ACTIVITIES
The diversity of the seasons, sets the stage for a variety of fun arctic activities for travelers from all over the world, seeking the total arctic adventure. Snowhotel Kirkenes has risen to become maybe the biggest activity provider in northern Norway, and if you are looking for an ultimate arctic activity - we have it! More than that, we guarantee high quality tours, both when comes to equipment, guiding and authentic experience. See all our tours from all our seasons below.
For all outdoor winter excursions warm clothing is included: Overalls, shoes, woolen socks, balaclava, mittens.
For all boat excursions overalls, gloves and balaclavas.
DAILY ACTIVITY PROGRAM
See our daily activity program from morning until evening per season, and plan and book your day!
ALL ACTIVITIES
KING CRAB WINTER SAFARI
Available 01.12. - 30.04. Departures 09:30 | 13:00 | 17:00
On this exclusive arctic excursion we aim to give you the best King crab fishing adventure. We will take you out on the fjord ice by snowmobile and sleigh to find the great beast. You will step out on the frozen fjord and help the fisherman pull the traps from the deep through the hole in the ice. The journey will culminate in a warm, rustic farmhouse restaurant by the fjord, where you will enjoy a kingly meal, served the Norwegian way - fresh, juicy and irresistible!
Sustainability
Sustainable king crab fishing ensures ecosystem balance while promoting awareness of responsible seafood harvesting. Modern snowmobiles with low emissions enhance eco-friendliness.
KING CRAB SAFARI BY RIB BOAT
Available 01.05. - 30.11. Departures 09:30 | 13:00 | 17:00
Welcome to Kirkenes - King Crab City
With long experience, professional fishermen, state of the art, and high speed RIB boats , we are proud to call us the Original King crab Safari.
On this ultimate arctic summer boat excursion you will join us King crab fishing, and the catch will be served in a rustic boathouse restaurant.
Sustainability
Fuel-efficient RIB boats and sustainable fishing practices maintain marine ecosystem health. Guests are educated on conservation during this summer tour.
HUSKY TOURS
Available 20.10. - 30.04. Departures 13:00 | 15:00 | 21:00
We have 4 different tours depending on distance and season:
Husky Winter Early Bird The earliest sled tours in Europe starting already at 20th October.
Husky Experience Go for a 5 km ride along the fjord in the scenic Sandnesdalen, only in full winter.
Husky Safari Go further into the wild, for a full arctic dogsledding adventure.
Hunting the Northern Lights by Husky We go into the wild to search for the aurora (ends 10.04.)
Sustainability
These omission-free tours prioritize husky welfare and use low-impact sledding routes. Guests learn about Arctic wildlife and sustainable practices during the adventure.
HUSKY TAXI
Available 10.01. - 30.04. Departures between 11:00 - 15:00, corresponding with flights from Oslo and Tromsø.
The wildest cab ever.
Imagine stepping out of plane, and instead of going to the bus stop or taxi queue, a team of strong and eager huskies are waiting for you, ready to take you across the arctic mountains, straight to the doorstep of the Snowhotel, the famous igloo hotel of Norway. Welcome to the Kirkenes Husky Taxi.
Sustainability
Husky-drawn sleds offer eco-friendly transport while promoting the dogs’ welfare. This immersive experience supports sustainable tourism.
SNOWMOBILE TOURS
Available 20.12. - 30.04. Departures 09:30 | 13:00 | 15:00 | 21:00
Snowmobile tours are perfect for couples, who want to share a skidoo and switch driving.
Snowmobile Safari Go for an exhilarating and epic tour on the frozen fjord, and into the wilderness surrounding the Snowhotel.
Snowmobile Pasvik Expedition Longer trip where we go far into the forests of Pasvik Valley. Includes lunch.
Hunting the Northern Lights Drive your own snowmobile into the arctic wilderness to find the northern lights. (ends 10.04.)
Snowmobile Experience This shorter trip is perfect for you who just want to try the snowmobile experience.
