The World's Best Ice Hotels

Winter lovers, take note: ice hotels are, literally, the coolest thing. Each year, in a handful of locations around the world, artists and craftspeople band together for several weeks to build an entire compound of ice and snow, only to see it melt away a few months later. But for the brief season, these clusters of glacial rooms and suites are a surprisingly cozy refuge from the frigid weather outside (fun fact: while Arctic temperatures can dip into the -40s, igloos, by design, maintain a temperature of 19 to 60 degrees). Read on for Indagare's picks for the world's best ice hotels.

Contact Indagare to book an ultra-cool trip to one of these destinations and beyond.

The Original: Icehotel, Sweden

Sweden’s Icehotel opened first as an art gallery inside an igloo in 1989. One day visitors asked if they could stay the night, and the hotel was born. Each year since, around 40 artists from around the world converge in the Swedish portion of Sápmi to sculpt a new incarnation, using more than a million cubic feet of snow and ice to build one-of-a-kind, themed suites. Past examples include rooms with icy houses of cards, polar bears and sharks.

The One You’ve Seen on Instagram: Kakslauttanen, Finland

Kakslauttanen has become an internet sensation, with more than 200,000 followers on social media. What’s the fuss? Glass-domed igloos in Sápmi, in the northern reaches of Finland. But the wintry resort also offers ice lodging. Pending seasonal snowfall, Kakslauttanen builds cozy igloos, offering a more rustic retreat compared to other glamp-worthy accommodations.

The Northern Escape: Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

For two decades, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel has welcomed cool-seekers to Norway’s remote Finnmark region. More than 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, the property is the northernmost ice hotel in the world, which increases the odds of seeing Aurora Borealis during your stay. The 30 bedrooms and suites, built entirely of ice and snow, always showcase a local theme, such as Nordic myths, Vikings and Arctic wildlife. During the day, guests can enjoy reindeer- and dog-sled rides, ice-fishing, and educational encounters with the region’s native Sami people.

The Epic View: Iglu Dorf Zermatt, Switzerland

Iglu Dorf is a small collection of frosty Alpine resorts around Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Book the Zermatt location for postcard-perfect views of the Matterhorn. Up to 32 guests can sleep in 10 igloos, carved into the snow-covered slopes at an altitude of nearly 9,000 feet. Daily fondue is on the menu at this ski-in, ski-out ice hotel, which features two charming Swiss restaurants and two hot tubs (one for all guests, and another for the expansive igloo suite).

The Easy Access: Hotel de Glace, Quebec, Canada

Barely a half hour outside of Quebec City, Hotel de Glace is the only ice hotel in North America. Its 42 rooms and themed suites are on the grounds of a family-focused “vacation village,” with a campground, indoor waterpark and—come wintertime—an outdoor Nordic spa area. Select suites have hot tubs and, a rarity for ice hotels, working fireplaces. Travelers with kids can reserve a room with three beds, as well.

Contact Indagare to book an ultra-cool trip to one of these destinations and beyond.