Stay Cool at The World’s 10 Most Chilled-Out Ice Hotels

This blog post was updated on February 1, 2022.

Tired of the same ole’ winter vacay? Skip the beach and head to an ice hotel instead. While an icy reception is guaranteed, don’t worry! You’ll also find warm smiles, hot cocoa, plenty of cozy sleeping bags and blankets, and heated areas to ensure you won’t freeze while you have your frozen fun. Also, you’ll experience a unique trip to a winter wonderland full of memories that will last for a lifetime.

So if you’re ready to chill out in style, check out these 10 uber-cool ice hotels!

Hotel de Glace (Quebec, Canada)

Hotel de Glace is a themed suite ice hotel with 44 rooms and is the only hotel of its type in North America. Also, the hotel features an ice chapel and a Grand Slide. Weeeee! However, make sure you book cheap flights in February, March, or even earlier. This magnificent ice hotel only opens during the winter.

Alpeniglu Igloo Village (Thale, Austria)

Alpine Igloo Village is open from December to the end of March depending, of course, on the weather. The Ice Village is located in the heart of the Austrian ski resort, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental. If you’re coming as a couple, Alpeniglu offers a “romantic igloo arrangement“ with a stay in your very own honeymoon suite. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to carve an ice sculpture with your partner.

Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi, Sweden)

The Icehotel is aptly named as it’s one of the world’s first ice hotels! The snowy hotel is located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is made of “natural ice and snow from one of Europe’s last wild rivers.” It’s also known for being an icon of cool accommodations. Icehotel remains open until it “melts and returns to Mother Nature in spring.”

Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos (Sinettä, Finland)

Finland’s Arctic Snow Hotel is one of the world’s largest ice hotels! When you visit, you’ll have the chance to sleep in a room and on a transparent bed that’s made out of snow and ice. The hotel is situated in a prime setting for viewing the Northern Lights, as it’s nestled in the heart of Lapland and within the Arctic Circle. An Aurora Alarm ensures guests will be made aware of any opportunity to see this beautiful natural phenomenon. During the winter, the hotel typically operates from December to March.

You may also enjoy: Cozy Up at Some of the Best Ski Lodges Around the World

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Saariselkä, Finland)

Take your pick of snow-made igloos, glass igloos, log cabins, or a traditional Finnish house at this arctic resort located in an old-growth forest. When you stay at Kakslauttanen, you can even arrange a visit with Santa Claus and meet some of his reindeer. The area is also considered ideal for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Balea Ice Hotel (Cîrţişoara, Romania‎)

The Balea Hotel of Ice is located near the northern shore of Lake Balea at the top of the Carpathians in Romania and is made completely out of ice. The hotel is also home to a bar, restaurant, and church—all constructed of ice, of course. Balea Ice Hotel was the first of its kind in Romania and Southeastern Europe.

SnowCastle (Kemi, Finland)

SnowCastle is a Finnish seaside castle with a restaurant, bar, chapel, and hotel! It’s open from January to April and is almost as famous for its ice sculptures and architecture as it is for the chilled-out accommodations. With its beautiful castle-like structure, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale.

Iglu-Dorf (Gstaad, Switzerland)

Iglu-Dorf Gstaad is located in the majestic mountains of the Swiss Alps. The hotel also features spectacular views of the Bernese, Fribourg, and Vaud Alps, the Diablerets mountain range, and two glaciers. You’ll see magical views of Switzerland’s scenic sunsets as you warm up in the hotel’s sauna and whirlpool.

SnowVillage Snow Hotel (Kittilä, Finland)

In order to construct the SnowVillage hotel in Kittilä, Finland, builders use 20 million kilos of snow and 350,000 kilos of “crystal clear natural ice“! This magnificent structure lies just 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Don’t forget to check out the super cool ice restaurant and the ice bar!

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (Alta, Norway)

The remote Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway lists among its main draws: “silence, starlight, and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.” This igloo hotel is perhaps one of the most Northern ice accommodations, so you’ll really get the full winter wonderland experience. Beyond that, the hotel arranges snowmobile safaris, ice fishing trips, and dinners of enchanting seasonal cuisine at its restaurant. What more could you ask for?

Have you ever dined in an ice restaurant or stayed in an ice hotel? Tell us about your chill experience in the comments section below.