctic tourism — looks uncertain.

Raab, like many operators in the region, fears that recent flight cancellations by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will significantly affect visitor arrivals. The airline’s decision to scrap its evening direct flight from Oslo to Kirkenes has disrupted travel itineraries for international tourists.

Accessibility: The Key Challenge Holding Kirkenes Back

Unlike Tromsø, which continues to benefit from direct flights from major European cities, Kirkenes’ accessibility has been steadily declining. Tour operators stress that good air connectivity is the lifeblood of Arctic tourism, particularly in a region where travel distances are vast, and winter weather can complicate road transport.

“Most travelers have limited holiday time,” Johansen told The Barents Observer. “Some may now choose destinations like Tromsø or even northern Finland, where connections are simpler. Kirkenes is unique, but without reliable transport links, it’s difficult to realize its potential.”

Kirkenes offers niche attractions unavailable elsewhere — including king crab safaris, snowmobile expeditions, and guided trips to the Russian border, just a 20-minute drive away. Yet without efficient access, these experiences risk becoming out of reach for many would-be visitors.

The Flight Gap and Hotel Shortage Threaten Growth

For Raab and other business owners, the flight issue compounds an already existing problem — a shortage of hotel capacity. While Tromsø continues to expand its hospitality offerings — with new openings such as The Dock 69°39° Hotel, designed specifically for Arctic adventure travelers — Kirkenes hasn’t seen a new hotel built in decades.

Johansen from the Snow Hotel agrees: “We must strengthen accessibility, and more accommodation capacity is incredibly important. Otherwise, we risk stagnating.”

According to NHO Reiseliv’s latest data, foreign guest nights in Northern Norway rose by 10% overall this September, suggesting strong demand that Kirkenes could capture — if infrastructure and air links were improved.

A Region Built Around Tourism

For Kirkenes, tourism isn’t just a side industry — it’s an economic pillar. Nearly 400 people out of a population of 4,000 are employed directly in tourism.

“The whole infrastructure here is built around tourism,” Raab explained. “If tourists stop coming, we lose more than jobs — we lose flight connections that locals depend on.”

In recent years, the town has invested heavily in Arctic experiences, from ice hotels and aurora-viewing lodges to expeditions aboard Hurtigruten coastal liners, which dock in Kirkenes as their northernmost stop.

However, the ripple effect of reduced connectivity could extend far beyond tour companies, impacting restaurants, local transport, and cultural attractions.

Tromsø’s Advantage: A Growing Arctic Hub

Meanwhile, Tromsø’s rapid rise as a major Arctic gateway illustrates what Kirkenes stands to lose. The city benefits from an expanding network of direct flights from Europe, vibrant nightlife, and major events like the Northern Lights Festival.

While both destinations offer classic Arctic experiences — husky rides, snowshoeing, and northern lights tours — Tromsø’s accessibility gives it a decisive edge.

As international tourism rebounds, major tour operators and cruise lines are consolidating around cities with well-developed infrastructure and marketing visibility. For smaller towns like Kirkenes, without sustained investment, it’s increasingly difficult to compete.

Local Resilience and a Call for Action

Despite these challenges, there remains optimism within Kirkenes’ tourism community. Many operators believe that better collaboration between government, airlines, and local businesses could help reverse the trend.

Raab hopes that the concerns voiced by the local industry will reach national decision-makers. “Tourism brings in a huge amount of money,” she said. “It’s an important business, and the entire community depends on it.”

There’s also a sense of urgency. With winter approaching — the season when most travelers visit to experience the Aurora Borealis — tour operators are racing to adjust itineraries, coordinate with alternative carriers, and reassure international partners.

A Balancing Act Between Growth and Accessibility

There are geopolitical as well as logistical issues when it comes to balancing growth within the Arctic region. The Kirkenes region within the Arctic is tasked with managing the growth in demand while not overextending the area’s capacity to respond to that demand.

Uneven growth is a real concern when it comes to tourism. The lack of infrastructure in smaller towns could lead to Tromsø and Lofoten’s inequitable growth while towns that are smaller and less developed may miss opportunities.

Taking the region’s long term interest into consideration one must conclude that the building of new hotels and increased the area’s airlink will be a positive next step. With the return of the northern lights Kirkenes will experience a defining moment when Norway is likely to experience the real impact of unregulated tourism during the company to the Arctic.

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