There is something ancestral about the way the ice welcomes us. It is as if, beneath that cold blue, the earth whispers forgotten stories, guarded between snowflakes and crystal sheets. Sleeping in an ice igloo hotel in Scandinavia is not simply an experience; it is a return to the beginning, to the silence and simplicity of nature. In a relentlessly rushing world, these ice houses seem to say: stop, listen.
The Magical Warmth of Ice
In Scandinavia, in the northern lands, where the sun in winter barely peeks through for a few hours, the igloo was never just a shelter. The Inuit, who first built it, did not consider it just a home: it was a symbol of survival and wisdom. Did you know that despite being made of ice, an igloo can retain enough heat to keep the inside up to 15°C warmer than the outside? This small thermal miracle occurs because of the insulating properties of compacted snow.
But it is not just science that makes an igloo magical. Modern igloo hotels elevate this tradition to an art, decorating them with ice sculptures and creating environments that seem straight out of Nordic fairy tales. Here ice is not just cold, it is life, it is light shining in a thousand hues under soft lamps.
A Night in Silence: How do you sleep in an Igloo?
Sleeping immersed in the ice of in an igloo hotel is an experience that defies perceptions. The silence is so deep that you could almost hear it: no traffic noise, no phones trilling, just the cold breath of the earth beneath you.
Traditional igloos, originally built by the Inuit in Arctic regions, are works of natural engineering. They are made entirely of compacted snow blocks, spirally arranged to form a domed structure that thermally insulates the interior from the extreme cold outside.
Despite being made of ice, the interior is surprisingly cozy. Thanks to the thermal insulation of the snow, the temperature inside stays around -5°C or so, even though the thermometer outside reads -30°C.
But how do you sleep in such a place? Modern igloos are surprisingly cozy: thermal sleeping bags, beds covered with synthetic fur, and interior temperatures that, thanks to snow insulation, never drop too low. And then there is the contrast: stepping out into the bitter cold to admire the stars or the northern lights, then stepping back into the protective warmth of the igloo. It is an interplay of extremes that only the north can give.
Where Are the Igloo Hotels in Scandinavia
Scandinavia’s most famous igloo hotels provide a unique experience for those who wish to experience a stay immersed in the magic of the Great North. These structures, often carved out of ice and snow, offer a fairy-tale atmosphere and activities related to Arctic nature. Here are the main places where you can find these wonders.
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Saariselkä – Finland. In Finnish Lapland, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is famous for its glass igloos. These accommodations allow people to sleep under a transparent roof, admiring the Northern Lights right from their beds, warm and sheltered from the frigid Arctic temperatures. Alongside the glass igloos are traditional snow igloos, for those who want to experience the true Arctic experience. The resort offers multiple activities, including reindeer rides, ice fishing, and guided Arctic nature tours. Every detail here is designed to offer the perfect blend of adventure and comfort.
- Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi – Sweden. The most iconic and historic of the igloo hotels, the Icehotel is located in Jukkasjärvi, a small village in northern Sweden. Each year, this hotel is entirely rebuilt with ice taken from the Torne River, creating rooms and suites sculpted by internationally renowned artists. Each room is unique, decorated with incredible artistic details. The Icehotel offers a complete experience: you can sleep on ice beds covered with reindeer skins and thermal sleeping bags, sip cocktails at the Ice Bar, or even celebrate a wedding in the ice chapel. By day, activities such as husky safaris, snowmobiling and hiking in pristine Lapland round out the offerings.
- Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta – Norway. Located in the town of Alta in northern Norway, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is one of the northernmost ice hotels in the world. Each winter it is rebuilt with new ice sculptures decorating the rooms, making each season unique. The rooms, made entirely of snow and ice, offer an enchanted atmosphere and are illuminated by soft lights that create a magical play of colors. After a day spent exploring Arctic nature or watching the Northern Lights, guests can relax in a hot sauna or hot tub under the stars.
- SnowVillage, Kittilä – Finland. The SnowVillage is a spectacular complex located near Kittilä, Finland. In addition to the hotel, it includes an ice restaurant and a series of sculptures that follow a different theme each year. Recently, for example, one of the themes was dedicated to the saga of “Game of Thrones,” with figures carved in ice replicating characters and settings from the series. This hotel offers a mix of adventure and aesthetics, with tours of the sculptures, dinners in an Arctic restaurant, and sleeping in rooms decorated like works of art.
- Kirkenes Snowhotel, Norway. Close to the Russian border, Kirkenes Snowhotel offers both traditional snow igloos and glass cabins, perfect for viewing the Northern Lights without suffering from the cold. The snow rooms are artistically carved with unique patterns, while the cabins combine modern design and comfort. The restaurant serves local dishes, such as the famous king crab caught nearby. Guests can participate in snowmobile or husky sled safaris, making every stay an unforgettable adventure.
How much does a 1-week stay in the Igloo Hotels of Scandinavia cost?
Prices for sleeping in igloo hotels in Scandinavia are influenced by several factors. During the high season, which coincides with the months of December and January, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period, rates can increase by 20-50% compared to the rest of the year. To reduce costs, many resorts offer packages that combine nights in ice or glass igloos with stays in regular rooms, allowing the unique experience to be balanced with a lower expense.
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Saariselkä (Finland)
Average weekly cost:
- Glass igloos: €3,500-7,000 per week (about €600-1,000 per night, depending on the type of igloo).
- Snow igloos: €2,000-3,000 per week (€300-500 per night).
Details: Price includes lodging, while activities (aurora safari, reindeer rides, ice fishing) are extra. The most luxurious packages can exceed €10,000.
- Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi (Sweden)
Average weekly cost:
- Ice suites: €3,000-5,000 per week (about €500-800 per night).
- Hot rooms (supplementary): €1,500-2,000 per week.
Details: Stays often combine nights in ice rooms with “warm” rooms in conventional facilities. Activities such as husky safaris or hikes are offered at additional cost.
- Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta (Norway)
Average weekly cost:
- Ice room: €3,000-5,000 for 7 nights (about €500-800 per night).
Details: Packages may include breakfast, sauna access and guided tours, but many activities (such as snowmobiling or aurora watching) have extra costs.
- SnowVillage, Kittilä (Finland)
Average weekly cost:
- Snow igloos: €2,500-4,000 per week (€350-600 per night).
Details: Themed rooms are more expensive, especially during peak season (Christmas and New Year). Packages may include meals and guided tours.
- Kirkenes Snowhotel, Norway
Average weekly cost:
- Snow igloo: €3,000-4,500 for 7 nights.
- Glass cabins: €4,000-6,500 per week (about €700-1,000 per night).
Details: Rates include meals and sometimes activities such as king crab safaris or husky rides.
As we have seen in this article, sleeping in an igloo hotel is undoubtedly an incredible sensory experience, but certainly the Igloo Hotels in Scandinavia, offer luxurious and rather expensive services, especially in the season from December to April when it is also possible to see the Aurora Borealis.
Finally, extra activities, such as reindeer tours , husky safaris, or guided observation of the Northern Lights, can add additional expenses, with costs generally ranging between 100 and 300 euros each.
Do you like snow discovery trips? Also read our article on the resort of Aomori in Japan, the snowiest place in the world.
