Best time to visit Norway

Kirkenes Snow Hotel in Norway

Thermal clothes, sleeping bags, and mattresses acompanied with Nordic vodka are very helpful in the snow hotel

Best time: late December–early April

Kirkenes Snow Hotel
Kirkenes Snow Hotel
Kirkenes Snow Hotel
Kirkenes Snow Hotel

Could you imagine that it is possible to survive the night in the house built of ice and snow? To convince oneself one may book a showsuite in the Kirkenes Snow Hotel and spend a night in one of the world's most unusual lodgings. The extraordinary building is entirely made of ice taken out from the lakes. The walls and icy furniture were designed and carved by skillful artists. The halls are decorated with ice sculptures. Thermal clothes, sleeping bags, and mattresses will prevent you from freezing at night. A glass of Nordic vodka before going to sleep in an ice-block bed might be also helpful. In fact, the temperature is not so bad and even warmer than outside due to the insulating properties of ice. The Kirkness Snow Hotel is rebuilt every year in late December until it melts again in early April.

Practical info

What is the time frame for the existence of the Kirkenes Snow Hotel?

The Kirkenes Snow Hotel is built annually from late December until early April. Consequently, visitors can only see and experience the hotel between these months. This means that the wintertime is the ideal period to visit this prestigious ice hotel in Norway. Show more

What types of equipment are provided to guests to prevent freezing?

Guests at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel are provided with sleeping bags, thermal clothing, and mattresses to prevent them from freezing. Visitors are given advice to wear thermal clothing that will keep their bodies warm while they are sleeping. Alongside that, mattresses and sleeping bags are available, ensuring that comfort is guaranteed. Show more

Which lakes do the Kirkenes Snow Hotel's construction materials come from?

The construction of Kirkenes Snow Hotel relies on the use of ice from the surrounding lakes. The hotel's construction is apparent, as each year it requires the use of ice from the nearby lakes. The gathered ice from the lakes is sculpted by talented artists into sculptures, walls, and other amenities. This highlight of utilizing itself exhibits the uniqueness of the hotel's construction process. Show more

How is the design of the Kirkenes Snow Hotel furniture and walls created?

The Kirkenes Snow Hotel's furniture, sculptures, and walls are designed and carved by talented artists who ensure that the designs are not only artistic but also highly functional. Attention to detail is provided to ensure that every ice creation represents a winter-themed masterpiece. As a result, every visitor staying inside the hotel is sure to marvel at the beautiful icy interior architecture and design. Show more

Other than staying at the hotel, are there any other winter activities available for guests to enjoy?

The Kirkenes Snow Hotel provides visitors with various winter activities. The hotel is in proximity to the Russian border, and visitors can take a Northern Lights tour, offering an ideally positioned location for the viewing. In addition, guests have the opportunity to try out dog sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer sledding. There exist numerous winter activities to help guests maximize their Northern Norway experience. Show more

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Authors: Olha Savych