Exclusive Ice Hotels in Scandinavia
Introduction
Scandinavia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, and during the winter months, it transforms into a magical wonderland of ice and snow. For ultra-high-net-worth travelers seeking a truly extraordinary experience, the region’s exclusive ice hotels offer far more than accommodation—they provide an immersive journey into Arctic artistry, world-class gastronomy, and once-in-a-lifetime wilderness adventures. From the original ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland to Norway’s premium Arctic lodges and Finland’s legendary glass igloos, these remarkable properties combine frozen architecture with warm hospitality. Here are the finest ice and snow hotels in Scandinavia that promise to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning luxury travelers.
TOP 10 LUXURY ICE HOTELS IN SCANDINAVIA
1. ICEHOTEL – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
– Price: €350-€1,200/night
– The world’s first and most iconic ice hotel, founded in 1989, is rebuilt each winter using 5,000 tons of ice harvested from the pristine Torne River. Each year, over 40 international artists transform the frozen canvas into breathtaking Art Suites featuring unique sculptures and designs. The property spans 6,000 square meters and includes the legendary Absolut ICEBAR, where cocktails are served in glasses carved from crystal-clear river ice. Guests sleep in thermal sleeping bags atop reindeer hides at a constant -5°C, while the award-winning restaurant serves New Nordic cuisine featuring local ingredients like Arctic char, cloudberries, and reindeer.
– Best season: December to April (seasonal ice rooms)
– Insider tip: Book a Deluxe Art Suite for the most elaborate ice sculptures and request the Northern Lights wake-up call service to catch aurora activity during the night.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
2. ICEHOTEL 365 – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
– Price: €600-€1,500/night
– The permanent extension of the original ICEHOTEL offers the unique ability to sleep on ice any day of the year. This 2,100 square meter facility is kept at a constant -5°C using solar power from the midnight sun, making it the world’s only year-round ice hotel. The Luxury Suites feature private heated relaxation rooms with en-suite saunas and bathrooms—offering the ultimate contrast between ice bedroom and warm comfort. Each suite is individually designed by renowned ice artists, and guests have exclusive access to the ice gallery and ICEBAR serving champagne and craft cocktails.
– Best season: Year-round (summer offers midnight sun experience)
– Insider tip: Visit during June-July for the surreal experience of sleeping on ice while the midnight sun illuminates the Arctic landscape outside. Combine with a private river rafting excursion on the Torne.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
3. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway
– Price: €280-€500/night
– The world’s northernmost ice hotel sits dramatically along the Alta River in Finnmark, Norway’s most remote Arctic region. Each year, 250 tonnes of ice and 7,000 cubic meters of snow are transformed into a 2,500 square meter masterpiece with annually changing themes. The property features the new Arctic Wilderness Lodge with 24 premium rooms offering private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows for Northern Lights viewing. Two outdoor heated hot tubs overlook the frozen river, and the acclaimed Maku Restaurant serves fine dining with ingredients sourced from Arctic Norway. The hotel’s ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications ensure premium quality and environmental responsibility.
– Best season: December to April
– Insider tip: Book a combination package with one night in the Igloo Hotel and additional nights in the Arctic Wilderness Lodge for the best of both worlds. Don’t miss the snowmobile safari to Alta Canyon—Europe’s largest river canyon.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com | Expedia
4. Snow Resort Kirkenes – Kirkenes, Norway
– Price: €350-€650/night
– The only ice hotel in the world open 365 days a year, located at mainland Norway’s easternmost point near the Russian and Finnish borders. The property features 13 dreamlike snow rooms carved by master ice sculptors from around the world, alongside luxurious Gamme Cabins inspired by traditional Sámi hunting huts but designed by Swiss architects with modern amenities including panoramic windows, underfloor heating, and private bathrooms. The Låven restaurant serves a refined three-course dinner featuring king crab from the nearby Barents Sea. The resort’s 160 huskies and resident reindeer offer authentic Arctic encounters.
– Best season: Year-round (unique summer midnight sun experience)
– Insider tip: Book the exclusive King Crab Safari—catch giant Barents Sea king crabs (up to 12.5kg) from a small boat and enjoy them freshly prepared. This is the most authentic Arctic culinary experience in Scandinavia.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com | Expedia
5. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Saariselkä, Finland
– Price: €424-€2,500/night
– The legendary resort that pioneered the glass igloo concept offers multiple accommodation types including thermal glass igloos, snow igloos, Kelo-Glass Igloos (combining log chalets with glass-roofed bedrooms), and the ultimate 310 square meter Luxury Kelo-Glass Igloo sleeping six guests. Located 250km north of the Arctic Circle at the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, the resort features the world’s largest smoke sauna (accommodating 100 guests) and six additional saunas with ice hole access. The Aurora Restaurant serves Lappish specialties including reindeer and char-grilled salmon, while Santa Claus himself resides in his private home on the property.
