Kirkenes Snowhotel: Sleeping in Ice at the Edge of Norway

In Norway’s far northeast, near the Russian border, travelers can experience one of the Arctic’s most magical accommodations: the Kirkenes Snowhotel. Rebuilt every winter from snow and ice, the hotel offers guests the chance to sleep in rooms carved with intricate sculptures, surrounded by frozen artistry. It is a stay that combines adventure, culture, and wonder in equal measure.

The Concept of the Snowhotel

Since opening in 2006, the Kirkenes Snowhotel has become a symbol of Arctic hospitality. Each year, artists and builders construct the hotel anew, carving walls, ceilings, and furniture from ice. The result is a living gallery where every room is unique, adorned with sculptures that reflect themes of nature, folklore, and Arctic life.

The Guest Experience

Guests are provided with thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides to stay warm in rooms kept at a constant -4°C. The silence of the ice, the glow of sculpted walls, and the surreal atmosphere create a sense of stepping into another world. In the morning, visitors are greeted with hot drinks and hearty breakfasts, completing the Arctic adventure.

Highlights of the Kirkenes Snowhotel

• Sleeping in rooms carved from ice and snow
• Intricate ice sculptures and themed designs
• Thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides for warmth
• Optional husky safaris and king crab dinners

Why Travelers Love It

The Snowhotel appeals to those seeking extraordinary experiences. It combines the thrill of Arctic adventure with the comfort of hospitality. Guests not only sleep in ice but also enjoy activities such as dog sledding, northern lights tours, and king crab safaris. The hotel becomes a hub for immersive Arctic exploration.

Beyond the Hotel

Kirkenes offers a range of attractions, from Sami cultural experiences to snowmobile tours. The Snowhotel, however, remains its most iconic draw, attracting visitors from around the world who want to live the Arctic dream.

A Night to Remember

For tourists, the Kirkenes Snowhotel is more than accommodation; it is a story to tell. It invites travelers to embrace the cold, to marvel at ice artistry, and to wake up in a world sculpted by winter. In Kirkenes, sleeping in ice becomes a memory that glows long after the snow has melted.