10 Ice and Snow Hotels You Must Experience Before They Melt

Staying in an ice hotel is a bucket-list experience for countless people around the world. However, most vacationers aren’t aware of just how many of these lodging marvels exist.

From Canada to Japan, there are ice hotels and igloo accommodations in most corners of the world. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a long winter vacation, there might just be an ice hotel nearby to suit your needs.

The Best Ice and Snow Hotels in the World

1. Arctic SnowHotel in Sinettä, Finland

Starting Nightly Rate: $419

Arctic SnowHotel is one of Europe’s best ice hotels because it offers a variety of lodging options. The main attraction is the snow and ice hotel. However, glass igloos are also available for those interested in looking up at the sky’s Northern Lights.

This hotel offers guests amenities to make their stay as luxurious as they want. The on-site restaurant is similarly made of ice and snow and offers delicious 3-course dinners. There’s even a snow sauna to help stave off the cold.

Unlike most ice hotels, Arctic SnowHotel opens in the fall. From September 1 through the middle of December, only the glass igloo accommodations are open. However, starting in mid-November, the ice hotel’s snow structures begin construction for the winter season that lasts from December 15th through the end of March. Outdoor snow experiences are also offered to both overnight and day visitors.

2. Hôtel de Glace in Québec, Canada

Starting Nightly Rate: $317

Hôtel de Glace is the only ice hotel in North America, but that’s not the only thing that makes this particular spot unique.

Every year, the hotel is reformed, and its sculptures and arches are re-carved so it can open in January for the winter season. In total, there are 30 suites on the property. Regular suites are the simplest and emulate an igloo ambiance.

For a truly magical experience, however, consider booking a theme or upgraded suite. Not only are these rooms more decorated, but they’re also more luxurious, with a fireplace, hot tub, or sauna.

Recently, Hotel de Glace even opened a new ice restaurant that specializes in Nordic cuisine. Other restaurants and bars are within walking or short driving distance as well, so you have plenty of options.

3. Hotel of Ice in Cîrţişoara, Romania

Starting Nightly Rate: $105

Located over 6,500 feet above sea level, Romania’s Hotel of Ice is a remote winter wonderland. Due to its secluded mountain location, the only way to get to and from the hotel is via a cable car. That seclusion and privacy extends to the hotel itself.

Rather than a single large structure, the hotel is split among different igloos for guests to stay in, which are rebuilt every winter. In addition to the igloos, the Hotel of Ice builds a traditional Transylvanian restaurant and ice church, alongside a number of ice carvings and statues that decorate the space.

To make visits even more special and unique, the hotel’s theme changes slightly every year, ensuring no 2 vacations are the same. Outdoor activities, like ice rafting, snowmobiling, and snow tubing, are also hosted on the property at an extra cost.

4. Ice Village in Hokkaido, Japan

Starting Nightly Rate: $184

Japan’s Ice Village resort is a multi-structure resort that feels like it belongs in a fairy tale. The ice hotel and the chapel are only open for a little over a month, from the end of January through the end of February. So, getting to stay here is a rare and remarkable experience.

The hotel itself is fairly simple, with guests spending the night in sleeping bags. What makes it remarkable is its structure, which consists of a single piece of ice that’s been carved into a dome.

Other buildings in the Ice Village include the Ice Parlour dessert shop, the Ice Ramen Restaurant, the Ice Boutique, and even the Ice Post Office. There’s also a slide and ice rink for traditional outdoor winter fun. The Ice Village is open to the public from December to March.

5. Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Starting Nightly Rate: $565

Since 1989, the Icehotel has been one of Sweden’s most recognizable winter landmarks. Over the decades, the hotel has expanded and now includes lodging options all year. However, the traditional Icehotel experience can only be had in the winter. Between December and April, the world’s largest ice and snow hotel is built for guests to admire and stay at.

Since the structure has to be rebuilt each winter, it always looks a little different, so travelers can stay here multiple times without knowing exactly what to expect.

In addition to the 15-20 standard rooms sculpted yearly, the hotel builds 12 “Art Suites” that are specially designed and sculpted by artists from around the world. Past themes have ranged from animals to modern art. Icehotel even has an on-site ceremony hall that’s popular for winter weddings.

