Hotels + Resorts Best Ice Hotels of 2023 Icehotel in Sweden wins our pick—it's the biggest ice hotel in the world and the first of its kind. By Dobrina Zhekova Dobrina Zhekova Dobrina Zhekova is a freelance writer with over a decade of editorial experience in Europe and the U.S. She covers luxury travel, art, architecture, and design. Her writing has appeared on InStyle.com, Vogue.com, Elle.com, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 24, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article View All In This Article Hotel Overview Best for Activities: Hotel de Glâce, Canada Best Artisan: Lapland Hotels SnowVillage, Finland Best for Weddings: Hotel Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Saariselkä, Finland Best for Families: Snowhotel Kirkenes, Norway Best Luxury: SnowCastle of Kemi, Finland Best All-Inclusive: Iglu Village, Kühtai, Austria Best DIY: Igloo Hotel at Sorrisniva, Alta, Norway Best for Foodies: Arctic SnowHotel, Rovaniemi, Finland Best for Skiers: Schneedorf Ötztal, Austria Final Verdict FAQ Choosing an Ice Hotel Methodology We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images When it comes to unique travel experiences, nothing beats spending the night at an ice hotel in a remote area. These seasonal accommodations are usually found in the Northern Hemisphere at high altitudes, and typically last until spring, when they naturally melt away. Ice hotels, and villages, transform a regular snowy setting into an ultimate winter wonderland, complete with art sculptures, one-of-a-kind dining offerings, and guest rooms built out of ice blocks. The Scandinavian, Austrian, and Canadian properties on our list offer a wide range of amenities and facilities, ideal for adventurous travel seekers. Some even include modern-day conveniences, like saunas and hot tubs, that make for a memorable stay. Check out our guide to the best ice hotels before booking your spot in some faraway winter location. Best Ice Hotels of 2023 Best Overall: Icehotel, Sweden Best for Activities: Hotel de Glâce, Canada Best Artisan: Lapland Hotels SnowVillage, Finland Best for Weddings: Hotel Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland Best for Families: Snowhotel Kirkenes, Norway Best Luxury: The SnowCastle of Kemi, Finland Best All-Inclusive: Iglu Village, Kühtai, Austria Best DIY: Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway Best for Foodies: Arctic SnowHotel, Rovaniemi, Finland Best for Skiers: Schneedorf Ötztal, Austria More hotels and resorts Best Overall: Icehotel, Sweden See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: YesResort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$ Why We Chose It Icehotel in Sweden is the original—and biggest—ice hotel in the world, and it still sets the standard for guest experience and customer service. Notable Amenities Complimentary access to an art exhibition space; sauna; private dining; and ice workshops Pros and Cons Pros: Oldest and biggest ice hotel in the worldOn-site gallery of ice exhibits, including sculptures and art-inspired roomsOffers traditional accommodations, as well Cons: Temperatures in ice rooms hover from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius (17 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit) Hotel Overview Sitting on the banks of the frozen Torne River at 125 miles above the Arctic Circle, the Icehotel was first built in 1989 and has become one of Sweden's most renowned landmarks. While booking the on-site traditional accommodations may seem like the "safe" option, seasonal rooms built out of ice blocks welcome guests throughout the winter, starting in December. Rooms boast a wooden platform bed, complete with thermal sleeping bags and a reindeer hide to keep you warm. In the morning, wake to a cup of complimentary hot lingonberry juice and a sauna session. For a truly unique experience, book an art suite that features ice decor crafted by a commissioned artist. And, speaking of art, the property also has exhibition galleries filled with showstopping ice sculptures that hotel guests can tour for free. Best for Activities: Hotel de Glâce, Canada Luc Rousseau/Courtesy of Québec City Tourism See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: YesResort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$$ Why We Chose It When guests book an ice suite at Hotel de Glâce, they have access to an on-site winter playground that includes snow slides, a lighted ice-skating trail, and snow rafting. Notable Amenities Sauna; steam room; spa; digital game room; outdoor winter playground Pros and Cons Pros: English-speaking and courteous staffMeticulously-crafted ice sculpturesSignature bar drinks are served in ice glassesActivities suited to