Best Ice Hotels in Scandinavia to Book in Winter 2024/2025

Looking for unique hotels in Scandinavia for your next winter adventure? Ice Hotels should be on the top of your list. And if that sounds unique enough, continue reading because this article features the best Ice Hotels in Scandinavia.
Scandinavia is one of the most popular winter destinations in Europe. It is perfect for winter sports activities, Christmas markets, and Northern lights. And recently it has been getting even more attention for its unique lodging options.
This is why I have gathered the coolest Nordic Ice Hotels. This way, you can find the perfect match for your next trip to Northern Europe and experience staying at one of the best Ice Hotels in Scandinavia.
*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Where in Scandinavia you can find Ice Hotels?

The most famous Ice Hotel in Scandinavia is located in Northern Sweden, however, you can find Ice Hotels in Finland and Norway as well. As of 2023, there are no Ice Hotels in Denmark, that’s why this list features the best Ice Hotels in Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
As you can imagine, these ice hotels are located in remote areas further away from crowds. So you will need to rent a car and get ready for a road trip. But a road trip that you will remember forever!
🚗 Need a car in Scandinavia? Use Rentalcars
Are Ice Hotels worth it?

If you are the adventurous type and you want to try unusual things all over the world, staying at the Ice Hotel in Scandinavia is absolutely worth it. And I can guarantee that these will be memories that you will remember for a lifetime.
Staying at the Ice Hotel comes with certain challenges as well, however, you simply need to be prepared and know what to expect. In this hotel guide, you will find all the necessary information about Ice Hotels in Scandinavia, so keep on reading.
How long to stay at the Ice Hotel?

Many visitors opt for a one-night experience to enjoy sleeping in an ice room. However, you can extend your stay for two or three nights allowing time for activities like dog sledding and exploring the surrounding area.
Also, all the ice hotels in Scandinavia offer regular hotel rooms, so this way you can experience the ice room on your first night and then make the swap without changing hotels.
What is the best time to stay at the Ice Hotel?

The best time to stay at the Ice Hotel in Scandinavia is during the winter months, typically from December to April. For a chance to witness the Northern Lights, visit between December and March when the nights are darkest and the auroras are more likely to appear.
I will add the operating months for each ice hotel separately so you know the availability and can plan your trip accordingly and the best time of the year.
Staying at one of the best Ice Hotels in Scandinavia – what do you need to know?

Is it cold inside Ice Hotels?
The rooms are made entirely of ice and snow, so average temperature typically hover around -5°C to -8°C (23°F to 17.6°F). However, you’ll be provided with warm thermal sleeping bags and suitable clothing to keep you cozy during your stay. Embrace the chill for a unique experience!
What to pack when staying at the Ice Hotel?
Considering that you are visiting Scandinavia in winter, you will pack appropriate winter clothes for your trip. When it comes to staying at the Ice Hotel, bring thermal underwear (wool is ideal), breathable layers, plenty of wool socks (avoid cotton or synthetic), and a cozy hat.
How do people sleep in Ice Hotels?
People sleep in Ice Hotels on specially designed ice beds covered with warm reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags. The cold environment can be quite cozy with the right gear, so don’t be scared of the temperatures inside the Ice Hotels.
How do you use your electronics and where do you store your belongings at the Ice Hotel?
All Ice Hotels in Scandinavia have one or more heated buildings within the complex. This is where you can check in, charge your electronics, and store your belongings. You will receive a personal locker, so you don’t need to keep your luggage in a frozen room or car.
Best ice hotels in Scandinavia
Icehotel – only ice hotel in Sweden

⭐️ Rating: 8.5 | 📆 Availability: December to April | 💰Check current prices
Icehotel takes pride in being the best ice hotel in Sweden and it become a popular attraction since its opening in 1989. As a matter of fact, it is the first ice hotel in the world and an iconic Swedish landmark.
The original icehotel lies in Jukkasjärvi, one of the most ancient and picturesque towns in Lapland. The town is located in the extreme north of the county, near the border with Norway and Finland and it’s a perfect place to see the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer.
As the name suggests, the Icehotel features rooms entirely made out of sculptured ice, but don’t worry, warm rooms are also available for guests.
Due to its uniqueness, the temperature inside the hotel hovers at a constant of -5 to -7 C. But don’t worry because the Icehotel will provide expedition-style sleeping bags that are tested for extreme temperatures, so you’ll be fine with just thermals, a hat, warm socks, and a mid-layer jumper.
The beds in the cold rooms have a bedframe made of ice, a slatted bed base with a mattress, reindeer skins, and pillows.
Guests have access to the room at 6 pm, but the heated service building is staffed and open 24 hours. This is also where you store your belongings, collect your sleeping bag, and use the bathroom, shower, and obviously, a sauna.
If you are looking for a flight, the closest airport is Kiruna Airport. The Icehotel is located less than 15 minutes drive away from it.
What are some of the best things that you can do at Ice Hotel in Sweden?

