Imagine a place where the world is hushed under a blanket of snow, where the sky dances with ethereal green light, and where you can lay your head in a palace of ice. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s a reality at the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, Norway, a cornerstone of the extraordinary Arctic experience offered by Kirkenes Snowhotel and its sister property, the historic Tromsø Ice Domes.
A trip this far north—well above the Arctic Circle—is more than a vacation; it’s an expedition. And the most seamless, value-packed, and magical way to experience it is not by booking à la carte, but by securing one of their curated package deals. These packages transform a complex logistical challenge into a dream Arctic adventure, wrapping everything you need into one thrilling, frost-kissed bow.
Why a Package Deal is Your Key to the Arctic
Planning a trip to the remote Finnmark plateau can be daunting. Activities need to be timed around daylight (or lack thereof in the Polar Night), the weather is king, and unique experiences require expert guides. A package deal eliminates the stress.
- Seamless Logistics: Your transfer from Kirkenes Airport (KKN), your accommodation, meals, and your chosen activities are all coordinated for you. You step off the plane and into the adventure.
- Exceptional Value: Bundling experiences together almost always offers significant savings compared to booking each element separately. You get more Arctic for your krone.
- Guaranteed Access: The most popular activities, like king crab fishing or husky safaris, have limited space. A package ensures you have a reserved spot on these bucket-list adventures.
- The Full Immersion: Packages are designed to provide a holistic Arctic experience. You’re not just seeing the sights; you’re living the lifestyle, from snowhotel stays to traditional Sami meals.
The Crown Jewel: Choosing Your Accommodation
The heart of any package is your choice of where to sleep—a decision between two iconic and chillingly beautiful options.
1. The Kirkenes Snowhotel: An Artistic Marvel
This is not just a hotel; it’s a reborn work of art. Every winter, artists from around the world sculpt a completely new hotel from snow and ice. Each of the 20+ rooms features unique themes and intricate ice carvings, from mythical creatures to Arctic animals. You’ll sleep in a thermal sleeping bag on a bed of ice topped with reindeer furs—an surprisingly warm and utterly unforgettable experience. The hotel also features an stunning Ice Bar where even your glass is carved from ice.
2. The Gamme Cabins: Traditional Warmth
For those who love the idea of the snow hotel but crave a warm, private retreat at the end of the day, the traditional Gamme Cabins are the perfect choice. These charming wooden cabins, inspired by the traditional Sami “gamme” (hut), feature glass roofs for potential Northern Lights viewing from your bed, private facilities, and a cozy atmosphere. Many packages allow you to combine one night in the Snow Hotel for the experience with several nights in a warm cabin.
Deconstructing a Classic Package: What’s Typically Included
While each package varies, a comprehensive deal like the “3-Night Arctic Adventure” will often include:
- Airport Transfers: A warm welcome from Kirkenes Airport to the resort.
- Accommodation: A split stay—perhaps one night in the Snow Hotel for the bragging rights and two nights in a heated Gamme Cabin for comfort and aurora viewing.
- Full Board Dining: This is a huge benefit. Packages often include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are a highlight, featuring local Arctic delicacies like reindeer, moose, and the star of the show: the mighty King Crab.
- Signature Activities: This is where the magic happens. A robust package will include:
- King Crab Safari: The flagship adventure. Don a survival suit and head out on a frozen fjord to haul up monstrous, alien-like king crabs from the icy depths below. You’ll then return to a lavvu (Sami tent) to feast on the fresh, succulent crab meat—a true culinary experience.
- Husky Safari: Feel the thrill of mushing your own team of eager Alaskan huskies through the silent, snow-covered wilderness. The energy of the dogs and the pristine beauty of the landscape make for a pure and joyful Arctic moment.
- Northern Lights Hunt: Guides will take you to the best spots away from light pollution to chase the elusive Aurora Borealis. Their expertise dramatically increases your chances of witnessing the celestial dance.
- Additional Perks: Use of winter clothing (insulated overalls, boots, gloves), access to the property’s sauna and hot tubs (a sublime experience in the cold), and a certificate commemorating your night in the snow hotel.
Beyond the Classic: Tailoring Your Arctic Experience
The beauty of these packages is their flexibility. You can find deals tailored to different interests and durations:
- The Short Stay (2-Night): Perfect for those squeezing in a weekend Arctic blast, often focusing on the Snow Hotel stay and one major activity like the King Crab fishing.
- The Family Adventure: Packages that include child-friendly activities like snowshoeing, feeding the resort’s friendly huskies, or a visit to a reindeer farm.
- The Winter Activity Focus: For the active adventurer, look for packages that emphasize cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing alongside the classic experiences.
- The Tromsø Ice Domes Option: Remember, the team behind Kirkenes Snowhotel also creates the incredible Tromsø Ice Domes. If your Norwegian itinerary is focused further west, you can find similar all-inclusive packages there, offering a different but equally magical ice hotel experience.
Planning Your Frosty Getaway: Key Tips
- Book Early, Very Early: The Snow Hotel has a very short season (typically December through early April) and is immensely popular. Package deals for peak periods (December-February) can sell out months in advance.
- Embrace the Cold: The right package will provide you with top-quality thermal clothing. Trust the equipment. Pack base layers of merino wool and remember that the dry cold of the Arctic is very different from a damp cold.
- It’s About the Experience, Not Luxury: This is an adventure. The focus is on unique, raw experiences. While comfortable, it’s about embracing the elements, not being insulated from them.
- Ask Questions: When booking, clarify exactly what is included. Is it full board or half board? Which specific activities are included? How many nights are in the snow hotel versus a cabin?
A package deal at the Snow Hotel Kirkenes is your ticket to a story that will last a lifetime. It’s the taste of fresh king crab, the sound of huskies barking with excitement, the feel of a thermal sleeping bag in a room of ice, and the silent, hopeful wait for the green lady to dance across the star-filled Arctic sky. It’s not just a trip; it’s a transformation.