Hoth strikes Back
19.- 21. February 2027
Welcome to a unique weekend at Finse when fans from all over the world gather on the iconic planet Hoth.
In 1979, Finse and the surrounding Hardangerjøkulen glacier were transformed into the frozen planet Hoth for the filming of The Empire Strikes Back. The dramatic mountain landscape, deep snow and famously unpredictable weather became the backdrop for some of the film’s most memorable scenes.
Hoth Strikes Back celebrates this special piece of Finse history. Throughout the weekend, you’ll meet people with firsthand connections to the original production, hear stories from behind the scenes, see films and photographs, and step outside into the very landscape that brought Hoth to life.
A weekend for fans, film lovers and anyone curious about the story of how a small mountain village in Norway became part of a galaxy far, far away.
Welcome to Hotel Finse 1222
Listen to crew members share their experiences in Blåsalen, one of the hotel’s main gathering rooms.
Hello Bergensbanen 👋
Snowshoe rentals
Listen to crew members share their experiences in Blåsalen, one of the hotel’s main gathering rooms.
Views from Blåsalen
Ski trip to Han Solo rock
The landscape of Planet Hoth
Ski trip to Han Solo rock
Ski trip to Han Solo rock
Han Solo rock
Program
19th of February (friday)
14:00-18:00
Check-in
Welcome to Finse! Settle into your room & get excited for the weekend.
Location: Hjerterommet
18:00-21:00
Welcome Dinner
Start the weekend with a meal together. Tonight’s menu is a hearty beef stew, with a vegetarian option available, followed by dessert.
Location: Jøkulsalen
21:00-21:30
Welcome to Hoth | Harald Lystad
Harald Lystad welcomes everyone to Hoth Strikes Back with a short film and a little history from behind the scenes. As General Manager of 20th Century Fox Norway during the filming of The Empire Strikes Back, Harald played an important role in bringing the production to Finse and turning our corner of the mountains into the planet Hoth.
He’ll also share the story behind the original crew jackets and where you can get your hands on replicas today.
Location: Blåsalen
Language: English
20th of February (saturday)
09:00-10:00
Breakfast buffet
Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a selection of hot and cold dishes, freshly baked bread, local toppings, and something sweet.
Location: Jøkulsalen
10:30-11:30
How Finse Became Hoth | Harald Lystad
Hear more from Harald Lystad about the extraordinary story of how Finse was chosen as a filming location for The Empire Strikes Back and what happened when Hollywood arrived at 1,222 metres above sea level.
Location: Blåsalen
Language: English
12:00-13:00
Behind the Scenes on Hoth | Christian Berrum
Christian Berrum was part of the Norwegian crew as a production assistant during filming at Finse in 1979. Join him for firsthand stories and memories from behind the scenes, preferably outside, in the very landscape that became Hoth.
Location: Outdoors, weather permitting. Meet at our reception, Hjerterommet
Language: English
13:30
Lunch Break & Time to Explore
Time to refuel or head out and explore Finse for yourself. A warm lunch can be ordered at the hotel, or use the break to get outside for a walk.
15:30-16:30
Photographing Hoth | Knut Vadseth
See Hoth through the eyes of someone who was there. Knut Vadseth worked as a still photographer during the filming at Finse. Join him for a glimpse behind the camera and stories from documenting the production in the Norwegian mountains.
Location: Blåsalen
Language: English
16:30-18:00
Hoth on Film | The French Team
Settle in for short film clips (15-20 minutes) from the French team before taking a break ahead of the evening’s celebrations.
Location: Blåsalen
Language: English
19:00-21:00
Hoth Strikes Back Festive Dinner
Time to swap snow boots for something a little more festive. Gather around the table for the main dinner of the weekend, a three-course festive meal.
Location: Jøkulsalen
21st of February (Sunday)
09:00-10:00
Breakfast buffet
Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a selection of hot and cold dishes, freshly baked bread, local toppings, and something sweet.
Location: Jøkulsalen
10:30
Check out
Before heading out on one last adventure, you're welcome to leave your luggage in the hotel's entrance hall so it's ready and waiting for you when you return before your train departs.
Thank you for spending the weekend with us. Have a safe journey home, and we hope to welcome you back to Hoth again soon. ❤️
Location: Hjerterommet
10:00-15:00
(Optional) Guided Tour to Han Solo’s Rock
Up for one last adventure before leaving Hoth?! Join a guided nordic backcountry ski or snowshoe trip to Han Solo’s Rock and head out into the landscape where scenes were filmed. Meet at our rental shop at 9:00 to be fitted for skiis/showshoes.
Want to join? Contact our reception to sign up
The tour and equipment rental are booked/paid separately.
Guided Tour: NOK 595
Ski rental: NOK
Showshoe rental: NOK
Location: Meet at our reception, Hjerterommet
Language: English