– Best season: Late August to April (Northern Lights season)
– Insider tip: Book the Luxury Kelo-Glass Igloo for your group—it offers three log chalet bedrooms plus three glass igloos, private sauna, fireplace, and complete privacy. Request the Northern Lights alarm service to be awakened when aurora activity begins.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com | Expedia
6. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Rovaniemi, Finland
– Price: €314-€800/night
– One of the largest snow and ice hotels in the world, rebuilt each winter with a new artistic theme in the village of Sinettä, 30 minutes from Rovaniemi. The 2025-2026 season celebrates “Adventure” with imaginative ice sculptures reflecting journeys, dreams, and emotions. The property features 39 glass igloos with 360-degree roofs, built-in Northern Lights alarm systems, and heated floors for comfortable aurora viewing. Unique amenities include a Snow Sauna, Ice Restaurant, Ice Bar, and Ice Chapel. Complimentary access to Snowman World at Santa Claus Village is included for overnight guests.
– Best season: December 15 to March 31 (SnowHotel), September to April (Glass Igloos)
– Insider tip: Arrive in early autumn (September-October) for the glass igloo experience when the Northern Lights season begins but crowds are minimal. The electric snowmobile safaris (eSled) offer silent, emission-free aurora hunting.
– Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
7. Lapland Hotels SnowVillage – Lainio, Finland
– Price: €250-€550/night
– Celebrating 25 years in 2025-2026, SnowVillage is a spectacular two-hectare ice complex constructed using 20 million kilograms of snow and 300,000 kilograms of crystal-clear natural ice. Each year features a completely new theme—the upcoming season celebrates “One Big Celebration” with carnival, Rio de Janeiro, and Irish-inspired ice areas. Located between the Ylläs and Levi ski resorts near Kittilä Airport, the property offers snow suites, an Ice Restaurant, Ice Bar, and Ice Chapel for weddings. The new Glass Restaurant opened in December 2024, and the traditional log restaurant Krouvi serves authentic Lappish cuisine.
– Best season: December 25 to April 6
– Insider tip: Combine SnowVillage with skiing at nearby Ylläs or Levi—the new bus connection runs three times daily. Book a private ice sculpture workshop to create your own Arctic art.
– Book Now: Official Website | Booking.com
8. SnowCastle of Kemi – Kemi, Finland
– Price: €200-€400/night
– The world’s largest snow fort, rebuilt annually since 1996 with varying architecture covering 13,000 to 20,000 square meters. The SnowCastle’s towers reach over 20 meters high with walls exceeding 1,000 meters in length. Located on the Gulf of Bothnia using frozen sea water, the complex includes a SnowHotel with gorgeously decorated snow rooms, SnowRestaurant serving hearty northern cuisine, and the ecumenical SnowChapel where hundreds of couples have married. The year-round SnowExperience365 indoor exhibition allows visitors to experience ice sculptures any time. The award-winning Seaside Glass Villas nearby offer floor-to-ceiling windows and glass roofs overlooking the frozen sea.
– Best season: January to April (outdoor SnowCastle), Year-round (SnowExperience365)
– Insider tip: Combine your SnowCastle stay with the legendary Sampo Icebreaker Cruise—experience the unique sensation of floating in the frozen Baltic Sea in a survival suit. It’s the ultimate Arctic bucket list experience.
– Book Now: Official Website
9. Tromsø Ice Domes – Tromsø, Norway
– Price: €300-€500/night
– Located in the “Gateway to the Arctic” and Northern Lights capital of Norway, Tromsø Ice Domes offers an intimate ice hotel experience just 20 minutes from the vibrant city center. The domes feature hand-carved ice sculptures with themes that change annually, thermal sleeping bags on ice beds, and access to nearby warm facilities. The property is ideally positioned for combining urban culture with Arctic wilderness—guests can enjoy world-class restaurants and the famous Mack Brewery in town, then return to sleep surrounded by ice art.
– Best season: January to March
– Insider tip: Book a Northern Lights chase excursion from Tromsø after your ice dome experience—the region has one of the highest aurora success rates in the world. Don’t miss whale watching season (November-January) when orcas and humpbacks visit the fjords.
