Europe’s top ice hotels to book this winter – from Norway’s £1,000-a-night snow suites
Most hotels go to great lengths to keep their guests warm. Europe’s ice hotels, on the other hand, invite them to sleep in sub-zero temperatures.
Yet these spectacular snowbound retreats have become bucket-list destinations, with elaborate ice sculptures, frozen cocktail bars and otherworldly bedrooms that are rebuilt from scratch every winter.
From Norway to Sweden, Austria to Switzerland, Europe’s icy accommodation offerings have expanded rapidly.
In the holy grail of winter holiday destinations, Lapland offers several snow hotels to choose from, while other countries have set up seasonal igloos for an impossibly whimsical holiday for the family.
Here, the Daily Mail looks at the best on the continent – and you can book stays from just £143 a night…
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway kicks off the list
The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, located about 20km (12 miles) from Alta’s town centre, is built entirely from snow and ice – and has to be re-constructed from scratch every winter.
The hotel is not only Norway’s oldest ice hotel, but it is also officially the world’s northernmost igloo hotel.
It’s even been a source of inspiration for the popular Apple TV+ series, Pluribus, which features a similar ice hotel built to represent a dreamlike, yet uncomfortable, experience for the show’s characters.
The hotel, an impressive 2,500 square metre structure, is crafted using 250 tons of ice and over 7,000 cubic metres of snow harvested from the local Sierravann lake and Alta River.
Arctic SnowHotel, Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
Up next is Arctic SnowHotel, Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
The SnowHotel in the Finnish town of Rovaniemi is built each year for the winter season, providing a quiet, snowy escape for tourists.
You can opt for the hotel itself – or one of its 15 igloos.
They use thermal glass and heated floors so you aren’t exposed to the elements – and you can even get breakfast served to the igloo the following morning, meaning you don’t have to set foot outside.
Visit the ice hotel’s Ice Restaurant, Ice Bar, Ice Chapel, and the world’s only snow saunas.
Snowhotel 365, Kirkenes, Norway
Joining the rundown is Snowhotel 365, located in Kirkenes, Norway
Snowhotel 365 in Kirkenes, Norway is the world’s only hotel made entirely of snow and ice that’s open year-round: it never melts.
The rooms are hand-carved, and each is unique, allowing you to immerse yourself in snowy art against the majestic Arctic backdrop.
It’s impossible to be bored here – activities on the agenda include Northern Lights viewing, husky sledding and king crab safaris.
ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland
In Swedish Lapland, you’ll find ICEHOTEL, the biggest in the world
The largest ice hotel in the world is in the small Swedish Lapland village of Jukkasjärvi, which spans around 6,000 square metres and uses 550 tons of ice every year.
First built in 1989, it is situated 200km (124 miles) north of the Arctic Circle and offers both ‘cold’ and ‘warm’ accommodation.
Packages include dinner, breakfast and an overnight stay.
Hunderfossen Snow Hotel, Lillehammer, Norway
Hunderfossen Snow Hotel is one of the best choices in Norway
Scandinavia’s southernmost snow hotel offers suites for two, four or six people.
Included in a snow hotel accommodation package is entrance to The Winter Park, a winter activity wonderland, dinner and breakfast at Hunderfossen Hotel, kick sled transportation, an ice drink at King Valemon’s Ice Bar, and a private apartment.
You’ll spend the night in a sleeping bag – and an extremely quiet atmosphere.
Iglu-Dorf Zermatt, Switzerland
In Switzerland, head to Iglu-Dorf Zermatt, a favourite among skiers
The Iglu-Dorf hotel chain runs five igloo holiday ‘villages’ in the Alps made entirely of snow and ice that are rebuilt every year. Zermatt is one of its best.
Temperatures inside are between -2C (28F) and 2C (36F) and even the beds are carved from snow. You’ll be handed expedition sleeping bags to be able to cope with the temperatures and the rooms feature thermal mats, electric lights and USB power connectors.
The igloos are connected by a corridor system that provides shelter from the elements.
SnowVillage Lapland Hotels, Kittilä, Finland
SnowVillage Lapland Hotels in Kittilä, Finland is a magical option
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage is rebuilt from scratch every year in Lainio, Kittilä – and will this year open on December 25.
‘SnowVillage is a unique icy complex of about two hectares, with construction using over 20 million kilos of snow and about 300,000 kilos of crystal-clear natural ice every year,’ the hotel website explains.
Each year it has a different theme – for 2026 to 2027’s winter season, it will be announced soon.
The Schneedorf Igloo Village, Austria
Rounding out the list is The Schneedorf Igloo Village in Austria
Austria’s first igloo village guarantees snow at 2,000m above sea level in the Ötztal Valley, Tyrol.
‘What looks like huge snow mounds with a few protruding peaks from the outside turns out to be a whimsical world of ice and snow on the inside,’ the Schneedorf website reveals.
‘This extraordinary ‘ice hotel’ is made entirely of snow and ice and is rebuilt every year.
‘Snow sculptors create fascinating works of art on the walls and ceilings of the igloos.’