There’s nothing like embracing the cold the way these hotels do. With structures built of millions of ice bricks, tons of snow and a lot more creativity and passion by the locals each year, ice hotels are the new “cool” way to experience the best of this season.
Equipped with cozy ice bars, restaurants, suites, and even sauna, gondolas and other snow activities, take a look at the world’s most rewarding ice hotels that’ll finesse your winter vacation:
ICEHOTEL, SWEDEN
The original of all ice hotels, ICEHOTEL is an experience to visit all year round. Completely constructed out of untouched waters of Sweden’s ice in Torne River, ICEHOTEL is a winter wonderland to discover the Northern lights, the snow clad forests, private saunas and kitchenettes, Christmas jollies, and the freezing weathers to cozy up in the warm hotel rooms and suites.
HÔTEL DE GLACE, CANADA
Add North America’s only ice hotel to your list anywhere between January to April. Every year, Hotel de Glace stands shimmering using manmade snow and ice sculptors which takes them over 6 weeks to complete! You’ll never get bored here; outdoor spas and saunas to nestle, an ice restaurant, an ice bar to take shots at, and even an ice chapel to hold your big day at. Want more? Artists all around the world carve intricate sculptures and put on show for the perfect ending to your stay.
HOTEL OF ICE, ROMANIA
At the top of Romania’s Fagaras Mountains, you’ll find the largest snow cover and right at its core, discover the glowing Hotel of Ice built wholly out of snow and ice bricks every year. Have a lavish lunch at the Ice Restaurant & Bar or really, just come packed for adventure – snow rafting, tubing, snowmobile riding, ice climbing, and heli-skiing all to avail here.
SNOW VILLAGE, FINLAND
Centered in the Finnish Lapland, most of us know Snow Village by its themed Game of Thrones. Each late November, local artists and sculptors come together by the ski resorts of Ylläs and Levi and bring to life the enormous piece of igloo – Snow Hotel. Relish in Finnish peppermint vodka at the Ice Bar (and then smash glass on the floor!) or enjoy a gondola sauna up above the Finnish skies to relax. What’s more, the structure never dims out due to neon and fiery lights illuminating the village at all times! Winter doesn’t seem all that bad after all when experienced at Snow Village.
ARCTIC SNOWHOTEL, FINLAND
One of the biggest ice hotels in the Nordic, Arctic SnowHotel is carved afresh every year, freezing new designs and sculptures every time. Sleep on transparent beds and with fur blankets to keep you warm while the Ice Restaurant and Ice Bar serve up hot delicacies and all sorts of alcohol as you sit amidst bonfires and the Lights. Expect for the best when welcomed at the Arctic SnowHotel.
SORRISNIVA IGLOO HOTEL, NORWAY
Norway’s largest and northernmost ice hotel, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel offers some of the best in nature tourism and adventure. Explore the Alta Valley with Dog Sledding, recreate wellness at the Sauna, experience local Ice Fishing and Snowmobiling, and try the Riverboat Experience at the Alta River and Alta Canyon. Locally sourced food at the Restaurant and a chance to make your own ice sculpture at the Hotel make this winter wonderland even more unforgettable.
Image Credits: arcticsnowhotel, sorrisniva, hotelofice, valcartier, laplandhotels.com, icehotel.com