Close to the borders of Norway, Russia and Finland, the Pasvik Valley stretches from Kirkenes in the north to Treriksrøysa in the south. The 100 km long valley has large areas of pine and birch forest, as well as several protected primeval forest and wetland areas. Pasvik has a rich and diverse flora and fauna, and is known as a meeting place for species from east and west. Norway's densest brown bear population lives in the valley, while more than 220 bird species have been observed here. The Pasvik River flows through the valley, which forms the border between Norway and Russia. The river continues south through Øvre Pasvik National Park to its source, Lake Inari in Finland.
Worth visiting
Svanhovd: Visitor Center for Øvre Pasvik National Park
Svanhovd is located in Svanvik 40 km south of Kirkenes and is an attractive experience site with a visitor center for Øvre Pasvik National Park, botanical garden and conference center. Cafe and dining.
The visitor center has exhibitions that present the special nature, culture and history of Pasvikdalen, where you can learn more about the primeval forest in the national park and the most characteristic bird and animal species that live here. Pasvikdalen borders Finland to the west and Russia to the east, and has Norway's densest brown bear population. Brown bears have therefore been given a central place in the exhibitions, and with interactive solutions the center offers exciting and educational experiences for visitors. We also offer various nature trails in the surrounding area. Where you can learn more about nature and wildlife.
www.pasvik.no
Beach Museum
Varanger Museum's exhibition at Strand (about 42 km from Kirkenes) is open in the summer (July). The museum is an old characteristic log school from 1905, which was built to demonstrate Norwegian sovereignty.
https://www.varangermuseum.no/besok-oss/besokssteder/strand-skoleinternat/
“96 Height” border surveillance tower
If you continue 6 km south of Svanvik along route 885, you will see an old border observation tower on a small hill by the road. From the top of this tower there is a good view over Pasvikdalen and across to Nikel, which is the nearest town on the Russian side. There is a mini café selling souvenirs in the summer months.
Upper Pasvik National Park
Øvre Pasvik has Norway's northernmost primeval forest, and the national park is a mosaic of old-growth forest, bogs and water. The area is located in the northwestern corner of the Siberian taiga. Here you can find eastern species that do not occur anywhere else in our elongated country. Walking to Treriksrøysa and Ellenvanskoia is popular. For more information, contact the National Park Visitor Center.
https://www.nibio.no/om-nibio/adresser/nord-norge/svanhovd
Getting there
The easiest way to get to Pasvikdalen is by car or bike. Follow the E6 highway to Hesseng and then take route 885. This road leads 100 km up to Nyrud, passing farms and small villages along the way. You will find places to stay at Svanhovd, Melkefoss and Vaggetem.
For bus offers check https://snelandia.no/