This winter, the coolest holiday destinations may just be where the temperature barely hovers above freezing.
In Europe, there are various ice, snow and igloo hotels which offer guests the charm of a winter fairy tale: icy accommodation set against the Northern Lights in a snow-covered escape.
But the experience begins long before check-in. Many seasonal hotels rely on ice harvested from nearby rivers and lakes, while others use fresh snow to preserve a year-round frozen retreat.
Here are some of Europe’s coolest “properties” to keep on your radar this winter season and beyond.
Snowhotel 365, Bjørnevatn, Norway
Located at Snow Resort Kirkenes in northern Norway, Snowhotel 365 offers guests a unique experience with each room being hand-carved by international ice sculptors – so no two rooms are alike.
Although indoor temperatures hover around -4C, each room comes with a thermal sleeping bag and access to the property’s heated lounge, sauna and showers. As an all-inclusive Arctic adventure, each stay also includes breakfast and a three-course dinner.
Here, the winter fun doesn’t have to end when the weather takes a warmer turn. Guests can check in year-round, even in the middle of summer.
Each year, 30 tonnes of ice and fresh snow are used to preserve and renew the property. Over time, as the snow turns into solid ice, the hotel’s walls, ceilings, and sculptures develop new textures and shapes.
ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland
Each winter, as the Torne River freezes, artists and sculptors from around the world gather to mould ICEHOTEL anew.
For five months of the year, starting in December, guests can check into its temporary rooms or art suites before it melts back into the river again.
Temperatures in the ice rooms hover around -5C, however, each room is kitted out with reindeer hide blankets and sleeping bags to keep guests warm. Meanwhile, the art suites are individually designed with a selection of artists bringing their creativity to life.
ICEHOTEL also offers a range of dining concepts, including an “ice menu” where dishes are served on plates made of ice from the river.
Arctic SnowHotel, Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
In Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, the winter season from 15 December until the end of March sees the grounds blanketed by snow, with rivers and lakes freezing. It also means the Arctic SnowHotel opens its doors for guests to stay the night.
Since 2008, a “new hotel” of ice and snow has been moulded each year at this popular attraction, where 20 rooms can host as many as 70 guests.
Guests can choose from a double suite that sleeps two, all the way up to a family room that sleeps up to six guests.
The cool experiences also continue at the Ice Restaurant, where meals are served on an ice plate. While the Ice Chapel offers an unforgettable setting for those seeking a space for spirituality.
Arctic SnowHotel also has a resident “Northern Lights Watcher”, who keeps an eye on the skies and ensures no guest misses the magical display of the auroras.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway
Alta in Norway is home to Sorrisniva – the world’s northernmost igloo hotel.
Harvesting ice from the Sierravannet mountain lake, it takes 250 tonnes of ice and 7,000 cubic metres of snow to build the igloo hotel each year under a special theme.
After being rebuilt, guests are welcome to stay from 20 December to the end of March, with rooms and suites to choose from. With no two seasons ever being the same, each winter, ice sculptors turn the suites into their canvas – designing the furniture and room’s ice sculptures.
For adventure travellers, snowmobiling across the Finnmark plateau, chasing the Northern Lights, snowshoeing and husky sledging are among the itinerary of activities to try.
Iglu-Dorf Zermatt, Switzerland
In the Swiss Alps, Iglu-Dorf Zermatt is rebuilt each winter at 2,700 metres on the ski slopes above the car-free resort.
At this remote mountain location, guests can stay in hand-carved igloos linked by snow corridors, from 19 December to 4 April, with the igloos’ temperature remaining around freezing point.
During the daytime, the outdoor terrace is a shared dining space that serves Swiss cheese fondue, alongside a selection of other snacks and hot and cold beverages.
Beyond Zermatt, overnight stays are also possible across other Swiss igloo villages, including Davos and Gstaad, as well as further afield in the German Iglu-Dorf on the Zugspitze and in Kühtai near Innsbruck in Austria.