Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel

Sorrisniva offers guests a true Arctic experience with accommodation in the premium Arctic Wilderness Lodge or Igloo Hotel, renowned local cuisine, and a wide range of nature experiences throughout the dramatically different Arctic seasons.

Sorrisniva is in itself a premium destination offering guests premium accommodation, excellent cuisine, and time to relax or to enjoy our wide range of nature experiences.

History
The Wisløff family have lived at Sorrisniva since 1885 originally farming and salmon fishing. The name Sorrisniva comes from the early Finnish immigration to the Alta River and describes the burbling of the water as it flows over the river bed.

The third generation brothers of Hans Ulrik and Tor Kjetil have progressively developed their tourism offering starting with riverboat safaris through the spectacular Alta river canyon in 1970.

Sorrisniva offered the first Norwegian snowmobile safaris in 1989 and added the iconic Lavvu restaurant, whose design reflects the Sami tent, in 1992.  In 2000 the Igloo Hotel, Norway’s first ice hotel, was built for the first time.

Since then the ice hotel is built each and offers overnight accommodation from late December through early April. The ice hotel is built by local craftsman and features amazing ice sculptures, ice bar and ice chapel which is popular for weddings and christenings.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is the world’s northernmost ice hotel. From Autumn 2021 Sorrisniva will offer year round premium accommodation in the new Arctic Wilderness Lodge.

The lodge is designed to offer guests a premium quality experience in its rooms, lounge and restaurant. The lodge is built on the banks of the river and incorporates extensive glass facades to closely integrate nature into the rooms.

Sorrisniva is also famous for it’s a la carte cuisine which is based upon local foods and products including salmon, cod, locally smoked or cured fish, reindeer, moose and wild berries.

With the new Arctic Wilderness Lodge Sorrisniva will create a unique Arctic lodge experience for discerning guests wishing to experience the traditional Sorrisniva seasonal offerings including the Ice Hotel, Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, snowmobile safaris and river boat excursions whilst staying in a premium quality lodge enjoying the world famous Sorrisniva cuisine and hospitality.

Experience The Unique Igloo Hotel
Experience the Igloo Hotel – the worlds northernmost ice hotel, built every winter with different art themes. The Igloo Hotel structure and all of its furniture and art is crafted by local sculptors using natural ice and snow.

Experiencing the ice hotel includes the special igloo ambiance, sleeping comfortably on reindeer furs on your ice bed, wandering among handcrafted ice sculptures and having a drink at the ice bar.

Supplement Your Stay With An Arctic Winter Experience
While staying at the Igloo Hotel you can enjoy one of our many winter experiences including viewing the Northern Lights, taking a snow scooter, husky or reindeer safari or learning about the Sami culture as well as enjoying our renowned gourmet dining.

Make a special occasion for your wedding or christening in our Ice Chapel which we build every year in our Igloo Hotel.

Tour The Igloo Hotel
Guided tours of the Igloo Hotel are available for visitors wishing to experience its ambiance, see the ice sculptors, hear about its construction and have a drink at the ice bar.

Rooms
The Igloo Hotel is designed and built each year with a mixture of igloo rooms and special suites. Each suite is a special project by one of our ice sculptors and is designed and decorated with a unique art theme.

Igloo Suites
The Igloo suites are designed and crafted by our ice sculptors with a special artistic theme developed each winter. They are fully crafted from ice blocks with an extra large ice bed covered with an insulation mattress and reindeer hides with ice furniture.

Igloo Family Rooms
The Igloo family rooms are designed and crafted by our ice sculptors to suite you and your children for their special igloo experience. They are fully crafted from ice blocks with double beds covered with insulation mattresses and reindeer hides.

Igloo Rooms
The Igloo rooms are individually designed and crafted by our ice sculptors. They are fully crafted from ice blocks with an extra large ice bed covered with an insulation mattress and reindeer hides.

Locally Sourced Ingredients
Sorrisniva is renowned for its culinary experience which is based upon locally sourced produce.

