Stay at SnowHotel

Welcome to Snowhotel Kirkenes 365 – the most special hotel in Kirkenes!

As the first hotel completely made of snow and ice in the world, we proudly present that we are open 365 days!  Enter a real-life winter wonderland, all seasons of the year.

Almost at the northernmost point in Europe, and right by the border of Russia, and Finnish Lapland, Kirkenes is a fascinating melting pot of these neighbor cultures, together with the ingredients from Norway and the indigenous Sami people.

Kirkenes municipality is unique with its combination of tundra, mountains, dense pine forests and literally thousands of lakes.

The area is blessed with long, cold and stable winters, and short, but green and even lush summers.

​Accommodation

Hotel’s room

Suitable for both couples and families. Overnight stay include breakfast and a 3-course dinner in our unique farmhouse restaurant Låven, with a fantastic view to the fjord. In summer and autumn season we also offer alternatives excl dinner and breakfast.

The Basics

• Winter fare: 01.12 – 31.03
• Summer fare 01.04 – 30.11
• Halfboard: Available all year
• Bed & breakfast: Available in period 01.05. – 31.08.
• Room Only: Available in period 01.05. – 31.08.
• Room types : Double rooms
• Family rooms (4 beds)
• Temperature: -4°
• Overnight capacity
• Snowhotel: 13 rooms, of which 6 double and 7 family rooms with 4 beds.
• Total capacity 39 beds.
• Amenities: Showers, wardrobes, restrooms, luggage room and safety lockers in the basement of main building, adjacent to Snowhotel

What’s included

​All year:

• Breakfast and dinner* (*only breakfast if you choose the summer bed & breakfast option)
• Access to Reindeer, Husky and puppy yard.
• Warm, thermal sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag demonstration
• Luggage service
• Sauna

Winter (01.12.- 30.04.):

• Transfer to and from your hotel in Kirkenes (Thon & Scandic) and Hurtigruten/Havila harbor
• Snowshoes and skis for borrowing

​​What do I need to bring?

• Proper clothing according to season and arctic holiday mood

Terms

• Minimum 1 person
• Children: Age limit of 7 years. Under 12 years pay half price.
• Physical difficulty level: Low
• Please note this is a cold room in an ice hotel, minus 4°. In the rooms there are beds and snow art only

Gamme northern light cabins

Our cabins are inspired by the traditional hunting and fishing hut, “gamme”, that you find in the wilderness of Lapland – the Sami areas of the Arctic. If you are seeking accommodation in Kirkenes, the Gamme Northern Light Cabins will without a doubt fulfill your expectations. The Cabins are open all year round. Overnight stay includes breakfast and a 3-course dinner in our unique farmhouse restaurant Låven, with a fantastic view to the fjord. In summer and autumn season we also offer alternatives excl dinner and breakfast.

The basics

• Available: All year
• Winter fare: 01.12 – 31.03
• Summer fare 01.04 – 30.11
• Halfboard: Available all year
• Bed & breakfast: Available in period 01.05. – 31.08.
• Room Only: Available in period 01.05. – 31.08.
• Number of beds: 2 + 1 extra bed
• Capacity:
• 20 twin cabins, with the possibility of extra bed
• Total capacity is 50 beds.
• Amenities: Warm cabin with studio and bathroom w/toilet and shower
• Proper clothing and arctic holiday mood

What’s included

​All year:

• Breakfast and dinner* (*only breakfast if you choose the summer bed & breakfast option)
• Access to Reindeer, Husky and puppy yard.
• Luggage service
• Sauna access

Winter (01.12.- 30.04.) :

• Transfer to and from your hotel in Kirkenes (Thon & Scandic) and Hurtigruten/Havila harbor
• Snowshoes and skis for borrowing

Terms

• Minimum 1 person
• Children: Under 12 years pay half price. Children 0-3 who sleep in baby cot – fixed fee.

Restauration

Snow hotel restaurant

Taste the superiority of the arctic​. Enjoy unique atmosphere and arctic cuisine in secluded wilderness. Summer or winter, an experience of wild luxury awaits you at the most special restaurant in Kirkenes – Snowhotel “Låven” restaurant.

