Bjørnevatn

Like Kirkenes, Bjørnevatn is built up around AS Sydvaranger’s mining industry. The settlement counting a population of about 1500 is therefore called “the mining town” among people. The mine is located in the center of Bjørnevatn and is one of the biggest open cast mines in Northern Europe. The mine was closed in 1996.

How to get to Bjørnevatn

Bjørnevatn is situated around 10 km from Kirkenes.
by car: from Kirkenes you take road No E6 to Hesseng (4 km), 2. crossing to the left on road No 885 (direction Pasvik). Follow the signs.

by bus: from 7am to 6pm there are bus connections every hour. For more infomation contact the buss company FFR phone: +47 78 99 39 70 or www.ffr.no

History of Bjørnevatn

Bjørnevatn is even today known as the “mining town”, even tough the mines were closed down in 1996. The mining adventure started in 1906, and drew workers from entire Scandinavia to the area. The world wars caused a pause in the mining activities, but after they  finished  there was a great demand for iron ore. Towards the end of the second world war, 2500 people took refuge inside a mining tunnel. Several lived inside for two months, and 10 children were born inside. The 50’s, 60’s and 70’s was a golden period for the society. Then came the hard 80’s. The iron ore from Kirkenes became to expensive. From 1200 employees the mining giant was gradually slimmed down. 1996 marked the end of 90 years of mining history, the mines were closed down and much of the equipment was sold.

Sights in Bjørnevatn

The Mine area
The mining industry at AS Sydvaranger counts as one of the largest chapters in Norwegian mining and industrial history. It was closed in 1996. The mining area itself is closed to the public, but parts of the industry are still visible from Bjørnevatn.
For guided tours please enquire with
Pasvikturist AS tel.: +47 78 99 50 80.

The Tunnel
Towards the end of World War II, about 2500 people went into hiding in a tunnel in the mining area. Some of them lived in the tunnel for 2 months and10 children were born there.

Rallar-monumentet (The Miners Monument)
Erected in memory of the first workers at AS Sydvaranger.

The Music Pavilion

Characteristic music pavilion from 1953 with a Russian onion-shaped cupola. Memorial to the liberation of Sør-Varanger and 90 years of mining industry

 Bed and Breakfast

Three rooms in a calm residential area. One double room and two single rooms (possibility double rooms) Washbasin, bed linnen and towels in all rooms included. Common shower, WC and a tea kitchen. Garden with seat and grill possibility.

Jan Jamtli

Adr: Internatveien 4A, 9915 Bjørnevatn

Phone: +47 92 88 04 90

email: janjamtli@yahoo.no