Pasvik Valley
Pasvikdalen
A river valley of taiga pine forest stretching along the Norwegian-Russian border river, where you can see brown bears and birds and look across to Russia.
The Pasvik Valley runs about 100 km south along the Pasvik River, which forms the Norwegian-Russian border. It is the westernmost extent of Siberian taiga in Norway. Pine forests, lakes and marshes are home to brown bears, moose and many bird species. The Svanhovd Environmental Centre, about 40 km from Kirkenes, has exhibitions, a botanical garden and bear-watching information, and from here you can look across to Russia. In summer you can go canoeing and fishing, and in winter snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. There are few services along the way, so you need a car or a local tour, and should fill up with fuel before setting out.
Opening hours
All day; Schwanhof Center open daytime
Nearby sights
- Høyde 96 Observation Tower
- Kirkenes Snowhotel
- Storskog Border Crossing
- Borderland Museum
- Andersgrotta Bunker
- Liberation Monument
- King Crab Safari
- Bugøynes