What you will experience
This is the only guided hike in Norway that goes all the way to the official border marks between Norway and Russia. The hike is a round trip of around 3 km, and there is a maximum of 7 guests per hike.
After pick-up in Kirkenes we drive about 15 minutes to the start of the trail. We walk through birch forest and across open tundra. Depending on the season you may see grouse or reindeer, and in late summer and autumn the trail is full of berries and mushrooms.
Your first destination is the Pasvik River, which forms the border between the countries. On the other side of the river is the Boris Gleb Church, an Orthodox church that was important in determining where the border was drawn. You will then look across to Skafferhullet and the old watchtower from the Cold War.
Then you arrive at the border markers. Right in front of you is the border street, a cleared strip that marks the divide between Norway and Russia. At a viewpoint nearby we take a break with a hot drink and something to eat, while the guide tells about the Cold War and life on the border today.
If the group is interested, we will go up to Russe Hill (120 m above sea level). The peak offers a view of the entire border area and Storskog, the only official border crossing between Norway and Russia.
The trip is featured in a report in BBC Travel.