Sleeping in a room carved entirely from snow and ice is a true Arctic bucket-list experience. Near Rovaniemi, the Arctic SnowHotel and similar ice hotels let you do exactly that — and yes, you stay surprisingly warm.
How do you sleep warm in an ice room?
Ice rooms sit at a constant -2 to -5°C regardless of the temperature outside. You sleep on an ice bed topped with insulating mattresses and reindeer hides, tucked inside an expedition-grade sleeping bag. It's an adventure, not a spa — but a memorable one.
What to expect
Beyond ice bedrooms, these venues often feature stunning ice-sculpted suites, an ice bar serving drinks in ice glasses, an ice restaurant and even an ice chapel. Warm facilities, saunas and hot showers are nearby.
Ice hotel vs glass igloo
An ice room is a one-night novelty; if you want to watch the aurora from a warm bed, a glass igloo is the cosier choice. Many visitors do one night in each.
Tips
Book early for peak season, keep valuables and electronics warm, and pair your stay with an evening Northern Lights tour.