Our chefs create unique dishes using the best ingredients from Arctic Norway including reindeer and moose from the tundra, seafood from the Alta River and Norwegian sea, vegetables from local farms and berries picked in the local wilderness.

Complement your food experience with a special wine from our extensive cellar.

Lavvu Restaurant
The iconic Lavvu restaurant, which represents the Sami tent design, has a special ambiance creating a memorable dining experience. We serve Breakfast and Lunch for all our guests in the Lavvu Restaurant as well as dinner for our Igloo Hotel guests. The Lavvu Restaurant is also used for special events with seating for 125 guests.

Maku Restaurant
Situated in the Arctic Wilderness Lodge the Maku Restaurant offers a fantastic culinary experience whilst overlooking the Alta River and surrounding wilderness. Guests staying in the Lodge have dinner served in the Maku Restaurant.

Breakfast
Our restaurant serves breakfast based upon local produce including smoked salmon, dried meats, cheeses, yogurts, berries, a variety of breads and the traditional Norwegian waffles.

Lunch
We are proud to serve short-travelled dishes composed of ingredients from both local small-scale producers and those we collect from nature ourselves. These ingredients are either found in the surrounding forests, soil, tundra, fjords or sea.

A La Carte
Our chefs offer you their interpretation of Arctic Norway and its powerful and contrasting nature. We offer a culinary experience with a range of dishes, flavours and textures made from local produce. Complement your food experience with a special wine from our extensive cellar

Special Occasions At Sorrisniva
Enjoy a special occasion at Sorrisniva’s Lavvu restaurant for your wedding, christening, confirmation, 17th of May or chirstmas dinner event.

Our Lavvu restaurant can comfortably seat 125 guests and our chef’s will ensure that you have a memorable culinary experience together with enjoying our fine wines. During the wintertime, you can create an even more special occasion in the Ice Hotel before hosting your dinner in the Lavvu restaurant.

Weddings in the Artic
Sorrisniva is one of the most remarkable places in the world to celebrate your wedding and create lifelong memories. At Sorrisniva we can host marriage ceremonies all year round and in winter we offer the extra special opportunity to be married in the Ice Chapel in the Igloo Hotel.

‍Year-Round Civil Ceremony

At Sorrisniva we can offer year-round civil ceremony marriages with the possibility of a Lutheran wedding by agreement with the local priest. Summer offers the special attraction of the midnight sun and Autumn is a wonderful time of special light, tranquillity, and colours.

‍The Arctic Wilderness Lodge has 24 rooms and suites enabling up to 50 guests to overnight in premium comfort. Our Laavu Restaurant has seating for 125 guests and may be reserved for a dedicated wedding dinner and celebration.

‍Ice Chapel Ceremony

During winter we offer the Lutheran wedding ceremony as well as a civil ceremony. The Ice Chapel is in the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, approximately 20 km from Alta airport. The Ice Chapel is constructed every year from ice and snow and is designed and decorated with a special art theme chosen each year.

The ice-chapel is approved by the Bishop of Nord-Hålogaland, and the local parish performs the marriages and christenings. The couple must arrive in Alta no later than the day before the wedding so that the pastor can meet them. It is also possible to do a rehearsal in the ice chapel.

‍The Ice Chapel is integrated into, and centrally located within the Igloo Hotel but is nevertheless a separate space clearly demarcated from the rest of the building. It is an intimate room with special acoustics, and like the rest of the hotel it is decorated with very beautiful ice sculptures.

The ice chapel is available for weddings from late December until early April each year. We recommend afternoons and evenings after 4 pm as that is when the Igloo Hotel quieter and the light most special.

‍Wedding Dinner

You may combine your wedding with a memorable dinner and celebration in our renowned Laavu Restaurant which seats 125 guests in comfort.

Our chefs will create a special gourmet dinner which can be designed in consultation with you. We can also arrange pre and post dinner celebrations including dancing all as you prefer.

Autumn Tranquillity
As the darkness gradually returns, you can enjoy viewing the magnificent northern lights, or experience an evening by a camp fire on the banks of the Alta River. Our Autumn experiences include enjoying the special tranquillity whilst wandering through nature picking fresh berries or taking a riverboat safari.

