Are you an adventurous traveler ready to handle sleeping in temperatures between -2 and -6 degrees Celsius and rising at 4 am to go dog sledding? If so, you would certainly appreciate holidaying in an ice hotel and enjoying a truly arctic experience. There are many unique ice hotels scattered in various corners of the world, offering a fantastic range of winter activities, arctic fun and wilderness locations, where you can spend some of the best and memorable moments of your life. Read about top 5 ice hotels in the world to discover what all the excitement is about.
Hotel de Glace, Quebec, Canada
Intricately carved glassine ice columns, amazing winter décor, exotic atmosphere, originally designed bedrooms, exclusive program of activities, and top-notch service and more – the stunning Hotel de Glace is sure to take your breath away. In a hotel made fresh each year from 15,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice, cold is simply cool and wanted.
There are 36 rooms and theme suites in the Hotel de Glace, representing the original experience with their natural look. The theme suites feature artistic lightening, which adds to the splendor of a memorable night. Guests can enjoy festive evenings at the Ice Bar; dine in the hotel’s restaurant serving a selection of items to try; or else relax in the hotel’s spa, featuring an on-site sauna.
The hotel also offers a uniquely designed ice chapel, where couples can get married in a romantic, magical and picture-perfect environment. To find out more about the magic wedding packages, contact the hotel’s team of professionals, who are always ready to organize and orchestrate the entire event to make you feel happy and blessed on that important day. Get ready to pay $219 person per night, which includes a welcome cocktail, breakfast and spa access. Guided tours are also available.
Snow Castle, Kemi, Finland
With its ice bar, snow restaurant, snow chapel, art gallery and ice hotel, the Kemi Snow Castle in Finland is a magnificent example of the great skills of local architects and designers. Opening each year in January and closing in April before the warming sun can disfigure it greatly, Snow Castle is more than an enormous snow fort. Standing 17 meters high and with walls over 1,100 meters long, this incredible fortress is rebuilt from scratch featuring architecture that is never the same. It’s one of Lapland’s winter highlights and a favored destination for weddings, once-in-a-life experiences, or just general marveling at the weird light and impressive decoration of the multistoreyed interior.
The popularity of this majestic getaway has exceeded all expectations, and over six hundred thousand guests from 75 different countries have paid a visit to these fabulous buildings. Double rooms start at €220, including a breakfast and a sauna.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is another luxury hideaway, found 15 kilometers outside the town of Alta, in the region of Finnmark, northeastern Norway. This is an impressive 2,000 square meter structure, made entirely from snow and ice every year, offering intimate atmosphere, luxury accommodations and comfort at its best. Every room is equipped with modern amenities including desk, separate shower and tub, Wi-Fi, reindeer leather sleeping pads and ultra-warm sleeping bags. From snowmobiling across the Arctic tundra, to feasting on ptarmigan, smoked reindeer and crab, to enjoying leisure facilities (Jacuzzi, sauna) provided on the hotel’s property, guests will discover the intimate charm and beauty of the hotel. This is an adventure out of the ordinary.
For a shuttle service from Alta town, an overnight stay, plus sauna and breakfast buffet, the rates at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel range from $362 for adults and $180 for children under 12. Extended packages are also available.
Aurora Ice Hotel, Alaska, USA
Set in the grounds of the Chena Hot Springs resort in Alaska, the fascinating Aurora Ice Hotel is the first and only ice accommodation in the US, blessed with fantastic design rooms, an ice-carved pipe organ, a wonderful ice bar, spectacular chandeliers lit by fiber optics that change color and more. Constructed by World Ice Sculpting Champion Steve Brice, the hotel is fully furnished in ice sculptures and fixtures. There is also a museum, which is open year round. The prices are actually high, but those who can’t afford staying in the hotel can just visit it to view the icy art for a $15 day pass.
Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Some ten thousand tons of crystal clear ice from the River Torne and thirty thousand tons of pure snow has been used to create this magic hotel in the village of Jukkasjärvi. Covering more than 30,000 square feet, the hotel is one of the ‘warmest’ ice hotels in the world, where visitors can expect temperatures hovering between 5 and 8 degrees Celsius. Bedrooms feature blocks of ice as beds that are covered with fur, skin, hides and sleeping bags. In the common areas, guests will find an ice couch and an ice bar.
The ice hotel offers guests an endless array of winter activities, including dog sledding, skiing and snowmobiling. For the very brave there is nude ice swimming. Visitors can also take a look at the hotel’s Space Center and view behind the scene details of the hotel itself.
Leave out the everyday hustle and bustle and head to one of the above described destinations to have a nice arctic holiday you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
