Hurtigruten - Kirkenes Extension
Located on the Barents Sea, just ten kilometres from the Russian border, Kirkenes lies at the furthermost extremity of northeast Europe.
Turning point of the Hurtigruten voyage, this small town is arguably influenced more by its neighbours in Finland and the former Soviet Union, than by its cosmopolitan capital, over 2000 km away to the south.
The deep fjord in which the harbour lies limits the effect of the Gulf Stream but it still manages to remain ice-free for most of the winter. Mining, saw mills and catering for the Russian fishing fleet all help to keep this vibrant little town alive and kicking, despite its remote location.
Home to a fantastic Snow Hotel in winter months and base for several exciting excursions, from dog sledging to King Crab fishing, Kirkenes also boasts several fascinating small museums, recounting the history and heritage of this remote frontier.
KIRKENES HOTELS
Scandic Hotel ****
The Scandic Hotel in the centre of Kirkenes has a range of well-equipped rooms. The Arctic Restaurant & Bar offers an à la carte menu with local and international dishes. Relax at the hotel's swimming pool, sauna or in the solarium.
90 rooms with private bathroom and are equipped with TV, telephone, free WiFi and hair dryer.
• Bar • Restaurant • Pool • Sauna • Solarium
Prices per person from :
£59 per night based on a twin room
£94 per night based on a single room
Thon Hotel ****
Thon Hotel Kirkenes opened in May 2010 and is located on the quay in the town centre, with a view of the fjord and a short distance from the Hurtigruten quay. All rooms have a private bathroom, with shower and/or bathtub, hair dryer and toiletries, free wireless internet access, phone, mini-bar and TV with a variety of channels.
• Restaurant • Bar • Free WiFi • Restaurant
Prices per person from :
£65 per night based on a twin room
£101 per night based on a single room
The Gamme Cabins
Take time to enjoy an extra night under Finnmark's legendary dark skies with a night in the Snow Hotel's cosy new Gamme Cabins. From these elegantly designed, en-suite, wooden snow cabins, you will be able to watch the skies for a glimpse of the Beautiful Northern Lights. Add a night (or nights) onto your Voyage North or Voyage South, or to the Arctic Wonders Tour.
Included: One overnight stay at Gamme Cabins, including breakfast, three-course dinner and transfers to and from Gamme Cabins.
Prices per person from :
£205 per night based on a twin room
KIRKENES EXCURSIONS
Make the most of your stay in Kirkenes by joining one of these excursions.
Winter King Crab Safari
This excursion offers a unique winter experience beginning with a snowmobile-drawn sleigh ride from a traditional fisherman's home to a frozen fjord. After sawing a hole in the ice, you will set about trying to catch a magnificent King Crab. These incredible crustaceans can span 2 metres and weigh up to 15 kilos. They will be prepared and cooked for you when you return to the fisherman's house - a rewarding meal at the end of a fabulous excursion.
Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
Operates: Daily December - April
Pre-bookable
Price from : £153 per person
Summer King Crab Rafting Safari
Enjoy an unforgettable king crab tour in Kirkenes. You'll leave the harbour by boat and head for the best fishing area in the Barents Sea. Here you will pull up huge cages with magnificent king crabs inside. In a cosy local fisherman's house (or a local sea restaurant) your own catch will be served for lunch. Enjoy the delicacy of the succulent meat that has a mild and sweet taste.
Duration: 3 hours.
Operates: Daily, 10 May - 20 October.
Pre-bookable
Price from : £164 per person
The Snow Hotel - A Unique Winter Experience
Enjoy a special Arctic experience at the Snow Hotel. The structure is built entirely from snow and ice each year and has spacious, illuminated snow suites decorated with snow sculptures and an Arctic ice bar for celebrations and cool drinks. Dinner and breakfast are served at the cosy Gabba restaurant next door to the snow hotel. To complete your stay you can book optional excursions with choices to go snow-shoeing, snowmobiling or dog sledging.
Duration: Over-night.
Operates: Daily, 20 December - 20 April.
Pre-bookable
Price from : £256 per person
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