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Hidden deep in Northern Norway, Snow Resort Kirkenes (formerly Snowhotel Kirkenes) is one of the world’s most magical Arctic getaways—where you can sleep inside sculpted ice rooms, dine on locally caught king crab, and watch the Northern Lights dance above the wintry fjord.
Every winter, the resort is rebuilt entirely from snow and ice, with new themes and hand-carved sculptures that make each stay truly one of a kind. Beyond the snow suites, you’ll also find cozy Gamme Cabins, friendly huskies and reindeer, and endless opportunities for winter adventure.
For my boyfriend, Tim, and I and our friends, Allison and Ryan, this was stop number three on our 12-day winter Norway itinerary—after an afternoon exploring Oslo’s fjord views and famous Medieval fortress and a day discovering the Arctic town of Kirkenes.
Now, we were headed to one of the coolest stays of our trip—literally!
In this guide, I’ll share what it’s really like to stay at Snow Resort Kirkenes, including the activities and excursions we tried, what to expect overnight in an ice room, and why this Arctic experience deserves a spot on your Norway itinerary.
Where is Kirkenes Located
Tucked away in Norway’s far northeast—where the country meets Finland and Russia—Kirkenes sits at the edge of the Bøkfjorden, a branch of the Barents Sea.
It’s one of the northernmost towns in mainland Europe, lying more than 250 miles (400 km) north of the Arctic Circle.
Because of its extreme latitude, Kirkenes experiences polar nights in winter and midnight sun in summer, giving every visit an otherworldly glow.
👉 Want to explore the town itself? Check out my full post on Things to Do Kirkenes, Norway in Winter for local highlights, maps, and itinerary tips.
How to Get to Kirkenes
Most visitors reach Kirkenes by flying from Oslo to Kirkenes Airport (KKN)—a quick 2-hour flight on SAS or Norwegian Airlines (this is what we did!).
From there, the resort is only about 15 minutes away by car or transfer.
Public transportation is limited, so I recommend booking an airport transfer directly through Snow Resort Kirkenes or arranging a private pickup in advance.
If you’re planning a longer Arctic itinerary, Kirkenes also marks the end point of the Hurtigruten coastal voyage, and it connects well with overland routes into Finnish Lapland.
👉 If you’re coming from Oslo like we did, you may be interested in learning how to spend an afternoon in Norway’s capital city.
When to Visit Snow Resort Kirkenes
Kirkenes is truly a winter wonderland, and Snow Resort Kirkenes shines brightest from November through March, when the landscape transforms into an Arctic playground.
During this time, daytime highs hover around 5°F to 23°F (–15°C to –5°C), and the snowpack is thick enough for dog sledding, king crab safaris, and snowshoeing straight from your cabin door.
Because of Kirkenes’ location above the Arctic Circle, light and darkness play a starring role in the experience here:
- 🌙 Polar Night (late November–mid-January): the sun never fully rises, and days glow in soft twilight—perfect for chasing the Northern Lights.
- ☀️ Midnight Sun (late May–mid-July): the sun doesn’t set, and the tundra glows gold for 24 hours straight.
We visited in February, when the sun finally peeked above the horizon again—casting that dreamy blue light you only find in the Arctic. It was cold, yes, but completely magical.
If you’re hoping to combine Northern Lights sightings with all the Snow Resort Kirkenes activities, February and early March strike the perfect balance of daylight, snow, and aurora potential.
Sleeping in an Ice Hotel at Snow Resort Kirkenes
❄️ Snow Hotel 365
At the Snow Resort Kirkenes, guests have the incredible opportunity to sleep among the snow and ice, and spending a night here is unlike anything else in Norway!
Each winter, the Snow Hotel is rebuilt from the ground up with a brand-new theme and hand-carved ice sculptures, turning every visit (and every room) into a one-of-a-kind experience.
The rooms stay at a steady 25°F (–4°C) year-round, but don’t worry—you’ll be wrapped in a warm cocoon of wool socks, thermal layers, and expedition-grade sleeping bags.
Before bed, the staff gives a short orientation on how to stay comfortable throughout the night (surprising hint: less layering = warmer sleep!).
When we stayed, we practically had the whole place to ourselves—just three couples total, two of which were us—so we got to explore every themed room and pick our favorite.
Ours had a whimsical ice “fireplace,” and even though our doorway curtain hadn’t been hung yet, we were too cozy in our sleeping bags to care!