6. Iglu-Dorf Innsbruck in Kühtai, Austria

Starting Nightly Rate: $443

Located at an altitude of over 6,000 feet, the Iglu-Dorf Innsbruck Kühtai Hotel is a charming wonderland in the Tyrolean mountains.

The hotel’s season starts at the end of December and goes through the beginning of April and is open for overnight and day visitors. During the yearly construction, the hotel undergoes a redesign, so its theme is a little different each year.

Though the hotel is in the mountains, it can be reached by cable car, bus, and car, so it’s one of the most accessible ice hotels in the world. To make your stay even more special, enjoy some cheese fondue, drinks, or other cozy and delicious food at the on-site Igloo Restaurant and Snow Bar.

Iglu-Dorf is also a great place for outdoor lovers since it offers a number of activities like igloo building, snow sculpting, and snowshoeing.

7. Iglu-Dorf in Zugspitze, Germany

Starting Nightly Rate: $438

Staying at the Iglu-Dorf Zugspitze gives visitors a chance to enjoy the scenery and ambiance of Germany’s tallest mountain. At an altitude of over 8,500 feet, guests can literally see 4 different countries from the property.

Since the hotel is rebuilt and redesigned every year, it doesn’t welcome guests until December. The season ends in April when the weather starts getting too warm for the ice and snow to stay solid.

Due to the hotel’s secluded location, the only way of getting here is a shuttle or railcar. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal and a drink at the hotel’s Igloo Restaurant and Snow Bar.

8. Lapland SnowVillage in Kittilä, Finland

Starting Nightly Rate: $416

With a different decor theme with each year’s rebuild, no 2 visits to Lapland SnowVillage will ever be exactly the same.

Over 650,000 pounds of ice and snow are used to carve out not just the building itself, but all its intricate artwork to bring the theme and ambiance to life. For the 2024-2025 season, for example, visitors can experience the underwater world while on their icy vacation. Norse and Greek mythology have also been popular past themes.

Though made of ice, SnowVillage offers a luxury experience, including 3 separate dining areas. The Ice Restaurant is the hotel’s fine-dining location for lunches and 3-course dinners. There’s also a cafe, an a la carte, and a buffet glass restaurant.

A stay in a Luxury Ice Suite includes a guided tour and access to private saunas and hot tubs.

9. Snowhotel Kirkenes in Bjørnevatn, Norway

Starting Nightly Rate: $473

Snowhotel Kirkenes in Norway is a fully immersive winter adventure destination. With multiple lodging options, including Northern Light cabins and, of course, a snow hotel, it offers guests a chance to get in touch with Norway’s snowy landscape.

What makes this snow hotel special is its opening season. It’s the only snow and ice accommodation that’s open 365 days of the year. It was also one of the first snow hotels in the world, so it’s had years to perfect its programs and itineraries for all types of travelers, like access to the Husky yard and Reindeer visits.

The hotel’s 13 rooms are divided among double suites for couples or solo travelers and family rooms with 4 beds, which are perfect for groups.

Hot Tip:

Keep in mind that while the Snowhotel is family-friendly, all guests have to be at least 7 years old to visit safely.

10. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway

Starting Nightly Rate: $466

Sorrisniva was one of the first ice hotels in the world, and since its creation, it’s become one of the most popular and well-known. To this day, it’s the northernmost hotel of its kind in Norway’s Alta Valley.

It’s so popular that the hotel isn’t just open to overnight guests but to day visitors, as well, who travel just to catch a glimpse at this architectural wonder. Artists from around the world gather in Norway each year to rebuild the hotel from scratch using 250 tons of ice and 7,000 square meters of snow.

While Sorrisniva offers a variety of rooms, the Igloo Suite is the most magical, featuring artwork so detailed you might not believe it’s all made of ice and snow. In addition to the typical Igloo Hotel experience, Sorrisniva is a popular event venue for weddings and baptisms in the hotel’s ice chapel.

Final Thoughts

Ice hotels offer guests a truly magical overnight experience. From their unique architecture to their often remote and beautiful locations, they’re a one-of-a-kind type of lodging few people get to experience. All you have to do now is pack your bags and book your stay before the ice starts to melt!