Most of us spend winter dreaming about warmer days. But for some travelers, freezing temperatures are part of the adventure. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to sleep on a bed made entirely of ice, we at AdmiGram.com have found these incredible hotels that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
The idea of ice hotels began in Sweden. Years ago, artists built large ice structures to display their stunning sculptures during winter festivals. Curious visitors soon asked if they could spend the night inside. Wrapped in warm sleeping bags and thermal gear, they discovered that sleeping in an ice building was surprisingly comfortable. That simple idea eventually led to the creation of the world’s first permanent seasonal ice hotel.
Since then, ice hotels have become one of winter’s most unique attractions. Every year, they rise from snow and crystal-clear ice, welcome guests for just a few months, and then melt away when spring arrives. When winter returns, they’re rebuilt from scratch with completely new designs, sculptures, and themed rooms.
Here are five of the world’s most amazing ice hotels.
5 Ice Castle Hotels Straight Out of a Fairy Tale
Icehotel — Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
© icehotelsweden / Instagram
How to get there: Icehotel
Check it out on Instagram: Icehotel
The original Icehotel is the one that started it all. Located about 155 miles (250 km) north of the Arctic Circle, it’s rebuilt every winter using massive blocks of ice harvested from the nearby Torne River.
© icehotelsweden / Instagram
Nearly everything inside is carved from ice, including the beds, chairs, artwork, and even the drinking glasses at the famous Ice Bar. Each suite is designed by artists from around the world, making every season completely unique.
© icehotelsweden / Instagram
If spending an entire night on ice sounds a little too adventurous, you can also stay in a cozy cabin or a glass room where you may even catch the Northern Lights without leaving your bed.
Hôtel de Glace — Quebec, Canada
How to get there: Hôtel de Glace
Check it out on Instagram: Hôtel de Glace
© hoteldeglace / Instagram
North America’s only true ice hotel is rebuilt every winter using nearly 500 tons of ice and 20 tons of snow.
© hoteldeglace / Instagram
While the rooms feature beautiful ice walls and handcrafted ice furniture, guests stay warm thanks to insulated mattresses, thermal sleeping bags, and cozy fur blankets.
© hoteldeglace / Instagram
The hotel also features an ice bar, giant snow slides, a wedding chapel, and an outdoor hot tub where you can relax while surrounded by snow-covered scenery.
Alpeniglu Igloo Village — Kitzbühel, Austria
How to get there: ALPENIGLU Dorf
Check it out on Instagram: ALPENIGLU Dorf
© alpeniglu / Instagram
High in the Austrian Alps, this charming village of handcrafted igloos offers one of Europe’s most memorable winter experiences.
© alpeniglu / Instagram
Visitors can spend the night in beautifully decorated igloo rooms or simply explore the incredible gallery of ice sculptures created by artists from around the world.
© alpeniglu / Instagram
After sunset, colorful lighting transforms the entire village into a magical winter wonderland. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who loves skiing, mountain views, and cozy alpine adventures.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel — Alta, Norway
How to get there: Sorrisniva
Check it out on Instagram: Sorrisniva
© sorrisniva / Instagram
Norway’s famous Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is rebuilt every year with a brand-new theme inspired by Viking legends, Arctic wildlife, or Norwegian folklore.
© sorrisniva / Instagram
Guests sleep in beautifully carved ice rooms before warming up in hot tubs, saunas, or the hotel’s excellent restaurants. Don’t miss the Ice Bar, where every drink is served in a glass made entirely of ice.
© sorrisniva / Instagram
For even more adventure, the hotel offers snowmobile tours, dog sledding, reindeer experiences, and unforgettable Northern Lights excursions.
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage — Kittilä, Finland
How to get there: Lapland Hotels Snow Village
Check it out on Instagram: Lapland Hotels Snow Village
© laplandhotelssnowvillage / Instagram
Every December, a frozen world of snow, ice, and incredible artwork appears in Finnish Lapland.
© laplandhotelssnowvillage / Instagram
SnowVillage is famous for creating elaborate themed exhibitions that change every year. One of its most popular attractions was a spectacular Game of Thrones-inspired ice exhibition, where fans could walk through frozen halls inspired by the hit TV series.
© laplandhotelssnowvillage / Instagram
Beyond the breathtaking sculptures, visitors can enjoy snowmobile safaris, husky rides, cross-country skiing, traditional Finnish saunas, and countless other Arctic adventures.
image on top: hoteldeglace via Instagram
