Full-Day Trip: King Crab Safari to Norway From Saariselkä Including Lunch

Embarking on a full-day crab safari from Saariselkä to Kirkenes, Norway, promises an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Travelers will journey by snowmobile sledge to the fjord, where they’ll actively participate in ice hole sawing and crab trap gathering. Savoring a delightful meal of freshly caught king crab amidst breathtaking scenery is sure to delight the senses. With hotel pickup and drop-off, and provisions for warmth, this experience could be enhanced by the captivating display of the northern lights. But the true highlight may lie in the unique cultural insights and hands-on connection with the region’s renowned seafood delicacy.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Lunch Experiences In Saariselka.

Key Points

• This full-day trip from Saariselkä, Finland to Kirkenes, Norway includes a snowmobile sledge ride, ice hole sawing, and crab trap gathering for a scenic king crab meal.
• The tour provides thermal overalls, socks, boots, and balaclava for warmth, as well as a local guide fluent in English and German for explanations.
• Participants can witness the northern lights on the return trip, as the tour’s northern location increases the chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
• The 174-mile (280-km) journey across the Norwegian border marks a significant milestone in the adventure and the start of the crab-harvesting activities.
• The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers and has received a 5.0 out of 5 rating based on customer feedback, highlighting the guide’s expertise and the freshness of the king crab.

Trip Overview

This full-day trip from Saariselkä, Finland to Norway’s Kirkenes offers travelers the chance to experience the wild-caught Arctic king crab pulled straight from a Norwegian fjord.

The adventure includes a 174-mile (280-km) journey across the Norwegian border, followed by a snowmobile sledge ride to a fjord where participants can saw an ice hole and gather traps to harvest the fresh king crab.

The tour, located 250 miles (400 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle, also includes a scenic meal of the just-caught crustacean.

Travelers may even have the opportunity to witness the northern lights on the return trip, weather permitting, capping off the day’s excitement.

Inclusions

The King Crab Safari to Norway package includes a hearty breakfast and lunch for participants, ensuring they’re well-fueled for the day’s activities.

A local guide fluent in English and German is available to provide detailed explanations throughout the tour.

Hotel pickup and drop-off at selected accommodations, as well as transportation via climate-controlled coach, are also provided.

Plus, travelers are outfitted with insulated thermal overalls, socks, boots, and a balaclava to keep them warm during the outdoor adventures.

While gratuities aren’t included, the tour provides a comprehensive experience, from the moment guests are picked up to the conclusion of the day’s adventure.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with an early morning pickup from selected hotels starting at 5:15 am, kicking off the 174-mile (280-km) journey to Kirkenes, Norway, where the group will cross the border into the neighboring country.

Upon arrival, you will embark on a snowmobile sledge ride to a nearby fjord. Here, they’ll have the opportunity to actively participate in crabbing activities, including sawing an ice hole and retrieving the traps.

The highlight of the day will be enjoying a fresh king crab meal in the scenic setting of the Norwegian fjord.

The day’s adventure concludes with the drop-off at the hotel upon return.

Additional Experiences

During the return trip, participants may have the opportunity to witness the captivating northern lights if weather conditions permit.

This natural phenomenon, often referred to as the Aurora Borealis, is a stunning display of colorful lights in the night sky, created by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s atmosphere.

While the northern lights can’t be guaranteed, the tour’s northern location increases the chances of encountering this mesmerizing spectacle.

The day’s adventure concludes with drop-off at the hotel, providing a convenient end to an unforgettable day filled with unique Arctic experiences, from snowmobile sledge travel to harvesting and savoring fresh king crab.

Reviews and Ratings

Customers have rated this king crab safari tour a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on a single review. The positive feedback highlights the detailed explanation provided by the guides and the freshness of the harvested king crab.

However, it’s important to note the non-refundable booking policy, and the tours are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers. Despite the small group size, this full-day excursion from Saariselkä, Finland to Norway’s Kirkenes offers an immersive and authentic Arctic experience.

Participants can look forward to hands-on crabbing activities, a delicious king crab meal, and the chance to witness the mesmerizing northern lights on the return journey, weather permitting.

Crossing the Border

Travelers embark on a 174-mile (280-km) cross-border journey from Saariselkä, Finland to Kirkenes, Norway as part of this immersive king crab safari.

The tour departs early in the morning, whisking participants away on a climate-controlled coach through the scenic landscapes of Northern Europe.

As the coach approaches the Norwegian border, travelers will experience the thrill of crossing into a new country, leaving the Finnish side behind and entering the realm of Norway.

This border crossing marks a significant milestone in the day’s adventure, signaling the start of the crab-harvesting activities that await in the remote fjords of Kirkenes.

Snowmobile Sledge Ride

After crossing the Norwegian border, the group boards snowmobile sledges to embark on a captivating journey deeper into the region’s frozen fjords. The sleds, designed to carry passengers through the snow, glide effortlessly across the pristine landscape.

As they navigate the icy terrain, travelers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. The snowmobile ride offers a thrilling yet safe way to explore the remote, wintry wilderness.

With the guidance of their experienced local driver, the group ventures further into the heart of Norway’s Arctic region, preparing to participate in the highlight of the day – the king crab harvesting experience.

Crabbing Activities

Participants saw an ice fishing hole being carefully drilled, as the group prepared to retrieve the king crab traps from the frigid fjord waters. The guide demonstrated the proper techniques for pulling up the heavy traps, which were filled with the massive, spiny-legged crustaceans. With a sense of anticipation, the travelers watched as the traps were lifted, revealing the fresh, succulent king crabs. Once the catch was collected, the group eagerly awaited their chance to enjoy the seafood delicacy, savoring the sweet, tender meat in a scenic setting.

Crab Fact	Description
Size	King crabs can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in leg span.
Weight	They can weigh up to 24 pounds (11 kilograms).
Diet	King crabs primarily feed on mussels, clams, and other small sea creatures.
Habitat	They thrive in the cold, deep waters of the Arctic and North Pacific oceans.

Recap

This full-day king crab safari from Saariselkä to Kirkenes, Norway offers an unforgettable Arctic adventure.

You’ll embark on a scenic snowmobile sledge ride, participate in ice hole sawing and crab trap gathering, and savor a delicious meal of freshly caught king crab.

With hotel transfers, warm provisions, and potential northern lights sightings, this experience promises to be a highlight of your journey to the Nordic region.