Exploring Oslo and Northern Norway
As I arrived in Oslo, I spent the first day exploring Tjuvholmen, a district of the capital on a peninsula sticking out from Aker Brygge. This is a trendy new area with a beautiful hotel, The Thief. Day two was spent taking local transport up to Holmenkollen, home to the Holmenkollen ski jump and the newly renovated Holmenkollen Park hotel. On clear days, you’ll get a great view of Oslofjord!
I took the train to the airport on day three and landed on Alta’s snow-covered runway later that evening in pure darkness. Although it was cold outside, the weather was so much more manageable as it was a ‘dry cold’, so I wasn’t frozen to my core like I would be back home.
Our guide whisked us away to the central hotel where I had half an hour or so to check-in and freshen up, before being taken for dinner at a local restaurant. As soon as I got to my room, I couldn’t help seeing the Cathedral of The Northern Lights, newly opened that year. This was right outside my window and I couldn’t quite get over the stunning architecture!
We visited the Igloo Hotel close by at Sorrisniva. The igloo hotel is located right by the Sorrisniva river, which was completely frozen at the time. It was so peaceful and we were greeted with smiles and that Norwegian hospitality that’s always in abundance! We were shown to the a la carte restaurant and served a delicious three-course meal, served with wine and great company.
Afterwards, we were shown around the hotel – made entirely from snow and ice – where I was lucky enough to see sculptures that closely resembled crystal rather than ice. The chapel was also a very special, a place where several happy couples say “I do” each winter season. What made these intricate designs even more special is they are unique every single year. Once the warmer weather arrives, the hotel and all it’s sculptures melts and returns to the Sorrisniva river.
After a second night in Alta, I’ve taken the early morning flight to Kirkenes, a small town that lies just 10Km from the order with Russia. We were driven straight to a local tour guide where we were kitted out with a thermal suit, helmet, gloves and boots. After a short, but intense lesson on how to drive a snowmobile (trust me, if I can do it, anyone can), we ‘saddled up’ and headed out to catch some King Crab, which would later be our mid-afternoon snack. After some photos, with our catch, we continued our journey to Namdalen, an abandoned village since around 1970. Upon arrival, we were served coffee and learnt about the locals who once lived there as well as the effects of WWII, before heading back.
Our return journey really was something else. We all put our foot (thumb) down and at one point, we were travelling at almost 100 Km/h over a frozen fjord. My blood was pumping faster than it ever had done before and for a second, it almost felt dreamlike. When we arrived back at base, we were shown into a wooden Kota. The temperature inside almost burnt as it was such a stark contrast to the outside temperature of around -21°C. We took off our hats & gloves and unzipped our thermal overalls a little, before seating ourselves and drinking sparkling wine and dining on our King Crab with crusty bread.
After our light meal, we were taken to the SnowHotel a few minutes away. We checked in and explored the grounds, introducing ourselves to the resident reindeer, before venturing out on a husky safari. Now, even thought I crashed my sled into a tree (nobody was hurt), the experience was truly magical! We were in the middle of nowhere with snow pouring down on us and barely any light. The Aurorae came out and put on a phenomenal performance as we were guided around the wooded surroundings of Kirkenes. Our experience was lengthened somewhat as a couple of unruly huskies wanted to go in a different direction.
When we finally got back to the SnowHotel, we were treated to a drink in the SnowHotel’s SnowBar, before being shown around the rooms. Similar to the igloo hotel in Sorrisniva, each room is uniquely designed. This year, it was a nautical theme, with my room adorned with portholes. I was close to the end of the corridor and was astonished to find a fire exit…in a SnowHotel. After speaking with the staff, I was informed of the health & safety laws of Norway, requiring a fire exit as it was a hotel, regardless of what it was constructed from.
After our tour of the hotel, we were treated to a very special culinary experience. Our three-course meal was amazing and nothing was too much trouble for the chefs. We first cooked our own started over the open fire, located in the centre of the restaurant. Our main course was reindeer steak wrapped in bacon, with vegetables cooked to perfection.
Sleeping in the SnowHotel was so special. Unlike other similar hotels dotted around the world, the SnowHotel has a bed frame made out of ice, housing a mattress. There are also some ‘instructions’ on how to sleep to follow, ensuring a good nights’ sleep. I must say, that is exactly what I got. I had to be woken up the following morning by my guides as I had overslept. It turns out, I was the last one to wake up, get breakfast and shower.
We were transferred to the airport for our return flight, but I just feel like it was a little too soon! There’s so much to explore in Alta and Kirkenes, so if you’re interested in visiting, get in touch