– Book Now: Official Website
10. Arctic Land Adventure Glass Igloos – Kilpisjärvi, Finland
– Price: €350-€600/night
– Winner of the “Newcomer of the Year” award at the Finnish Travel Gala 2019, this exclusive retreat offers just four glass igloos on the shores of a lake at an authentic Sámi reindeer herding ranch in Kilpisjärvi—Finland’s northwesternmost corner. This is as remote, authentic, and exclusive as Arctic accommodation gets. The igloos offer unobstructed views of the Northern Lights with zero light pollution, and guests can experience genuine Sámi culture through reindeer herding activities, traditional joik singing, and local storytelling.
– Best season: September to March
– Insider tip: Combine with a trip to nearby Tromsø, Norway (3 hours by car) for the ultimate cross-border Arctic experience. The location’s remoteness means exceptional Northern Lights viewing with minimal competition.
– Book Now: Official Website
Expert Travel Tips
1. Book 6-12 Months in Advance: The most exclusive ice suites and glass igloos—especially during peak Northern Lights season (December-February)—sell out quickly. For ICEHOTEL 365 Luxury Suites or Kakslauttanen’s Luxury Kelo-Glass Igloos, book as soon as dates are released.
2. Layer with Premium Thermal Wear: Ice hotels maintain temperatures between -5°C and -8°C. Invest in quality merino wool base layers, and most properties provide thermal sleeping bags rated to -30°C. Bring silk liner sheets for added comfort. Your extremities (head, hands, feet) need the most protection.
3. Combine Ice and Warm Accommodation: One night on ice is an unforgettable experience, but recovery in a warm suite or cabin enhances the journey. Most luxury properties offer combination packages with heated accommodations featuring saunas, hot tubs, and Northern Lights viewing windows.
4. Maximize Aurora Opportunities: Request properties with Northern Lights alarm services (available at Kakslauttanen, Arctic SnowHotel, and Snow Resort Kirkenes). Download aurora forecast apps and plan activities that keep you outdoors during peak viewing hours (10 PM – 2 AM).
5. Embrace Arctic Activities: Beyond the ice accommodation, book husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile excursions, and ice fishing. For the ultimate luxury, arrange private Northern Lights flights above the clouds (available from Rovaniemi) or exclusive helicopter transfers between properties.
FAQs
Q: What is the temperature inside an ice hotel and how do you stay warm?
A: Ice hotels maintain temperatures between -5°C and -8°C (23°F to 18°F), regardless of outside conditions. Guests are provided with high-quality thermal sleeping bags rated to extreme cold (typically -30°C), reindeer hides for insulation, and warm bedding. Most guests find it surprisingly cozy once inside the sleeping bag. Wear thermal base layers and a hat to bed, and place clothes inside the sleeping bag to keep them warm for morning. Heated bathroom and sauna facilities are always located nearby.
Q: Can children stay in ice hotels?
A: Yes, most ice hotels welcome families, though policies vary. Kakslauttanen and Arctic SnowHotel are particularly family-friendly with activities designed for children. Most properties recommend children be at least 4-6 years old for overnight ice room stays. Glass igloos offer a more accessible family option with heated interiors while still providing the Northern Lights experience. Always check specific age recommendations when booking.
Q: When is the best time to visit for Northern Lights?
A: The Northern Lights season runs from late August to early April, with peak viewing typically from December to February when nights are longest and darkest. However, September-October offers excellent aurora activity with milder temperatures and the beautiful autumn “ruska” colors. March provides a good balance of longer days for activities and dark nights for aurora viewing. All properties in this list are located in the “Aurora Zone” above or near the Arctic Circle, offering prime viewing conditions.
Conclusion
Experiencing an ice hotel in Scandinavia represents the pinnacle of Arctic luxury travel—a unique fusion of world-class artistry, authentic wilderness adventure, and transformative natural phenomena. Whether you choose the iconic ICEHOTEL in Sweden, Norway’s remote Arctic lodges, or Finland’s legendary glass igloos, each property offers an extraordinary journey that transcends conventional hospitality. These frozen sanctuaries remind us that the most memorable experiences often lie at the intersection of human creativity and nature’s raw beauty. For the discerning traveler seeking something truly exceptional, a Scandinavian ice hotel delivers magic that no five-star resort in the tropics can replicate. Book your Arctic dream and prepare for memories that will last a lifetime.
