Ice Hotels

What is an ice hotel?
Quite simply, it’s a work of art. Using the Icehotel® in Sweden as an example – this is certainly one of the most remarkable hotels in the world. The ingenuity of the design and construction has to be seen to be believed and, with an interior temperature kept at a constant -5°C, it really does take your breath away. Each winter it is constructed to a new design, filled with all manor of amazing ice sculptures and features, only for it to melt back into the river from whence it came, sometime in April.

Each of the constructions we feature have different amenities – some have chapels, play areas for children, ice galleries or even a cinema but one thing they nearly all have in common is an ice bar – a place to meet fellow travellers, swap stories about your days adventures and share a warming glass or two of a vodka-based cocktail! Not all of our ice constructions are on the same scale as the original Icehotel© but the basic concept is the same…

What’s it like to sleep in one?
To sleep in an ice hotel is an experience that will stay with you forever. Beds are usually constructed from a huge block of ice upon which sits a wooden frame and mattress. This is then covered in layers of reindeer skins although some use sheepskin. Polar thermal sleeping bags, tested to around -40°C, cocoon the occupant and there is no need to dress like a Michelin Man! Surprisingly, most people manage to get a good night's sleep although maybe it isn’t wise to drink too much before bedtime – keep your thermal suit and boots handy just in case a trip to the bathroom is required! In the morning, it is customary to be woken with a hot drink. Most ice hotels have a separate heated locker room so you can store your belongings away from the snow carpeted ice rooms - washroom facilities are also, thankfully heated.

Can I just visit an ice hotel?
Of course. Many of our trips offer a single night in an ice hotel with two nights in hotel or cabin accommodation. If you wish to stay the entire time in the heated accommodation, just let us know.

What can I do apart from Ice Hotels?
As our ice hotels are located amidst some of the most stunning snowy scenery, you really must explore your surrounds. Perhaps on a reindeer safari, by snowmobile, snow shoe or the ultimate – by husky sledge. Any one of these optional excursions completes the winter wonderland experience and chances are you’ll get hooked - we find once is never enough! Many ice hotels offer saunas and hot tubs for that total ‘chill out’.

Which trip should I book?
All of our ice experiences are different. Why not read through the ice hotels section before making up your mind, or call our office if you are still undecided. You may like the sound of the luxury spa facilities and world-class skiing at the Lainio Snow Village or an ice room teamed with a country cabin at Kakslauttanen. If the northern lights are a priority, then possibly the best chances of a sighting are at Alta in northern Norway, although they are often a feature on many of our winter trips.