As the weather heats up, you may be looking for a way to stay cool. Did you know that there are some hotels (and restaurants) made entirely of ice that you can spend the night in?
An overnight stay in an ice hotel can be a magical and unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, they do require a little bit of planning & research. Some of them are only open certain times of year, while others, due to the limited number of rooms, book up far in advance.
Check out this list of some of the world’s most amazing ice hotels and start planning your next trip now.
Hôtel de Glace, Canada
Do you want to sleep in sub-zero temperatures just because you can? There’s no better place to do so in North America than at the Village Vacances Valcartier resort just off Quebec City. Their gorgeous Hotel de Glace greets you with cocktails that warm you up as you sit by an ice table, sipping your drink from an ice glass.
Their 44-themed rooms are made entirely of ice and rebuilt each year to create a winter wonderland like no other. In addition to gorgeous hotel rooms featuring warm mattresses and blankets on ice beds, the hotel has hot tubs under the stars, an ice bar, and an ice chapel. The venue also offers wedding packages to those seeking to tie the knot and say the vows while their teeth chatter out of control.
ICEHOTEL, Sweden
Burrowed in the chilling municipality of Jukkasjärvi, Icehotel is the world’s first… ice hotel! The Swedish hotel opened in 1989 and is famous for offering their visitors ice rooms fitted with en-suite saunas. The hotel also boasts snow and ice activities such as sled riding through the countryside and tours to see the northern lights.
Magical ice crafts and ice art are present throughout Icehotel, and its on-site restaurant even serves food on plates made of ice! Perhaps one of the best perks of this freezing destination is the hotel’s photography and light exhibit, which will keep you busy for hours.
Snowhotel Kirkenes, Norway
Kirkenes Snowhotel is a high-end, fully equipped ice hotel featuring twenty rooms made entirely of ice, an ice bar, saunas, and a wilderness restaurant serving freshly caught local specialties like the king crab. The hotel’s ice bar is made from more than 15 tons of lake ice and is one of the destination’s main attractions, where visitors gather, share drinks, and exchange stories.
If you’re looking for some thrill after checking out the bar’s ice sculptures, book one of the world’s top snowmobile safaris. Imagine your friends’ reaction when you tell them you went on a reindeer ride and had huskies drag your sled to see the northern lights!
Iglu-Dorf, Switzerland
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Switzerland’s Iglu-Dorf, nestled in the Swiss Alps, won’t disappoint. This igloo-style hotel has an intricately sculpted ice bar and ice restaurant that are every connoisseur’s dream place. The hotel is also home to various public events and activities that keep visitors occupied at all times.
From skateboarding to waterslide contests to enjoying a peaceful evening with the help of a mountain fondue, Iglu-Dorf is a perfect destination for couples and singles alike. On top of this, the center of life under the slopes of Matterhorn offers open spaces teeming with hot tubs and fireplaces with a clear view of the night sky.
Snow Village, Finland
Nestled in the icy Lapland region of Finland is Snow Village, a one-of-a-kind resort boasting a variety of accommodation options, including ice rooms and log cabins. The village is just under twenty miles from Kittilä Airport. It is an ideal destination for those wanting to see the northern lights.
The hotel has many amenities, including its iconic ice bar and restaurant. If you’re not fond of skiing or dog sledding, you could try the Snow Village’s sauna gondola, which takes you on a scenic 20-minute ride while you remain warm and comfortable. Maybe going on a moonlit reindeer safari is what you need to unwind and recharge your batteries!
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway
The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel has been gracing Norway’s Alta since 2000. Guests can sleep in delicately decorated ice rooms or under the stars in traditional Lavvo tents of local tribes like the Sami. Sorrisniva is also home to magical activities like viewing the northern lights, snowmobile safaris, and on-site sauna retreats.
To enjoy the scenic panoramic views of the snowy region, you can book a tour of the mountains while staying in one of the world’s northernmost towns!
Tomamu Ice Village, Japan
Operated by Hoshino Resorts, Tomamu Ice Village is an idyllic ice town nestled in the Yufutsu District of Hokkaido. This freezing center of life and entertainment is home to a frozen church and an ice bar with a frozen cellar. The location is also famous for its ice slides and skating rink. Eleven domed buildings featuring different activities can be found in the area.
The only real downside to this destination is the lack of accommodations. The Ice Village only has one room that two lucky individuals can enjoy if they make reservations well ahead of their stay. Since the ice village is a popular destination for honeymooners, we decided to include it despite its shortages.
Arctic SnowHotel, Finland
This snow hotel and its glass igloos are located on the Arctic Circle and offer one of the best opportunities to stay the night in the icy wilderness of Finland. While the glass igloos come with comfy heated floors and thermal-glass roofs, the ice rooms boast sub-zero temperatures regardless of outside temperatures.
But don’t worry! Upon check-in, guests receive high-quality sleeping bags to survive the night. While at the hotel, you’ll be able to enjoy scenic nature and the aurora borealis without leaving your cozy space. Visitors can also participate in various activities like a snow sauna, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and outdoor hot tubs!
Schneedorf Igloo Village, Austria
Austria’s number one igloo village lies deep in the Ötz valley, where the cold wind from the Alps chills its visitors to the bones. If spending the night in an igloo sounds like a good deal, you might be interested in making an icy building yourself by attending an igloo building workshop.
But that’s not all this Austrian gem has to offer. You could go snowshoe hiking, skiing, or dipping in a hot tub. For an extra thrill, visitors can also go on a torchlight hike and try night sledding.
Balea Lake Ice Hotel, Romania
Ice blocks are cut from Romania’s Balea Lake yearly to build igloos in the scenic Făgăraș Mountains. Since 2005, this destination, on top of a frozen glacial lake, has attracted thousands of tourists who wish to explore the region and try skiing at the nearby Balea Lac Ski Lodge.
Even without an igloo reservation, you can visit the hotel’s ice bar and restaurant or attend its many public events in the winter. After getting a good taste of traditional Romanian cuisine, guests can spend the night in igloos furnished with insulated mattresses, sleeping bags, and real reindeer fur. Activities like snowboarding, skiing, and even snowball fights keep the guests coming back!