Sweden’s icehotel offers a number of fun activities such as dog sledding, skiing, or snowmobiling in winter or river rafting and cycling in summer. It is perfect for adventurous guests looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Another reason why Icehotel is the best ice hotel in Sweden is its unique art gallery. Icehotel is carefully designed and handcrafted by international and local artists.
What did the guests love about the first hotel made entirely out of ice?
“Lifetime experience. Nice place with a lot of activities to do. If you don’t want to stay in one of the Icerooms then you have the possibility to take a warm one.”
Want to stay at the Icehotel?
Norwegian Ice Hotels
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel

⭐️ Rating: 8.9 | 📆 Availability: December through early April | 💰Check current prices
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is not only one of the best ice hotels in Norway but also The World’s Northernmost Igloo Hotel. This glass igloo hotel is situated in the extreme Northern Norway, nestled in the town of Sorrisnivia.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel opened in 2000, being Norway’s first ice hotel, and quickly gained a lot of popularity throughout the country. Due to its prime location, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is one of the best ice hotels to see the northern lights and try a wide range of experiences in Arctic Norway.
The ice hotel is built by local craftsmen and features amazing ice sculptures, an ice bar, glass igloos, and even an ice chapel which is popular for weddings and christenings.
Each room in the hotel comes with its unique character and design. Each suite is a special project of the talented ice artists and is designed and decorated by hand.
For larger groups or families, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel has you covered with its Igloo family room, capable of accommodating up to 6 people (3 adults and 3 children).
Bed of ice is one of the most unique features inside the ice hotels. To ensure a cozy night’s sleep, guests rest on a layer of reindeer skins and are provided with two Arctic sleeping bags each.
In the morning, the sauna is heated from 7 am, and you can enjoy a hearty breakfast by the fireplace between 8 am and 10 am.
What are some of the best things that you can do at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel?

Apart from the Igloo Hotel experience, there are many other fun things to do at this top ice hotel in Norway.
Adventurous travelers can choose from snowmobile safaris, reindeer safaris, and husky experiences. If you are looking for a relaxing experience, don’t miss the sauna and jacuzzi or ice sculpting class. The hotel can help you organize Northern Light chasing.
Sorrisniva is also renowned for its a la carte cuisine, which showcases traditional dishes, including salmon, cod, locally smoked or cured fish, reindeer, moose, and wild berries.
What did the guests love about the world’s northernmost ice hotel?
“You are provided with two high-quality sleeping bags each for your stay in the ice hotel, which could be unzipped and combined to create one large sleeping bag and the the other two could be combined to create a large duvet. This made the stay not only nice and warm, but surprisingly very comfortable and cosy for my partner and me. We were also fortunate enough to have a clear night and a good aurora forecast. That combined with the seclusion of Sorrisniva made for a truly breathtaking Northern Lights show.”
Want to stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel?
Kirkenes Snow Hotel

⭐️ Rating: 9 | 📆 Availability: December to April | 💰Check current prices
Kirkenes Snow Hotel is another gem located in the far north of Norway, a few kilometers away from the town of Kirkenes. What makes Kirkenes Snow Hotel one of the coolest Nordic ice hotels is the fact that despite its structure being completely made of snow and ice, the hotel is open year-round.
To ensure your vacation goes smoothly, transfers to and from Kirkenes (hotels and boat harbor) are included during the winter season.
The hotel offers both warm and ice rooms so it is important for you to understand what kind of accommodation you prefer. The ice room temperature is -4 C, but with the right equipment, overnight stay will be pleasant.
With its 13 rooms (6 double and 7 family rooms with 4 beds) the hotel offers a tailored and exclusive service to its guests. In terms of facilities, guests can find not only fully equipped cabins, but also Snowshoes/skis, and clothing for all the excursions you might take.
The hotel also takes great pride in its restaurant where you can try the finest Arctic cuisine. Snowhotel Kirkenes Restaurants offers several unique dinner options with seasonal specialties.
What are the best experiences at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel?

