Sleep inside frozen art, under the Northern Lights. in one Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
A Frozen Dream Come True
Imagine stepping into a world where walls sparkle like diamonds, where chandeliers are carved from crystal-clear ice, and where silence echoes through frozen halls lit by soft blue light. This is not a dream — it’s Scandinavia’s collection of extraordinary Ice Hotels in Scandinavia, where luxury meets art, and nature becomes architecture.
Each year, these ephemeral masterpieces rise again from snow and ice, created by visionary artists and sculptors who transform Arctic winters into magic. From Sweden’s world-famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi to Finland’s enchanting SnowVillage and Norway’s wild Kirkenes Snowhotel, the Nordic north offers some of the most surreal, luxurious, and unforgettable stays on Earth.Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, seeking a bucket list adventure, or longing for an experience unlike any other, this guide reveals the Top 5 Ice Hotels in Scandinavia — complete with insider tips, how to book, and must-do excursions.
1. Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden (The Original Masterpiece)
Where the Legend Began
Tucked away in the tiny Arctic village of Jukkasjärvi, about 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, lies the world’s first and most iconic iIce Hotels in Scandinavia. Founded in 1989, Icehotel Sweden began as a simple art exhibit made entirely of ice from the nearby Torne River — and has since evolved into a luxury destination attracting travelers from around the world.
Every winter, when the Torne freezes, artists gather from across the globe to carve rooms, suites, bars, and chapels entirely from crystal-clear ice. Each suite is unique — a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that melts away when spring returns.
The Experience
Guests can choose between the classic cold rooms (kept at around -5°C) and warm rooms or chalets in the adjacent complex. Sleeping on a bed of ice, layered with reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags, is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill — but the magic extends far beyond the bedroom. Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
You can sip cocktails from frozen glasses in the ICEBAR by Icehotel, dine on Arctic delicacies at the Ice Restaurant, or get married in the ethereal Ice Chapel. The nearby wilderness offers opportunities for snowmobiling, husky sledding, ice sculpting classes, and even reindeer encounters.
Year-Round Magic: Icehotel 365
Unlike the traditional winter-only version, Ice Hotels in Scandinavia 365 stays open all year thanks to a solar-powered cooling system that keeps rooms frozen even during summer. It’s an extraordinary combination of sustainability and luxury — proving that Arctic art can truly last forever.
Best Time to Visit
- December to March: For the classic frozen experience and Northern Lights.
- June to August: Stay in Icehotel 365 for the midnight sun and warm-weather activities.
Travel Tip
Book your stay at Ice Hotel in Sweden— look for “Art Suites” for the full ice experience.
Check out get your guide tours — including Northern Lights chases, ice sculpting workshops, and Sami culture experiences.
2. Lapland Hotels SnowVillage – Kittilä, Finland
A Fantasy World Carved from Snow
Every year, deep in Finnish Lapland near the ski resort of Levi, an incredible snow and ice world rises: the SnowVillage, built anew from 20 million kilos of snow and 350,000 kilos of natural ice.
Each winter, a fresh theme transforms the village — from Game of Thrones-inspired sculptures to Arctic wildlife and Nordic mythology. Every corridor, suite, and sculpture glows under atmospheric LED light, creating a cinematic experience unlike any other. Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
Stay & Dine
Guests can sleep in shimmering ice suites or stay in the nearby warm chalets. The Snow Restaurant serves fine Nordic cuisine on frozen tables, while the Ice Bar glistens with handcrafted sculptures and glowing blue cocktails.
Don’t miss the Snow Chapel, one of the most photogenic wedding spots in Finland, where even the altar and pews are carved from ice. on of the most Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
Winter Adventures
The SnowVillage is perfectly located for winter activities — from snowshoeing and reindeer sleigh rides to full-day husky safaris through the white wilderness.
Nearby Levi Ski Resort adds a touch of luxury, offering designer shops, spas, and fine dining to round out your Arctic escape.
Best Time to Visit
- Late December to Early April — when the SnowVillage is open and at its most beautiful.
Travel Tip
Book your room at Lapland Hotels— limited availability each winter.
Explore nearby Get your guide tours husky safaris, reindeer farm visits, and snowmobile expeditions.
3. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Rovaniemi, Finland
Sleep on Ice or Under the Northern Lights
Rovaniemi — the official hometown of Santa Claus — hides one of the most enchanting winter getaways in Finland: the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos. Here, guests can choose between a frozen ice suite or a heated glass igloo, allowing them to admire the Aurora Borealis right from bed. Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
The Stay
The SnowHotel section is built entirely from snow and ice every winter, featuring intricate carvings and glowing blue corridors. Guests sleep in thermal sleeping bags surrounded by icy art — while the Glass Igloo Village offers modern luxury with heated glass domes, private saunas, and even hot tubs under the stars.
This unique blend of cold adventure and warm comfort makes the Arctic SnowHotel one of Ice Hotels in Scandinavia most diverse stays.
Dining in Ice & Fire
Enjoy a frozen cocktail at the Ice Bar, dine on reindeer steak at the Ice Restaurant, or warm up at the Lappish Kota with traditional salmon grilled over open fire.