Snowhotel Kirkenes Restaurants offers several unique dinner options:

1. Available all year, the Snowhotel Visit & Dinner, including or excluding transfer from Kirkenes. In this classic program you will get a guided tour of the Snowhotel and be served the chef`s choice from arctic ingredients.
2. Our 3 course Menu is available all year, except á la carte period (see below). Choose in advance among unique 3 course menus, including local ingredients, such as reindeer, arctic char, cod and vegan option.
3. In summer season (01.05. – 31.08.) we are open á la carte. We are open for table reservations every day from 17-21, in the period 21.04. – 31.08. Choose from our stunning and delicious newly composed arctic dishes!

Entrance to the Snowhotel is always included.

3 Course dinner menu

With our Dinner program we are taking the Northern Norwegian culinary experience one step further. Choose between our carefully composed menus with local ingredients, equally delicious and healthy. As we serve not only food but stories, a visit to the Snowhotel is included, and the Icebar is open every night at 08:30, so you can even enjoy a nightcap or 2 after dinner.

Snow Hotel visit & dinner

The Visit and Dinner program is suitable for you who prefer the full package with transfer from Kirkenes and back, as well as a guided tour of the Snowhotel. A great arctic meal and view is guaranteed, and a guest visit from the Northern Lights is not unlikely. In summer you can wait for the midnight sun to appear. Top the evening off with a drink in the icebar after dinner.

Menu: Chef`s choice, 3 course menu of the day from arctic ingredients.

Ice Bar Products

Ice Magic
Now you can rent the coolest ice bar in Norway! Your ticket includes 1 drink, any additional drinks can be bought at the bar from our icy bartender. Available from 13:00 – 17:00.

Frozen Noses
Now you can rent the coolest ice bar in Norway! Includes 2 drinks: Our warming drink of crowberry and one optional drink from the Ice Bar menu. Available from 13:00 – 17:00.

The Song of Ice & Love
Spend some romantic time with your special one in the Amour suite with a bottle of Prosecco and assorted chocolates. This is a perfect choice if you want a romantic private moment before dinner, or as a surprise gift if you booked an overnight stay.

Overnighters program

Applies for both Gamme and Snowhotel guests

Dinner: Served 18:30 Menu: Chef`s choice, 3 course menu of the day. Our menus consist of arctic ingredients such as reindeer, arctic char and more.

Breakfast: Served 07:00 – 10:00 in Winter. (01.12. – 30.04) and 08:00-10:00 rest of the year. Continental style buffet.

​Café and lunch

Everyone who buys entrance ticket have access to the two coolest cafés in Kirkenes – Snowhotel “Låven” restaurant in Summer and our classic sami cabin “Gabba” in winter. What better way to finish your visit to the dogyard, reindeer and Snowhotel with a cup of hot cocoa in our warm restaurant? As well as hot and cold drinks, we have cakes and lunch. Please, ask, we also have gluten free, lactose free and vegan options.

Lunch groups are also welcome. Prebook from our group lunch menu.

​A la carte-summer

Á la carte is available during summer, in the period 01-.05 – 31.08.
Open every day from 18:00 – 21:00

Our restaurant is now open with a delicious Á la carte menu for summer – but in addition we are offering a very special 3 course menu at a special price, to make it even easier for you to choose local quality. Our chef has thoughtfully composed the Varanger Menu – with ingredients from all corners of our rich region of Sør-Varanger. It will not only tingle your palate, but also leave you with a sense of pride for making a good choice for the environment.

Thank you for helping us support our great local partners, as the cheesemaker in the Pasvik forest, and the reindeer herders on the Varanger tundra and mountains – to mention some.

The table is set. The rest is up to you.

Activities

The diversity of the seasons, sets the stage for a variety of fun arctic activities for travelers from all over the world, seeking the total arctic adventure. Snowhotel Kirkenes has risen to become maybe the biggest activity provider in northern Norway, and if you are looking for an ultimate arctic activity – we have it! More than that, we guarantee high quality tours, both when comes to equipment, guiding and authentic experience. See all our tours from all our seasons below.

