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.

Planned itinerary

Day 1

Start your Snowhotel adventure from the Hurtigruten ship right after disembarkation or from your hotel in Kirkenes in the afternoon. A Snowhotel transfer bus will pick you up from either the port at 09:00 or from your hotel at 13:00. We also offer a transfer from/to Kirkenes Airport at an extra cost. 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 activities organised by the Snowhotel, including a puppy walk in the morning, snow fun during the day and others available day to day. Alternatively, you can rent a kick sledge, snowshoes, cross-country skis, a bike to explore the local wilderness or visit with the reindeers onsite.

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. Your guide will then help you prepare your night in a Snow Suite. If you would like a hot drink during the night, 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 11:30 for the journey back to Thon Hotel Kirkenes or the Hurtigruten port.

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