Ice hotels combine the thrill of staying in a unique and chilly setting with the comfort and luxury of a hotel stay. These frozen wonders are architectural marvels that showcase the beauty of ice and snow, offering guests an unforgettable experience like no other. If you’re seeking a breathtaking winter adventure, here are 11 spectacular ice hotels around the world that are sure to leave you in awe.
1. ICEHOTEL – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, stands as a masterpiece of ice architecture, offering a surreal lodging experience in the heart of the Arctic Circle. Each room and suite is a unique work of art, sculpted by international artists, providing guests with an immersive encounter with ice. The ice chapel adds a mystical dimension to the experience, offering a serene space that seems almost otherworldly. The ice bar, with its drinks served in glasses made of ice, completes the enchanting setting. Guests are invited to embrace the Arctic lifestyle with activities like ice sculpting and snowmobiling, ensuring that a stay at the ICEHOTEL is not just about the unique accommodations but also about connecting with the Arctic environment in a profound way.
2. Hotel de Glace – Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City’s Hotel de Glace is a seasonal wonder, reconstructed each year to offer a fresh and ephemeral ice experience. The hotel’s architecture is a blend of artistry and engineering, with themed suites that transport guests to fantastical icy realms. The ambiance inside is serene yet invigorating, with ice sculptures that glisten under soft lighting, creating a magical atmosphere. The ice bar and outdoor hot tubs offer contrasting experiences of chill and warmth, encapsulating the essence of a winter retreat. Here, guests don’t just stay; they partake in a celebration of winter’s beauty, making the Hotel de Glace a unique testament to the transitory nature of ice.
3. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Saariselkä, Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort provides an enchanting blend of comfort and adventure, with its iconic glass igloos offering a gateway to the celestial dance of the northern lights. The resort harmonizes traditional and modern elements, offering snow and ice accommodations alongside the glass igloos, catering to various preferences for Arctic experiences. Guests are immersed in a winter wonderland, with activities that range from the tranquil to the exhilarating, allowing them to connect with the stark beauty of the Finnish Arctic landscape in their chosen manner.
4. Hôtel de Glace – Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, Canada
The Hôtel de Glace, just outside Quebec City, is a sanctuary of ice and snow, offering guests an immersive experience in a landscape crafted from the very essence of winter. With its intricate ice sculptures and elegantly designed suites, the hotel invites guests to explore a world of frozen beauty. The range of winter activities available, such as ice skating and snowshoeing, complements the icy stay, offering guests a holistic winter adventure. The hotel’s commitment to providing a unique and memorable experience is evident in every ice-carved detail and every activity that connects guests with the joys of the winter season.
5. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway
The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway, offers an intimate connection with the Arctic environment, providing cozy ice accommodations on the banks of the Alta River. The hotel’s design reflects the natural beauty of its surroundings, with ice rooms and suites that serve as serene retreats from the world outside. Guests can engage in quintessentially Nordic activities, such as ice fishing and reindeer sledding, offering a deep dive into the region’s cultural and natural heritage. The ice-cold river sauna presents a unique way to experience the Scandinavian tradition of sauna, juxtaposing the heat of the sauna with the crisp Arctic air.
6. SnowHotel – Kemi, Finland
Kemi’s SnowHotel is a celebration of winter’s artistry, with its snow and ice-crafted rooms serving as a canvas for intricate designs that tell tales of Finnish folklore and nature. The ice restaurant offers a gourmet experience in a setting that is both ethereal and ephemeral, with meals served on ice tables that add an extra touch of Arctic charm. Guests are invited to embrace the winter wonderland that surrounds the hotel, with its array of activities designed to showcase the beauty and excitement of the Finnish winter landscape.
7. Icehotel – Alta, Sweden
In Swedish Lapland’s Icehotel, guests find themselves enveloped in an environment where ice takes on countless forms, from the sculptures that adorn the halls to the rooms that offer a serene, frosty haven. The hotel’s ice sculpting workshops and husky sledding opportunities provide a hands-on approach to Arctic life, while the ICEBAR offers a place to unwind with a cold drink in hand. This hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s a venue where the icy beauty of the Arctic is celebrated and shared, offering a window into the culture and nature of Swedish Lapland.
8. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi’s Arctic SnowHotel presents a unique blend of ice and transparency, with its combination of an ice hotel and glass igloos. Guests can alternate between the ethereal ice rooms and the transparent iglo
os that offer a direct view of the night sky, providing a diverse Arctic experience. The ice restaurant and ice sauna add layers to the adventure, inviting guests to explore different facets of Arctic life and leisure. The hotel is a testament to the beauty and versatility of ice as a medium, offering a comprehensive Arctic experience that is both immersive and enlightening.
9. Jukkasjärvi Icehotel 365 – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
The Icehotel 365 in Jukkasjärvi is a marvel of modern technology and traditional ice craftsmanship, offering a year-round ice experience. With its artfully designed ice suites and permanent ice bar, the hotel defies the seasons, allowing guests to indulge in the magic of ice any time of the year. The range of activities, from Northern Lights tours to snowmobile safaris, ensures that the adventure never ends, making the Icehotel 365 a beacon of Arctic culture and hospitality.
10. Kirkenes Snowhotel – Kirkenes, Norway
In the serene landscape of Kirkenes, the Snowhotel offers an intimate embrace with the Arctic environment. Its ice rooms and suites are a sanctuary of tranquility and beauty, reflecting the region’s natural splendor. The king crab safaris and dog sledding adventures provide a taste of local life and the thrill of Arctic exploration. Here, luxury and adventure converge, offering guests a comprehensive experience that is both invigorating and restful.
11. ICEHOTEL 365 – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
The ICEHOTEL 365 in Jukkasjärvi represents a fusion of innovation and tradition, offering a unique ice experience every day of the year. With its themed ice suites and ice ceremony hall, the hotel is a living gallery of ice art, inviting guests to explore its frozen corridors and discover the beauty of ice in its many forms. The gourmet dining at the ICEHOTEL restaurant and the invigorating ice bath offer diverse ways to engage with the icy environment, while the meticulous ice sculptures throughout the hotel serve as a constant reminder of the Arctic’s enchanting beauty and the artistry it inspires.