Excursions
- Visit Santa Claus Village (20 minutes away)
- Go on a Northern Lights hunting tour
- Try ice fishing, husky sledding, or snowshoeing
- Relax in a lakeside Finnish sauna under the stars
Best Time to Visit
- December to March for the snow hotel
- Year-round for the glass igloos
Travel Tip
Book your stay at Artic Snow hotel— the glass igloos sell out months in advance!
Discover get your guide tours: Aurora safaris, snowmobile rides, and ice-fishing trips.
4. Kirkenes Snowhotel – Norway
Where Ice Meets the Arctic Sea
High above the Arctic Circle, just a few kilometers from the Russian border, lies Kirkenes Snowhotel — Norway’s ultimate ice experience. What sets it apart is its stunning location: nestled between mountains and fjords, surrounded by husky farms and reindeer herds. one of the most Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
The Hotel
The Snowhotel is rebuilt every winter with 15 beautifully decorated ice suites, each carved with unique Arctic themes — from polar bears and Norse gods to Northern Lights motifs. Temperatures inside hover around -4°C, ensuring that your stay feels like a dream from a frozen fairy tale.
The Experience
Unlike other ice hotels, Kirkenes combines Arctic adventure with cozy warmth. You can visit the Husky Kennel (home to over 180 friendly dogs), feed reindeer in the Winter Park, and join guided Northern Lights safaris by snowmobile or dog sled.
For those craving luxury, the Gamme Cabins — inspired by traditional Sami huts — offer heated comfort and panoramic views of the wilderness.
Signature Dining
Dine at the Låven Restaurant, where local chefs prepare king crab fresh from the Barents Sea. Guests can even join the hotel’s famous King Crab Safari, one of the most authentic culinary experiences in Norway.
Best Time to Visit
- December to April for snow activities
- October to March for best Northern Lights visibility
Travel Tip
Book your room at trip.com— combine a cold suite with a warm Gamme Cabin for the best of both worlds.
Try the husky experience via get your guide — unforgettable Arctic adventures!
5. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway
Scandinavia’s Hidden Luxury Gem
In the quiet town of Alta, where Arctic wilderness meets world-class design, stands the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel — the northernmost ice hotel in the world. Every winter, artists and architects rebuild it entirely from snow and ice, inspired by Nordic myths and the magic of the Aurora Borealis. one of the most Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
The Concept
The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is pure luxury frozen in time. Each year’s design follows a new artistic theme — from Viking legends to Arctic wildlife — with hand-carved sculptures, snow art, and glowing ice corridors leading to silent frozen suites.
Each ice room features a thick snow bed, covered in reindeer hides and insulated sleeping bags, while a warm lodge nearby offers modern rooms, a sauna, and a fine-dining restaurant.
Fine Dining in the Arctic
The Maku Restaurant at Sorrisniva is a culinary gem, serving seasonal, locally sourced ingredients such as Arctic char, reindeer, and cloudberries — beautifully plated and paired with Nordic wines.
Arctic Adventures
Alta is one of Norway’s best destinations for adventure and culture. Guests can join snowmobile safaris, Northern Lights photography tours, or visit the UNESCO-listed Alta rock carvings.
And when the sky lights up in swirling green and purple ribbons, you’ll know why this hotel belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
Best Time to Visit
- Late December to early April for the full ice hotel experience.
Travel Tip
Book your stay at Sorrisniva hotel— an unforgettable mix of art, Arctic, and luxury.
Join get your guide tours snowmobiling, Northern Lights chasing, and Arctic wildlife safaris.
Bonus Tip: Combine Them into a “Scandinavian Ice Hotel Tour”
For the ultimate winter bucket list adventure, consider visiting multiple ice hotels in one trip. Start in Sweden’s Icehotel, cross into Finnish Lapland for SnowVillage or the Arctic SnowHotel, and finish in Norway’s wild Kirkenes or Alta.
With convenient Arctic airports (Kiruna, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Alta, and Kirkenes) and scenic winter roads, you can easily connect these destinations — creating your own “Frozen Trail of the North”.Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
Pro Tip: Book flexible tickets and local tours via GetYourGuide to make the most of each region — from reindeer sleigh rides in Lapland to king crab safaris in Norway.
What to Pack for Your Ice Hotel Adventure
- Thermal base layers (wool or merino)
- Insulated jacket and snow pants
- Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
- Waterproof boots
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains them fast!)
- Reusable hand warmers
- Bathing suit (for saunas or hot tubs)
Final Thoughts: A Night You’ll Never Forget
Staying in an ice hotel is more than a vacation — it’s an art installation you can sleep in, a moment of silence under the stars, and an encounter with the raw beauty of the Arctic.Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
Whether you choose the legendary Icehotel in Sweden or a hidden gem like Sorrisniva, these frozen palaces capture everything that makes Scandinavia extraordinary: creativity, purity, and an unbreakable connection to nature. Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
As dawn breaks and sunlight filters through icy windows, you’ll realize — this isn’t just a night away. It’s a memory carved in crystal in one of the most Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
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