Enjoy an Arctic treat at the unique Snowhotel Kirkenes in Northern Norway, 400 km above the Arctic Circle. Situated in the pristine arctic wilderness, where captivating landscapes from breathtaking tundra and majestic mountains to the dense pine forests and rugged coastline define this beautiful and raw region.
Stay overnight in one of the magical snow rooms and marvel at the intricate carvings in ice and snow, then enjoy a two night stay in one of the cosy cabins, with a chance to search for the Northern Lights and experience a range of winter adventures.
We have chosen to include two of the popular excursions at the Snowhotel – a Husky safari and King Crab Tour, unique to this stretch of coastline, but our short break can be tailored to your requirements with your preferred travel dates and selection of winter adventures. We’ll help to put together a romantic holiday, honeymoon or family adventure to the world’s friendliest ice hotel (in our opinion!).
Departure Days: This trip operates from December through to April
Note: This trip can be tailored to your requirements. Speak to our team if you’d like a customised itinerary.
Arrive in Kirkenes and take the transfer to the Snowhotel situated 8 km from the town. It is possible to travel to Kirkenes by air or by ferry with the famous coastal voyage using either the Hurtigruten or Havila cruise. It is very popular to include this winter cruise from Tromso and enjoy the Arctic coastal scenery. We’ll provide you with information and schedules for all the options.
You will receive a guided tour of the Snowhotel with a welcome drink, with information on how to sleep comfortably in one of the snow rooms which are kept at a constant -4 degrees.Dinner at the Snowhotel is served at 19.00 and overnight in one of the intricate snow rooms. Before heading to sleep, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the dancing aurora - located in this remote location there are great opportunities to witness this spectacular phenomenon, perhaps join one of the northern lights trips this evening.
The Snowhotel near to Kirkenes is the world’s most northerly snow hotel located in an awesome stretch of tundra 400km north of the Arctic Circle. It sits at the apex of the Scandinavian Peninsula where Norway meets Russia and Finland. The hotel is decorated with intricately sculpted ice and snow art designed and illuminated by sculptors from all around the world. Meals are served in the hotel’s informal restaurant, Hoyloftet, with its views over the fjord. There’s also a cosy round restaurant called the Gabba with its centrepiece fireplace. Ingredients on the set menu are sourced from the surrounding wilderness such as cod, salmon and Arctic char along with reindeer and other meats. All guests at the Snowhotel are welcomed on arrival with a drink at the Icebar made from berries collected from the surrounding hills.
Included with your overnight stay in the Snowhotel is use of the sauna to warm up and relax before enjoying the breakfast buffet. The morning is free to explore the surroundings, where you also have entrance to the husky kennels and reindeer enclosure, as well as free use of snowshoes and nordic skis to venture out on the trails around the hotel.
At lunchtime, join a 2 hour Husky Safari through the pine forests and over frozen lakes, enjoying the picturesque scenery and the thrill of driving your own husky sled team.The rest of the day is free for you to relax and check-in to your warm and cosy Gamme cabin for a two night stay. Dinner is once again served at 19.00 hours in the restaurant, where you can enjoy the Chef’s Menu of the day.
The Snowhotel near to Kirkenes is the world’s most northerly snow hotel located in an awesome stretch of tundra 400km north of the Arctic Circle. It sits at the apex of the Scandinavian Peninsula where Norway meets Russia and Finland. The hotel is decorated with intricately sculpted ice and snow art designed and illuminated by sculptors from all around the world. Meals are served in the hotel’s informal restaurant, Hoyloftet, with its views over the fjord. There’s also a cosy round restaurant called the Gabba with its centrepiece fireplace. Ingredients on the set menu are sourced from the surrounding wilderness such as cod, salmon and Arctic char along with reindeer and other meats. All guests at the Snowhotel are welcomed on arrival with a drink at the Icebar made from berries collected from the surrounding hills.
The Snowhotel near to Kirkenes is the world’s most northerly snow hotel located in an awesome stretch of tundra 400km north of the Arctic Circle. It sits at the apex of the Scandinavian Peninsula where Norway meets Russia and Finland. The hotel is decorated with intricately sculpted ice and snow art designed and illuminated by sculptors from all around the world. Meals are served in the hotel’s informal restaurant, Hoyloftet, with its views over the fjord. There’s also a cosy round restaurant called the Gabba with its centrepiece fireplace. Ingredients on the set menu are sourced from the surrounding wilderness such as cod, salmon and Arctic char along with reindeer and other meats. All guests at the Snowhotel are welcomed on arrival with a drink at the Icebar made from berries collected from the surrounding hills.
A trip to these northern shores isn’t complete without experiencing the unique King Crab Safari. There are two departures daily - morning and lunchtime. The tour is by a snowmobile pulled sled, driven by a guide. You will head to the frozen fjords where the king crab traps are set. You can help pull up the traps and get to hold these large red crabs for some photo opportunities before they are prepared for dinner. You’ll then head back to the hotel and enjoy them, served Norwegian style! Each king crab has enough meat for a feast. Crab will never taste as good after this trip.
Take a pre-dinner drink in the bar before the evening meal, perhaps finishing the evening off with a cocktail in the ice bar.
The Snowhotel near to Kirkenes is the world’s most northerly snow hotel located in an awesome stretch of tundra 400km north of the Arctic Circle. It sits at the apex of the Scandinavian Peninsula where Norway meets Russia and Finland. The hotel is decorated with intricately sculpted ice and snow art designed and illuminated by sculptors from all around the world. Meals are served in the hotel’s informal restaurant, Hoyloftet, with its views over the fjord. There’s also a cosy round restaurant called the Gabba with its centrepiece fireplace. Ingredients on the set menu are sourced from the surrounding wilderness such as cod, salmon and Arctic char along with reindeer and other meats. All guests at the Snowhotel are welcomed on arrival with a drink at the Icebar made from berries collected from the surrounding hills.
After your breakfast and depending on your onward travel times, take the transfer back to Kirkenes airport or the harbour to continue your journey.
Please note, there are other optional winter activities to choose from if you wish to enhance your arctic experience. Please ask our Sales team to share the different options possible.
The Snowhotel near to Kirkenes is the world’s most northerly snow hotel located in an awesome stretch of tundra 400km north of the Arctic Circle. It sits at the apex of the Scandinavian Peninsula where Norway meets Russia and Finland. The hotel is decorated with intricately sculpted ice and snow art designed and illuminated by sculptors from all around the world. Meals are served in the hotel’s informal restaurant, Hoyloftet, with its views over the fjord. There’s also a cosy round restaurant called the Gabba with its centrepiece fireplace. Ingredients on the set menu are sourced from the surrounding wilderness such as cod, salmon and Arctic char along with reindeer and other meats. All guests at the Snowhotel are welcomed on arrival with a drink at the Icebar made from berries collected from the surrounding hills.