A Broad Recommendation: I slept in my thermal base layers, a fleece jacket, my ear warmer headband, and the complimentary balaclava and wool socks (though you shouldn’t cover your mouth with your balaclava—it can cause condensation to freeze!). If you’re prone to cracked lips like me, you may also want to apply a hydrating lip mask before bundling up. And one last tip: be sure to use the restroom before you climb into your sleeping bag—once you’re tucked in, you won’t want to get up again anytime soon!
⛺️ Gamme Cabins
If sleeping in subzero temps isn’t your style, the Gamme Northern Light Cabins offer a warmer—but equally magical—alternative.
Inspired by traditional Sami hunting huts, these cozy, glass-fronted cabins sit just steps from the Snow Hotel and overlook the surrounding tundra.
Each cabin includes a private bathroom, heated floors, and panoramic windows designed for Northern Lights viewing—no need to step outside at midnight to catch the aurora.
A Broad Recommendation: If you’re visiting in winter, consider spending one night in the Snow Hotel and one in a Gamme Cabin. You’ll still experience the ice rooms but also enjoy a warm night with views of the fjord and (hopefully) the Northern Lights.
What’s Included with Your Stay
A stay at Snow Resort Kirkenes isn’t just about where you sleep (though that’s the main draw!).
It’s a full Arctic experience designed to help you make the most of Norway’s far north.
Here’s what’s typically included with your overnight booking (as of October 2025):
- Breakfast buffet with local specialties like smoked salmon, Arctic berries, and homemade bread
- Three-course dinner in the cozy, on-site restaurant
- Transfer to and from Kirkenes town center or airport, available at set times
- Access to the on-site sauna—a must before heading into your ice suite!
- Guided tour of the Snow Hotel (available daily)
- Use of warm thermal sleeping gear, including your sleeping bag, liner, balaclava, and wool socks
- All-day access to the reindeer and husky park, where you can meet the animals up close
- Cozy common areas with fireplaces, books, and complimentary coffee and tea
The resort also offers a restaurant and bar serving Arctic-inspired cuisine—think reindeer stew, local cod, and house-made desserts—as well as a small gift shop where you can pick up handmade souvenirs.
Things to Do at Snow Resort Kirkenes
A stay at Snow Resort Kirkenes comes with a full Arctic experience!
Every overnight includes a range of winter activities that make you feel immersed in the landscape and culture of Norway’s far north.
And, it’s open year-round to keep you entertained no matter what the season!
Here are some of the things we took advantage of during our visit in February and recommend.
⛄️ Explore the Snow Hotel
Even if you’re staying in one of the warm Gamme Cabins, you can still wander through the icy corridors, admire the sculptures, and peek into the rooms before guests settle in for the night.
Each room had its own theme, ranging from Christmas and Disney’s Frozen to arctic animals and more.
We got to witness some ice carving and the creation of new rooms while we were there—how neat!
🧊 Have a Drink at the Ice Bar
Though we weren’t able to experience the ice bar ourselves (it was closed during our visit in February 2022 when Norway was just opening up after Covid), we’d love to come back and have a couple of drinks here one day.
For now, here are some photos we took, since we were still able to explore it!
🐕 Visit the Huskies & Puppies
The resort’s husky farm is home to more than 180 dogs, many of them energetic Alaskan huskies who power the dog sled tours.
Stop by for a meet-and-greet, cuddle the puppies if you’re lucky (we asked for special permission to do this!), and learn what it takes to train a sled team in Arctic conditions.
🦌 Feed the Reindeer
Just next door to the husky yard, you’ll find a small herd of friendly reindeer who love a mid-day snack.
Grab a handful of lichen, feed them straight from your palm, and snap a few photos—it’s one of those simple but unforgettable moments that makes the north feel so special.
🥾 Go Snowshoeing
When staying at the Snow Resort Kirkenes, guests can borrow snowshoes to explore the nearby trails at their own pace.
It’s a peaceful way to experience the stillness of the Arctic tundra and get a bit of movement between heavier meals.
We didn’t make it very far, but this was a fun experience, since none of us had ever tried snowshoeing before!
Just remember that it gets dark early in February, so make sure to time this right and be careful if you’re finding your way back in the dark.
🔥 Sit by the Outdoor Fire
Outside the main lodge, a crackling fire keeps the space warm and inviting. It’s the perfect spot to defrost your fingers, chat with fellow travelers, or sip a hot drink after your outdoor adventures.
We grabbed a couple of drinks and hung out here for a while before dinner!
🎲 Play Games in the Lodge
Evenings tend to be relaxed here. You can play cards or board games in the lounge, read a book by the fire, or head outside to check for Northern Lights between rounds of cocoa.
We played a couple board games that we brought from home (though they do have some Norwegian ones on site!) and enjoyed the cozy, warm atmosphere inside the lodge.
