Overview
What's included?
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 3 nights at Thon Hotel or Scandic Hotel
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 2 dinners
- The following activities and equipment are included: walking tour/tour with kick-sledge, ice fishing, fishing for king crabs and Northern Lights hunt by snowmobile, husky safari, visit to the Snowhotel (the order of activities is subject to change)
- Services of experienced guides and instructors
- Winter clothing is provided for the activities
Kirkenes has so much to offer visitors and for those who are short on time, this three-night winter holiday is sure to deliver.
Only 15 kilometres from the border with Russia, Kirkenes feels like a real frontier town. As you walk by the harbour you will hear Russian and Finnish voices mingling together and the signs will also feature Cyrillic text - it is truly unique. Surrounded by wilderness, Kirkenes acts as an ideal hub from which to sample the unforgettable experiences that this remote region can offer.
With a rugged coastline and a mountainous backdrop, this is a playground which promises some truly memorable activity days. The town also offers some rather distinctive attractions which draw people from all over the world. These include the famous Kirkenes Snowhotel and the delectable delicacy that is king crab.
This may only be a short break of just three nights but we make sure that you get to enjoy all of the must-try winter activities. You will dog sled through the outdoors, visit the Russian border, try your hand at ice fishing, dine on the freshest possible king crab and witness the Snowhotel.
Of course, one of Kirkenes' other attractions is its location in prime Aurora territory. You will try and exploit its excellent Northern Lights record during a night of Aurora hunting in the remote Pasvik Valley.
With a choice of modern accommodation available, you will return to a centrally located base each night following a day of unforgettable experiences in the Arctic. This may be a short break but you will head back home with a wealth of wonderful memories.
Image credits: Kirkenes Snowhotel, Trym Ivar Bergsmo
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
![Price guarantee](/templates/artisan/images/price-guarantee.png)
Pricing note: prices are per person and based on 2 adults sharing a hotel room. Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation if you have any other requirements.
Prices
Please note: our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity in order to secure the best possible fares and flight times.
Next season’s dates and prices
You can make a pre-reservation to secure your holiday at this stage by paying an initial deposit of only £50pp. The provisional departure dates, prices and itineraries remain subject to change. We will contact you when the final dates, prices and itineraries are confirmed, and you will have 14 days to decide if you would like to go ahead. You will then need to pay the remainder of your deposit to confirm your booking in full. If you decide not to travel, we will refund your initial £50pp payment. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with full terms and a complete quotation.
Please note: where listed in the What’s Included section, pre-sales prices include return UK flights.
Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.
Departure dates between | ||
---|---|---|
Fri 29 Nov 2024
to Tue 29 Apr 2025 |
Adults £ 1,585 To £ 1,775 |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Approximately 2 - 24 people
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions
Minimum travellers 10, Maximum travellers 20
Agenda
Agenda
-
DAY 1
Arrival and Introduction
Upon arrival at Kirkenes Airport, you will be greeted by a local guide who will transfer you to your hotel. You have a choice of two hotels here in Kirkenes with either the Rica Hotel or Thon Hotel at your disposal; both offer excellent facilities.
There are no lengthy transfers and the drive from the airport will take roughly 15 minutes. Your guide will assist you in checking into the hotel and run through the details of your upcoming holiday. You can settle in and relax this evening ahead of tomorrow's adventures.
As you will be arriving in the late evening we recommend dining at the hotel tonight (payable locally).
Included Meals: None -
DAY 2
Walking Tour/Tour With Kick Sledge, Ice Fishing, Fishing for King Crabs and Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari
After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, you will meet your guide not far away from the hotel (it is a 5-minute walk). There, you will start your walking tour around Kirkenes. Depending on the weather conditions the tour can also be done by kick sledges.
You can enjoy lunch at the hotel (not included) and relax ahead of this afternoon's activity.
In the afternoon, you will embark on an ice fishing experience which will take roughly three hours. Your guide will take you to a frozen lake where they will show you the simple skills which are required for this ancient pastime. Ice fishing has grown from an essential way of sourcing food to more of a hobby for modern Norwegians, but the traditions and techniques remain relatively unchanged.
This evening you are set for a real treat as you are collected from your hotel at around 6 pm for an evening of Northern Lights hunting and delicious food.
