Norway : Kirkenes Snowhotel

Arrive in Oslo and transfer to the airport hotel. In the afternoon you can explore Oslo city centre which is only 20 minutes away by train. There are many sights including the Natural History Museum, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Akershus Fortress (opening times/days for attractions vary). Alternatively spend the afternoon relaxing before you begin your journey into the Arctic.

In the morning board a flight to Kirkenes at Oslo Airport. On arrival transfer (not included) to the Rica Kirkenes Hotel. After check-in your evening is free to spend at leisure - don’t forget to keep your eyes on the sky for signs of the stunning Aurora Borealis.

Following breakfast you are free to explore Kirkenes at your leisure or join one of the many optional excursions available, which are detailed below. Later pack a small overnight bag which includes long underwear, a jumper, a hat and warm socks to take to the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, the rest of your luggage is stored at the Rica Kirkenes Hotel. At around 1800hrs a staff member will meet and guide guests to the Snow Hotel on kick sledges. We suggest arriving in the lobby at least fifteen minutes before. On arrival you will be served a welcome drink in the quirky Snow Bar, which is followed by a three course dinner by a fire in the hotel’s cosy Restaurant Gabba (a tradition wooden building).

After dinner you will have time to explore the Kirkenes Snow Hotel which boasts a unique design with various snow suites. Next door you will find the hotel’s reindeer farm and friendly husky dogs, who greet guests enthusiastically. Later you will receive instructions for your night in a snow room from a member of staff. The hotel is well insulated so no matter how low the temperature is outside, inside is normally around -5°C. Uniquely for an ice hotel, the Kirkenes Snow Hotel in Norway features real beds which are surrounded by ice, rather than ice blocks. This is to stop you from getting a cold back and to ensure that guests have a comfortable nights sleep. An insulated sleeping bag will keep you warm in these cool conditions. You can enjoy a nightcap in the Snow Bar before you settle down for an unforgettable night.

There are warm toilets in a separate building and restroom facilities where you can wash you hands and clean your teeth. In the warm restaurant next to the hotel there are spare beds for children or guests who do not wish to spend the entire night in a snow suite.

In the morning following your magical night at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel in Norway you can warm up in a sauna. Afterwards you can enjoy breakfast before spending the day at your leisure or some of the enjoying thrilling activities that are available.

There are numerous optional activities available on this winter break including exhilarating two or four hour Husky Safaris. During these popular excursions guests are taught how to handle the Kirkenes Snow Hotel’s husky team before setting off on an arctic adventure over the glistening fells surrounding the hotel. The four hour tour includes a small picnic lunch in the wilderness.

Another popular excursion is Hunting the Northern Lights, which is a thrilling evening snowmobile journey into the wilderness. If the Aurora Borealis appear they can illuminate the sky in arcs of green, blue, pink or yellow. We also have two, three, or four hour daytime Snowmobile Safaris. Finally you can join our King Crab Safari and Lunch Safari where a local fisherman takes you fishing in the nearby fjord. You can then watch them prepare the freshly caught King Crabs for your lunch in their home – a truly unique experience as well as a delicious treat!

The excursions mentioned above are just a small example of what is available at the Kirkenes Snow hotel in Norway; please request a full list from our travel advisors for more details and prices.

On days three and four you stay overnight at the Rica Kirkenes Hotel.

After breakfast travel to the airport (transfers not included) for your departure home. We hope your Kirkenes Snow Hotel in Norway break was truly unforgettable.