families Cons: Floors in ice rooms are slipperyTemporary closures during warm winters Hotel Overview Located a short 20-minute ride outside Quebec City, Canada's Hotel de Glâce is the only ice hotel in North America. Every year, from January until March, the property draws adventurous travelers looking to spend the night in one of 30 themed ice-sculpted rooms and suites. The spacious accommodations feature some seriously Instagram-worthy ice carvings and sculptures, a fireplace, lounge areas, and a bed covered in warm blankets and arctic sleeping bags. Guests also have access to a traditional room at the nearby Hôtel Valcartier. (Think of it as your "Plan B" in case you realize sleeping the cold is not your thing). A welcome drink served in an ice glass is also included in the nightly rate, as well as access to the resort's outdoor winter playground, complete with an ice skating path, lighted snow slides, and snow rafting. There is also an outdoor spa area with hot tubs and public restrooms, shower stalls, and ice bars serving local brews and spirits. Best Artisan: Lapland Hotels SnowVillage, Finland Tuomas Kurtakko See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: Yes (in the reception area)Resort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$ Why We Chose It Lapland Hotels SnowVillage's architecture is different every winter, and each room or suite is decorated with spectacular ice sculptures and carvings. Notable Amenities Ice restaurant; ice chapel; a slide; and a large variety of outdoor activities and tours Pros and Cons Pros: Hotel doubles as a museum with guided tours Ice restaurant serves a three-course Finnish dinnerTraditional accommodations offered in a cottage Cons: Some reviewers mentioned uncomfortable bedsIce restaurant is almost too cold to enjoy Hotel Overview Lapland Hotels SnowVillage is a winter wonderland with an artsy edge. The village consists of a hotel, restaurant, bar, chapel, and exhibition space, all of which are built every winter from more than 44 million pounds of snow and 650,000 pounds of crystal-clear natural ice. The spaces, including the guest rooms and suites, are filled with spectacular ice creations making this ice hotel feel like a museum. Check-in and check-out are at 10 p.m., giving guests 24 hours to explore the five-acre property. Temperatures in the hotel are kept between -2 and -5 degrees Celsius (28 and 23 degrees Fahrenheit), and staff will gladly lend guests a few extra layers or blankets. No two rooms at the SnowVillage are alike, but all of them feature large ice beds with warm sleeping bags. The menus in the ice restaurant and bar are heavy on Finnish flavors, so travelers can fully immerse themselves in the local culture. Best for Weddings: Hotel Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Saariselkä, Finland Courtesy of Hotel & Igloo Village Kakslauttanen See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: YesResort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$$ Why We Chose It Hotel Kakslauttanen hosts fairytale weddings in two chapels, one made of snow and the other of logs. The couple can enjoy a sleigh ride to the chapel site (pulled by reindeer), and a stay in an earth lodge wedding chamber. Notable Amenities The largest smoke sauna in the world; apparel rental services; Santa's House Pros and Cons Pros: Many accommodations options to choose fromNumerous activities and excursionsLive music every evening Cons: Food offerings are average Hotel Overview Explore the Arctic wilderness without compromising on modern amenities in Finland's famous Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Lapland. The property—famous for its dreamy glass-domed igloos perfect for viewing the Northern Lights—also offers stays in seasonal snow igloos. Guests can spend the night wrapped in down sleeping bags and surrounded by thick snow walls. The igloos maintain a steady indoor temperature of about -4 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit), and travelers can warm up in the morning in one of three smoke saunas. This resort rolls out the red carpet for those who want to get married under the Northern Lights. Complete with two chapels, wedding chambers, a bride and groom sleigh ride, and plenty of accommodations for guests, this spot delivers an unforgettable destination wedding experience. Best for Families: Snowhotel Kirkenes, Norway also offers ice fishing and king crab fishing experiences. Kirkenes Snowhotel See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: YesResort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$ Why We Chose It Snowhotel Kirkenes offers an array of outdoor activities—from dogsledding to king crab safaris—making it a perfect vacation for active