At a Glance
Quick OverviewFew culinary adventures match the thrill of catching your own dinner in the Arctic wilderness. On a king crab safari in Kirkenes, Norway, you’ll venture onto frozen fjords by snowmobile in winter or cruise the Barents Sea by boat in summer to haul up massive red king crabs—then feast on some of the world’s finest seafood, prepared fresh moments after catching.
According to Visit Norway, “you can head out on a king crab safari in Northern Norway all year round, by snowmobile in winter or RIB boat in summer. Either way, you are guaranteed to enjoy some of the freshest king crab you have ever tasted.”
The Norwegian King Crab Story
Origins
The red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) in Norwegian waters has a fascinating history. According to Visit Norway, “the king crab that now lives outside of Norway originated from the Murmansk Fjord, where they were released by Soviet biologists in the 1960s.”
The crabs were introduced to provide a new fishery resource, and they’ve thrived in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Barents Sea. Since then, the population has expanded westward into Norwegian Arctic territory.
Size and Characteristics
Norwegian king crabs are truly impressive:
- Leg span: Up to 2 metres from claw to claw
- Weight: Up to 15 kilogrammes (typical catch: 3-8 kg)
- Appearance: Distinctive red-orange colouring
- Habitat: Cold Arctic waters, 5-400 metres deep
Culinary Value
King crab meat is prized for:
- Sweet, delicate flavour
- Tender, succulent texture
- Often compared to lobster
- Premium price at restaurants worldwide
- Best when freshly cooked
From Kirkenes, luxurious king crabs are exported to top restaurants around the world—but nothing compares to eating them fresh at the source.
The Safari Experience
Winter Safari (November - April)
The adventure: According to Visit Norway, “you drive by snowmobile and sled out on the fjord ice, where you help pull up the crab pods. The king crab is served in a rustic restaurant by the fjord.”
What to expect:
- Pickup: From your hotel in Kirkenes
- Gear up: Thermal suits and snowmobile equipment
- Drive: Snowmobile across frozen fjord
- Catch: Help pull crab pots through ice holes
- Feast: Fresh-prepared king crab meal
- Return: Snowmobile back
Duration: 3-4 hours typically
Unique elements:
- Driving across frozen Arctic waters
- Dramatic winter landscapes
- Potential Northern Lights viewing
- Cosy warmth of rustic restaurant
Summer Safari (May - September)
The adventure: Visit Norway describes the summer experience: “You drive by an open boat on the Varangerfjord, where you help pull up the crab pods. The king crab is served in a rustic restaurant by the fjord the northern Norwegian way; fresh, steamed and irresistible!”
What to expect:
- Pickup: From Kirkenes centre
- Boat ride: RIB or traditional vessel on Varangerfjord
- Catch: Pull crab pots from the sea
- Feast: Fresh king crab meal at waterside restaurant
- Return: Boat back to harbour
Duration: 3-4 hours typically
Unique elements:
- Midnight sun atmosphere
- Arctic seascape views
- Wildlife spotting potential
- Warmer conditions
What’s Included
Typical Safari Package
Transport:
- Hotel pickup and return
- Snowmobile/sled (winter) or boat (summer)
- All safety equipment
Experience:
- Guided crab catching
- Hands-on pot hauling
- Information about king crabs
- Arctic wilderness access
The Feast:
- Fresh-caught king crab
- Traditional preparation (steamed)
- Accompaniments (bread, butter, sides)
- Warm drinks
- Rustic restaurant setting
What to Bring
Winter:
- Warm base layers (wool/synthetic)
- Extra warm socks
- Camera (cold-weather protected)
- Appetite!
Summer:
- Layers (Arctic summer still cool)
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses
- Camera
Operators provide:
- Thermal suits (winter)
- Life jackets (summer)
- Gloves and boots (winter)
- All necessary equipment
Where to Experience King Crab Safari
Kirkenes
The undisputed king crab capital of Norway, Kirkenes offers:
Why Kirkenes: According to Visit Norway, “Kirkenes is located just off the coast of Southern Varanger in Northern Norway and is one of the main ports for harvesting king crab in the Barents Sea.”
Operators:
- Snowhotel Kirkenes: Major operator with year-round safaris
- Multiple local tour companies
- Hurtigruten shore excursions
Getting there:
- Flights from Oslo and Tromsø
- Hurtigruten coastal voyage
- Drive (from Finland/Russia border area)
Other Locations
Limited king crab experiences available in:
- Hammerfest
- Vardø
- Honningsvåg
However, Kirkenes remains the primary destination with the most developed safari offerings.
