The mercury drops, the snow starts falling—and some of the world’s most unreal hotels spring to life, built entirely from ice and snow. Transient masterpieces that offer guests a unique experience in frosted surroundings amidst stunning arctic locations are a treat to enjoy during winter. Here are seven such cool ice hotels of the world that turn winter into a wonderland.
Coolest Ice Hotels:
- ICEHOTEL, Sweden
Located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, ICEHOTEL is arguably the most iconic of ice hotels. This pioneer of ice architecture has been in business since 1989 and is redesigned annually. The place is home to a collection of uniquely designed suites, an ice bar, and a chapel—all from the ice. Artisans from all over the world redesign the building annually, ensuring that each year’s structure is always new.
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finnish Lapland gives visitors a fairy tale stay in its Glass Igloos and Snow Igloos. Each of the Snow Igloos is made entirely out of snow and ice; detailed ice carvings come along with luxury, frosty furnishings within these igloos. Glass Igloos, on the other hand, provide pan-visuals on the Northern Lights, merging modern comfort with an untouched natural setting.
- Hotel de Glace, Canada
Located in Quebec, Canada, the Hotel de Glace is the only ice hotel in North America. Every year, it gets rebuilt with quite a variety of uniquely themed rooms and suites, an ice bar, an ice chapel, and all. The design is each time created by different themes that may include various mythical creatures or even just the landscapes of the future. Guests can take part in ice sculptures, themed rooms, and guided tours across the sparkling abode.
- SnowCastle of Kemi, Finland
The Snow Castle of Kemi is just an incredible ice hotel that lies on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia in Kemi, Finland. During a visit to this beautiful castle, guests can be able to see intricate ice sculptures, a large snow restaurant, and a beautiful snow chapel. The SnowCastle is rebuilt annually, each time with different themes and designs that make every visit unique.
- Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway
Situated in Finnmark, Norway, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is an entirely ice-and-snow hotel. It’s famous for its intricately done ice sculptures and the artistry of ice rooms, showcasing the skills of this talent pool of local artisans. There is also the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights here, in absolutely unique surroundings.
- Icehotel 365, Sweden
Next, on our list, lies the Icehotel 365 in Jukkasjärvi, part of the former ICEHOTEL. It represents a year-round ice experience, supplementing the seasonal one, and is uniquely open 365 days a year. This would feature a range of beautifully crafted ice suites and sculptures, even in the warmer months. This year-round ice marvel ensures that guests can revel in the icy allure of the Arctic whatever the time of year.
- Iglu-Dorf, Switzerland
Iglu-Dorf, located in the Swiss Alps, offers another type of experience in an ice hotel, making it more alpine-like. This particular hotel has accommodations made for people in a series of igloo settings constructed out of snow and ice. Guests have great panoramic views over the mountainous landscape that lies around, where snowshoeing and skiing are major activities. Such igloos get reconstructed every year and offer homely feelings, characteristic of the alpine region.
Conclusion
These ice hotels are far from being simple accommodations; instead, they represent momentary works of art that capture the spirit of winter. From snow castles displaying intricate ice carvings to glass igloos allowing one to watch the Northern Lights, these icy havens propose a journey never to be forgotten in the heart of loveliness during winter. If you are one of those who like to embrace the cold stylishly, then ice hotels are the place to be for that frosty escape.