🍽️ Enjoy a Delicious Meal
After a long day of Arctic activities, you’re bound to be pretty hungry!
All stays include a three-course Arctic dinner and breakfast buffet in the restaurant overlooking the frozen fjord.
Expect local ingredients like Arctic char, reindeer, and king crab—served with candlelight and big windows framing the snow. Everything we tried was delicious!
Optional Excursions at Snow Resort Kirkenes
If you’re craving even more adventure, Snow Resort Kirkenes offers several optional excursions that take your Arctic stay to the next level.
These can be booked directly through the resort or in advance with your accommodation.
🐾 Hunting the Northern Lights by Husky
- Availability: December 1 – April 15
- Pick-up: 9:00 pm (other options available)
- Duration: 2 hours (1 hour of dogsledding)
- Cost (2025): 3675 NOK (~$367 USD)
- Includes: English-speaking guide, warm clothing (overalls, boots, mittens, balaclava), transfer to and from your Kirkenes hotel
- Not included: Tips/gratuities, food
On our first night in Kirkenes, we joined the Hunting the Northern Lights by Husky tour.
Our driver picked us up right from our hotel in town, the Scandic Kirkenes, and drove us about 15 minutes out to the Snow Resort Kirkenes camp.
Once there, we suited up in the insulated overalls, mittens, and boots provided—definitely wear their boots! I used my own, and even with two pairs of wool socks, my feet were freezing halfway through.
A Broad Recommendation: We also wore our own base layers, snow pants, coats, gloves, etc. Check out my winter Norway packing list for more on what to pack for your trip above the Arctic Circle!
Then came the best part: meeting the huskies!
We were introduced to our mushers and their teams of energetic Alaskan huskies—all eager to run.
From there, we climbed into two-person sleds (one sitting in front, one straddling behind) while our musher stood at the back. Within moments, we were gliding through the Arctic night.
The only sounds were the crunch of the sled runners and the rhythmic panting of the dogs as we crossed the frozen fjord and slipped into snowy forest trails.
The stars were brilliant, and though the aurora didn’t appear that night, the experience was still pure magic.
About halfway through, we stopped for a break, sipped warm berry juice, and had a chance to drive the sled ourselves—easily the highlight of the excursion for me!
On the return, we cuddled the dogs and thanked our mushers before heading back to Kirkenes, cheeks frozen but hearts full.
A Broad Recommendation: The huskies do a lot of running (and bathroom breaks), so don’t be surprised if the air smells…interesting for a moment or two. Just part of the Arctic charm!
🦀 Norway King Crab Safari
- Availability: December 1 – April 30
- Pick-up: 9:30 am (other options available)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Cost (2025): 3250 NOK (~$325 USD)
- Includes: English-speaking guide, fresh Norway king crab meal, warm clothing, transfer to and from your Kirkenes hotel
- Not included: Tips/gratuities
Our King Crab Safari started bright and early the next morning—and it turned out to be one of our favorite surprises of our entire Norway trip!
After bundling up in similar Arctic gear provided by the resort, we climbed into a sled pulled by a snowmobile and headed out across the frozen fjord.
The morning light was soft and pink, and the silence of the tundra made the whole scene feel like another planet.
Once we reached a fishing hole in the ice, our guide explained how the giant king crab—a species originally from Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula—was accidentally introduced to Norwegian waters in the 1960s and eventually became one of the region’s biggest delicacies.
Then, he pulled a trap from beneath the ice, revealing massive crabs with legs nearly the length of my arm!
Of course, no Arctic adventure is complete without a photo op, so we each got to hold a crab (carefully!) before heading back to camp.
When we returned, our guide cooked our catch outdoors in a steaming pot, while we grabbed drinks inside the restaurant.
A bit later, we were invited to feast on the sweetest, most tender crab I’ve ever tasted, and our guide taught us how to open the crab legs and dress them in northern Norwegian style, with bread, butter, mayo, and lemon.
Everything was so delicious, and just one leg practically filled me up—these king crabs are no joke!
I never expected this to be a highlight of our trip, but it absolutely was.
A Broad Recommendation: Again, wear the overalls and boots provided—you’ll be handling live crabs. This will save your own clothes from smelling like seafood for days!
🌠 Hunting the Northern Lights by Bus
- Availability: September 1 – April 15
- Pick-up: 9:00 pm
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost (2025): 1830 NOK (~$183 USD)
- Includes: English-speaking guide, warm drinks, transfers to and from your hotel
- Not included: Tips/gratuities, food
On our second night in Kirkenes, we decided to chase the aurora again—this time by bus—in hopes of finding clearer skies.
