When most people close their eyes and imagine the perfect hotel, things that come to mind include large rooms, comfortable beds, helpful staff and a stylish interior design. Things that you probably don’t think about, however, are walls and roofs made from ice. Despite that fact, there are a number of incredible ice hotels located all around the world. Although they can be found in every corner of the map, the vast majority are located in snowy climates with traditionally cold temperatures, which helps to maintain the structural integrity of the properties. Here are some of the world’s most incredible ice hotels.
Photo Credit: Hallgeir Strifeldt
Aurora Ice Hotel
This incredible hotel in Alaska is the only accommodation of its kind found on American soil, which makes it incredibly popular with visitors to the area. The ice hotel really is a work of art, and much of it was sculpted by the famed artist Steve Brice. The beds boast beautifully illuminated bed posts carved from ice, and thick furs keep you warm as you sleep in the chilly environment. Like many ice hotels, there is a large ice bar where you can enjoy chilled shots of liquor in an unforgettable setting. Even if you can’t afford a night in the hotel, it is definitely worth splurging for the $15 tour of the hotel and the connected ice museum onsite.
Photo Credit: Sander Meertins
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Although all ice hotels have a magical quality to them, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Norway also has the modern touches that you would expect from any luxury hotel. Believe it or not, the entire hotel has wireless Internet connections available so that you can share your experiences with the world as they happen. Not only are the beds made from ice, but so are the chairs, couches and desks. Every year when the snow melts, artists and sculptors get together to plan the design and theme for the coming year, which means that repeat visitors get a different look every time they stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. Guests can stay warm in traditional sleeping bags made from reindeer fur, they can hop into the heated sauna or they can enjoy a warming drink at the ice bar.
Photo Credit: Rod
Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel
This Swedish ice hotel was the first in the entire world, and it remains one of the largest to this day. Since the ice hotel can’t last through the warmer days of summer, ice architects harvest more than 40,000 tons of snow and ice each year to begin making everything from the walls to the beds and even the plates for the hotel’s restaurant. If you aren’t comfortable in incredibly cold temperatures, you will appreciate that the Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel is actually a comfortable few degrees above freezing, which is atypically warm as far as ice hotels go.
Ice hotels are found primarily in places like Canada, Norway, Finland and Sweden. Having the chance to stay overnight in these unique destinations will be an unforgettable experience for anyone.
Sally writes for The Alverton, the premier Truro hotel. For accommodation and a place to eat out in Falmouth visit The Greenbank Hotel.