Sustainability
Modern snowmobiles reduce emissions, and routes are planned to protect wildlife. Guest briefings emphasize eco-friendly exploration.
HUNTING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Available 01.09. - 10.04. Departure 21:00
Kirkenes is one of the best places in the world to see the amazing northern lights from September to March.
With 200 aurora nights per year, and with the help of our experienced guides, you will have the best chance possible of hunting the northern lights. On this bus tour our driver will take you far from the light pollution, and drive east towards the Russian border, west toward Finland, or south into the Pasvik valley, depending on the aurora forecast.
Sustainability
Fuel-efficient vehicles and optimized routes reduce emissions. Observation sites are carefully selected to minimize impact on nature and light pollution.
SNOWSHOE WALKING
Available 01.12. - 30.04. Departure 13:00
On this excursion we will traverse up into the mountain ranges overlying the Snowhotel, walking through different types of snow. The Snowshoe tour is perfect If you are a new-beginner on snow, who is seeking an active winter holiday, where you can use your body, and at the same time get an uplifting and pure nature experience. You can also bring a husky as tour companion if you want.
Sustainability
This low-impact activity uses trails that protect sensitive Arctic landscapes. Sustainable equipment and Leave No Trace principles are core to the experience.
ICE FISHING
Available 10.01. - 30.04. Departures 13:00
Sink your line down through the fjord ice and wait for the bite. Will this be your lucky day? With thousands of lakes throughout the unspoilt nature, and the arctic sea at our doorstep, Kirkenes is one of the best places in Norway for fishing trips.
On the Snowhotel guided ice fishing trip, we will dress you up warmly, and head out by snowmobile sleigh to the frozen fjord, to catch cod, pollock or other arctic fish.
Sustainability
This activity adheres to local fishing regulations to preserve fish populations. Waste is avoided, and participants learn about Arctic ecosystem conservation.
HUSKY MOUNTAIN HIKE
Available 20.05. - 15.10. Departure 13:00
On this tour you will get your own husky and go for hike in the mountains by the Snowhotel in beautiful Sandnesdalen. Join us on this peaceful nature trek and find peace in the arctic wilds among water, mountains and animals.
Sustainability
A non-motorized activity that educates participants about Arctic ecosystems. Dogs are ethically cared for, ensuring responsible tourism.
BARENTS SEA FISHING
Available 01.05. - 15.09. Departure 13:00
On this ultimate fishing trip in Kirkenes we head out to the Barents sea in our high-speed RIB`s. When it comes to fishing, we can guarantee a catch. Coalfish, cod, haddock and even giant halibut are common catches on the Barents sea fishing trip.
Are you feeling lucky?
Sustainability
Sustainable fishing practices ensure the preservation of marine ecosystems. Fuel-efficient boats minimize emissions during the experience.
SNOWHOTEL 365
Available all year. Day Visit 13:00 | Visit & Dinner 17:00
As the first hotel completely made of snow and ice, we proudly present that we are open 365 days! Enter a real life winter wonderland, all seasons of the year. In the white winter world, the green summer or the orange autumn, the frozen wonder of the Snowhotel will be waiting for you, We have both guided day tours and guided tour with dinner, both including transfer.
Sustainability
The Snowhotel, built from natural ice and snow, maintains its structure year-round, minimizing resource use. Guided tours showcase its sustainable design and innovative preservation methods.
SAMI EXPERIENCE
Available all year. Departures: 12:00 | 13:00 | 16:30 depending on season.
The Sami are the indigenous people of arctic Scandinavia, and were the first one to inhabit the Barents and Kirkenes region thousands of years ago. Now you have the chance to get a close encounter with Sami culture. On this tour you may join Sami artist John Henrik Mienna for a 1 hour journey, including Sami storytelling and song. as well as meeting and feeding reindeer up close.
Sustainability
This cultural tour collaborates with Sámi communities to promote traditional and sustainable practices. Guests gain insights into eco-friendly ways of living in the Arctic.