Endless Summer
Take in the unique Arctic light between the 16th of May and the 16th of July when the summer nights are never-ending and the sun never sets.

Enjoy an exhilarating riverboat excursion through the world-famous Alta River to Sautso, Northern Europe’s largest canyon, build a campfire under the midnight sun or one of our many other summer experiences.”

Spring Awakening
The long periods of sunshine combined with the snow covered landscape create a magnificent setting for your Arctic experience. Enjoy the Spring burst of energy as the fantastic wildlife and nature awakens.

Winter Wonders
Visit our unique Igloo Hotel whether to take a fascinating tour, sleep in a bedroom made of snow and ice, to have a drink at the ice bar, or to make a wedding or christening even more memorable.

View the incredible Northern lights from the comfort of your suite or with an expert guide on a safari searching for the best spectacle. Experience the Polar Night, when the only light comes from the reflection of the snow, between the 26th of November and the 15th of January as the sun never rises.

Enjoy a range of winter experiences including a snowmobile safari into the inland plateau, a reindeer or husky sled experience, or an interaction with the Sami reindeer herders to understand their culture, cuisine, and way of life.

Wilderness Experiences For Each Arctic Season
At Sorrisniva we complement your stay at the Arctic Wilderness Lodge or Igloo Hotel with outdoor experiences designed to showcase the wonders of the Arctic nature .Our experiences are matched to each Arctic season and offer a range of adventure to suit everyone.

Igloo Hotel Experiences
We offer a range of experiences enabling guests to visit and experience the wonder of the Igloo Hotel which we build every winter with different art themes.

Guided Tour Of The Igloo Hotel
The Guided Tour of the Igloo Hotel experience provides a very informative explanation of the history, the art theme and how the igloo is built each year. During the tour you will be shown the main igloo gallery, the Ice Chapel, a selection of Igloo rooms and view the amazing ice sculptures.

Your guide will explain the process through which the igloo is built and decorated each year and tell you stories about its history. After the guided tour you are free to wander around and generally experience the special ambience as well as enjoy a special drink at the Ice Bar.

Visit The Igloo Hotel
Our Visit the Igloo Hotel experience offers you the opportunity to explore the igloo building, view the main room with its many fantastic ice sculptures, visit the Ice Chapel, view a selection of the bedrooms and generally experience the special ambience created by the ice construction.

You may also read about the history of the Igloo Hotel at Sorrisniva and how it is built each year in the exhibition room. At the Ice Bar you may also purchase a special Igloo drink which is served in an ice glass.

Sculpt Your Own Ice Art
Having seen the amazing ice sculptures in the Igloo Hotel work with one of our local ice artisans to create your own.

Your expert ice artisan will explain the methodology and tools used in carving a block of ice into an ice sculpture and then provide you with hands on guidance as to you do it yourself. Enjoy a celebratory ice drink in the Ice Bar to conclude your ice art experience.

The Wonder Of The Northern Lights
Sorrisniva is ideally located in the high Arctic and away from urban lights to maximise your potential of witnessing the mesmerising Aurora Borealis.

Our guides will conduct pre-tour explanations of the Borealis, advise you on how to achieve the best photographs, and take you around the local area in order to find the location with the greatest chance of viewing this allusive phenomenon.

Hunting The Northern Lights
Our Hunting the Northern Lights experience offers you the opportunity to join an expert guide and be driven along the coast or up onto the inland plateau searching for the best location to view the Borealis.

The Northern Lights are allusive and sometimes can be seen from different locations whilst not from others on the same evening. Your guide will select the route which offers the best chance of viewing the Borealis given the prevailing weather and atmospheric conditions.

Your guide will explain the phenomena and the history of Alta as it relates to the scientific investigation and understanding of it. We will also help with the camera settings required to capture the lights with the best results.

