Grense Jakobselv is a lush valley 60 km east of Kirkenes. Here is the border with Russia and on the way there you drive past Norway's oldest mountain formation.
Worth visiting
King Oscar II Chapel marks Norway's border with Russia
Farthest to the northeast, where the Norwegian-Russian border meets the Arctic Ocean, a small stone chapel with 70 seats marks the beginning of Norway.
The border between Russia and Norway was drawn in 1826, but the population of the two countries was long unfamiliar with the new border. Russian fishermen often crossed over to the Norwegian side, and there were several incidents. In 1851, the village of Grense Jakobselv, where the border meets the sea, received permanent Norwegian settlement. The religious competitor in the area, the Russian Orthodox Church, was already strongly marked with the Boris Gleb Church right next to the Norwegian border at the Pasvik River.
The church was built to mark the border:
To mark the border, the Storting paid for the construction of a church. The architecture reflects Western European ideals, with neo-Gothic forms in grey stone. The church tower is visible far out to sea, so no one could be in doubt about where the border was. In 1869 the church was consecrated as “a spiritual watchtower against the various faiths of the Eastern colossus”.
Beach at the Barents Sea
Where the road ends you will find a parking lot and an incredibly nice view of the Barents Sea. If the weather is clear you can see over to the Varanger Peninsula. The midnight sun can be observed here in the evening so we recommend this as an evening trip or an overnight trip. If you are really lucky you can see beluga whales. But you are guaranteed a great nature experience with lots of wildlife and many different bird species. Swimming is recommended even though the water is rarely more than 10 C.
Getting there
From Kirkenes follow the E6 to Hesseng. At the roundabout follow the road towards Russia E105. At Storskog turn left and follow road 886 to Grense Jakobselv. The road is signposted all the way from Hesseng. The road is closed for winter from Vintervollen (30 km before Grense Jakobselv) from October to May. In winter only accessible by snowmobile.
Places to stay and eat
There are no permanent residents in Grense Jakobselv anymore. The village has been abandoned and only summer guests stay in the valley. There is no possibility of overnight accommodation or dining. You can pitch a tent or stay with a camper for one night (no parking on private land allowed). Remember to shop in Kirkenes before you leave.
Organized trips to Grense Jakobselv
Kirkenes Booking – Pasvikturist AS : offers tours with a local guide and minibus in the summer.
Barents Safari : you can book a spectacular day trip by snowmobile to Grense Jakobselv (with guide)