Snowhotel Kirkenes | World's Only Ice Hotel * Rated 9.0

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Key details

About the Hotel

Sandnesdalen 14, Kirkenes, Norway, 9910

Near Gabba Reindeer & Husky Park

Perfect

9.0

9.6

/10

4.1

4.6

Loved by Snow Resort Kirkenes guests

Ice fishing adventure
Tranquil cabins
Freshly cooked cod
Comfortable rooms
Ample activities
Knowledgeable guide

"I didn't want to be in Tromso w a place at the hotel- this place has everything you need on site."

Mary from Australia

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"The snow room is a one in a life time experience while the Gamme cabin is a luxurious treat."

skiqueen2017 from Singapore

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"This property delivers exactly what you'd expect, an adventure around every corner."

Doug from United States

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5-star Ice Hotel Experience in Kirkenes

Unique Hotel Structure

Snowhotel Kirkenes is the world's only hotel completely made of snow and ice, open for overnight stays 365 days a year. Guests can experience a magical night surrounded by snow or ice, accommodating their adventurous spirit at all times. This extraordinary structure guarantees an out-of-the-box experience amid the Arctic landscape.

Accommodation Options

The hotel offers wooden wilderness cabins inspired by traditional hunting and fishing huts known as 'gamme'. Each cabin provides a cozy atmosphere with all necessary comforts and amenities. For a truly unique experience, guests can choose to overnight in the Snowhotel itself or stay in the gammes.

Activities and Packages

Various Arctic holiday packages include 2 nights of accommodation with breakfast and dinner, along with transportation to and from Kirkenes. Exciting activities such as king crab fishing, dog sledding tours, and snowshoeing are part of these well-curated packages. Guests can combine multiple adventures to create their ideal Arctic experience.

Dining Experience

Snowhotel Kirkenes includes breakfast and a three-course dinner with all overnight accommodations. The culinary experience highlights local ingredients and traditional Norwegian dishes. Dining in the rustic farmhouse restaurant by the fjord offers a taste of authentic northern cuisine.

Adventure in Every Season

The hotel's unique location allows for diverse activities throughout the year, from reindeer and husky encounters to summer rambles under the midnight sun. During winter, guests can engage in ice fishing, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights excursions. Scenic hikes and king crab safaris are available during the summer months as well.

Highlights

Accommodation: gammes inspired by traditional hunting huts

Activities: king crab fishing and dog sledding tours

Dining: breakfast and 3 course dinner included

Unique Feature: world's only hotel made of snow and ice

“Staying here promises a truly unique Arctic adventure, with options ranging from the iconic snow rooms to cozy wilderness cabins. You can savor local flavors in the dining hall, and thrill to guided excursions like dog sledding and king crab fishing. It's an immersive experience designed for those seeking both adventure and cultural connection.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.9/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningCrab Feast!

King crab straight from the ice hole, steamed and served fresh. The best crab I've ever tasted!

Kevin from United States

Review on

Room FeaturesCozy Cabins

The cabins are spacious and well-organized. The large windows offer stunning views of the Northern Lights!

Fatima from Saudi Arabia

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Sports & FitnessWinter Adventures

Dog sledding across the fjord was exhilarating! A real arctic adventure that's unforgettable.

Kenji from Japan

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BedroomMagical Sleep

Sleeping in the ice room under arctic sleeping bags was a surreal and surprisingly warm experience.

Ingrid from Sweden

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Select your room type

Snow Resort Kirkenes offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Cabin Fjord View

2 persons

380 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Snow Double Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Sauna

room details

Snow Family Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

2 King Size Beds

Shower

Sauna

room details

Cabin

2 persons

325 sq. feet

3 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Snow Resort Kirkenes offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Ski storage
Lift
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Skiing
Hiking
Cycling
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Housekeeping
Ski equipment hire
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Sauna

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Dining Onsite

Snow Resort Kirkenes offers a delightful culinary experience that showcases local flavors and ingredients. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, guests can savor expertly crafted dishes inspired by the region's nature, ensuring a memorable dining encounter.

Låven

Seafood, Local, European

Ambiance

Traditional, Romantic

Key Offerings

Explore four unique three-course menus featuring ingredients like reindeer, arctic fish, and king crab. The restaurant also accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences. Enjoy pure, crisp water sourced straight from the region's streams.

Reservation

Recommended

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day from 12:00 - 15:00 and 17:00 - 21:00.

Gabba

Local

Ambiance

Traditional, Romantic

Key Offerings

Offering seasonal menus rooted in local cuisine, Gabba provides a charming setting to enjoy hearty meals. The restaurant caters to vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

Reservation

Not specified

Hours vary.

Snow Resort Kirkenes Location

Sandnesdalen 14, Kirkenes, Norway, 9910

Map view

Sandnesdalen 14, Kirkenes, Norway, 9910

City landmarks

Landmark

Sandnes ldrettslag Alpin Ski Lift

3700 ft

Landmark

Husky Safari by Snowhotel Kirkenes

2100 ft

Landmark

Sandnes kapell

4100 ft

Landmark

Gabba Reindeer & Husky Park

5100 ft

Landmark

Rikets Sal

1.4 mi

Landmark

Kirkenes astrocamp

1.9 mi

Landmark

Varanger Penninsula

2.9 mi

Nearby

Sandnesdalen 14

Gabba Reindeer & Husky Park

1200 ft

Restaurants

Snowhotel Kirkenes Restaurant

2300 ft

Sandnesdalen 14 Snowhotel Kirkenes

Explore Kirkenes

Sandnes Idrettslag Alpin Ski Lift

14 minutes' walk

Ski lift offering winter sports for all skill levels, featuring scenic views and well-maintained slopes.