Snowmobiling In Search Of The Northern Lights
Combine the excitement of driving a snowmobile through the Arctic evening whilst searching for the allusive Northern Lights. The guide will lead you through the wilderness of the Alta River valley up onto the inland plateau where the absence of any background light maximises you chance of viewing the Borealis.

Your guide will provide you with your thermal suit, boots, gloves, and helmet as well as instructing you in the safe operation of your snowmobile. The guide will also be able to assist you with achieving the best photos of the borealis.

3 Hours Northern Lights UTV Experience
Join your guide and Northern lights enthusiast on a unique UTV Northern Lights experience. Your guide will choose the best route dependent upon the weather and probability for viewing the Northern Lights and either lead you through the valley and up to the inland plateau or to follow the trails to a local hilltop overlooking the Alta fjord.

The Northern Lights are a fascinating spectacle and the potential to see them is enhanced through driving your UTV into the true wilderness away from background lighting. Your guide will also help you with the best settings for your camera to get the best photographic results.

‍Weather permitting your guide will make a campfire and you can enjoy a coffee or other hot drink and refreshments. The Northern Lights UTV Safari departs Sorrisniva normally at 21:00 and returns at around 24:00.

An Exhilarating River Tour
Our riverboat safaris use the traditional long riverboats transiting the Alta River wilderness and passing through northern Europe’s largest river canyon.

The Alta river is world famous for Salmon sport fishing and our guides will explain this and many other fascinating aspects of the river. Our guides have years of experience in driving the special riverboats and will combine safety with an exhilarating experience.

Our riverboat experiences all start and end at Sorrisniva and are conducted between 12:00 and 18:00 each day as the river is closed to traffic outside these hours for the famous salmon fishing. The experiences are subject to the river water level to ensure safe passage over the rapids.

We offer a range of riverboat experiences of different durations ranging from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours with up to 9 guests on each safari. Everyone is provided with a life vest and the boatman will tell you stories of the river, its history, and the salmon fishing.

‍Alta River History
The Alta River has a long history of immigration and exploitation for farming, mining and salmon fishing. The salmon fishing evolved from commercial fishing to be one of the premier fly fishing rivers in the world.

In the 1870’s the river was leased to the Scottish Duke of Roxburghe. The river is now managed by the local community which licenses the salmon fishing to both local inhabitants and international sport fishermen.

The Wisløff family has a long history providing expert guidance to the salmon fishermen including the Norwegian Royal family. This expertise continues to be passed from generation to generation, with Jørgen now being the 4th generation expert, guiding the world’s elite fly fishermen.

Riverboat Safari To Sierra
The riverboat safari extends to Sierra, which is one of the world’s most famous salmon fishing spots, and provides a great experience through the river wilderness.

The duration of the experience is especially suitable for families with children of all ages. Dress in warm clothes as the river water is cold creating cool breezes. Upon your return to Sorrisniva you will be offered refreshments including coffee and tea.

Riverboat Safari To Pathakoski
The Pathakoski riverboat safari passes follows the Alta river through the local wilderness to the first major rapid. Dress in warm clothes as the river water is cold creating cool breezes. Upon your return to Sorrisniva you will be offered refreshments including coffee and tea.

Riverboat Safari To Alta Canyon
This is the longest riverboat safari conducted from Sorrisniva. It follows the river as it winds through the wilderness and passes over several rapids. Whilst the rapid passages are exciting our river boatmen ensure your safety.

The safari passes through the Alta Canyon which is the largest river canyon in Northern Europe. Dress in warm clothes as the river water is cold creating cool breezes. Upon your return to Sorrisniva you will be offered refreshments including coffee and tea.

Snowmobile Safaris From Sorrisniva
Experience the Arctic winter landscape whilst driving a snowmobile through the local nature. Sorrisniva pioneered snowmobile safaris and we continue to be the largest operator in Norway.

Our guides will ensure a safe yet exhilarating experience ranging from a short local trip to longer trips with lunch or overnighting in a mountain hut.

