Fancy a fairy-tale winter escape? Feast your holiday dreams on the incredible igloo hotels found in some of the world’s most magical winter destinations. These cosy retreats evoke images of cuddling under warm blankets, sipping on hot chocolate and admiring the wonders of the Aurora Borealis from your bed.
Igloo hotels and ice hotels are easily one of the biggest holiday trends, attracting guests with their unique style and intimacy. With more than 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve found the best ice and igloo hotels for your next holiday. From in-room ice sculptures to bars made entirely of ice, these hotels will leave a lasting impression.
Ice Hotels in Sweden
Photo| Gettyimages | ANTON PETRUS
Sweden is a delightful part of the world during winter. It’s covered in blankets of snow and home to large populations of reindeer and moose. Igloo hotels in Sweden allow you to truly immerse yourself in this winter wonderland while witnessing the Northern Lights, discovering more about the 10,000-year-old Sami culture and embarking on snowmobile or dog-sledding tours.
Photo| Icehotel | Provided by ICEHOTEL | DESIGN BY LINDA VAGNELIND | PHOTO ASAF
Photo| Icehotel | Provided by ICEHOTEL | DESIGN BY NICOLAS TRIBOULOT JEAN MARIE GUITERA | PHOTO ASAF KLIGER
Part hotel, part art exhibition, ICEHOTEL is rebuilt every winter out of ice from Torne River, before melting back into the river come spring. The permanent rooms and buildings remain year-round, but you’re here for those one-of-a-kind ice suites with sculptures, double beds and walls all completely made from ice. They also come with Wi-Fi, free entry to the sauna and a buffet breakfast.
While staying at ICEHOTEL, you can partake in various on-site experiences, including ice sculpting classes, rafting down the Torne River and snowmobiling. Embrace the post-sauna ritual of rolling in the snow, treat your partner to a three-course dinner in the wilderness or embark on a dog sled tour.
Why You Should Stay Here
- Unique winter suites and rooms completely made from ice.
- Organises overnight snowmobile tours and Northern Lights viewings.
- Specially crafted meals using seasonal and local ingredients at ICEHOTEL Restaurant.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 188 – USD 1,128
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: Marknadsvagen 63, Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
Hotel Location
Igloo Hotels in Norway
Photo| Shutterstock | NANISIMOVA
Photo| Gettyimages | ANSONMIAO
Dreams of visiting Norway conjure images of glassy fjords, kilometres of powdery ski slopes and those crucial igloo hotels. Of course, no trip to Norway in winter would be complete without seeing the amazing Northern Lights, which illuminate the night sky in greens and reds. Norway is truly otherworldly, but there are specific moments that capture the hearts of its visitors, such as the smell of roasted chestnuts in the Christmas markets or the sound of snow under a reindeer-drawn sled.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Photo| Gettyimages | MCDONALDKAR
Photo| Sorrisnova Igloo Hotel | Provided by BOOKING.COM
Discover the wonders of Norway’s winter landscapes at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, where you can embark on a snowmobile safari, see the Northern Lights, go ice fishing and try ice sculpting. It’s the world’s northernmost igloo hotel and features an ice bar and a restaurant serving produce from the local river, fjord and plateau.
There are multiple igloo options, all of which are made entirely out of ice, including double, single and triple rooms. You can also splurge on a spacious Designed Suite with a luxe bed. All of the igloos come with reindeer hides, Wi-Fi, a buffet breakfast, morning visits to the sauna and tea and coffee.
Why You Should Stay Here
- Indulgent wellness facilities, including a sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi.
- A rural igloo hotel on a private stretch of river and surrounded by wilderness.
- Seasonal three, four, five and nine-course menus at the on-site restaurant.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 426 – USD 583
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Sorrisnivia 20, Alta, Norway
Hotel Location
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Igloo Hotels in Switzerland
Photo| Gettyimages | ©MARCO BOTTIGELLI
Photo| Gettyimages | RAYMONDCHAN PHOTO
Staying in igloo hotels in Switzerland is a dream come true for many travellers wanting to soak up the Swiss culture, food and scenery in style. Switzerland offers a range of complementary experiences to make this trip one for the scrapbook. Cross-country skiing through snow-covered trees, train rides past glaciers and eating gooey cheese with a spoon are just some of the reasons you’ll want to make Switzerland your winter home.
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel
Photo| Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel | Provided by WHITEPOD ECO-LUXURY ECO HOTEL
Photo| Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel | Provided by WHITEPOD ECO-LUXURY ECO HOTEL
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel is an environmentally-sustainable igloo hotel about 20 minutes from the small city of Monthey. The luxury geodesic igloos have sustainable heating and waste management. They also treat you to stunning vistas of the surrounding rivers and snowy landscape. Choose from a Deluxe Pod with a king-size bed, terrace, Nespresso machine and mini bar or a Family Pod with mezzanine bedding for the kids.
During winter, the hotel offers a range of memorable activities, from guided hikes and dog sledding to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. All of the meals served at the hotel are crafted from seasonal and local ingredients. Don’t miss the sumptuous buffet breakfast or afternoon tea.
Why You Should Stay Here
- Delicious local meals prepared for breakfast, room service or a private picnic.
- On-site massages, including kids’ massages and pregnancy massages.