What makes Kirkenes Snow Hotel one of the best ice hotels in Norway is the number of excursions and activities. Due to the personalized nature of these experiences, it’s advisable to book them as early as possible.
One of the most popular experiences is undoubtedly the king crab winter safari, where you will embark on an unforgettable crab fishing adventure.
For those enchanted by the allure of huskies, there are experiences with these famous dogs that add a touch of magic to your Scandinavian vacation.
If you’re fascinated by different lifestyles and cultures, don’t miss the Sami Experience, where you can immerse yourself in Sami culture and even feed reindeer.
And finally, it is one of the best ice hotels to see the Northern Lights with 200 aurora nights between September to March.
What did the guests love about Kirkenes Snow Hotel?
“Amazing stay, lovely location, the best place to see the northern lights! I did a lot of activities – Dog sledding, reindeer feeding, and hunting for northern lights. I would recommend staying more than one night and also getting a room in one of the Gamma cabins – it is out of this world. A fairytale place indeed.”
Want to stay at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel?
Best ice hotels in Finland
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

⭐️ Rating: 8.5 | 📆 Availability: midDecember to April | 💰Check current prices
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos opened for the first time in 2008 and it is one of the top ice hotels where to stay in Scandinavia. Located right on the Arctic Circle, it is only a 30-minute drive from central Rovaniemi.
This privileged location makes it one of the best ice hotels to see the Northern Lights. One of the standout features of this hotel is its special Aurora Borealis alarm service, ensuring that guests never miss the mesmerizing appearance of the Northern Lights.
Arctic SnowHotel is also one of the largest snow hotels in the world, with the capacity to accommodate up to 70 guests. The accommodation options include superior rooms in double, triple, and family categories. Beyond these, there are uniquely designed suite accommodations.
What are some of the best experiences in this Finnish Ice Hotel?

The hotel offers a wide array of on-site experiences, including snowshoeing and ice fishing guided by locals. You can also borrow toboggans and kick sleds free of charge. And of course, a Finnish sauna is available for guests free of charge.
Guests looking for memorable experiences might want to try Husky and reindeer safaris to connect with local fauna. And if you’re a Christmas enthusiast, the Santa Claus Village is only a few kilometers away from the hotel.
For adventurous souls, the Electric Snowscoot Safari is an exhilarating choice. It offers an exciting ride on electric snow scooters through the nearby surroundings.
What did the guests love about Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos?
“It was by far the best experience of my life! We started by visiting the ice-snow hotel, then we had a delicious traditional finish dinner at Kota Restaurant, went for a drink in the ice bar, and finally ended by sleeping in an igloo. It was cold but the sleeping bags provided helped a lot! And we also could see auroras !! The staff is super kind so really don’t miss this experience.”
Want to stay at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos?
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage

⭐️ Rating: 8.8 | 📆 Availability: the end ofDecember to mid April | 💰Check current prices
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage is another place to spend some unforgettable ice hotel holidays. Located in the pristine Finnish Lapland, the hotel welcomes guests with spectacular ice sculptures being a real attraction in the town of Kittilä.
Upon arrival, guests are treated to a guided tour of the property, complete with detailed instructions for a comfortable night’s sleep in the cold room. It is important to remember that each suite and room is individually decorated and changes aspects every year.
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage stands out as one of the few ice hotels in Scandinavia that boasts an ice restaurant. Here, you can try a unique three-course meal crafted from local specialties, all within a surreal and chilled ambiance.
In addition to the ice restaurant, the hotel offers a heated indoor log restaurant that serves table breakfasts, a soup buffet for lunch, and a la carte dinners.
And finally, there is an ice bar where you can find some signature chilled cocktails made with Nordic ingredients.
Must do things at the Lapland Hotels Snow Village?

Dog sledding trips are some of the most popular experiences guests love to take here, to add a touch of cuteness and fun.
The adventurous souls will love snowmobile and reindeer safaris to get in touch with the unspoiled Finnish flora and fauna.
For those seeking a connection to local culture in a fun and original way, ice fishing is an ideal choice.
What did the guests love about Lapland Hotels SnowVillage?
“We really appreciated the hot drink in the room when we woke up, the staff at the reception were very helpful when we tried to book a taxi, we were eating at the ice restaurant and the lady told us there were Northern lights outside, thank you very much for telling us it was wonderful!”
Want to stay at the Lapland Hotels SnowVillage?
Further reading for the best ice hotels in Scandinavia
Or read more about: Helsinki | Finland | Stockholm | Sweden | Scandinavia
Other useful tips for visiting Scandinavia
🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda
💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator have it all
🚗 Considering renting a car? Use Rentalcars
✈️ Looking for the best flight deals? Check WayAway
🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo
In conclusion…

This is the end of the best Ice Hotels in Scandinavia and I am sure that you are impatient for your next winter adventure. Make sure you book your accommodation ASAP because the coolest Nordic ice hotels sell out fast.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
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I would love to stay in an ice hotel in Scandinavia 😍