Ice hotels in the coolest (literally) parts of the world are showing people that you can have your ice, and sleep in it, too.
A great vacation is not always about the destination alone—often, travelers choose their getaways solely based on the uniqueness of their accommodations. Whether it be luxe amenities, unforgettable locations, or simply a trademark feature that’s distinctive and unique, choosing a signature spot to set up camp while traveling inevitably takes any vacay to the next level.
RELATED: 10 Of The World's Most Fascinating Hotels In 2022
And what could be more memorable than staying in a hotel made of ice and snow? True, many vacationers choose tropical locales as the sites for their getaways (especially during cold winter temps); but there is a certain allure that can be found amid snowy, peaceful landscapes where the accommodations are one-of-a-kind destinations all their own. Usually rebuilt every year (depending on location), these hotels made from the elements are the perfect way to have an unforgettable vacation—a true winter wonderland retreat in places that are cooler than cool (literally!)
A post shared by Ice Hotel Lovers (@icehotel_lovers)
Note: Visitors should be sure to plan ahead and consult the hotels’ websites for packing suggestions before making reservations; advanced preparation is often needed as the properties are kept at below-freezing temps.
A post shared by Hôtel de Glace 🧊❄️ (@hoteldeglace)
One of the most famous ice hotels in the world, the Hôtel de Glace is located outside of Quebec City in the Valcartier Holiday Village—and has the distinction of being the only hotel made of ice in all of North America. For over 20 years, the resort has been transforming itself every winter so no stay is exactly the same—making for a uniquely magical experience amid its themed rooms and suites. So whether it’s an intimate igloo or a themed room filled with dramatic ice sculptures; or a premium suite with all the best amenities, guests will be sure to have a uniquely fun overnight experience among the snow and ice.
RELATED: Oh, Canada: A Guide To Each Province & Which You Should Visit
A post shared by ICEHOTEL Sweden (@icehotelsweden)
Situated in the small town of Jukkasjärvi in Swedish Lapland the ICEHOTEL is open 365 days/year thanks to its rugged location just a mere 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This Swedish landmark is the first permanent hotel built of snow and ice and offers visitors a truly unique Arctic adventure. In addition to the ICEHOTEL 365, visitors can also stay in a room that’s truly one-of-a-kind in the ICEHOTEL winter, the hotel’s seasonal (December through April) offering where the rooms are rebuilt every year—here, guests can stay in wondrous suites designed by artists from all over the world--which are then left to melt until the following season, when they are rebuilt once again.
A post shared by ICEHOTEL Sweden (@icehotelsweden)
RELATED: Forget Switzerland: Argentina Should Be Your Winter Destination
Located in Northern Norway, Snowhotel Kirkenes is open 365 days/year and is more than just an accommodation—it’s a total Arctic adventure, complete with activities and an option to stay in the only snow hotel in the country. For those who want to mix it up, Kirkenes also has luxe Gamme cabins—these Northern Lights cabins are inspired by traditional hunting and fishing huts and are a great way to experience the area’s surrounding beauty.
A post shared by Visit Norway (@visitnorway)
RELATED: Rondane National Park Is Your New Favorite Winter Spot
Located in the heart of the Făgăraș Mountains in Romania is the Hotel of Ice. Rebuilt every year since 2005, the hotel is newly constructed annually using snow and ice blocks extracted from the nearby glacial lake, Bâlea Lac (Bâlea Lake). Hand-carved blocks (some weighing almost 70 pounds!) are shaped and crafted by local artists to create a singular and dynamic experience that’s both magical and coolly beautiful.
A post shared by Hotel Of Ice Romania (@hoteloficero)
A post shared by Hotel Of Ice Romania (@hoteloficero)
For adventurous travelers looking for unique accommodations, hotels made of snow and ice are some of the coolest spots to spend a vacation. Not for the faint of heart, these sub-freezing spots nevertheless offer the chance to stay somewhere truly special: cooler than cool places that are so much more than lodgings, they are truly memorable and frigid forays into some of the most distinctive digs on the planet.
NEXT: Top Trending Outbound Destinations From Canada In 2022
Lisa fell in love with travel from the first minute she ever stepped foot on a plane (though it took awhile!) Ever since, she has had a passion for learning, exploring, and discovering new places, and loves the opportunity to write about so many amazing spots all over the world. Though she doesn't have any recent stamps on her passport, she hopes to be able to get back on a plane sometime (very) soon. In lieu of international travel, Lisa enjoys finding little adventures everyday in her own backyard that often involve the outdoors; and one of her favorite places to go is the Catskills and upstate New York. She also enjoys photography and nature is one of her favorite subjects (especially trees!) Lisa has been lucky enough to visit Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden and hopes that there is much more travel in her future--until then, she is happy to act as a guide to travelers everywhere who love to learn about the world as much as she does.