What if your hotel room was colder than your ex’s heart—but way prettier? Welcome to the frosty fantasy of ice hotels, where sleeping inside a sculpted block of winter wonder becomes a literal chill thrill. These frozen fortresses mix high art with subzero adventure, offering everything from ice-carved beds (yes, really) to cocktails served in glasses that melt if you hold them too long. It’s part gallery, part igloo, all magic—and totally worth packing an extra pair of thermal undies.
ICEHOTEL – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Every winter, the small village of Jukkasjärvi transforms into an icy masterpiece. The legendary ICEHOTEL is built entirely from ice harvested from the nearby Torne River, and each year, artists from around the world create jaw-dropping sculptures and themed suites. A night in one of these rooms means sleeping on a bed of ice, but don’t worry—reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags keep you warm. By day, guests can explore the ice sculpture exhibit, enjoy Nordic cuisine, or sip cocktails from frozen glasses at the hotel’s famous Ice Bar.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway
High above the Arctic Circle, where the Northern Lights paint the sky, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel offers an unforgettable stay. The entire structure—walls, furniture, and even the bar—is sculpted from ice and rebuilt every season. Nights here are spent bundled up under reindeer hides in an ice-carved room, while the days are all about adventure. Husky sledding, snowmobiling, and chasing the Aurora Borealis are just a few of the activities that make this one of Norway’s most unique destinations.
Hunderfossen Snow Hotel – Lillehammer, Norway
If you’re traveling with kids (or just love a good fairytale), Hunderfossen Snow Hotel in Lillehammer brings a touch of magic to the frozen experience. The property is known for its whimsical design inspired by Norwegian folklore, complete with a grand Ice Cathedral and performances from the Ice Princess herself. Guests can explore the Fairytale Castle, take a sleigh ride through the snow, and warm up in a traditional lodge—or opt to spend the night in an intricately sculpted ice suite for the full experience.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Rovaniemi, Finland
Imagine lying in bed, looking up at the Northern Lights through a glass ceiling. At Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, that dream becomes a reality. While the ice hotel offers a fully immersive frozen stay, the glass igloos give guests a cozy way to take in the Arctic sky without stepping outside. The experience doesn’t stop at the accommodations, though. Guests can warm up in the Snow Sauna, enjoy a meal served on ice plates, or even try their hand at ice sculpting.
Hôtel de Glace – Quebec City, Canada
You don’t need to cross an ocean to experience an ice hotel—North America has one of its own! Just outside Quebec City, Hôtel de Glace is a stunning seasonal retreat that combines artistry with adventure. Whether you’re racing down the icy slide, admiring the hand-carved snow sculptures, or sipping a cocktail from a glass made entirely of ice, there’s no shortage of fun. For those who want the full overnight experience, a classic ice suite or an elaborately themed room awaits.
Hotel of Ice – Balea Lake, Romania
Reaching this ice hotel is an adventure in itself. The only way up is by cable car, which takes guests high into the Făgăraș Mountains to a frozen escape unlike any other. The Hotel of Ice, perched at 2,000 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking views and a completely one-of-a-kind experience. Dine in the ice restaurant under sparkling chandeliers, then spend the day tubing, snowmobiling, or even ice rafting. Here, the snow-covered peaks aren’t just a backdrop—they’re part of the adventure.
Alpha Resort Tomamu Ice Hotel – Hokkaido, Japan
For travelers who love the idea of a frozen getaway but don’t want to give up gourmet dining, Alpha Resort Tomamu Ice Hotel in Japan is the perfect fit. This icy retreat is part of a larger winter village where guests can try everything from ramen served in ice bowls to ice cream sodas in a frozen café. The highlight? A beautifully sculpted ice chapel that looks like something out of a fantasy movie.
Iglu-Dorf – Switzerland (Zermatt, Davos, and more)
Hand-built each year in multiple locations across Switzerland, Iglu-Dorf offers a cozy yet adventurous way to experience the Alps. Each location features intricately carved ice rooms, breathtaking mountain views, and even a Snow Bar for après-ski drinks. For an extra twist, some locations include an igloo escape room—because why not add a little challenge to your frozen adventure?
