Norway is a fairly large European country.By area, it is approximately equal to the territory of Finland or Poland. Looking at the map, it is difficult to imagine that the territory of this elongated country is more than three hundred thousand square kilometers. If you drive along its coast, you can see that the distance between the cities here is more in line with the Siberian standards than the European one. The extreme eastern regions extend to the north-western borders of our country.
In the far east is a tiny cityKirkenes (Norway), in which we will go today. From Oslo it is separated more than 2500 km, and the distance to Murmansk is only 230 km. For this reason our compatriots are frequent guests in the Kingdom of Norway.
It is the largest port and extreme city of the Earth.Note that Mr. Kirkenes (Norway) is located on the border with Russia. The population is small - only three thousand people, most of them Russian. The sights of the city clearly indicate that Russia played an important role in the history of Kirkenes. We'll talk about this a little later.
The location of the city, undoubtedly, has an impacton its climate. From the end of November to early January in Kirkenes polar night. At this time, the duration of the light day is not more than two hours. In July, the sun almost does not go beyond the horizon.
Average monthly temperature readings fluctuatefrom -11.5 ° C (January) to + 12.6 ° C (July). In a year approximately 450 mm of precipitation falls. The lowest recorded temperature was -41 ° C; the highest is 32.7 ° C.
This northern city and nearby to itFor a long time the territories were in Norwegian-Russian joint use, until 1826. It was this year that the borders were demarcated, which exist today. The modern Kirkenes (Norway) got its name in 1862nd. It is translated from Norwegian as the Church Cape. Before that, the city was called Pisselvnes.
During the war with Germany (1941-1945), Kirkenes(Norway) occupied the troops of the fascists. He was subjected to terrible, destructive bombing. Historians argue that the Nazis only bombarded Malta. And only in 1944 the Soviet Army liberated the settlement.
I must say that the memorable places in this townLittle. However, they are all very significant for the townspeople, since most of them are associated with the most terrible war in the history of mankind. Let's get acquainted with them in more detail.
The construction of the bomb shelter was started by the Norwegian architect Anders Elvebach in 1941. In his honor, and was later called a shelter. In 1990, it became available to visitors.
After the occupation of the city in 1940, the Germanthe troops were concentrated on the Northern Frontier. This region was the most fortified in Europe, so the city was committed more than three hundred air raids. In Kirkenes, 1 015 times declared an air alarm, after destructive raids only 230 houses survived.
The catacombs of Andersgrotta had two exits and couldhide in their dungeons from 400 to 600 people. Thanks to this structure, many people's lives were saved. Visitors to the bomb shelter are given the opportunity not only to walk through underground tunnels, but also to see a very truthful documentary about military operations in this city, based on archival documents. The film is voiced in Norwegian and is duplicated in German and English.
Kirkenes (Norway), whose photo you see inthis article has another interesting monument. This museum is located in a picturesque area in the vicinity of the city. Its main exposition is devoted to the most destructive and bloody war in history.
Some halls introduce visitors to the museum withancient Saami culture, history and nature bordering the Russian Federation. The museum has a panorama showing how the Norwegian guerrillas relay information from the observation post to the Soviet troops about the movements of the fleet of fascists. Here in the place of honor next to the flag of Norway is the banner of the Soviet Union in memory of the heroic liberation of the city.
But the main exhibit of the museum is the Sovietplane IL-2. It was shot down in 1944 over the territory of Norway and fell into the lake. In the postwar years it was raised and restored. It is the image of the legendary aircraft that is the visiting card of the city.
It should be noted that Kirkenes (Norway)is distinguished by a very careful attitude of local residents to monuments dedicated to the events of the Second World War. This memorial is dedicated to Soviet soldiers-liberators as a token of gratitude to the people of Norway for the liberation of Kirkiness in 1944. Well known outside the city, the Russian monument, as the locals call it, is installed on the Roual Amundsen Square almost immediately after the great Victory. The author of the composition was Stinius Fredriksen, the pedestal of the sculpture was designed by Gudolf Blackstad. In the process of creating the monument, its original image was slightly changed: the coat of arms of the Third Reich was removed from it.
Annually, on May 8 and 9, memorial rallies are held near the monument. On October 25, on the day of the liberation of the city, thousands of citizens bring flowers here and take part in solemn events.
Despite the fact that Kirkenes is a small town,hotels here are enough to accommodate everyone who wants to get acquainted with its sights. Hotels in Kirkenes (Norway) are quite cozy, clean, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable relaxing stay.
This hotel is located in the city center, on the beachBekfjord, 900 meters from the terminal Hurtigruten. The hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with TV, minibar, and bathroom with necessary toiletries.
In the hotel guests are offered to take active leisure - to take part in trips on dog sleds, track down a bear, safari on snowmobiles.
This complex is located by Lake Nejtijärvi, 500 meters from the Russian border. The hotel has rooms equipped with necessary office equipment working place and private bathroom.
The hotel restaurant offers dishesnational cuisine. Among them, whale and venison are very popular. From the restaurant you can go to the spacious terrace, which offers amazing views of the sea. A sauna is available for guests and there is a hydromassage bath, which must be booked in advance.
Near the complex there are walking routes andski runs. Attentive and friendly staff will help you organize snowmobile safaris, dog sledding, mountain camping. In addition, you can watch the Northern Lights.
This hotel is located at the very entrance to the city,about a kilometer from the center. The hotel offers cozy rooms with heated floors. All apartments are equipped with TVs and household appliances. From their windows you can enjoy stunning views of Kirkenes.
A ten-minute walk from the hotel is the Museum of Frontier Countries, a ferry terminal. Free parking spaces are available near the hotel.
