Pasvik River, Kirkenes

BBC TravelAug 22

What it's like to hike the Arctic's most closely monitored border

A series of scenic paths trace the Norwegian-Russian border. But as you trek through the tundra and forests, you may notice watchtowers and cameras hanging in trees.

river runs parallel to a public hiking trail

10 things in this story

Pasvik RiverSightriver runs parallel to a public hiking trail
Norwegian-Russian borderTrail198km-long line separating Norway and Russia
RussehøgdaSighthillside overlooking Storskog border crossing
Storskog border crossingSightonly legal land border between the countries
Kirkenes ToursPlaceoffers year-round walking excursions along the border
Havila VoyagesPlaceleading visitors to this area since 2000
HurtigrutenFerry terminalNorwegian Border tour is most popular excursion
Boris Gleb ChurchSightRussian Orthodox church dates to the 12th-Century
Russia War MonumentSightcommemorates liberation from Nazi occupation
Borderland MuseumMuseumhighlights intermixing of Norwegians, Finns, and Russians

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Pasvik River

In the coverage1 story

What it's like to hike the Arctic's most closely monitored border