Bergen – Kirkenes
The Coastal Express – North
The northbound leg of our classic coastal route, from Bergen to Arctic Norway
- Regular departures
- 7 days
- 34 Stops
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
Enjoy a special Arctic experience at the Snowhotel, constructed entirely from snow and ice and decorated with snow sculptures.
How it works
Experience a magical overnight stay at the Snowhotel Kirkenes, a winter wonderland that offers the perfect setting for pre- or post-cruise adventure.
Located just outside Kirkenes in northern Norway, the Snowhotel is the first hotel in the world to be made entirely of snow and ice. Admire the mesmerising ice sculptures, enjoy a drink in the ice bar, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere by candlelight before settling in for a night like no other in your Snow Suite. (If you'd prefer to overnight in the Gamme Cabins, click here.)
Rest assured, comfort is key. You’ll sleep on a bed with a mattress, insulated by a warm sleeping bag and a soft cotton liner provided by the hotel. Woollen socks and a balaclava are also supplied for extra coziness.
The Snowhotel maintains a constant temperature of -4°C to -6°C (21-25°F), so dress warmly. We recommend thermal underwear, a fleece jumper or pullover, a snug hat, warm socks, and toiletries. Pro tip: tuck your clothing into your sleeping bag overnight for extra warmth. If the chill becomes too much, a heated common room is always available for a comfortable alternative.
Day 1
Your Snowhotel adventure begins with a Snow Hotel transfer from the Hurtigruten port at 09:00 or the Thon Hotel/Scandic Hotel Kirkenes or Kirkenes Airport at approximately 13:00. The Snowhotel is situated in the serene Sandnes area, just 10 km from Kirkenes. Transfer details are pre-arranged, so no separate voucher is required.
Upon arrival, you can choose from a variety of bucket list activities depending on the season. If you're here in winter, try your hand at snowshoeing or kick sledging, rent some cross-country skis to explore the surrounding area, or head out across the frozen fjords on a snowmobile safari. In spring and summer, you can embark on a king crab safari by RIB, enjoy a mountain hike with husky puppies, or say hello to the resident reindeer. You can also visit Andersgrotta, a bomb shelter from World War II.
In the evening, you'll enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at the ice bar followed by a sumptuous three-course dinner at 19:00, featuring locally sourced Arctic ingredients. Afterwards, your guide will assist you in preparing for an unforgettable night in your Snow Suite. Midnight hot drinks are available in the heated lounge, should you need them. And if you're here during aurora season, be sure to keep an eye out for the Northern Lights.
Day 2
After a good night's sleep, you can wake up with a sauna or a refreshing shower in a nearby heated building. Breakfast is served from 08:00 at the charming Låven Restaurant.
Your journey concludes with a transfer to either the Kirkenes Airport at 09:45 or to the Hurtigruten port, Scandic Hotel or Thon Hotel leaving the Snow Hotel at 11:30.
Before you book
Activity level
Easy: Suitable for most people
Availability
Year-round
Transport
Bus
Food & drink
Dinner
Voyages with this excursion
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Year-round
Kirkenes – Bergen
The Coastal Express – South
The southbound leg on our classic coastal voyage, exploring beautiful archipelagos & fjordlands
- Regular departures
- 6 days
- 33 Stops
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
Helsinki - Kirkenes - Bergen - Reykjavik
Grand Nordic Adventure – Finland, Norway & Iceland
Guided land & sea tour including fjords, Blue Lagoon & Snowhotel visit
- May - September 2027
- 19 days
- 8 Stops
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions our guests ask most often
If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.
However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.
You will be able to view them all by logging into your booking here.
If you booked through a travel agent, you can reach out to them for this information.
Yes, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If that's not possible, we will reach out to check your payment details.
Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.
Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most
Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people. Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed
Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges. Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed
Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed
These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Prices can vary depending on the season you travel. Costs such as exchange rates and local prices may change from year to year, so we show a “starting from” price as a guide. The exact price will be confirmed when you book.
Other excursions in Kirkenes
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Gamme Cabins at the Kirkenes Snowhotel
Stay overnight in a beautifully designed wooden cabin beside one of the world’s most unique hotels, the Snowhotel, in winter, or close to nature during the Arctic summer.
Year-round
King Crab Adventure (Winter)
Accompany a Norwegian fisherman for the day and learn how they catch king crab in winter and then feast on the day’s catch.
Winter, Spring
Guest favorite
Husky Tour
Ride a husky sled near Kirkenes, tour the Snowhotel, and meet the resident reindeer.
Winter, Spring
Snowmobile Safari
Snowmobile across a frozen fjord, learn about the Sámi, and try traditional reindeer meat.
Winter, Spring
Riverboat to the Norwegian Border
Explore the Russian-Norwegian frontier by traveling through a part of the Pasvik River, which acts as a natural border for the two countries.
Summer, fall
ATV/Quad safari to the Norwegian border (Kirkenes)
Ride a four-wheeler from Kirkenes to the Norwegian border via a mine and a mountain viewpoint.
Summer, fall
King Crab Adventure (Summer)
Join fishermen as they catch king crab on the surrounding fjords of Kirkenes. A chef will then prepare the day’s catch for an all-you-can-eat king crab buffet.
Summer
Guest favorite
Kirkenes Snowhotel
Tour the famous ice hotel, have a drink in the ice bar, and meet reindeer and huskies.
Year-round
Guest favorite
The Norwegian Border
Explore the area around Storskog, a border station located on Norway’s easternmost edge, and enjoy the views over the town of Kirkenes from Prestfjellet Mountain.
Year-round