families. Notable Amenities Sauna; a "dog yard" with huskies and reindeer; a lounge Pros and Cons Pros: Cross-country skis and snowshoe rentals included in the nightly ratePackage deals include two Artic adventuresRestaurant serves a three-course menu made from local ingredientsOn-site dog yard with lots of animals Cons: Busloads of tourists visit the hotel dailyYou have to go outside of the snow hotel to use the bathroom Hotel Overview Unlike most ice hotels on our list, the Snowhotel Kirkenes in Norway welcomes visitors year-round. The walls of the ice rooms are covered in fantastical motifs, and travelers get to catch their z’s in an ice bed with a beautifully carved ice headboard. Beyond that, the resort offers plenty of Arctic adventure to keep families entertained, with snowshoes and skis included in the nightly rate. Also included is access to the resort's dog yard, home to huskies, reindeer, and puppies that you can feed. (The kids will love it!) The hotel has 20 Gamme cabins inspired by traditional hunting and fishing huts—an excellent accommodation option for the outdoor buffs in the family. Best Luxury: SnowCastle of Kemi, Finland Giles Clarke/Getty Images See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: YesResort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$ Why We Chose It This fortress-like castle features beautiful ice art and boasts pristine accommodations in seaside glass villas with a private sauna. Notable Amenities Sauna with a lounge and terrace; on-site spa; seaside glass accommodations; icebreaker cruises; a tube slide Pros and Cons Pros: Warm, luxury glass villa accommodationsPrivate saunas and hot tubsGourmet restaurant serving modern, Arctic fare Cons: Does not offer snow or igloo accommodations Hotel Overview Finland's SnowCastle is the largest snow-and-ice exhibition in the world and is reminiscent of a scene in Disney’s "Frozen." First constructed in 1996, this fortress-like property is rebuilt each winter using ice blocks from the Gulf of Bothnia, the northernmost part of the Baltic Sea. Open from mid-January to mid-April, the hotel welcomes travelers for overnight stays in luxury seaside villas with glass roofs, crafted in typical Finnish design. During the right time of year, you can view the Northern Lights from bed. The villas boast private saunas, and you can reserve the seaside sauna lodge, complete with a sitting area and hot tub, for private groups. If you’re looking to make a lifelong commitment, the resort also has a romantic snow chapel. It also houses the Seaview Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner using local ingredients. Best All-Inclusive: Iglu Village, Kühtai, Austria See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: YesResort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$$ Why We Chose It Your booking at Iglu Village includes a complimentary breakfast, an all-you-can-eat fondue dinner, a morning tea, a snow hike, a sauna, and an overnight stay in a snow igloo. Notable Amenities A lounge bar; complimentary breakfast; sauna Pros and Cons Pros: Activities, sauna use, and meals are included in the room rateNestled in the mountainsRooms are decorated by international ice artists Cons: Some reviewers rate food as average Hotel Overview Tucked away in the Tyrolean mountains 6,562 feet above sea level, Iglu Village is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of Austria's most beautiful regions. The hotel is open from December until April and features six overnight igloos that accommodate up to 22 guests. Each igloo is outfitted with warm furs and beautiful snow and ice artwork. Your stay here starts in the late afternoon with cocktails and a fondue dinner at the village's ice restaurant, followed by a snowshoe hike. Then, travelers can warm up in the sauna before heading to their igloos for the night. And, bonus—the entire experience is included in the booking price. Best DIY: Igloo Hotel at Sorrisniva, Alta, Norway Alta Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway. T. Rakke/Nordic Life/Innovation Norway See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: YesResort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$$ Why We Chose It At Igloo Hotel at Sorrisniva, each ice suite is decorated by a local artist, and guests can try their hand at ice carving in a two-hour workshop led by artisans. Notable Amenities Sauna; restaurant and bar; hot tub; gift shop Pros and Cons Pros: Offers numerous excursions, including dog and reindeer sled rides and DIY ice carvingTwo world-renown, gourmet restaurants serving local fareEach igloo suite is designed by an artistTraditional accommodations are also offered in the Arctic Wilderness Lodge. Cons: Male showers are shared