Katie and Pierce
For travelers seeking an extraordinary winter experience, ice hotels offer a magical blend of artistry and adventure. These stunning structures, rebuilt annually using snow and ice, provide an unforgettable stay in some of the world’s most breathtaking winter wonderlands.
1. Arctic SnowHotel – Rovaniemi, Finland
Standing proud as one of the largest snow and ice hotels in the Nordic region, the Arctic SnowHotel is a winter masterpiece rebuilt each year using ice from Lake Lehtojärvi.
The hotel features about 20 rooms that can accommodate 70 guests, complete with an Ice Chapel, Ice Restaurant, and Ice Bar. Inside, temperatures hover between 0°C and -5°C, while guests stay cozy in high-quality sleeping bags and reindeer skins on their frozen beds.
For those seeking unique experiences, the hotel offers a snow sauna and an ice bar serving drinks in glasses made entirely of ice. Open from December 15th to March 31st, each year brings new carved masterpieces and illuminated ice art.
2. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway
As the world’s northernmost ice hotel, Sorrisniva is an impressive feat of construction, requiring 250 tonnes of ice and 7,000 cubic meters of snow. The ice comes from nearby Sierravann, while snow is produced using water from the Alta River.
Each year brings a new theme created by local artists across its 2,500-square-meter structure. The hotel features approximately 30 rooms including suites, an ice chapel, and an ice bar, all maintained at a steady -4°C to -7°C.
Guests can warm up in the hotel’s saunas and outdoor hot tubs, or enjoy local Nordic cuisine in the gourmet restaurant. The combination of frozen artistry and modern comfort makes this a truly special destination.
3. Snowhotel Kirkenes – Norway
What makes Kirkenes Snowhotel unique is its year-round operation, the only ice hotel in the world to achieve this feat. The hotel features 13 dreamlike snow rooms, each uniquely carved by master ice sculptors from around the globe.
With temperatures maintained between -4°C and -6°C, the hotel provides a true Arctic experience. The property includes warm facilities and multiple restaurants serving local specialties. Adding to its charm, the hotel grounds are home to 180 huskies and grazing reindeer.
Activities like king crab fishing and husky sledding make this more than just a place to sleep – it’s a complete winter adventure destination.
4. Hôtel de Glace – Québec, Canada
Just 4 kilometers from Québec City sits North America’s only ice hotel, the magnificent Hôtel de Glace. Since 2001, it has captivated over a million visitors with its yearly changing design featuring 44 themed rooms and suites.
The property comes alive with stunning ice sculptures and architecture, while offering modern comforts like outdoor hot tubs and a sauna. Every guest receives access to a room at the four-star Hôtel Valcartier, providing a warm retreat if needed.
The hotel’s bar serves cocktails in glasses made of ice, adding an extra touch of magic to the experience.
5. SnowVillage – Kittilä, Finland
Each winter, SnowVillage emerges using an astounding 20 million kilos of snow and 350,000 kilos of crystal-clear natural ice. Located in Western Finnish Lapland, the hotel offers 30 snow rooms and suites.
Visitors can wander through striking corridors filled with spectacular snow and ice art, dine in the ice restaurant, or enjoy drinks served “on the rocks” in the most literal sense at the ice bar.
The hotel’s annual transformation in shape, size, and design ensures that no two visits are ever quite the same.
6. Ice Village Tomamu – Hokkaido, Japan
This Japanese ice hotel brings a unique Asian perspective to frozen accommodation. The hotel features distinctive dome structures measuring 8.5m in diameter and 3.5m high, crafted from seamless ice.
Everything from the ceiling to the furniture is made of ice, creating a fantasy world experience on Japan’s northernmost island. The property even includes an “Ice Open-Air Bath,” and in 2025 will debut its “Ice Terrace” where guests can sleep under illuminated birch trees.
7. Hotel of Ice Balea Lake – Romania
Nestled in the Fagaras Mountains, this European gem is rebuilt every winter using ice blocks harvested from the frozen Balea Lake. The hotel showcases Romanian winter architecture at its finest through intricately carved ice sculptures.
The themed rooms, ice restaurant, and bar all contribute to creating an authentic Eastern European winter experience, making it a unique alternative to its Nordic counterparts.
8. Iglu-Dorf – Gstaad, Switzerland
Set against the majestic Swiss Alps, Iglu-Dorf offers guests spectacular panoramic views of the Bernese, Fribourg, and Vaud Alps, along with the Diablerets mountain range and two glaciers.
The hotel combines traditional snow construction with modern comfort, featuring rooms made entirely of snow and ice. After a day of winter activities, guests can warm up in the hotel’s sauna and whirlpool while enjoying magical Swiss sunsets.
9. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Finland
Famous for its combination of glass igloos and snow accommodations, this resort offers the best of both worlds. The property is particularly beloved for its Northern Lights viewing opportunities.
The resort provides an authentic Finnish Lapland experience, complete with activities like reindeer safaris and ice fishing, while maintaining modern comforts that make even the coldest nights cozy.
10. Schneedorf Igloo – Austria
Austria’s contribution to ice hotels brings Alpine charm to the frozen accommodation experience. The hotel skillfully blends traditional igloo construction techniques with modern comfort requirements.
Featuring ice sculptures, themed rooms, and various winter activities, Schneedorf Igloo provides guests with an authentic mountain experience that captures the magic of the Austrian Alps.
These remarkable ice hotels prove that winter accommodation can be both an artistic marvel and an adventure. Whether you’re seeking Northern Lights views in Finland or Alpine vistas in Switzerland, these frozen palaces offer experiences that simply can’t be found in traditional hotels.