- Cosy pods with king-size beds, private terraces and inclusive breakfast.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 388 – USD 1,344
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: Les Cerniers, Monthey, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Igloo Hotels in Finland
Photo| Gettyimages | SAMULI VAINIOPÄÄ
Photo| Gettyimages | MANTAPHOTO
Winter in Finland is all about discovering the ski slopes of Lapland, visiting Santa’s village and bracing the heart-stopping temperatures of an ice swim (followed by a sauna of course). Finland might also have one of the best ice and igloo hotels for watching the Northern Lights, but don’t take our word for it. Tick Finland off your list and make sure you try some ice fishing while you’re at it.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Photo| Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort | Provided by KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT
Photo| Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort | Provided by KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT – VALTTERI HIRVONEN
One of the most famous igloo hotels in the world, the 5-star Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort has glass igloos that are perfect for admiring the Aurora Borealis from your cosy bed. You can also stay in Kelo-Glass Igloos, which combine the views of the glass igloos with the comfort of a chalet complete with a private sauna, fireplace and kitchenette. Alternatively, spend the night in one of the igloos made entirely from ice.
The on-site winter activities combine adventure with nature and include husky and snowmobile safaris, ice fishing, downhill skiing and the wild snow tank safaris. Unwind in the sauna after going ice swimming, then dine on local Lappish cuisine at one of the two restaurants.
Why You Should Stay Here
- The glass igloo bar in the West Village Aurora restaurant.
- Glass and ice igloos offer unique Lapland accommodation.
- Amazing on-site activities, including Aurora Borealis viewings.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 556 – USD 3,159
Guest Rating: 8
Address: Kakslauttanen, Saariselka, Finland
Hotel Location
Igloo Hotels in Greenland
Photo| Gettyimages | POSTERIORI
Photo| Gettyimages | POSNOV
Greenland’s eight-month-long winter offers a lot of excitement, beauty and pampering. The fjords and glaciers are practically begging to be explored and the coastal towns offer a true sense of local fishing life. Most visitors choose to stay near the water, where they can easily embark on a cruise around the fjords or venture inland to discover the country’s diverse wildlife. There are also museums and cultural centres revealing each region’s fascinating history and culture.
Hotel Arctic
Photo| Hotel Arctic | Provided by HOTEL ARCTIC
Photo| Hotel Arctic | Provided by HOTEL ARCTIC
Overlooking the icy waters of Baffin Bay at the southern end of Greenland, Hotel Arctic offers scenic and peaceful igloo accommodation near the town of Ilulissat. Nestled on the edge of the icy fjord, the aluminium igloo cabins provide modern comforts, including double beds, TVs, tea and coffee and electric heating.
All guests have free entry to the on-site Loop Fitness facility, which has been designed based on the principles of High Intensive Interval Training. If you’d prefer to indulge during your holiday, visit Brasserie Ulo for gourmet Greenlandic and international produce or hit the Arctic Wine Bar for hand-picked wines and crafted cocktails.
Why You Should Stay Here
- Warm and cosy igloo cabins overlooking an icy fjord.
- About five minutes’ drive from the Knud Rasmussen Museum and World of Greenland in Ilulissat.
- About five minutes’ drive from Ilulissat Airport.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 340 – USD 446
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Postboks 1501, Ilulissat, Greenland
Hotel Location
Ice Hotels in Romania
Photo| Shutterstock | CALIN STAN
Photo| Gettyimages | ADRIAN PETRISOR – EYEEM
Romania is a surprise entry on this list of ice hotels, boasting one of the best in the world on its picturesque Balea Lac. During winter, this Eastern European country creates the perfect scene for an adventurous and romantic holiday with its Christmas markets, enormous thermal spas, salt mines, scenic skiing and fairy tale-esque castles. Need warming up? Simply tuck into that hearty Romanian fare washed down with local wine.
Ice Hotel Romania
Photo| Gettyimages | WESTEND61
Photo| Shutterstock | CRISTIDUMI
Since 2005, Ice Hotel Romania has been constructed every year out of snow and ice sourced from Balea Lac. The hotel transports you away from the rest of the world to the heart of the Fagaras Mountains. It includes a church of ice and the fine-dining Ice Restaurant & Bar, which serves delicious meals inspired by ancient Transylvanian recipes.
You can stay in a Double Room made of ice or opt for the four-person Igloo. The latter offers more space and intimacy. All of the ice rooms have animal furs, layers of thermal blankets and hand-carved decorations. The hotel is also an excellent base for hiking around Balea Lac or up the 2,507-metre mountain peak called Vânătarea lui Buteanu.
Why You Should Stay Here
- Rooms made entirely of ice with ice beds and sculptures.
- The lobster soup and red wine jelly served at Ice Restaurant & Bar.
- About 15 minutes’ drive from Balea Waterfall.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 93 – USD 187
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Balea Lac, Fagaras, Sibiu County, Romania
Hotel Location
Experience the Magic of Winter at an Igloo Hotel
Photo| Gettyimages | LOIS HEINE – EYEEM
Hotels made from ice and hotels with glass igloos and chalets: there’s something for everyone’s winter holiday dreams. These ice and igloo hotels not only offer unique and memorable accommodation, but also invite you to experience their respective countries through dog sledding, ice fishing and culinary journeys. Pampering is also on the menu with many offering day spas, saunas and ice swimming (you’ll feel better afterwards, we promise).
Which is your favourite igloo hotel? Let us know in the comments below.
