Ice Hotels in the World
While some travelers head south in winter, others head straight for the freezing cold to enjoy the scenic snowy landscapes. Across North America and Northern Europe, ice hotels provide the ultimate winter wonderland experience. Here are five amazing ice hotels located in Canada, Sweden, Norway, Romania, and Finland.
Top 5 Coolest Ice Hotels in the World
- Hotel de Glace, Canada
This French-Canadian palace located outside of Quebec is perhaps one of the most famous ice hotels in the world and the only ice hotel in North America. Opened in 2001, the resort changes its structure every year, offering 21 rooms and a themed suite with arctic sleeping bags.
- Icehotel, Sweden
The Icehotel is located 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland, in the tiny town of Jukkasjärvi. Designed for discerning travelers, this retreat is open all year round. Icehotel Winter is rebuilt every year, offering ice rooms from December to April, while Icehotel 365 has ice rooms available all year round.
The cold rooms are kept below freezing to avoid damaging the framework of the ice sheet. Guests staying in most rooms must charge their electronics and use the toilet in separate rooms (except for the Deluxe Suites at Icehotel 365, which have their own heated bathrooms). The hotel offers wildlife tours as well as many other services for travelers who want to experience the quiet life of the Swedish countryside.
- Snowhotel Kirkenes, Norway
Snowhotel Kirkenes is located in the north of Norway and is open 365 days a year. There are 14 rooms available – seven double rooms and seven family rooms with four beds. Excursions are available in winter, including winter king crab safaris and northern lights tours, while in summer guests can go hiking with huskies or fishing in the Barents Sea.
- Ice Hotel, Romania
The Carpathian Mountains surround this high-mountain resort near the glacial Lake Balea. The hotel has been built from ice and snow every year since 2005. For travelers looking for a unique experience, double rooms and igloos are available. Ice Restaurant & Bar serves local cuisine in a cool setting – snacks and desserts are even served over ice.
- SnowCastle Resort, Finland
SnowCastle Resort is located in Kemi in Finnish Lapland. It is open 365 days a year, but the SnowHotel is only open in winter. Due to the pandemic, SnowHotel will not open until 2022, but visitors will still be able to see the ice sculptures and ice bar at SnowExperience365. This year, guests can choose to spend their winter stay at the Seaside Glass Villas, which have glass roofs perfect for watching the Northern Lights.
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