and open-air Hotel Overview Overlooking the beautiful Alta River in the Arctic, Sorrisniva is a remote wilderness resort that offers year-round accommodations in a luxury lodge, along with a seasonal igloo hotel that opens at the end of December. Here, every ice suite is designed by an ice sculptor with a unique theme in mind. Beautiful lighting is also incorporated into the interiors, creating an enchanting ambiance. The beds are covered in insulated mattresses, reindeer skins, and warm sleeping bags to keep overnight guests warm. During the day, travelers can explore the Arctic on a snowmobile, join a dogsledding tour, or cruise the Alta River on a boat. You can also book an ice sculpting experience, where an expert artisan teaches you the methods, and introduces you to the tools used in carving an ice sculpture. Then, you can try your hand at carving your own. A delicious meal at one of the two locally-inspired restaurants, and a little time in the sauna, is the perfect ending to a fun-filled day. Best for Foodies: Arctic SnowHotel, Rovaniemi, Finland Arctic Snow Hotel See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: YesResort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$ Why We Chose It Arctic SnowHotel offers three unique dining and drinking experiences, the Ice Restaurant, serving local fare, the Ice Bar, with specially-crafted cocktails, and Kota Restaurant, with its glow-fried salmon fillet. Notable Amenities Restaurant with ice table and chairs serving arctic specialties; a snow sauna; an outdoor hot tub Pros and Cons Pros: Three on-site gourmet eating and drinking establishmentsSnow sauna and cold dip wellness experienceSnow hotel, as well as glass-domed accommodations Cons: Open-air showers without curtains Hotel Overview Situated above the Arctic Circle in Lapland, this snow hotel sleeps 70 guests in beautiful glass-domed accommodations and snow igloos. Each December, the rooms are designed with icy decor, vibrant lighting, warm reindeer furs, pillows, and sleeping bags. One of the most unique amenities of this hotel is its snow sauna, an intimate space with ice walls and a bench filled with steam. Those who feel adventurous (and can stand the cold) can combine this one-of-a-kind experience with a cold water dip—the ultimate arctic wellness ritual. Then jump in the jacuzzi, and enjoy the quiet landscape with a hot drink in hand. Arctic SnowHotel is also known for its three separate dining and drinking experiences. The Ice Restaurant serves a hearty buffet of traditional Log (bacon-wrapped hashbrowns), and the dinner menu includes roasted elk and braised Arctic Slamon. At the Ice Bar, enjoy your favorite cocktail in an ice glass. (Make sure to wear mittens!) And, don't miss out on Kota Lodge's glow-fried salmon or sautéed reindeer entree. Best for Skiers: Schneedorf Ötztal, Austria See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Key Specs Free Wi-Fi: NoResort Fee: NoRoom Rate: $$ Why We Chose It Schneedorf Ötztal is located near the ski resort Hochoetz (a family-friendly ski area with 13 chairlifts) and makes a great overnight experience to add to your ski vacation. Notable Amenities Off-site spa; outdoor jungle course; proximity to winter sports facilities; a dining igloo Pros and Cons Pros: Main igloo serves fondue dinner and drinks at the snow barOffers romantic candlelight packages for couplesHeated toiletsOn-site thermal baths and saunas Cons: Expensive Hotel Overview During the winter days, Austria's Tyrolean mountains are abuzz with winter sports enthusiasts, but once the lifts shut down, silence reigns. And there's no better—or unique way—to experience the area's silence than spending the night in a snow igloo in the Ötztal valley. Schneedorf Ötztal, a seasonal ice hotel, offers packages for families and couples that include a welcome drink (opt for traditional glühwein), a guided hike, a fondue dinner, and an insulated double sleeping bag to keep you toasty during the night. A snow bar, a warm-up room, and shared heated bathrooms complement the amenities. The area is packed with exciting activities for the whole family, such as an outdoor parkour course, a luxe spa, and sledding. And the family-friendly ski resort, Hochoetz, is located nearby and is considered one of the ten sunniest ski resorts in Austria. Final Verdict We chose Sweden's Icehotel as our top pick for the best ice hotels due to its elaborate ice suites and striking ice installations. The property is surrounded by untouched wilderness and lush forests illuminated at night by the aurora borealis. Here, you can book an art suite crafted by a commissioned artist, and browse a gallery of breathtaking ice sculptures. Icehotel also offers traditional accommodations