Top 10 Ice Hotels – Vacation Differently this Winter

Key Takeaways

• Ice hotels around the world offer seasonal, artist‑designed suites, ice bars and memorable winter experiences ranging from Northern Lights viewing to snow adventures.
• Many ice hotels rebuild their structures each winter, making each season unique and offering travelers new designs to explore.
• A travel protection plan may help with certain unexpected events during winter travel, including covered delays or disruptions, if all conditions of your plan are met.

If you're looking for unique and unforgettable vacation ideas, be sure to consider these ice hotels and all of their offerings for the winter holidays. Most of these ice hotels are only open during the winter months and are reimagined and rebuilt each year. Many offer ice-sculpted suites that are more like works of art than hotel rooms. 

Most ice hotels are actually resorts offering frozen bars and restaurants featuring ice-molded cocktail glasses and dinnerware, along with outdoor adventure winter activities like snowmobiling, dog sledding and seeking out the elusive Northern Lights. 

Plan your amazing winter holiday with this list of some of the best ice hotels

1. ICEHOTEL - Kiruna, Sweden

The ICEHOTEL is considered the world’s first and most iconic ice accommodation, originally founded in 1989. Guests may explore seasonal suites handcrafted by ice artists from around the world, along with a year‑round section built with sustainable cooling technology. It offers an ice bar, sculpture gallery, guided winter excursions and opportunities to learn about local Sámi culture.

Key Amenity: The Ice Throne, created as a tribute to Game of Thrones 

2. Snow Village Finland - Kittilä, Finland –

Snow Village Finland reconstructs roughly 30 artistic rooms and suites each winter. Visitors may try snowmobile safaris, view snow, and ice art installations, or dine on regional Lappish cuisine in themed spaces. Its large-scale snow architecture and glowing LED-lit corridors create a memorable atmosphere unique to Lapland’s winter.

Key Amenity:  Ice Karting — go‑kart‑style driving on an ice track (offered seasonally by some nearby operators; available as an activity option in the region)

Also Read: What to Pack for Cold-Weather Vacations

2. Snow Village Finland - Kittilä, Finland –

Snow Village Finland reconstructs roughly 30 artistic rooms and suites each winter. Visitors may try snowmobile safaris, view snow, and ice art installations, or dine on regional Lappish cuisine in themed spaces. Its large-scale snow architecture and glowing LED-lit corridors create a memorable atmosphere unique to Lapland’s winter.

Key Amenity:  Ice Karting — go‑kart‑style driving on an ice track (offered seasonally by some nearby operators; available as an activity option in the region)

Also Read: What to Pack for Cold-Weather Vacations

3. Igloo Village Kakslauttanen - Saariselkä, Finland –

hotel guests can choose between igloos made with a ceiling of either glass or snow. Snow igloos offer a quiet cocoon-like environment, while the frost-resistant glass igloos provide amazing views of the starry skies, and if you’re lucky - the Northern Lights. 

Key Amenity: kids will enjoy a visit to Santa's Resort

4. Hotel of Ice – Bâlea Lac, Romania –

This hotel is rebuilt each winter at the glacial Bâlea Lake in the Făgăraș Mountains. Its Ice Bar features carved ice glassware, while its suites and hallways showcase sculpted themed designs. Guests can  also explore the surrounding mountains, take cable‑car rides or enjoy seasonal events hosted inside the Ice Church.

Key Amenity: the Ice Church holds services like weddings and baptisms

5. The SnowCastle of Kemi - Kemi, Finland

This family‑friendly snow complex reimagines medieval architecture with towering snow walls and whimsical carvings. Beyond its snow-built accommodation, visitors can enjoy a SnowRestaurant, a SnowChapel and activities that explore Finnish Lapland’s winter culture.

Key Amenity: a cruise on the decommissioned Finnish icebreaker ship, Sampo

Also read: 7 of the Best Destinations for Snowbirds to Escape the Cold

6. Kirkenes Snowhotel - Kirkenes, Norway 

This hotel showcases intricately sculpted suites created fresh each season by international artists. Every room carries a distinct theme carved into snow walls. Guests can also try king crab excursions, husky sledding or stay in cozy wooden cabins alongside the ice accommodations.

Key Amenity: King Crab rafting safari - catch, prepare and eat the morning’s haul

Also read - Tips for Planning a Norwegian Cruise: From Fjords to Northern Lights

7. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel - Alta, Norway –

As the world’s northernmost ice hotel, Sorrisniva features elaborate ice sculpture halls and architecture inspired by Arctic heritage. Guests may pair their stay with gourmet dining, guided snow adventures or cultural programs that highlight the traditions of northern Norway.

Key Amenity: reindeer sledding under the Northern Lights

8. Hôtel de Glace – Quebec, Canada –

The only ice hotel in North America is open from January to March each winter. You can plan your wedding at the ice chapel, have fun for the whole family on their ice slide or snow tubing and of course stay the night in their ice hotel or have a drink at the ice bar with glasses fashioned from -- you guessed it -- ice. It's even wheelchair accessible -- they'll put the chair on skis!

Key Amenity: An ice-skating Trail

Also read: Top 10 Places to Visit in Canada

9. Iglu-Dorf, Andorra - Grandvalira, Spain –

This eco‑minded igloo village is rebuilt annually and features artist-designed ice rooms, snow lounges and outdoor hot‑tub areas. Its location near the Grandvalira ski area makes it a memorable overnight option for skiers seeking a unique winter stay.

Key Amenity: igloo village located only two hours from Barcelona

10. Schneedorf Snow Village - Oetz, Austria –

Austria’s first igloo village sits in the Tyrolean Alps and offers hand‑built igloo rooms, communal spaces and winter workshops. Guests may participate in guided igloo‑building, enjoy panoramic mountain settings, or opt for themed evening experiences in the crisp Alpine air.

Key Amenity: couples may choose the romantic Candlelight Night, which includes a double sleeping bag

Also read: Bad-Weather Travel -- How Trip Insurance Can Help

All across the Arctic Circle and beyond, ice hotels offer a variety of unique activities that will satisfy any traveler's desire to do something different over the winter holidays. Embrace the season and find a winter wonderland for your next vacation destination.

Whenever you travel, consider purchasing a travel protection plan from Generali Global Assistance.