Your local guide will take you to a nearby harbour where your purpose is to pull up the large crab pots from the freezing cold waters and hopefully encounter some of the creatures which have really put Kirkenes on the culinary map – the king crab (if the ice conditions are good, you will be driving a snowmobile to one of the catching places on the ice instead (two people per snowmobile).
A king crab's leg span can grow up to 5ft 9inches and these impressive sea creatures are prolific on the seabed of the reassuringly deep waters of the Barents Sea and have become synonymous with the region. Once your catch has been landed, you will travel on to a basecamp around 10 minutes from town for the start of your snowmobile adventure.
Snowmobiling is a thrilling activity and will allow you to see a great deal of the local area in an exciting way. Following full instructions and a safety briefing, you will set off behind your guide travelling two people per machine (driver must hold a full driving licence). To upgrade and ride one person per snowmobile see the 'Personalise' section for more information. Your destination is the Siberian Taiga Forest around Pasvik. Upon arrival here, you will visit a traditional Norwegian farm dating from 1854 (as long as the trail conditions permit access) and will be given an insight into how people have made this remote part of the world their home.
As you will be in a remote region for the evening you will hopefully have excellent views of the night sky and, as this is prime Aurora territory, you could be in for a real treat if conditions are favourable.
Following your snowmobile adventure, you will return to the base camp for a very special dinner. In a traditional lavvu, you will sit around the cosy fire and enjoy the king crab caught earlier in the evening. This is sure to be some of the freshest seafood you have ever been able to enjoy and is certainly a wonderful end to the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
DAY 3
Husky Safari, Snowhotel Visit and Dinner
Regardless of whether you class yourself as a dog lover or not, you are almost certain to fall for the huskies you will meet today after breakfast. After a drive of approximately one hour, your guide will give you an insight into the relationship between man and husky and will provide an overview of the lives of these working dogs.
Following this introduction, you will be given a full safety briefing to prepare you for the trail before setting off in pairs. One person will be the passenger and the other will control the sled (there will be the chance to swap drivers) and together with your team you will cover around 20-25 kilometres during your safari. To upgrade and ride one person per sled, see the 'Personalise' section for more information.
A hearty lunch will be served around a campfire or in a Sámi lavvu and you can sit back and recount the experience you have just enjoyed.
This evening you will be taken to the magnificent Snowhotel for an unforgettable evening. Upon arrival, you will be given a guided tour of this monument to snow and ice architecture. You will enjoy the stunning sculptures, the beautifully decorated rooms and the ice bar. There will be many photo opportunities before you head to a nearby warm restaurant for your evening meal.
For those who would like to upgrade and spend their last night in Norway at this remarkable hotel, we can arrange for you to stay in a cold room here rather than returning to your Kirkenes hotel (you will have checked out earlier in the day). The full details of this experience can be found in the 'Personalise' section of the holiday page.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Departure
After breakfast at your hotel (either in Kirkenes or at the Snowhotel), you will be collected for your transfer back to the airport and your return flights home.
If you would like to extend your time in Norway then we can arrange for you to enjoy a city break in Oslo on your way home. Please speak to our Travel Experts for more information.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Thon Hotel Kirkenes
Nights: 1-3
The Thon Hotel is located on the quayside in Kirkenes, offering spectacular views over the Bøkfjorden Fjord. The hotel is just a short distance from the Hurtigruten Terminal and is in easy walking distance from the main shops, cafés and restaurants of the city. The hotel has a bright and modern Scandinavian feel and offers guests a comfortable base for a wonderful Kirkenes experience.
Hotel facilities
- The hotel has a large restaurant and bar area, which serves an exciting and varied à la carte menu. It is a lovely spot in which to relax in the evening and a great place to sample an array of international dishes and local specialities, such as king crab
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout
Guest bedroom types
DOUBLE/TWIN ROOMS: There are 144 rooms in total. Each guest bedroom has an en-suite with shower room, a hairdryer, a phone and a TV.
