Nordkapp by Car in Winter - and the 3 Ice Hotels
15.02.2013
Please point on map for locations of the three icehotels.
- Icehotel Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna, Sweden (the original)
- Igloo Hotel Sorrisniva, Alta, Norway (the best)
- Snow Hotel Kirkenes, Norway (the bad copy)
- Nordkapp on top
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Reaching Nordkapp by car in Winter ...
... means half of the 8.000 km from Austria (and back) on icy roads in twilight or darkness!
Several tunnels are locked by anti-weather gates opening automatically when approaching
The last 13 km are behind a compulsory snow plough convoy (in winter) ...
... leaving at 11h30 and 12h30.
If you arrive too late, don't attempt to drive around the turnpike ...
You will get stuck ...
... and pay € 185 to the local towing service.
Walking is not allowed either (in winter). Harald needed 2 hours. (saved him the 20 € entry fee)
Me driving behind the snow plough
Not really Europe's most northerly point, but a traveler-must-do-experience anyway: the Nordkapp.
It is good to be there before the daily hordes from the Hurtigruten ships arrive - with the second convoy.
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The Igloo Hotel in Sorrisniva near Alta is the best of the three Ice Hotels
A chapel for weddings or other sinful evening activities
The cool suite in Sorrisiniva has its own fireplace. However everybody has to walk outside for showers or toilets.
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The Snow Hotel Kirkenes costs € 700 per night in a double room (just like in Sorrisniva and Kiruna) ...
... but the quality is much lower.
Norway is an outstandingly mediocre country. Forget food and service quality, like here at the Kirkenes snow hotel's restaurant.
Visiting Icehotels is ok, but sleeping there is not recommended! Nothing more than a costly tourist trap.
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Posted by LuxuryRogue 00:49 Archived in Norway
