Journey to the edge of Norway

Romantic escape to Kirkenes

Nestled at the wind-swept shores of the Norwegian-Russian border, awaits a compelling hotel duo; the fairytale-like Kirkenes Snowhotel and the hyggelig chic Varanger Lodge. Varanger Lodge overlooks the rugged shore through 180-degree glass windows-a view which can soothe or beckon with adventure. The Kirkenes Snowhotel, the northernmost of its kind, entices with awe-inspiring architecture and thrilling soft adventures. Combine both to return with memories of awe-inspiring frozen art, skies ablaze with colour and the sumptuous taste of the king crab.

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King Crab Safari

Living Room

Twin bedroom

Snowhotel

Ice Room-Snowhotel

Northern lights over the Snowhotel

Gamme Cabins - Snowhotel

Gamme Cabin interior - Snowhotel

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Day 1

Welcome to Northern Norway. At Kirkenes airport you are met by your host for the next 4 days, Edgar, who will drive you the 2 hour scenic trip to Varanger lodge. Settle into your private lodge, let go of your daily life (there’s no wifi or television) and embrace your surroundings. Sitting on the shoreline with huge panoramic windows, here you will experience the power and beauty of the fjord in the winter. Let your worries melt away with an evening sauna, before dinner is served in your lodge.

Staying at:

Day 2

After a delightful breakfast you're bound for the mountains. Ride in a comfortable sledge pulled by a snowmobile with regular stops where you could spot reindeer, arctic fox, and other local wildlife. Try your hand at a spot of ice fishing in mountain lakes, drill a small hole, drop in your line and hope for a bite. Lunch and hot drinks will be served around a campfire, where host Edgar shares stories of the region and how the people of the north live. In the afternoon there is time to relax in the warmth of your lodge, curled up with a good book on fur-covered oversized bean bag chairs. If you are still feeling intrepid, strap on a pair of snowshoes or take a kick sled and explore the nearby village of Nesseby and your surroundings. With the darker skies of wintertime comes the captivating performances of the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, as they dance across the sky. This evening Edgar will take you out either on the snowmobile sledge or on snowshoes, on a 2 hour hunt for the clearest spots from which to observe the evenings display.

Day 3

“Permission to come aboard”, join Edgar for a king crab safari and deep sea fishing expedition on the Varangerfjord, aboard his modern fishing boat. During this 3 hour safari take part in the king crab fishing, help pull the pots off the sea floor and get up close to these large crustaceans. Finish your trip sampling some of the freshest crab you will ever have the pleasure to eat. In the afternoon visit the local museum and do some souvenir shopping at the artisan silversmith. Explore further by snowshoe and kick sledge or spend quiet moments in your lodge with the amazing views for company.

Day 4

Your days of secluded bliss come to an end and it is time to move onto the next exciting part of your winter visit to the frozen north. After breakfast Edgar will transport you to the fascinating Snowhotel, in Kirkenes, where you are surrounded by picturesque forest and mountains, with views of the frozen fjord to the front of you. Spend your first night in a private snow igloo, beautifully carved by master ice sculptors from around the world. Snuggle up in your thermal sleeping bag, armed with a few simple tricks on how to keep warm through the night, and you will have a comfortable nights sleep at -4 degrees!

Staying at: Snowhotel Kirkenes

Day 5

Spend the day as active or relaxed as you wish, joining outdoor activities ranging from adrenaline-fuelled rides on a snowmobile, canine-propelled adventures on a husky tour or an ice fishing session atop a frozen fjord. Not to worry, you'll enjoy a locally sourced three-course dinner at the Laven restaurant regardless of your ice fishing luck. Spend your final night in your own ‘Gamme’ Northern Lights cabin. Inspired by the traditional hunting and fishing huts that could be found throughout the wilderness of lapland, these delightful chalets are designed to blend into their surroundings at any time of year. Underfloor heating makes them snug and warm, whilst a large panoramic window allows you to watch for the northern lights from the comfort of your cabin.

Day 6

Wake on your final morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast and prepare to depart your little slice of the arctic. Maybe time for one last snowball fight or stroke the resident reindeer before heading to the airport for your onward journey. If you wish to extend your stay at the snowhotel, or in Lapland, then our team can offer plenty of suggestions on where to stay and play next.

BUDGET

From £2380 per person, based on 2 persons sharing

This roughly converts to: 2,737 EUR | 3,118 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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