For all outdoor winter excursions warm clothing is included: Overalls, shoes, woolen socks, balaclava, mittens.

For all boat excursions overalls, gloves and balaclavas.

All activities

King crab winter safari

Available 01.12. – 30.04. Departures 09:30 | 13:00 | 17:00

On this exclusive arctic excursion​ we aim to give you the best King crab fishing adventure. We will take you out on the fjord ice by snowmobile and sleigh to find the great beast. You will step out on the frozen fjord and help the fisherman pull the traps from the deep through the hole in the ice. The journey will culminate in a warm, rustic farmhouse restaurant by the fjord, where you will enjoy a kingly meal, served the Norwegian way – fresh, juicy and irresistible!

King crab safari by rib boat

Available 01.05. – 30.11. Departures 09:30 | 13:00 | 17:00

Welcome to Kirkenes – King Crab City

With long experience, professional fishermen, state of the art, and high speed RIB boats, we are proud to call us the Original King crab Safari.

On this ultimate arctic summerboat excursion you will join us King crab fishing, and the catch will be served in a rustic boathouse restaurant.

Husky tours

Available 20.10. – 30.04. Departures 13:00 | 15:00 | 21:00

We have 4 different tours depending on distance and season:

• Husky Winter Early BirdThe earliest sled tours in Europe starting already at 20th October.
• Husky ExperienceGo for a 5 km ride along the fjord in the scenic Sandnesdalen, only in full winter.
• Husky SafariGo further into the wild, for a full arctic dogsledding adventure.
• Hunting the Northern Lights by HuskyWe go into the wild to search for the aurora (ends 10.04.)

Husky Taxi

Available 10.01. – 30.04. Departures between 11:00 – 15:00, corresponding with flights from Oslo and Tromsø.

The wildest cab ever.

Imagine stepping out of plane, and instead of going to the bus stop or taxi queue, a team of strong and eager huskies are waiting for you, ready to take you across the arctic mountains, straight to the doorstep of the Snowhotel, the famous igloo hotel of Norway. Welcome to the Kirkenes Husky Taxi.

Snowmobile tours

Available 20.12. – 30.04. Departures 09:30 | 13:00 | 15:00 | 21:00

• Snowmobile tours are perfect for couples, who want to share a skidoo and switch driving.
• Snowmobile Safari Go for an exhilarating and epic tour on the frozen fjord, and into the wilderness surrounding the Snowhotel.
• Snowmobile Pasvik Expedition Longer trip where we go far into the forests of Pasvik Valley. Includes lunch.
• Hunting the Northern Lights Drive your own snowmobile into the arctic wilderness to find the northern lights. (Ends 10.04.)
• Snowmobile Experience This shorter trip is perfect for you who just want to try the snowmobile experience.

Hunting at the northern lights

Available 01.09. – 10.04. Departure 21:00

Kirkenes is one of the best places in the world to see the amazing northern lights from September to March.
With 200 aurora nights per year, and with the help of our experienced guides, you will have the best chance possible of hunting the northern lights. On this bus tour our driver will take you far from the light pollution, and drive east towards the Russian border, west toward Finland, or south into the Pasvik valley, depending on the aurora forecast.

Snowshoe walking

Available 01.12. – 30.04. Departure 13:00

On this excursion we will traverse up into the mountain ranges overlying the Snowhotel, walking through different types of snow. The Snowshoe tour is perfect If you are a new-beginner on snow,

who is seeking an active winter holiday, where you can use your body, and at the same time get an uplifting and pure nature experience. You can also bring a husky as tour companion if you want.

Ice fishing

Available 10.01. – 30.04. Departures 13:00

Sink your line down through the fjord ice and wait for the bite. Will this be your lucky day? With thousands of lakes throughout the unspoilt nature, and the arctic sea at our doorstep, Kirkenes is one of the best places in Norway for fishing trips.

On the Snowhotel guided ice fishing trip, we will dress you up warmly, and head out by snowmobile sleigh to the frozen fjord, to catch cod, pollock or other arctic fish.

Husky mountain hike

Available 20.05. – 15.10. Departure 13:00

On this tour you will get your own husky and go for hike in the mountains by the Snowhotel in beautiful Sandnesdalen. Join us on this peaceful nature trek and find peace in the arctic wilds among water, mountains and animals.