Image credit: Thon Hotel Kirkenes
Other options
Scandic Hotel
The Scandic Hotel (formerly the Rica Arctic) is located in the centre of Kirkenes, close to the main pedestrian street of the city and 2km from the Hurtigruten Terminal. The hotel offers simple and comfortable accommodation, which exudes a relaxed atmosphere - the ideal base for an Arctic adventure. The area surrounding the hotel has a wide range of shops, cafés and restaurants that can be explored. It is close to some of the city's most popular tourist attractions such as the Savio Museum, which has a beautiful exhibition of Sámi art.
Hotel facilities
The hotel has a range of facilities which have been designed to make your stay as relaxed as possible.
- An indoor swimming pool is available for guest use
- A wonderfully relaxing sauna, which is the ideal place to relax after a day in the Arctic
- The restaurant serves a fantastic à la carte menu for dinner which includes a range of international dishes. Local specialities such as mouth-watering smoked salmon and king crab. Breakfast is served buffet style with a variety of hot and cold dishes
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout
Guest bedroom types
DOUBLE/TWIN ROOMS: There are 90 rooms in total at Rica Arctic Hotel. Each guest bedroom has an en-suite with shower room, a hairdryer, a phone and a TV.
Image credit: Rica Arctic Hotel
Special Nights
![](/media/image-cache/58a5736d-3e81-4749-b07c-229a41918779/320-260--0-0/2u7c-snow-room--credit-kirkenes-snow-hotel.jpg)
Spend the night at the Snowhotel
You can choose to spend your third and final night in Norway at the wonderful Snowhotel. Following your guided tour and dinner with the rest of the group, you will return to check into your snow room accommodation.
These rooms are beautifully crafted from ice and snow and offer a unique experience for all guests who stay here.
Everyone is provided with a cosy Arctic-grade sleeping bag which will keep you warm despite an interior temperature of -5°C. Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel in the morning and you can also relax in one of the saunas if your airport transfers permit.
You will be collected from the Snowhotel and transferred directly to the airport for your return flights home. This means that you will need to check out of your city centre hotel on the morning of Day 3.
Image credit: Kirkenes Snowhotel
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Spend the night at the Snowhotel
You can choose to spend your third and final night in Norway at the wonderful Snowhotel. Following your guided tour and dinner with the rest of the group, you will return to check into your snow room accommodation.
These rooms are beautifully crafted from ice and snow and offer a unique experience for all guests who stay here.
Everyone is provided with a cosy Arctic-grade sleeping bag which will keep you warm despite an interior temperature of -5°C. Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel in the morning and you can also relax in one of the saunas if your airport transfers permit.
Read moreYou will be collected from the Snowhotel and transferred directly to the airport for your return flights home. This means that you will need to check out of your city centre hotel on the morning of Day 3.
Image credit: Kirkenes Snowhotel
Other options
Little Extras
![](/media/image-cache/ea727973-c4f8-489f-a455-bbc91673479f/320-260--360-270/1461747888-c20-2014-images-july-kirkenes-winter-brochure.jpg)
Drive your own snowmobile (Northern Lights king crab tour)
Snowmobiling is incredibly addictive and you may wish to have a vehicle all to yourself. This upgrade lets you do just that!
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
Kirkenes - Northern Lights and the Snowhotel We had a wonderful adventure and did all we set out to do. We would recommend this holiday to everyone. All trips were perfect and on time; locals were excellent and very welcoming.
Kirkenes Northern Lights and the snowhotel
Where to start - what an amazing trip. We did the trip to Kirkenes and went snowmobiling across a frozen fjord, dog sleighing through the Siberian forest and looking for the Northern Lights on the frozen ocean. It is truly indescribable. It really was a once in a lifetime experience and I thank you for making it go so smoothly. We had no problems at…
Read more
all - all the pickups were on time and well organised, everything that they said was included was (including a lunch that we were not expecting) and all the activities were outstanding. We went for my mums 50th birthday and it really did make it unforgettable.
Read less
No problems about booking. Good information provided. Your local agent, Pasvikturist was very helpful and made it possible for us to book an additional activity. Their use of small local providers in addition to the Snowhotel company gave the holiday a personal touch as the group sizes were mostly quite small. The Thon Hotel is very well situated (we saw the Northern Lights twice from it) and the…
Read more
food is good. The Rica Arctic has now changed its name to Scandia. Other local attractions are Surf and Turf in Kirkenes for food, and the Borderlands Museum.
Read less