Ice Hotel Norway & Northern Lights Cabins Review

After a lovely trip up the Norwegian coastline and fjords, I decided to end my trip as I often do… with a little treat!  Since I had taken a group with me on the Hurtigruten cruise, I opted for a little luxury of alone time. And I thought, why not in a stunning ice hotel or a cozy cabin and seeing the Northern Lights!  I decided on Snowhotel Kirkenes!

Disclaimer: My stay at Snowhotel Kirkenes was hosted, but as always, all opinions are completely my own. I only share experiences I genuinely recommend — and I was fully planning to pay for this one myself before being invited because I knew this experience is worth it!

Is Snowhotel Kirkenes Worth It?

If you’ve been looking into staying at a snow hotel experience, chances are you’ve come across Snowhotel Kirkenes. It’s one of the most unique stays in the Arctic — and also one of those places that looks incredible online, but raises a lot of questions.

Is it actually comfortable?

What can you do while you’re there?

Is it worth the price?

And should you stay in the ice hotel or one of the cabins instead?

If you’re trying to decide whether to add this to your trip, here’s what it’s really like to stay at Snowhotel Kirkenes — and what you should know before you book.  I tried both in order to give a more proper recommendation.

What Is Snowhotel Kirkenes & Gamme Northern Lights Cabins?

Snowhotel Kirkenes & Gamme Northern Lights Cabins is one of the most unique snow hotel experiences in Norway, combining both an ice hotel stay and cozy northern lights cabins.

Unlike some other snow hotels in Norway, this is not just a place to sleep — it’s a full Arctic experience. Between the ice hotel, the cabins, and the activities, it’s more of a destination than a single hotel stay.  That’s why it’s also possible to go as an excursion (for example from Hurtigruten) for just a few hours or to stay a night or longer.

I stayed for two nights to try as much as I could.

 

What It’s Actually Like to Stay in the Ice Hotel (Ice Hotel Kirkenes Norway Experience)

If you’re specifically looking for an ice hotel Kirkenes Norway experience, this is exactly that.  What appears to be just a hill with a brightly lit door is actually much more.

The snow hotel rooms are entirely made of ice and snow — including the bed frames. That said, you’re not sleeping directly on ice. There are layers of insulation, a mattress, and a very warm sleeping bag that make it much more manageable than it sounds.

The temperature inside stays around 23°F (-5°C), no matter how cold it gets outside or even if you have a fake ice fireplace.

Different rooms had different themes and decor.  I didn’t want to post all the other ones because I’d want you to be surprised!

This is definitely more of an experience than a luxury stay. You’re doing it for the novelty — to say you’ve slept in an ice hotel in Norway — not because it’s the most comfortable night of your life.  I figured if I could go camping in Antarctica, I could camp in Norway.

For most people, one night is enough.  And for some of those people, even half a night is enough.  If you’re worried about changing your mind or what happens if you’re cold or want to stop, no worries.  The ice hotel is connected to the lounge.  You can just go upstairs and sleep in the lounge! I lasted until about 3 or so in the morning, and then wandered upstairs to make myself a nest with the fur throws lol.

Could I have stayed longer? Sure. But for someone who doesn’t even normally sleep with a top sheet and likes to starfish, I felt I couldn’t roll around to get to my fave positions so that’s why I ended up going upstairs. I think back sleepers might be more comfy, I just sleep like a rotisserie chicken and that can get tangled up in a sleeping bag.  I met a couple the next day, and they stayed the whole night.  I think it might be more comfortable also if you’re with someone.

The Northern Lights Cabins (Gamme Cabins)

If you want something a little more comfortable, the cabins are a really strong alternative.

These Gamme Northern Lights Cabins are warm, cozy, and feel much more like a traditional hotel room — but with large windows designed for northern lights viewing. If conditions are right, you can literally watch the sky from your bed, making them one of the best northern lights hotel experiences in Norway.  The picture above is actually from the lounge at the Ice hotel looking at the doors.  I didn’t see them when I was actually in the cabin.

The cabins have what is almost like an airlock lol.  There is an antechamber that’s kind of like a mudroom that allows you to be in a temperature-controlled space while putting your gear on or off.  Then that opens up to the main part of the cabin which is the sitting room and bedroom.  Bedroom below was when I looked to the right, and sitting room above was when I looked to the left.

Passing through the bedroom/sitting room area is the bathroom!  It had a lovely shower, and a hidden toilet.  Can you spot where it’s hidden?  (Yes, it’s a full on proper toilet, just sneaky!)

This is also the better option if:

• • • You’re not excited about sleeping in freezing temperatures
    • You want a more relaxing stay
    • You’re prioritizing seeing the aurora

A lot of people come for the ice hotel, but end up loving the cabins just as much (if not more).

Ice Hotel vs. Cabin: Which Should You Choose?

If you’re deciding between the two options at this snow hotel Kirkenes, here’s the simple breakdown:

Choose the ice hotel if:

• You want the full “ice hotel Norway” experience
• You don’t mind a colder, less comfortable night
• You’re doing it for the uniqueness
  

  Just a bartender at the coolest bar!