We booked the tour last minute (literally right before the office closed), so our guide had to scramble to make it happen. Lesson learned: book early!
Our guide began by checking the weather and solar forecasts to choose the best route—east toward the Russian border, west toward Finland, or south into the Pasvik Valley.
That night, we headed east, winding through snow-covered roads under a dark Arctic sky.
He shared fascinating stories about life in Kirkenes, the region’s WWII history, and how locals cross the nearby border into Russia to buy cheap petrol or teach language classes.
We eventually stopped near the Russian border, where we took a quick (legal!) photo at the gate before turning back.
Unfortunately, we struck out again on the Northern Lights—but the cultural insights and quiet drive through Norway’s frozen frontier made the night feel worthwhile.
A Broad Recommendation: Bring a tripod and a wide-aperture lens if you’re hoping to photograph the aurora. And remember: clear skies and solar activity are unpredictable, so flexibility is key!
Between the husky sledding, the king crab safari, and the late-night aurora hunt, our two days in Kirkenes were packed with once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Each excursion offered a different window into Arctic life—and all three can be booked directly through Snow Resort Kirkenes when you reserve your stay.
Plan Your Stay at Snow Resort Kirkenes
If you’re dreaming of your own Arctic getaway, here are a few quick links and resources to help you plan:
🏨 Stay: Book your stay at Snow Resort Kirkenes—rooms often sell out months in advance, especially the ice suites.
🎿 Activities & Excursions: Book experiences like the King Crab Safari or Northern Lights Husky Adventure in advance or look for similar activities on GetYourGuide or Viator.
🧳 Travel Essentials: Pack warm layers and moisture-wicking base pieces—I’ve rounded up my favorite Arctic gear in my Norway winter packing guide.
FAQ: Staying at Snow Resort Kirkenes
When is the best time to visit Snow Resort Kirkenes?
The winter season typically runs from mid-December through early April. For the best chance to see the Northern Lights, visit between December and March when nights are longest and skies are darkest.
How cold is the Snow Hotel inside?
The ice suites stay at a steady about 25°F (–4°C), regardless of the weather outside. You’ll be given a warm sleeping bag rated for Arctic temperatures—so it’s chilly, but surprisingly cozy once you’re tucked in.
What should you wear to sleep in the Snow Hotel?
Thermal base layers, ear warmer headband, wool socks (I doubled mine), and a fleece or mid-layer on top. You’ll also get a balaclava and additional wool socks from the resort.
Can you see the Northern Lights from the hotel?
Yes! The resort sits right by a fjord with minimal light pollution, so you can often catch the aurora right from outside your cabin—or during a guided excursion.
Is it worth staying more than one night?
If it’s your first Arctic stay, one night in an ice suite is plenty for the novelty (and bragging rights). But spending two nights—one in the Snow Hotel and one in a Gamme Cabin—lets you enjoy more activities and relax between excursions.
Final Thoughts on Snow Resort Kirkenes
Our 12-day Norway adventure began with a quick afternoon in Oslo, followed by a day exploring Kirkenes town—but it wasn’t until we checked into Snow Resort Kirkenes that we truly felt immersed in the Arctic.
Between the snow-carved rooms, the husky cuddles, the king crab feast, and the quiet, frozen beauty of the fjord, it was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip and literally and figuratively the coolest stay we’ve ever had!
While it’s certainly a splurge, the Snow Resort delivers on its promise of adventure and atmosphere.
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, trying your hand at ice fishing, or simply soaking in the serenity of Norway’s far north, it’s an experience you’ll talk about for years.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Norway, I’d absolutely recommend adding Kirkenes to your itinerary—even just for a night or two.
And if you’re not quite ready to commit to sleeping on ice, the Gamme Cabins are a magical (and much toastier) alternative.
A Broad Recommendation: Book your stay and excursions at the Snow Resort Kirkenes early, especially if you’re visiting between December and March. The resort has limited capacity, and activities like husky sledding and the King Crab Safari tend to sell out weeks in advance.
Next Up on Our Winter Norway Itinerary
From Kirkenes, we continued our journey south—through Tromsø (Norway’s Northern Lights capital), Rotsund (where we stayed in an incredible glass igloo!), and the coastal towns of Bergen and Flåm—but the frozen magic of Kirkenes stayed with us long after we thawed out.
If you’re dreaming of your own Arctic escape, be sure to add Snow Resort Kirkenes to your winter itinerary—it’s the perfect way to kick off (or wrap up) a Northern Norway adventure.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!
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