Ever dreamed of sleeping on a bed of ice under a ceiling carved by artists? Welcome to the world of ice hotels—magical places where winter never ends and snow is the main building material. These aren’t your average hotel stays; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From the northern lights overhead to icy champagne glasses, here are the four most unique ice hotels you can actually book for a chilly adventure.
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ICEHOTEL
Let’s start with the OG: Sweden’s ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi. This place started the whole ice hotel trend back in 1989, and it’s still the coolest (literally). Every winter, artists from around the world come here to design new rooms entirely out of snow and ice.
You can sleep in -5°C, snuggled into a thermal sleeping bag, surrounded by glowing ice sculptures. They even offer an ICEHOTEL 365—meaning, yep, you can stay there year-round thanks to a solar-powered, refrigerated ice hall. Oh, and don’t skip the ice bar!
Location: Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Best for: Art lovers and first-time ice hotel guests
SnowVillage
Finland’s SnowVillage takes ice hotels to another level with its annual themed designs. One year it was Game of Thrones, complete with an ice Iron Throne. The next? A galaxy-inspired sci-fi wonderland.
Built fresh every year in Finnish Lapland, the SnowVillage features snow suites, ice restaurants, and an actual ice chapel if you’re feeling romantic. The rooms are silent, cold, and absolutely breathtaking—kind of like sleeping inside a snow globe.
Location: Kittilä, Finland
Best for: Themed room lovers and pop culture fans
Sorrisniva
Now let’s talk about Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Norway. It’s one of the most remote and peaceful options out there. Located along the Alta River and surrounded by Arctic wilderness, Sorrisniva is rebuilt every year with a different theme—and it’s massive.
Guests can explore ice galleries, a frozen bar, and even warm up in the on-site sauna or hot tub. Bonus: You’ve got a good shot at seeing the northern lights if the skies are clear.
Location: Alta, Norway
Best for: Nature lovers and northern lights chasers
Hôtel de Glace
The only ice hotel in North America, Hôtel de Glace in Quebec, Canada, is all about the wow factor. With dramatic ice chandeliers, carved pillars, and themed suites that make you feel like royalty, it’s hard not to be impressed.
They offer a one-night ice experience, followed by a second night at a nearby warm hotel—perfect for first-timers who want to dip their toes into the icy waters (figuratively, of course).
Location: Quebec City, Canada
Best for: North American travelers and adventurous couples
Here’s a quick comparison to help you pick your frost-filled getaway:
| Ice Hotel | Country | Open Season | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICEHOTEL | Sweden | Year-round | First-ever ice hotel |
| SnowVillage | Finland | Winter only | Pop culture themed rooms |
| Sorrisniva | Norway | Winter only | Remote Arctic location |
| Hôtel de Glace | Canada | Jan–Mar | Only one in North America |
Whether you’re into art, adventure, or just want to brag that you slept on a block of ice, these frosty hotels are something you’ll never forget. Just remember to pack thermal underwear—and maybe a backup battery for your phone. Cold kills power fast!
FAQs
Are ice hotels open year-round?
Only Sweden’s ICEHOTEL has a year-round option.
How cold are the rooms?
Typically around -5°C (23°F), even colder outside.
Can I stay more than one night?
Yes, but most people stay 1–2 nights max.
Are there bathrooms in ice rooms?
Nope! Bathrooms are in heated buildings nearby.
Do ice hotels melt?
Yes! Most melt by spring and are rebuilt each winter.