Arctic Light Snowmobiling Safari
Our Arctic Light Snowmobiling Safari has you driving your own snowmobile through the wilderness of the Alta river valley up to the inland plateau. During the winter months the Arctic light often creates wonderful colours on the horizon despite the sun never rising.

Later in the Spring the sun returns creating its own special light effects on the wide snow fields of the inland plateau. This safari offers a combination of exhilarating snowmobiling with experiencing the Arctic wilderness and the special Arctic light conditions.

Your guide will provide you with your thermal suit, boots, gloves and helmet as well as instructing you in the safe operation of your snowmobile.

Finnmark Plateau And Frozen Lakes Safari
Feel the thrill driving your snowmobile through the varied landscape in the forest, the wide open plateau and across the frozen inland lakes. This experience goes from Sorrisniva to the Jotka Mountain Lodge located on the Finnmark plateau 30 km from Sorrisniva.

You will enjoy a traditional Sami meal at the lodge before starting the return trip. Experience the total silence when stopping on the plateau and view the ever changing Arctic light conditions.

The light changes dramatically during the season from the polar nights to the dazzling sunshine as spring approaches. Your guide will provide you with your thermal suit, boots, gloves and helmet as well as instructing you in the safe operation of your snowmobile.

Snowmobile Safari To Karasjok
On this extended snowmobile experience, you will experience the Arctic wilderness at its best traversing a varied landscape including forests, frozen lakes and the expanse of the Finnmark plateau.

During the first day you will go up to the inland plateau and then follow the trails across the inland plateau to a mountain lodge for lunch.

Afterwards you continue to the Sami village of Karasjok hopefully stopping to catch a fish through the ice on one of the many frozen lakes. In Karasjok you can enjoy a relaxing sauna at your hotel as well as drinks and refreshments before a 3 course dinner in the evening.

‍The next morning you start early to recross the Finnmark plateau on your way back to Sorrisniva. Stops are made along the way to enjoy the wilderness and you will enjoy a warm lunch at one of the mountain lodges.

Your guide will manage your entire safari and ensure you are properly attired and truly appreciate the challenge of this extended snowmobile safari.

Reindeer Sledding And Sami Culture Experience
The Sami continue their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle based around their very own reindeer herds. At Sorrisniva we work closely with the local Sami families in order to provide you with authentic experiences with an understanding of their culture and lifestyle.

Sami Culture Experience With Reindeer Sledding
Your Sami guide will collect you from Sorrisniva and introduce you to your reindeer who will pull your sled through the local wilderness. The sled is designed for two persons to sit side by side and you will be provided with Arctic clothing as appropriate and sit on reindeer skins.

You will stop at the Sami’s lavvu (tepee like tent) where you sit on reindeer skins around the fire and hear stories about the Sami culture before continuing the sledding back to Sorrisniva.

The combination of the reindeer sledding and sitting in a Lavvu around the fire hearing tales about the Sami culture provides a fascinating insight into this special semi nomadic culture.

Husky Mushing On Sleds Or Carts
Enjoy mushing a team of huskies through the local wilderness with an expert guide. Our husky experiences include an introduction to the know-how of managing a team of huskies and a range of short to overnight tours. We use sleds or carts depending on the time of year.

Husky Carting
As the nights lengthen and the Autumn colours emerge we offer the experience of mushing a husky team whilst enjoying the local wilderness. The local kennels train their husky teams year round and the dogs are always happy to be out running through nature.

The carts are similar to the sleds but with wheels and offer just as much fun and excitement. The ride takes you through the Arctic countryside as autumn turns to winter in a splendid display of colours across the varied landscape.

From the Arctic Forest to the riverbanks of the Alta River, it is the perfect activity for this time of the year.

Husky Sledding
Join us for a wonderful experience of mushing a team of huskies through the Arctic Wilderness. We work with different local kennels and will arrange the experience best suited to your desire.

All husky experiences include learning about the huskies and the skill of mushing most effectively. You will enjoy interacting with the eager and excited huskies who love to be active and run in front of the sleds.

‍You may chose between a tour which requires a more active participation or a tour where a more passive approach is offered. A guide is always part of the tour, but you will have your own sled and own team of huskies to lead.

