About us
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Our Story
How It All Began
The story of Snowresort Kirkenes began with the same bold vision as the Snowhotel itself – to capture the fleeting magic of the Arctic winter and make it last forever.
Kirkenes Snowhotel was founded in 2006 by Kaare Tannvik, a local visionary inspired by the ice hotels he encountered during his travels around the world. He realized that the Arctic town of Kirkenes, with its long, snowy winters and clear northern skies, was the perfect place for such a unique attraction.
The first Snowhotel opened with just eight rooms made entirely of ice and snow, along with an ice bar and reindeer outside. Over the years, it has grown into a full Arctic resort featuring snow suites, warm Gamme cabins, and year-round experiences like dog sledding, reindeer visits, and king crab fishing. What began as a small winter experiment has become one of northern Norway’s most iconic destinations.
The Snowhotel
Snowhotel Kirkenes is the world’s only snow and ice hotel open all year round for overnight stays. Here, Arctic magic never melts – step into a real-life winter wonderland, no matter the season.
Each of our 14 dreamlike rooms is hand-carved by international ice artists, creating a gallery of snow and light where no two rooms are ever the same. Built from 30 tonnes of crystal-clear ice each year, the Snowhotel is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and creativity – a place where nature, art, and innovation meet.
Despite being -4°C inside, comfort is always close. Guests sleep warmly in thermal sleeping bags and unwind in cozy lounges, saunas, and showers nearby.
Snowhotel Kirkenes is more than a hotel – it’s a living work of Arctic art. Open 365 days a year, it stands as a tribute to imagination, sustainability, and the timeless beauty of the frozen north.
The Resort
Snow Resort Kirkenes is more than a destination – it’s an entire Arctic world waiting to be explored. What began with the Snowhotel has grown into a full resort, uniting unique experiences, cozy accommodations, and unforgettable adventures in every season.
Stay in our iconic Snowhotel 365, where ice and art meet, or relax in our Gamme Cabins, inspired by traditional Sami huts and designed for warmth and comfort. Dine on Nordic flavors and local specialties in our restaurant — a full-service venue offering seasonal three-course dinners crafted from the finest Arctic ingredients.
Step outside and discover the north at its purest. Meet our 200 huskies and their devoted mushers, feed gentle reindeer, or join one of our guided tours through the wild landscape. In winter, glide through silent forests by husky sled or snowmobile and chase the Northern Lights across the night sky. In summer, experience king crab safaris, midnight sun hikes, and tranquil bike rides through the tundra.
At Snow Resort Kirkenes, every season brings new adventures — and every moment is touched by the magic of the Arctic.
Our Team
Behind the shimmering ice walls of Snowhotel Kirkenes and Snow Resort Kirkenes stands a team unlike any other. From master ice sculptors and chefs to dog mushers, guides, and hosts – every person here plays a part in bringing Arctic magic to life.
Our mushers care for our beloved huskies year-round, leading guests through snow-covered wilderness and under the dancing northern lights. Our guides share stories of Arctic nature and local life, helping visitors connect with the land, the people, and the culture that make Kirkenes so special.
We are more than colleagues – we are a community. Some of us were born in the far north; others journeyed here from across the world, drawn by a love of adventure and the promise of something extraordinary. Together, we build, guide, cook, and welcome – keeping the Snow Resort alive in every season.
Snowhotel 365
Each year, around 30 tonnes of crystal-clear ice are harvested from local lakes to construct the Snowhotel’s intricate architecture and interior. Every wall, bed, and sculpture is meticulously crafted by skilled ice artists, creating a dreamlike environment that changes slightly with every rebuild.
The dog yard
Architecture at the Snow Resort
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How to get to Kirkenes
Plane
Despite its remote location, Kirkenes is surprisingly accessible – you can travel here from most European cities in a single day.