Ice Hotels That Will Keep You Warm at Night
If you’re looking for an unusual hotel experience in countries where winter is king – Canada, Sweden, Norway, Finland and even Romania – then perhaps an ice hotel might be something you’d like to stay in. Here are seven ice hotels in the colder regions of the world that will still keep you warm at night.
Ice hotels in Canada
Canada is home to one ice hotel – The Hotel de Glace, located just 10 minutes from Quebec City. Over one million people have found reason to visit – though most don’t spend the night. Rather they take a guided tour on weekends and learn the secrets of construction. Try and time a visit to coincide with the Quebec Winter Carnival.
Read: A Tour of the Famous Ice Hotel in Quebec City
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Ice hotels in Norway
The Sorrisniva Hotel, the world’s northernmost ice hotel, is located near Alta is on the banks of the Alta River in northern Norway. Their season begins in early January and usually runs until mid-April. Reindeer hides, mattresses and sleeping bags, rated to -30°C, ensure that you will be comfortable. Rooms are generally in the -4 to -7 °C range.
Good news though; there is a sauna that opens by 7 AM and a couple of hot tubs. In addition bathrooms and showers are in warm rooms. It’s very dark out for most of the day but the Northern Lights are magnificent here.
The Kirkenes Snow Hotel is located in Bjornevatn, a town that is 650 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, close to the border with Finland.
They are open from December 20th until April 20th but be prepared to fork out at least $400+ per night per person. They offer some interesting excursions to go along with your stay. There’s dog-sledding and Northern Lights viewing but also ice fishing and an excursion to get king crabs.
Ice hotels in Finland
Lainio Snow Village is located almost a thousand kilometres north of Helsinki, and 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Every year, 1000 truckloads of snow and 300,000 kilograms of ice are used to create the hotel.
The hotel opens around mid-December and lasts until early April. Not only can you spend the night, but you can drop in for a drink at the ice bar, get married in the ice chapel, and you can learn about the lives of traditional reindeer herders. A standard room here is quite reasonable priced compared to other ice hotels.
Included is a tour of the Snow Village, a very warm sleeping bag, a room wake-up with hot berry juice and a buffet breakfast in a warm restaurant.
The Snow Castle Resort, located on the Gulf of Bothnia is made of packed snow rather than ice and is considered to be the largest snow fort in the world.
Prices include the usual ultra-warm sleeping bag and breakfast buffet. The restaurant is open to all but dress warmly for it’s a cool -5°C. This place has lots of kid’s activities and in fact is the site of many a birthday party. There’s snow sliding, ice tubing and dog sledding.
Ice hotels in Sweden
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi bills themselves as the world’s largest hotel made of ice. It is located 1200 kilometres north of Stockholm and 200 kilometres above the Arctic Circle.
The hotel is open to the public between 10 AM and 6 PM. After 6 PM its guests only. The hotel began as an art project 23 years ago. Today they are known for rooms that have been sculpted by some of the world’s most talented ice carvers.
Ice hotels in Romania
The Carpathian Mountains are home to the Hotel of Ice, sitting at 2,000 metres above sea level and accessible only by cable car, smack in the middle of the Faragas Mountains. The hotel is located 300 kilometres northwest of Bucharest.
The hotel is built from chunks of ice hulled up from Lake Balea. Twelve double rooms are available beginning on December 25th. Nearby you can enjoy skiing and sledding. Rooms are reasonably priced but don’t include breakfast.
Further reading on winter activities
- Winter in Jasper – 20+ Fantastic Things to Do
- Drift Ice walking in Hokkaido, Japan
- Cross Country Skiing in Algonquin Park, Ontario
- What to Do in Winter in Lake Louise
- The Best Places for Cross-Country Skiing in Canada
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I’ve always wanted to stay in one of these! Scott thinks I’m crazy and says I would have to do it alone, but I think he would be missing out. 😉
@Christy Fortunately my husband is as keen as I am to stay in one – just don’t know when that will end up being.
I stayed in Lainio Snow Village a few years ago and absolutely loved it. We stayed one night in the Ice Hotel in an ice suite which was an incredible experience and also stayed a few days in their luxury Tipi which was amazing. I want to try out a few of the others mentioned here as well. What a great list.
@Freya I would like to try one night in an ice hotel – and any of them would be an experience. You’re the first person I’ve come across that has stayed in an ice hotel.
Ever since I’ve seen an ice hotel in Die Another Day, I’ve wanted to stay in one, even if just for a night.
@Marcia I’ve never seen Die Another Day and now I am curious. I agree that one night is probably enough.
Loving the photos! I normally prefer warm destinations but when I do finally pack a coat and warm boots staying in an ice hotel is definitely on the wish-list!
@James I do think it would be an experience and I’m certainly willing to go for it. Most have showers in a warm section so that makes the experience that much more doable.
What stunning photos Leigh and a great list. I didn’t realise there were so many ice hotels. I think I’ve only ever heard of one in Norway. The tours would be really interesting as well. Staying in an ice hotel is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time – they’re few and far between down here in Australia! I guess I also didn’t realise they have to be re-carved every year – is that correct? Thanks for such an interesting post. I’ll file those away for future reference. Jane.
@Jane Until I did research for this post I hadn’t appreciated that there were so many ice hotels. I will be in Quebec City in early March and would love to stay in one but I don’t think my budget will allow for it.
I might be in Quebec in February, so I will keep this place in mind. I have yet to have the pleasure of sleeping in an igloo hotel.
@Ted If you’re in Quebec City it’s probably at least worth visiting and having a drink at the ice bar.
I would love to stay at an ice hotel one night! Especially those that you could see the Northern Lights from. That’s the dream!
I had no idea that there were so many ice hotels – and they are all lovely! I’m a bit of a wimp about the cold so I’m not sure that I would actually enjoy the experience but it’s definitely on my wish list!
Yes, i’ve stayed in the ice-hotel, close to kiruna in northern sweden. I”ll always remember it, also the prices 🙂
On my fantasy bucket list.
An amazing list – enough to give me goosepimples :-). A most enjoyable post, Leigh, and good information. You asked about Phoenix and we will be there Nov. 10 – 24 this year so it looks like our paths won’t quite cross down there but keep me posted on any trips to AZ or WA!
@Jackie I think a lot of people would be up for a one night stay in an Ice Hotel – working in one would be an entirely different matter.Sorry our paths won’t cross in AZ.
These look amazing- but not my cup of tea. I’d love to see one, but not stay.
@Billie – Not even for one night under a reindeer skin. I definitely would like to try them all.
What an amazing list and places. I need to put them way up on my bucket list…
@Prasad I think staying in an Ice Hotel for one night would be great fun.
I’ve been thinking about it. I hate the cold, but it sounds super awesome!
@Brittany I think if you dress warmly and consume lots of hot drinks it would be OK. I’m betting that they are trying to make the experience as comfortable as possible for guests.
I have always wanted to stay at an ice hotel. It just seems so interesting and cool 🙂 I’m not even sure I’ll be comfortable but what an awesome experience it will be. These all look like wonderful places but I’m leaning towards Finland just to see the Kemi Snowcastle. I’ve only heard of Quebec so it’s great to see what these other hotels offer too.
@Mary There are quite a range of places. The location of the one in Romania appeals to me and I’d be keen to try anything above the Arctic Circle – just because.
Wow! The pictures look really amazing! I would really love to stay in an ice hotel.
@Abby So would I.