Borderland Museum, Kirkenes

Well worth a visit in Kirkenes, this multi-themed museum (Grenselandmuseet) is quaint but informative. It present the history of the settlement and development of the region, from its origin as a common territory between Russia, Finland and Norway, to a Norwegian border municipality with a complex culture. It also documents the industrial history of the firm A/S Sydvaranger, the mining company that, through the extraction of iron ore from open pit mines, led the local development from a traditional, self-sufficient community into a centre of industry.

The Museum’s war exhibition contains, among other things the Russian fighter plane Ilyushin; and presents the war history of Kirkenes and the border regions. During the Second World War, Fortress Kirkenes was the main base for the German forces, and the city became a target for allied bombers.

Be sure to enjoy a coffee & cake in the cute cafe during your visit.