7 of the best ice hotels to visit

What is an ICE HOTEL? It is a magnificent combination in a winter wonderland of permanent buildings and unique seasonal ice structures that are created from ice and packed snow in about six weeks each year. Rooms are made of ice blocks and have platform beds, covered with reindeer hide blankets. There are ice-molded dinnerware, cocktail glasses, chandeliers, tables, stools, as well as ice carvings and snow sculptures in various places.

Activities

Adventures can include snowmobiling, dog sledding, partaking in a traditional Lappish ceremony, and viewing the fabulous Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis dancing in the sky. Boots, mittens, and snowsuit can be borrowed. There are real reindeer on a local farm where you can feed the animals, take a sled ride or go on a safari where you get to harness and steer the reindeer.

From Switzerland to Norway, from Finland to Romania, and even in Canada, the following are some of the incredible and magnificent ice hotels around the world:

ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi. Northern Sweden

This hotel and its art exhibition are made of ice from the river Torne. Located above the Arctic Circle, you can hitch a ride to the hotel by dog sled. Deluxe and Art suites are available all year, but winter suites and ice rooms are only available December to April. Also offered is a fine-dining restaurant, an ice bar, a lounge, an ice dance floor, a relaxation area with a sauna that is staffed and open 24 hours a day, and contains a roaring fire, an hour of Ice Sculpting, a wedding chapel, and more. Guests are given a certificate showing the date and frosty temperature the night they stayed there.

Hotel Kakslauttanen Igloo Village in Saariselka, Finland

Sleep inside a glass igloo with frost-resistant thermal glass that provides impressive views of the Northern Lights and the starry sky. Stroll through a remarkable ice sculpture gallery. Children can enjoy Santa's Resort.

Iglu-Dorf Gstaad in Gstaad, Oberland, Switzerland

There are intricate tunnels where as many as 42 guests can sleep beneath the snow-packed ceilings. There are a wellness area and a central grill hut with a warm fire. Rooms range from heated suites for up to six people to romantic caverns that have carved sculptures on the walls. Couples can work side-by-side to build their own igloo using handmade ice blocks.

The SnowCastle in Kemi, Finland

This snow castle with 14 rooms has magnificent ice sculptures. The SnowRestaurant serves specialties such as cream of smoked reindeer soup, a reindeer filet with a special sauce and lingonberries, and more. The SnowChapel is available for marriage ceremonies or christenings. Numerous shows are held on the snow stage.

Hotel de Glace in Quebec City, Canada

Located only a few minutes from downtown on the grounds of the Village Vacances Valcartier resort, there are 42 rooms and snow art that is incredible. Guests are greeted with a cocktail in an ice glass, beautifully-sculpted ice couches and tables, a Jacuzzi under the stars, a chance to sleep in sub-zero sleeping bags, or splurge on a premium deluxe suite with its own fireplace and private spa. Visit their Ice Workshop and make your own ice cocktail glass.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway

Stay in one of the decorated ice rooms or sleep under the stars in a lavvo, which is a teepee-like tent. Take a snowmobile safari where you go into the mountains and enjoy impressive panoramic views. Head to the on-site sauna upon your return.

Schneedorf Igloo in Austria

Located 2,000 meters above sea level, classic igloos sleep up to four people with two double beds or sleeping bags and enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast in the mornings. Test your skills on the High Wire Garden outdoor course with the backdrop of the Ötz valley mountain, or learn how to build your own igloo with the Igloo Construction Workshop.

You will have an unforgettable experience if you stay in an ice hotel or a freestanding igloo. A night or more in an incredible ice hotel is something that won't fade away from your treasured memories once you return home.

Report a Typo