Ok, it isn’t possible to visit the fictional ice planet Hoth itself. Even if you could, you may want to give it a second thought as it is a pretty dangerous place. However, you can pay for a trip to the location it was filmed at. Known as Finse, it is a train station situated between Bergen and Oslo in Norway. A small village with little there, we provide our guide for die-hard Star Wars fans planning to visit this location.
Echo Base
Seen in The Empire Strikes Back, Echo Base was the location for the rebel alliance after the destruction of the Death Star. George Lucas chose the location for filming for its remoteness and its railroad accessibility. Thus, even as a quite empty place, Star Wars fans will recognize some landmarks. For example, the glacier outside the FINSE 1222 hotel was used as a filming spot. The hotel itself is also noteworthy as the place the whole crew was housed during production.
Filming began here during March in 1979. Temperatures hit a balmy -29 degrees Fahrenheit, and a huge snowstorm whipped in to make matters worse. However, with hindsight, it was worth it as the film has won a host of accolades since. The planet is also one of the most iconic in the franchise.
Coincidently, it is not only Star Wars the town is famous for. Its tunnel and hotel were the settings of a 2007 novel by Anne Holt named 1222. Further back, it was also used as the climax for the book Blue Ice by Hammond Innes in 1948.
Finse Village
Finse itself is quite an anomaly. There are no roads to the town, and it is accessible only by railroad, being the highest station on the Norwegian mainline. However, if you do visit it in summer then it is possible to cycle or walk. But then you wouldn’t get the full Hoth experience.
The reality is that Finse is quite a desolate place. If you visit in winter for the experience, then apart from a few pictures of the ice planet itself you do not have a lot to do. For locals, internet games such as online casinos and slot games are one way the time tends to be filled during the long cold winters. If you decide to pay a visit, you may even be able to find some games themed on famous sci-fi and adventure movie properties. When finding a casino, make sure you get the most out of your money when you sign up by utilizing their many bonus offers.
Star Wars Events
Ideally, the best time to visit is when the Star Wars event takes place in the town. There have been four major gatherings to date, held by a group from the Nordic Film Tourism Association, Visit Hoth Group, and the Finse 1222 hotel itself. As well as meeting other fans from Norway and around the world, there are often guest speakers arranged, from set photographers to art directors for the movie.
Of course, you do not have to spend all your time in Finse. For Star Wars fans, it could be made as a day trip on a bigger exploration of Norway and its stunning winter climate.