Planning Your Safari
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Experience | Conditions | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov-Jan | Snowmobile, polar night | Very cold, dark | Northern Lights |
| Feb-Mar | Snowmobile, returning light | Cold, more light | Northern Lights |
| Apr-May | Transition season | Variable | Lengthening days |
| Jun-Jul | Boat safari, midnight sun | Mild | 24-hour daylight |
| Aug-Sep | Boat safari | Cooling | Autumn colours |
| Oct | Late boat/early snow | Variable | Aurora returning |
Costs
Typical 2026 pricing:
- Standard safari: NOK 2,000-2,800 (£155-215)
- Premium experience: NOK 2,800-3,500 (£215-270)
- Hurtigruten excursion: Similar range
Included in price:
- Transport
- Equipment
- Guide
- King crab meal
- Hot drinks
Booking Tips
- Peak season: Book 2-4 weeks ahead (December-February)
- Hurtigruten passengers: Book excursion in advance
- Group size: Smaller groups often provide better experience
- Duration: 3-4 hour safaris most common
The King Crab Feast
Preparation
King crab is typically prepared simply to highlight its natural sweetness:
- Steaming: The preferred method
- Freshly caught: Cooked within hours
- Minimal seasoning: Let the crab speak
- Traditional serving: Whole legs and claws
What You’ll Eat
A typical king crab feast includes:
- Crab legs: The main attraction
- Claw meat: Often considered the sweetest
- Melted butter: Traditional accompaniment
- Fresh bread: For soaking up juices
- Simple salads: Fresh vegetables
- Warm drinks: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Eating Tips
- Crack shells to access meat
- Dip in melted butter
- Savour the sweet, delicate flavour
- Don’t rush—this is a celebration
- Most operators teach technique
Combining with Other Activities
Kirkenes Multi-Day Itinerary
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Kirkenes, evening Northern Lights hunt |
| 2 | King crab safari (morning), Snowhotel visit (evening) |
| 3 | Dog sledding or snowmobile tour, departure |
From Hurtigruten
Kirkenes is the turnaround point for the coastal voyage:
- Book king crab excursion through Hurtigruten
- Available on both northbound and southbound voyages
- Limited time ashore—excursion fits schedule
Extended Arctic Stay
Combine Kirkenes with:
- Russian border viewing
- Sami cultural experiences
- Ice fishing
- Snow hotel overnight
- Northern Lights photography
Practical Information
Getting to Kirkenes
By Air:
- Flights from Oslo (2.5 hours)
- Flights from Tromsø (1 hour)
- Small, efficient airport
By Hurtigruten:
- Northernmost point of coastal voyage
- Ships arrive from Bergen (7 days)
- Turnaround point for return south
By Road:
- Drive from Finland (border nearby)
- Long but scenic from rest of Norway
Accommodation
Options in Kirkenes:
- Snowhotel Kirkenes: Famous ice hotel + safari base
- Thon Hotel Kirkenes: Central, comfortable
- Various guesthouses: Budget options
Weather Expectations
Winter (-10°C to -25°C):
- Very cold but operators provide thermal suits
- Possible extreme cold—tours may adjust
- Stunning frozen landscapes
Summer (5°C to 15°C):
- Cool but comfortable
- Long daylight hours
- Occasional rain
Sustainability and Ethics
Managed Fishery
Norwegian king crab fishing is regulated:
- Quotas limit annual catch
- Licensed operators only
- Sustainable harvesting practices
- Population monitoring
Invasive Species Context
Whilst king crabs are invasive to Norwegian waters, controlled harvesting serves dual purposes:
- Provides economic opportunity
- Helps manage population growth
- Prevents ecological damage to native species
Final Advice
A king crab safari offers one of Norway’s most unique experiences—combining Arctic adventure with world-class gastronomy. Whether you’re driving a snowmobile across frozen fjords in winter darkness or cruising the Barents Sea under the midnight sun, the culmination is the same: an unforgettable feast of fresh-caught Arctic king crab.
Book ahead during peak season, dress warmly (operators provide the essential gear), and come hungry. This is Arctic Norway at its most delicious.
Information in this guide is sourced from Visit Norway and Kirkenes tourism operators. Last updated January 2026.