We arrived in Kirkenes this morning by Hurtigruten, and having made a late decision to travel all the way to Kirkenes, we were unfortunately only able to get cheap(ish) seats on SAS's evening flight to Oslo.
Kirkenes is pretty small and the predicted maximum temperature today was 0C. With snow. As a result we took our chances, and asked the taxi to take us to the top-ranked Kirkenes hotel on TripAdvisor, to see if we could get a room for the day. Which we could, and very comfortable it was too, complete with view of the harbour.
The town's sole maxi-taxi picked us up to take us to the airport on the road to Murmansk past snow and frozen lakes and signs warning of reindeer and military restrictions. Kirkenes is only a few kilometres from the border with Russia and Finland. A visit to Russia needs a visa, plus non-heterosexual types are none too popular in Putin's homeland. Also the taxi fares are unbelievably expensive.
Anyway, we are waiting in Kirkenes airport for our flight to Oslo. It's a bit like the old Adelaide domestic airport, except without the charm and amenities. And only four gates. But very serious security. Possibly because the army has a base nearby? (There are very young Norwegian army dudes waiting for flights.)
Not sure how we will get on the plane as there are no air bridges, but I'm sure all will become clear in the fullness of time.