Choose the cabins if:

• You want warmth and comfort
• You’re focused on northern lights viewing
• You want a better night’s sleep
  

  Firefighter mode in case the lights showed up!

A really common approach is to do both — one night in the snow hotel and the rest in a cabin.

The Food & Dining

The food here is actually a really nice surprise and they did have some options.  Breakfast and dinner were served at the lodge part of the ice hotel.  Here he’s also showing us how to use the sleeping bag and other items given to maximize coziness!

Lunch meals are served in a warm restaurant space and focus on local ingredients — things like Arctic fish, reindeer, and hearty dishes that make sense after being out in the cold all day.

 

Inside the restaurant, all seats are around a lovely fire. While I was waiting for my food, I picked up some community knitting that was there for anyone who wanted to help make the huskies sweaters!

Depending on your stay, breakfast and dinner may be included, and after a full day of activities, it’s one of those things you’ll appreciate more than you expect.

The Fun Stuff: What You Can Actually Do

One of the biggest things that sets this apart from other snow hotels in Norway is how much there is to do.

This isn’t just a place you sleep — it’s an experience.

Some of the main activities include:

Dog Sledding

As soon as I arrived, my attention was almost immediately taken in by the sled dogs! AND PUPPIES!  I digress.  I made it a point to go and say hello to every single dog (there were a LOT!) and give scratchies to whomever wanted.  Some were quite shy and didn’t want any attention and some simply would not let me leave until they had some booty scratches.  Exhibit A.

 

Before the actual sledding experience, I got all dolled up inside in a puffy suit, came out and watched how excited the dogs were to be getting ready, got a blankey, and off I went!  Also this is like 2 pm this dark hehe.

King Crab Safari

I didn’t do this since I had just had a King Crab on my Hurtigruten portion of my Norway experience.  But I would’ve if I hadn’t! They take you out, you get a King Crab and bring it back to the hotel, and they cooked it! I walked in on a group after they had done it, and everyone was chowing down!  Also keep in mind King Crab is delicious and also an invasive species. So it’s actually helping to hunt and eat them.

Reindeer Experience

The reindeer experience is something you can do whether you’re staying overnight or not. They have certain times where they tell you all about them, what they eat, and even let you feed them!

Snowmobiling

This was a fun one! I didn’t have the ability to go when I went because of timing, but snowmobiling is quite fun!  I’d recommend the dogs over the snowmobile if you had to choose!

Bathing in Barents Sea

I WAS going to do this, but I had been planning to do it elsewhere in Tromso, but then didn’t. I do know some people who have done it, and they said it’s exhilarating (especially if you’re lucky enough to see the Northern Lights too!).

If you’re already coming this far north, I’d highly recommend adding at least one or two of these. It’s what really makes the trip feel complete. However, it’s worth confirming if an excursion you want is offered when you’re going as many are seasonal.

If You’re Visiting as a Hurtigruten Stop

This snow hotel Kirkenes is also a popular stop for travelers on a Hurtigruten cruise.

If you’re coming in this way, it’s typically done as an excursion, so you’ll get a shorter version of the experience. It’s still worth it, but it will feel more like a highlight stop rather than a full stay.

If you have the option, staying overnight gives you a much more complete experience.

A Note about Animal Welfare

I am a huge animal rights activist, and I won’t participate in many activities with animals because I don’t believe in animals as props or exploiting them.  I’ve done some animal encounters in my younger days that I never would again because now I know how animals are treated.

With that understanding, I did want to take a minute to say that these dogs LOVE it.  They are literally prancing waiting for their turn. If they get skipped over because it’s another dog’s turn, they go bananas because they LOVE to run.

They are well taken care of, they are not at all cold (if anything, some are hot), and running is a joy for them.  So if you’re an animal lover like me… don’t worry!  You’ll have fun because they’re having fun too!

Is Snowhotel Kirkenes Worth It?

So, is this snow hotel Kirkenes experience worth it?  Absolutely!  Even if all  you can do is a day trip for excursions and just checking it out, it’s worth it.

To sleep there, for most people, yes — but it depends on what you’re expecting.  If you’re looking for a traditional luxury hotel, this isn’t it.

If you’re looking for something unique, memorable, and very different from a typical trip, this absolutely is.

Between the ice hotel, the northern lights cabins, and all the activities, it’s one of the more complete Arctic experiences you can have.

What I Wish I Knew Before Going

A few things that are helpful to know ahead of time:

• One night in the ice hotel is usually enough
• The cabins are worth considering, even if you came for the ice hotel
• Activities are a big part of the experience — don’t skip them
• Northern lights viewing is never guaranteed, even here.
• I don’t like sleeping in a sleeping bag just because it’s harder to move around.
• Some excursions are seasonal.
• They have different packages available.

 

If you’re researching snow hotels in Norway or trying to decide on the best ice hotel Kirkenes Norway experience, Snowhotel Kirkenes is one of the most memorable and unique stays you can choose.