ICEBAR PRODUCTS
Ice Magic
Now you can rent the coolest ice bar in Norway! Your ticket includes 1 drink, any additional drinks can be bought at the bar from our icy bartender. Available from 13:00 - 17:00.
Frozen Noses
Now you can rent the coolest ice bar in Norway! Includes 2 drinks: Our warming drink of crowberry and one optional drink from the Ice Bar menu. Available from 13:00 - 17:00.
The Song of Ice & Love
Spend some romantic time with your special one in the Amour suite with a bottle of Prosecco and assorted chocolates. A private moment before dinner, or as surprise gift if you booked an overnight stay.
Sustainability
The Icebar, built with locally sourced ice, uses reusable glasses and eco-friendly packaging. Recycling and waste management align with sustainable principles.
BATHING IN THE BARENTS SEA
Available 01.04. - 30.11 Time on request. Available at group price. Send us a request (button below) regarding price and time.
On this different kind of bathing trip we will dress you up in a floating drysuit, bring you by RIB out in the fjord and drop you in the arctic ocean! Here you can float and swim among the iceflakes, enjoy the sea and nature. We also have an extra cool tidal swimming tour, where you will float with the tide into the Langfjord, and float out again as the tide turns.
This is a perfect product to tailor in a package for MICE and other groups. together with accommodation, conference as well as other cool excursion
Sustainability
This bathing experience ensures no environmental harm with eco-friendly products and temporary facilities. Guests enjoy the Arctic waters while preserving nature.
ANDERSGROTTA BOMBSHELTER
Available all year. Departure every day 12:30. Buy tickets online, or at the entrance. Other times on request for groups.
Snowhotel Kirkenes are proud to present one of the best historical attractions in Kirkenes. Visit Andersgrotta –Kirkenes’ largest bomb-shelter, built in 1941. Kirkenes was one of the most strategically important places in Europe during world war 2, and was one of the most heavily bombed cities in the world Learn about the life of civilians during war-time.
Sustainability
This historic site is preserved responsibly, balancing cultural significance with minimal environmental disturbance. Tours emphasize the importance of its history and conservation.
HUSKY WAGON
Available 01.09.-10.10. Departure 13:00.
In the period 20.05. - 31.08. available on request depending on weather (max ca 12° degrees)
Huskies on wheels! With our new wagons we bring the dogsled experience to summer season.
You get your own pack of huskies and a musher to drive you around in the scenic area by the fjord. And yes, there will also be plenty of time to cuddle. Let`s go for a ride!
Sustainability
Husky-drawn wagons provide a low-impact way to explore the landscape. Dogs are well-treated, and the activity aligns with sustainable tourism practices.
SNOW YOGA
Get close to nature and your inner North Star with exercises inspired by an ancient Sami myth.
In snowyoga we use movements that are inspired by the Sami myths and legends in which a cosmic hunt unfolds every night in the sky. Everything takes place in the snow – often under the northern lights. Held by professional yoga instructor.
On request only.
Sustainability
Snow yoga sessions foster mindfulness in harmony with nature. Eco-friendly equipment and practices ensure no ecological footprint.
KIRKENES HOMEVISIT
Departures: on request
Meet the locals - in their homes!
Northern Norwegians are hospitable people and now they invite our guests from around the world in for a cup of coffee and a chat. Through this visit you will have the chance to see what makes northern people tick and to discuss the Norwegian lifestyle with your host. You have a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn about the culture and everyday life in the north.
Sustainability
Local families share traditions while using sustainably sourced meals and goods. Guests learn practical sustainability lessons from local wisdom.
BOOKING TIPS
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Book in advance. You are going to want to do at least one excursion (per day) while you are with us, make sure that you get it - meaning: book early. It is also possible to try to book on-spot, when you are here, but it may be that the tour is fully booked, and that its too short notice, so we don`t have a guide available.
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Book a package if you can! We have 2 night packages for all seasons and they also include transfers. Go here
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You can add all your products to your basket, and pay collectively - click on "accommodation" or "activities" up in the right corner in the webshop to add more products.