Kirkenes Snowhotel

SNOWHOTEL KIRKENES welcomes everyone for an unforgettable hotel experience with unique, designed snow-sculpted rooms.

Snowhotel Kirkenes opened for the first time in 2006 and is situated 8 km outside Kirkenes. This hotel made of snow and ice is open all year, and you only find it in Kirkenes in Northern Norway.

The Kirkenes Snowhotel offers a unique and captivating experience for travellers seeking an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Here are some reasons why you might consider visiting this unique hotel.

Magical Accommodation

The Snowhotel is crafted entirely from snow and ice, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The rooms are intricately designed with stunning ice sculptures and unique themes.

Spend a night in the Snowhotel's ice rooms, nestled cosily in thermal sleeping bags, a truly unique and adventurous experience.

See our guide to Kirkenes

About the rooms

Every room in Kirkenes Snowhotel is like a treasure. The lighted ice sculptures give the Snow Hotel a very cosy and unique atmosphere. Every room has decorations and sculptures made from ice and snow. Artists create these beautiful designs in the specialist ice-sculpting Chinese city of Harbin.

The rooms are five metres in diameter and equipped with everything needed for a comfortable night. Photos make it look like you are sleeping on ice, but that would be too cold and hard for your back.

The beds are framed with ice blocks, comfortable mattresses and thermal insulation. You sleep inside a sleeping bag graded for -35 degrees Celsius. Thermal bedspreads and sleeping bags will keep you warm at night.

Learn about the indigenous Sámi culture through activities and cultural presentations at the Snowhotel.

Taste traditional Arctic dishes with local ingredients, offering a unique culinary experience.

Different themes

The rooms have a different theme from the Arctic culture or nature. The Bøkfjord is 500 metres away. Intricate snow art adorns the walls of each room at Kirkenes Snowhotel. Shared bathroom facilities are located in a nearby service building.

An array of activities can be enjoyed in the surroundings, including skiing, sledging, snowmobiling or Northern Lights safaris. The hotel also features an ice bar, a restaurant and a sauna. For the hotel’s ice bar and sculptures, more than 15 tonnes of ice is used.

See more Arctic destinations

Northern lights viewing

Kirkenes, located in northern Norway, offers excellent opportunities to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Staying at the Snowhotel increases your chances of seeing this natural wonder due to its remote location and minimal light pollution.

Arctic Activities

Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of dog sledging through the Arctic wilderness. Tours are often available from the Snowhotel, allowing guests to explore the snowy landscapes.

Snowmobiling: Adventurers can enjoy guided snowmobile tours and discover the rugged beauty of the surrounding areas.

Ice Fishing: Engage in traditional Arctic activities like ice fishing, trying to catch fish through a hole drilled into the frozen fjord.

See more about arctic winter activities

Practical considerations

Be ready for extremely cold temperatures. The Snowhotel provides appropriate clothing and gear for guests to stay warm.

Booking and availability

Due to its popularity, especially during the Northern Lights season, booking accommodations and activities in advance is advisable.

The Kirkenes Snowhotel offers a chance to embrace the Arctic’s beauty, culture, and adventure, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a distinctive and memorable travel experience in the northernmost reaches of Norway.