Ice hotels you need to stay in before they melt away

Imagine waking up surrounded by walls of crystal-clear ice, snuggling under thick thermal blankets in a room carved entirely out of frozen water. Ice hotels are a unique blend of art, architecture, and adventure, offering an otherworldly experience that lasts only as long as winter does.

With their ephemeral nature, these frozen masterpieces are built afresh each year, crafted by talented artists who bring intricate designs to life. If you’re looking for a truly magical getaway, here are the most spectacular ice hotels you need to visit before they melt away.

1. Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

As the world’s first and most iconic ice hotel, the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi has been a pioneer in frozen accommodations since 1989. Nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, this hotel is a must-visit for ice enthusiasts.

  • Why It’s Special: Every winter, artists from around the globe create new themed suites, featuring intricate sculptures, ice chandeliers, and awe-inspiring designs. From ornate animal carvings to abstract art, no two stays are ever alike.
  • Experience Highlights: Guests can enjoy activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and even ice sculpting workshops. Don’t miss the Ice Bar, where you can sip cocktails from glasses made of ice.
  • Unique Touch: The Icehotel now also features Icehotel 365, a permanent structure with a sub-zero ice experience that can be visited year-round.

2. Hôtel de Glace – Quebec City, Canada

The only ice hotel in North America, Hôtel de Glace is located just outside Quebec City, offering a winter wonderland straight out of a storybook.

  • Why It’s Special: Known for its artistic flair, the hotel is rebuilt each year with a new theme, and each room is adorned with custom carvings and illuminated by soft, colorful lights.
  • Experience Highlights: Warm up in the outdoor hot tubs or the nearby sauna under a starlit sky. The grand ice chapel is a favorite for weddings, while the ice slide is a hit with visitors of all ages.
  • Unique Touch: Guests are treated to a cozy night in thermal sleeping bags atop fur-covered mattresses, ensuring warmth despite the icy surroundings.

3. SnowVillage – Kittilä, Finland

Nestled in the snowy Finnish Lapland, SnowVillage is a seasonal marvel that combines ice and snow to create an enchanting retreat.

  • Why It’s Special: Each year, SnowVillage is constructed with a new design theme, which in the past has included everything from Nordic mythology to the magical world of Game of Thrones.
  • Experience Highlights: Guests can explore themed ice corridors, enjoy gourmet dining in an ice restaurant, and marvel at the life-sized ice sculptures.
  • Unique Touch: Pair your stay with a hunt for the Northern Lights or visit a reindeer farm for an authentic Lapland experience.

4. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway

Located in Norway’s Arctic Circle, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is the northernmost ice hotel in the world. Its remote location makes it ideal for experiencing the pristine beauty of the Arctic.

  • Why It’s Special: Each year, the hotel features a fresh artistic theme, incorporating Norwegian culture, folklore, and stunning ice artistry.
  • Experience Highlights: Alongside your stay in the icy rooms, you can embark on adventures like ice fishing, snowshoeing, and guided Northern Lights tours.
  • Unique Touch: The hotel also houses an ice bar and an ice chapel, making it a popular choice for unforgettable celebrations.

5. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Saariselkä, Finland

While Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is better known for its glass igloos, it also features an enchanting snow hotel that allows you to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland.

  • Why It’s Special: The snow hotel is built entirely from snow and ice, offering a tranquil escape with minimalist frozen beauty.
  • Experience Highlights: Combine your snow hotel stay with a night in one of the resort’s famous glass igloos, giving you a chance to stargaze and watch the Aurora Borealis from the warmth of your bed.
  • Unique Touch: The resort offers access to Santa’s House, husky safaris, and a smoke sauna experience.

6. Arctic SnowHotel – Rovaniemi, Finland

Situated near Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus, Arctic SnowHotel offers an immersive Lapland experience with a focus on comfort and charm.

  • Why It’s Special: The hotel is rebuilt annually using ice from nearby frozen lakes and features stunning ice sculptures that change each year.
  • Experience Highlights: Guests can enjoy traditional Finnish dinners in the Ice Restaurant, complete with ice plates and chairs, or unwind in an outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow.
  • Unique Touch: The hotel offers an “Aurora Alarm” service to wake you if the Northern Lights appear.

7. Kirkenes Snowhotel – Kirkenes, Norway

Located in Norway’s far northeastern region, Kirkenes Snowhotel offers a mix of rugged Arctic wilderness and artistic luxury.

  • Why It’s Special: Each suite in this snow hotel is uniquely designed, featuring intricate ice sculptures and illuminated by soft, atmospheric lighting.
  • Experience Highlights: Guests can partake in king crab fishing, snowshoeing, or even a thrilling dog sledding adventure.
  • Unique Touch: The Snowhotel also offers cozy wooden cabins with large windows for viewing the Northern Lights, making it a versatile destination for any traveler.

8. Igloo Village – Zermatt, Switzerland

Located in the Swiss Alps near the iconic Matterhorn, Igloo Village offers a unique and intimate icy retreat.

  • Why It’s Special: The hotel is hand-sculpted each year with elaborate designs, blending the raw beauty of snow with cozy, insulated living spaces.
  • Experience Highlights: Ski enthusiasts will love the easy access to the slopes, while others can enjoy fondue dinners in the igloo restaurant.
  • Unique Touch: Guests can warm up in a nearby hot tub, surrounded by panoramic mountain views.

9. Balea Ice Hotel – Făgăraș Mountains, Romania

Perched at over 2,000 meters above sea level in the Carpathian Mountains, Balea Ice Hotel is a hidden gem for those seeking a high-altitude ice experience.

  • Why It’s Special: Built on the frozen surface of Balea Lake, this hotel offers a remote and serene setting with stunning alpine views.
  • Experience Highlights: Accessible only by cable car during the winter months, the hotel offers snowshoeing and ice sculpting classes for adventurous visitors.
  • Unique Touch: Each room is themed, often drawing inspiration from local culture and mythology.

10. Alpeniglu Igloo Village – Tyrol, Austria

Located in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Alpeniglu Igloo Village is an enchanting ice hotel perfect for couples and families alike.

  • Why It’s Special: This village of interconnected igloos features beautifully carved ice walls and warm lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere.
  • Experience Highlights: Guests can dine in an ice restaurant, watch live ice-carving demonstrations, or enjoy guided snowshoeing tours.
  • Unique Touch: Alpeniglu offers “romantic igloos” for couples, complete with special decorations and fur-lined bedding.

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