for those opting for a warmer sleep. Frequently Asked Questions Is it Worth it to Stay in an Ice Hotel? Yes, if you are up for an adventure! Ice hotels offer a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience a winter wonderland and, perhaps, sleep underneath the colorful hues of the Northern Lights (depending on the time of year you visit). However, if the cold bothers you, opt for an ice hotel that offers traditional accommodations, which allow you to still experience the ice sculptures while sleeping in a warm bed. Do You Sleep in an Ice Hotel? Yes. Most accommodations consist of an ice or snow-built igloo with a platform bed and down sleeping bags. Some rooms offer traditional animal hide bed coverings, and others offer glass igloo accommodations that tolerate temperature fluctuations better than snow-built structures. Do Ice Hotels Have Bathrooms? Most ice hotels offer heated communal bathrooms with hot showers. That said, you will need to leave your igloo—and possibly venture out in the cold—to go to the bathroom. Some showers are private, while others are open-air without curtains. Why Do Ice Hotels Not Melt? Ice hotels are seasonal structures that typically melt after the winter is over. They are often built in Arctic climates where the temperatures rarely dip below freezing during the winter. During warm winters, however, some ice hotels may be forced to shut down, so it's important to check the weather conditions before booking. What to Know Before Choosing an Ice Hotel Room Type If you have doubts about lasting the entire night in a cold igloo, choose an ice hotel that also offers traditional accommodations (most do) and book a warm room just in case. With another room on reserve, you have the option to move in the middle of the night if you get too cold. What To Wear It's essential to come well-dressed when visiting an ice hotel. Wear wool or synthetic long underwear (as opposed to cotton) to keep you warm during your overnight stay. Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off because the icy floors are usually not covered in rugs, and shared restrooms are typically located outside the guest rooms. Also, don't forget your down jacket, mittens, hat, and scarf. You may need to sleep in these items of clothing if you are easily chilled. Traveling With Children If you decide to bring your children along, check with the hotel's minimum age requirement for overnight stays. While almost all ice hotels are kid-friendly, there may be specific age recommendations for both health and safety reasons. Also, some resorts—complete with spas, saunas, and hot tubs—may cater to couples looking for privacy and romance and may not welcome children for this reason. Methodology We researched several ice hotels in various locations before coming up with our list of the best. We considered each property's reputation and quality of service, accessibility, location, and notable amenities. We chose stays with on-site saunas and hot tubs, giving guests the option to warm up after a cold night in their room. And we chose hotels with on-site dining options, including some locations with ice bars and world-class offerings made with local ingredients. We also factored in the available experiences and excursions, choosing properties near ski resorts, as well as those that offered dog sledding, snow parks, and ice sculpting workshops. Originally written by Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes is an associate digital editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer. learn more and Jess McHugh Jess McHugh Jess McHugh is a journalist, author, and researcher who has reported from North and South America, Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. She's written hundreds of stories, ranging from the fight to preserve world heritage in Palmyra, Syria, to the story of the first American dictionary. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Nation, The Paris Review, Time, New York Magazine, The New Republic, Fortune, Village Voice, International Business Times, CNN, Avidly (Los Angeles Review of Books), AFP Services, The Believer, Lapham's Quarterly, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, InStyle, Dame, Thrillist, Man Repeller, and Travel + Leisure, among others. She can be found between New York City and Paris. * 8+ years of experience working as a writer and researcher * Author of "Americanon" (Dutton, Penguin-Random House, 2021) * Bilingual in French and English * Former staff reporter at Time Inc. and International Business Times. * Received a bachelor's degree in comparative literature from Yale University learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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