When it comes to unique travel experiences, few things compare to sleeping in a room made entirely of ice and snow. Ice hotels and igloo stays offer a blend of adventure, luxury, and surreal beauty — letting you experience winter like never before. If you’re craving a truly “cool” getaway, this guide will walk you through the world’s most fascinating frozen accommodations, with tips on virtual tours and booking the perfect stay.
The Allure of Ice Hotels
Imagine stepping into a shimmering palace of crystal-clear ice. Walls, ceilings, furniture — even the glasses in the bar — are carved from frozen water. Ice hotels aren’t just places to sleep; they are works of art that blend nature, architecture, and creativity.
Most ice hotels are rebuilt every winter, featuring intricate designs crafted by international ice artists. They often include ice chapels, ice bars, and themed suites, with temperatures inside hovering between -5°C and -8°C (23°F to 17°F).
Despite the chill, guests stay cozy with thermal sleeping bags, insulating bedding, and heavy-duty winter gear provided by the hotels.
Top Ice Hotels and Igloo Stays Around the World
Here’s a look at some of the most iconic frozen accommodations:
1. ICEHOTEL — Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
The world’s original ice hotel, ICEHOTEL, is located in Swedish Lapland. First constructed in 1989, it’s reborn each year with a new artistic vision. You can choose from individually themed ice suites or opt for the ICEHOTEL 365, a year-round frozen experience thanks to solar-powered refrigeration.
Bonus: Try a guided tour of the hotel’s stunning art suites via their website’s virtual room walkthroughs.
2. Hotel de Glace — Quebec, Canada
The only ice hotel in North America, Hotel de Glace transforms every winter with new architecture and sculpted artwork. The hotel features themed suites, an ice bar, and an ice chapel — popular for unforgettable winter weddings.
Tip: Book early for Valentine’s Day; it’s one of the most magical times to stay!
3. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort — Finland
While famous for its glass igloos (perfect for watching the Northern Lights), Kakslauttanen also offers snow igloos for the truly adventurous. Temperatures inside the snow structures are constant and surprisingly silent, offering an unparalleled Arctic experience.
Experience: Virtual tours allow you to preview both the snow igloos and the luxury glass domes.
4. SnowVillage — Kittilä, Finland
Each winter, this resort near Levi builds an entire village from snow and ice — complete with sculptures, ice restaurants, and ice bars. Every year the design theme changes; past years have included fantasy worlds and cinematic partnerships (like Game of Thrones).
Interactive: Some booking platforms offer 3D room previews so you can explore the different suites.
5. Iglu-Dorf — Multiple Locations, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria
For something more accessible, Iglu-Dorf creates snow villages in several European ski destinations. Sleep in an igloo at high altitude, enjoy fondue dinners, and relax in a hot tub surrounded by snow.
Highlight: They offer both standard igloos and luxurious igloos with private bathrooms and romantic lighting.
What It’s Like to Stay in an Ice Hotel
Staying overnight in an ice hotel is a unique experience, but it does require a little preparation.
- Dress in layers: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and a good down jacket are essential.
- Stay Dry: Wet clothes lead to cold nights. Change into dry clothes before slipping into your thermal sleeping bag.
- Don’t Overpack: Most ice hotels provide all the specialized gear you need, including sleeping bags and sometimes even boots.
- Consider a Combo Stay: Many ice hotels also offer “warm rooms” if you want to spend just one night in the ice and retreat to a cozy cabin afterward.
Booking Your Stay: What to Know
- Reserve Early: Ice hotels are incredibly popular, especially between December and March, when winter activities like dog sledding, ice sculpting, and aurora viewing are at their peak.
- Look for Packages: Some hotels offer bundled experiences like snowmobiling, ice fishing, or reindeer safaris.
- Check Virtual Tours: Before booking, take advantage of virtual room tours on hotel websites or travel platforms to choose the suite that best fits your style.
- Know the Cancellation Policies: Weather and flight disruptions are possible in remote, snowy areas, so flexible bookings are a good idea.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chill
An ice hotel or igloo stay is more than just an overnight adventure — it’s a deep dive into artistry, nature, and the magic of winter. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, planning a snowy honeymoon, or simply ticking a bucket-list item, these frozen wonders promise memories you’ll treasure forever.
So pack your warmest layers, grab your camera, and get ready to experience the “coolest” accommodations on Earth!