Sandnes Kapell

15 minutes' walk

Charming chapel known for its simple architecture and serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful visit.

Gabba Reindeer & Husky Park

19 minutes' walk

Interactive park allowing close encounters with reindeer and huskies, suitable for families and animal lovers.

Rikets Sal

30 minutes' walk

Cultural venue offering a variety of events and performances, showcasing local talent and community spirit.

Skiing at Sandnes Idrettslag

14 minutes' walk

Skiing opportunities for thrill-seekers with rentals available on-site, open during winter months.

Hiking Trails

5 minutes' drive

Picturesque hiking trails for all levels, surrounded by stunning landscapes; accessible by car or bike.

Snowhotel Kirkenes Restaurant

9 minutes' walk

Unique dining experience with a focus on local ingredients, featuring an Arctic-themed menu and elegant ambiance.

Local Bars

10 minutes' drive

Lively bars with a welcoming atmosphere, often hosting live music and events suitable for all ages.

Getting around

City Centre

Kirkenes12 min · 5.0 mi

Airports

Kirkenes Hoybuktmoen (KKN)19 min · 7.8 mi

Vadso (VDS)94 min · 38.7 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 08:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of NOK 300 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Snow Resort Kirkenes from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Snowhotel Kirkenes is appreciated for its unique experiences, especially staying in the wooden cabins, described as lovely and modern. Many guests enjoyed the autumn package with local specialties like Arctic char, reindeer, and King crab, complemented by views of the fjord. Activities like husky hikes to nearby hills and visits to see the reindeers are popular, although some visitors found limited activity options depending on the season. The included thermal suits and delicious dinners added to the appeal for many.

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Review score

Based on 482 verified reviews

8.9/10

Great

89%

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.3/10

Staff

9.3/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.7/10

Value for money

8.1/10

Pros

Welcoming staff

Comfortable cabins

Delicious breakfast

Unique ice sculptures

Cons

Limited privacy

Shared toilets

Rude waiter

Limited relaxation space

John from United Kingdom

Single

Cabin

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 06, 2026

9/10

large windowthermal suitdelicious dinner

I stayed in a cabin. The large window was great for viewing the surroundings. The activities met inside the facility and thermal suits were provided. Boots and gloves too. Dinners tasted delicious.

THE receptionist seemed rude. She gave little information upon arrival.

0 Helpful

oliver from united kingdom

Family with children

cabin

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 10, 2026

9.0/10

admirable lodging experience

husky pettingsauna facilitiesincluded dinner

The snowhotel presented various activities and distinct areas, providing substantial engagement. It resembles a mini theme park. i observed reindeer and more than 160 alaskan huskies that were available for petting. dogsledding, snowmobiling, walking, snowshoeing, and sauna facilities were also available. dinner and breakfast were included and tasted fabulous.

During my cabin stay, i noticed there wasn't conditioner in the bathroom. Only combined body wash and shampoo were provided.

Dining

9/10

The hotel included dinner and breakfast, which i thought tasted really good. i also noticed the dining area was spacious and well kept with ample seating. It was a great breakfast (especially the pancakes!).

Facilities

10/10

I saw the hotel had a sauna. It was easily accessible . the premises feature over 160 alaskan huskies, available to interact with, and reindeer are also present on the hotel.

Location

8/10

the hotel location provided easy access to outdoor activities. i found the grounds allowed for convenient walking and snowshoeing. also i noticed dogsledding and snowmobiling adventures started directly from the hotel.

Rooms

9/10

The cabin was cozy and modern with a bathroom with a hairdryer included. i appreciated that the cabin was quiet and comfortable. i thought the hobbit-like design was stylish. The bathroom was amazing.

0 Helpful

david from united kingdom

Single

cabin

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 27, 2025

9/10

cabin coziness!

cozy cabingood breakfast

the cabin was cozy. dinner and breakfast were included, and they tasted very good! i could also walk around and see the dogs and reindeers.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Snow Resort Kirkenes

Is there a transportation option available to get from Kirkenes airport to the Snowhotel?

12 November 2024

Transfer from Kirkenes airport to the hotel can be arranged through the hotel's website. There are no regular shuttle services connecting the airport with the hotel.

For a visit in December, will free transport be provided from Hurtigruten harbor to the Snowhotel, even if booked through a third-party site?

02 December 2024

During the winter season (from December 1st to April 30th), complimentary transfers from the harbor are included, as well as rides between the town's main hotels at scheduled times.

Are pets permitted at the Snowhotel?

15 January 2025

Pets are not allowed on the premises of Snowhotel Kirkenes.

What is the best option for transportation from Havila cruise to the Snowhotel?

23 November 2024

Shuttle services can be booked directly through the Snowhotel website or a local taxi can be arranged with Taxi Kirkenes.

Can late check-in be accommodated if I arrive at Kirkenes airport late in the evening?

07 December 2024

Late check-ins are welcome, and late dinner arrangements can also be made upon request.

Will winter activities still be offered in early May?

01 May 2024

Winter activities are available until April 30th. Please refer to the hotel's website for activity information in May.

How many guests share the communal toilet and bathroom facilities?

18 February 2025

The Snowhotel features a total of 13 rooms, and guest occupancy varies. Common areas are regularly maintained for a clean and comfortable stay.

What facilities accommodate wheelchair users at the Snowhotel?

24 March 2025

One cabin is wheelchair accessible, and the main building also accommodates wheelchair access. However, the Snowhotel itself is not wheelchair accessible due to snow-covered paths.

Can you provide details on the activities available during the current season?

10 January 2025

Information about seasonal activities is readily available on the hotel's official website.

If I wish to stay in the Snowhotel and then switch to a cabin, should I make two separate reservations?

30 April 2024

Yes, for different room types across various dates, separate bookings will be required.