Snowhotel – A Unique Winter Experience

The Snowhotel has spacious, illuminated snow suites decorated with snow sculptures, as well as a snow bar for celebrations and cool drinks. Admire the artistic ice carvings and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere by candlelight before you get ready for an unforgettable Arctic night in your suite.

You will not sleep on an ice block, but in a sleeping bag on a real bed with a mattress. The Snowhotel provides a sleeping bag with an additional cotton bag to slip in, as well as woollen socks and a balaclava.

The temperature in the Snowhotel is between -4°C and -6°C (21-25°F), so bring warm and comfortable clothing. We’d recommend long, thermal underwear, a pullover/fleece jumper, a warm and comfortable hat to sleep in, warm socks, and toiletries. A top tip: put your clothing in the bottom of your sleeping bag overnight to keep it toasty and warm.

And don’t worry if you feel too cold during the night – there is a heated shared room on site to sleep in if needed.

• 
• 
Photo: Photo Competition and Tom Nilsen

 

 

Planned itinerary

Day 1

Start your Snowhotel adventure from the Hurtigruten ship right after disembarkation (pick-up time: 09:00) or from your hotel in Kirkenes in the afternoon (pick-up time: 13:00). We also offer a transfer from/to Kirkenes Airport at extra cost (min. 2 persons). Please check your itinerary for what has been confirmed, no separate voucher is required. Transfer is by bus or minibus to the Snowhotel, situated 10 km from Kirkenes in Sandnes.

Depending on the arrival time, you have the possibility to join one of the free optional excursions organised by the Snowhotel, including a puppy walk in the morning, snow fun during the day and snow yoga two times a week. Alternatively, you could rent a kick sledge, snowshoes, cross-country skis, or a bike to explore the local wilderness.

In the evening, enjoy a complimentary welcome drink in the Snow Bar before tucking in to a traditional, locally sourced three-course dinner at 19:00, served by the hotel’s roaring fire. Your guide will then help you prepare your night in a Snow Suite. If you fancy a nightcap, there is a warm room for midnight teas and coffees.

Day 2

After a night spent in your sleeping bag, you might want to warm up by making use of the sauna and showers, found in a separate building close to the Snow Hotel.

Breakfast is served from 08.00 in the Bingen Restaurant, and your transfer will pick you up from the Snowhotel reception at 09:00 for the journey back to Thon Hotel Kirkenes or the Hurtigruten quay.

Luggage will be picked up at designated time and brought to reception. Bags must be securely packed and put in the luggage room.

Practical information

• Start point: Kirkenes dock/Kirkenes hotel  
• End point: Kirkenes dock/Kirkenes hotel 

Included:

• Overnight in a Snow Suite
• Breakfast
• Three-course-dinner
• Thermal sleeping bag
• Transfers to/from Thon Hotel in Kirkenes or ship to/from Snowhotel
• English-speaking instructor
• Wi-Fi

Notes:

• This overnight tour is operated daily and all year round

• The Snow Suites cannot be locked and are separated from the hallway only by a curtain.
• Outside the Snowhotel, there is a service and facilities building with an authentic Scandinavian sauna and shower/WC. Towels are provided.
• The staff of the Snow Hotel can be contacted around the clock in the event of emergencies.

• For guests with limited mobility on request

• Extra nights on request

• Minimum number of participants: 1

• Children younger than 7 years are not allowed to sleep in the Snowhotel

• You can take all your luggage to the Snowhotel and it will be stored in a separate place. If you prefer to leave your main luggage at the hotel in Kirkenes, please check with your hotel first, extra costs may arise.
• Please ensure your travel insurance covers against accidents caused by winter activities.
• Hurtigruten Global Sales AS reserves the right to make changes.