Winter Activities in Kirkenes

All Year

King Crab Safari

A totally unforgettable experience awaits you on the frozen fjords of Kirkenes. This is your chance to familiarize yourself with the mysterious creature of a King Crab. The Arctic King Crab is one of the most sort after meals in top restaurants, and yet here, you get to taste the best and the freshest, pulled from the fjord. You will participate in helping to saw the hole in the ice and bring up the catch. By snowmobile sledge you will be taken to a beautiful farmhouse at the lake where you will get to observe your master guide preparing the King Crab for you. Although presentation is simple, the superb, white leg meat and claws with their particularly juicy and naturally sweet taste make this meal in a league of its own.

Availability: 1st of December to 29th of April

Times: 09:30, 13:00 & 17:00

Duration: 3 hours

Included: Transfer to and from your accommodation in Kirkenes (Thon/Scandic), winter clothing (overall, boots, balaclava) and helmet, guiding, dinner (Fresh King crab meal).


Northern Lights Chase by Husky

Nature covered by snow, a frozen lake beneath you, and a beautiful star-studded sky above. If you are lucky, maybe the northern lights will make an appearance? When the snow is falling, and the temperature is below zero there are still many ways to enjoy nature. Even more if you ask us! At Kirkenes Snow hotel we have more than 180 huskies ready to take you for an experience you will never forget!

Availability: 1st of December to 31st March, daily

Times: 21:00

Duration: 2 hours

Includes: Transfer to and from your accommodation in Kirkenes (Thon/Scandic), winter clothing (overall, boots, balaclava) and helmet, and security instructions, hot drinks.


Northern Lights Chase by Snowmobile

A wonderful journey awaits you on our state-of-the-art snowmobiles. You will be transferred from your hotel in Kirkenes to an old Norwegian farmhouse where you will be dressed in warm protective clothing and given a lesson on how to handle your snowmobile. There will be 2 people to 1 snowmobile, with many chances to change drivers with short photo stops on the way.  On the 4-hour snowmobile tour, you will be taken to a remote location where a small picnic meal will be provided from local ingredients. 

Availability: 20th of December – 30th of April

Times: 21:00

Duration: 2 hours

Includes: Transfers from and to your hotel in Kirkenes (Thon/Scandic), outdoor clothes (overall, boots, balaclava) and safety equipment, security instructions, Hot drinks.

Note: Tour can also be done during the daytime. There is a 2-hour snowmobiling excursion as well as a 4-hour tour to the Russian border. Contact us for more information for those tours.


Snowhotel Visit

While in Kirkenes you should absolutely visit the winter wonderland of Snowhotel 365. From 2019 we are the first hotel completely made of snow and ice – open 365 days a year! Here you can enter a real-life winter wonderland all seasons of the year. Upon arrival, we will take you on a guided tour and tell you all you need to know about the Snowhotel 365 and the area surrounding us. You will meet adorable fluffy huskies and cute reindeer.

Availability: Daily

Times: 09:00 & 13:00

Duration: 2 hours

Includes: Included transfer from and to hotel in Kirkenes (Thon/Scandic), English speaking guide, welcome drink (non alcoholic), entrance ticket to SnowHotel.

Includes: Transfer to and from your accommodation in Kirkenes (Thon/Scandic), winter clothing (overall, boots, balaclava) and helmet, and security instructions, hot drinks.


Dogsledding

This tour is one of the best ways to travel up here in the Arctic Tundra. You will be kitted out in warm clothing and taken to your husky team where you will get a short lesson on how to handle the dogs and your sled. There are 2 people to one sled, one driver and one passenger. Of course, you will also have a guide to help you on your way to the forest. There will be short stops in route for photos and in order to breath in the unique landscape. Please note a good physical condition is necessary in order to participate.

Availability: 20th of December – 29th of April

Times: 09:30 & 13:00 & 15:00 & 17:00

Duration: 2 hours

Includes: Transfers from and to your hotel, outdoor clothes (overall, boots, balaclava), guiding, hot beverage, English speaking guide.


Ice Fishing

Join our fishing guide by in this local tradition. If you are good, you get to eat what you have caught! The expert fisherman will take you out on the frozen fjord and drill a hole in the thicket ice, get you ready to sink you lines in and fish for cod and coalfish. The trip is by snowmobile, the fishing guide drives and the guests ride in the sledge.

Availability: 10th of January – 20th of April

Times: 13:00

Duration: 3 hours

Includes: Transfers from and to your hotel in Kirkenes (Thon/Scandic snack, hot juice, warm clothing (overall, boots, balaclava), and instructions will be provided, English speaking guide, hot drinks and picnic lunch.


Snowshoe Excursion

Snowshoes are an ancient invention which has been used by indigenous arctic people for thousands of years. Our guide will give you a short lesson on snowshoe walking and then off we go! We will walk for approximately 2 km through different types of snow, having breaks for refreshment, small snack and photos. Snowshoe walk in the white snow, up in the hills is an real arctic experience.

Availability: 1st of December – 9th of April

Times: 13:00

Duration: 2 hours

Includes: Transfers from and to your hotel in Kirkenes (Thon/Scandic), outdoor clothes, guiding, hot beverage