Each sled will have two persons where one will drive and the other will join as a passenger. Stops are made along the way where driver and passenger can swap positions. Either way you will enjoy the interaction with the huskies and the sensation of being dragged along the local wilderness trails.

As part of your experience you will learn about the kennels preparation for the Finnmarksløpet, the world’s Northern most sled Husky race and the second-longest in the world. This annual event starts and stops around Alta, sometimes from Sorrisniva itself.

A Husky Day Trip
Our day long Husky experience (approx. 5-7hrs) enables you to enjoy the thrill of mushing your team whilst traversing through the local wilderness.

You will be provided with the appropriate Arctic clothing and given instruction into the efficient and safe handling of your husky team before setting out on your never to be forgotten mushing experience.

‍The trail passes through typical Arctic terrain including snowy woods and the open Vidda (Finnmark plateau). You will have lunch in an old earthen cottage or in the open with your husky team.

You may have the opportunity to view the Alta Canyon and see a range of the local wildlife. As part of your experience you will learn about the kennels preparation for the Finnmarksløpet, the world’s Northern most sled Husky race and the second-longest in the world.

This annual event starts and stops around Alta, sometimes from Sorrisniva itself.

The View Walk
This trip is free of charge if you want to take the walk on your own. A guide can be booked on request if you’d like an experienced guide to show you the way and tell stories about the area.

Hike To Alta Canyon
This is a hike that takes you over a beautiful section of Finnmarksvidda. Within a wide open landscape you are bound to find wild blueberry and lingonberry, and if you’re lucky you might even find a patch of what we like to call “Finnmark’s gold”, or more commonly known as cloudberry.

Utility Terrain Vehicles Safaris From Sorrisniva
The UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) is a small, 4 wheel drive, off road vehicle which are a comfortable and safe yet exciting way to explore the local wilderness.

Your guide will provide you with a safe operating introduction to the UTV and lead you on various tracks through the Alta River Valley and up onto the local mountains or inland plateau.

Driving the UTC requires a valid driving license and passengers need to be at least 4 years of age. The UTV is designed for the driver and one passenger.

2,5 Hours UTV Experience
Your UTV safari will be led by an experienced guide who will lead you on various trails through the Alta River Valley and up to the inland plateau. You will see a range of Arctic wilderness whilst enjoying the experience of driving the fun UTV.

You will pass many spectacular lookouts where you can stop to capture your memories. You will also make several stops when the guide will tell you about the local culture and history including stories about the Alta River, the local slate industry, the Sami reindeer culture, and the world-famous salmon fly fishing.

‍The UTV Safari departs Sorrisniva normally at 10:00 and returns at around 12:30.

The UTV Midnight Sun Experience
From 16 May to 26 July the sun never sets at Sorrisniva creating the fascinating midnight sun and the special colours of the Polar white night.

These magic moments only occur in the peak summer weeks in the polar regions above the Arctic Circle creating a truly unique experience enhanced by driving your UTV through the local wilderness.

You will see a range of Arctic wilderness and can stop at several spectacular lookouts and capture the special light and midnight sun on your photos. ‍The Midnight Sun UTV Safari departs Sorrisniva normally at 22:00 and returns at ca 01:00.

The UTV Sunset Experience
As the darkness returns and the sun starts to set again the opportunity arises to experience driving your UTV through the local wilderness and viewing the setting sun. The Autumn colours are enhanced by the special evening sky colours which often occur at this time of year.

Autumn is often considered the best season in the high Arctic due to the special lights and feeling of tranquillity. Your guide will choose the best route to follow and will stop at various lookouts to tell some stories of the local wilderness including about the famous Salmon fishing and Sami reindeer culture.

Weather permitting your guide will create a campfire and make hot coffee or other drink with refreshments. The Sunset UTV Safari departs Sorrisniva normally at 21:00 and returns at ca 24:00.

Website: www.sorrisniva.no

Rooms: 30

Price: from 300 EUR per night