Barents Sea fishing

Available 01.05. – 15.09. Departure 13:00

On this ultimate fishing trip in Kirkenes we head out to the Barents Sea in our high-speed RIB`s. When it comes to fishing, we can guarantee a catch. Coalfish, cod, haddock and even giant halibut are common catches on the Barents Sea fishing trip.

Snowhotel 365

Available all year. Day Visit 13:00 | Visit & Dinner 17:00

As the first hotel is completely made of snow and ice, we proudly present that we are open 365 days!  Enter a real life winter wonderland, all seasons of the year.  Whether you are experiencing the white winter world, the green summer or the orange and yellow autumn, the frozen wonder of the Snowhotel will be waiting for you, We have both guided day tours and guided tour with dinner, both including transfer.

Sami experience

Available all year. Departures: 01.05. – 01.09: Mon – Fri 13:30

01.09. – 30.11 Mon – Fri 13:30 & 16:30
01.12. – 30.04. Mon – Fri 12:00 & 16:30

Other times on request for groups.

The Sami are the indigenous people of arctic Scandinavia, and were the first one to inhabit the Barents and Kirkenes region thousands of years ago. Now you have the chance to get close encounter with Sami culture. On this tour you may join Sami artist John Henrik Mienna for a 1 hour journey, including Sami storytelling and song. as well as meeting and feeding reindeer up close,

Ice bar products

• Ice Magic: Now you can rent the coolest ice bar in Norway! Your ticket includes 1 drink, any additional drinks can be bought at the bar from our icy bartender. Available from 13:00 – 17:00

• Frozen Noses: Now you can rent the coolest ice bar in Norway! Includes 2 drinks: Our warming drink of crowberry and one optional drink from the Ice Bar menu. Available from 13:00 – 17:00.
• The Song of Ice & Love: Spend some romantic time with your special one in the Amour suite with a bottle of Prosecco and assorted chocolates. This is a perfect choice if you want a romantic private moment before dinner, or as surprise gift if you booked an overnight stay.

Bathing in the Barents’ Sea

Available 01.04. – 30.11 Time on request. Available at group price. Send us a request (button below) regarding price and time.

On this different kind of bathing trip we will dress you up in a floating drysuit, bring you by RIB out in the fjord and drop you in the arctic ocean!  Here you can float and swim among the iceflakes, enjoy the sea and nature. We also have an extra cool tidal swimming tour, where you will float with the tide into the Langfjord, and float out again as the tide turns.

This is a perfect product to tailor in a package for MICE and other groups. together with accommodation, conference as well as other cool excursions

Anders Grotta

Available all year. Departure every day 12:30. Buy tickets online, or at the entrance. Other times on request for groups

Snowhotel Kirkenes are proud to present one of the best historical attractions in Kirkenes. Visit Andersgrotta –Kirkenes’ largest bomb-shelter, built in 1941.  Kirkenes was one of the most strategically important places in Europe during World War 2​ and was one of the most heavily bombed cities in the world. Learn about the life of civilians during wartime.

Husky wagon

Available 01.09.-10.10. Departure 13:00.
In the period 20.05. – 31.08. available on request depending on the weather.

Huskies on wheels! With our new wagons we bring the dogsled experience to summer season.

You get your own pack of huskies and a musher to drive you around in the scenic area by the fjord. And yes, there will also be plenty of time to cuddle. Let’s go for a ride!

Snow yoga

Get close to nature and your inner North Star with exercises inspired by an ancient Sami myth.

In snow yoga we use movements that are inspired by the Sami myths and legends in which a cosmic hunt unfolds every night in the sky. Everything takes place in the snow – often under the northern lights. Held by professional yoga instructor.
On request only.

Kirkenes home visit

Departures: on request: Meet the locals – in their homes! Northern Norwegians are hospitable people and now they invite our guests from around the world in for a cup of coffee and a chat. Through this visit you will have the chance to see what makes northern people tick and to discuss the Norwegian lifestyle with your host. You have a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn about the culture and everyday life in the north.