Kirkenes is located in the extreme northeastern part of Norway on the Bøkfjord, a branch of the Varangerfjord, The town is situated about 400km north of the Arctic Circle and is further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg.
Most visitors start their journey to Varanger by flying into Kirkenes, but the actual birding starts in the fjords on the road leading to Neiden. Both the Neidenfjord and Munkefjord may hold huge numbers of Red-throated Diver and Black-throated Diver in spring before they move to their breeding grounds. Long-tailed Ducks, Common Scoter and Common Eider are regular here. Munkefjord nature reserve, which is located near Kirkenes is well known for its large congregations of Black-throated Divers and Red-throated Divers in spring.